The prospect of Derek Roy playing running up and down the wall with Connolly and Stafford was a tasty proposition--- while it lasted.
Looks like Lindy will go for a more conventional lineup Wednesday night at home vs. Ottawa.
Lines from today's practice:
55-19-21
41-9-29
20-22-12
38-37-76/36
Jochen Hecht better eat his Wheaties and get his feet moving if he expects to stay on a line with Timmy and Staff. There's an old bromide in hockey that goes: "when your feet stop, your brain stops". 55's brain has been vapour-locked at times this season in the offensive zone, and its hurting his production, which in turn kills his confidence. Lindy will not hesitate to give Hecht the heave-ho if he does not like what he's seeing from his veteran centreman.
Roy's job will be to kickstart the suddenly stiff Pommer and Mac-- two guys who have to leave the excuses in the room and start producing the critical secondary scoring that will be needed in the wake of Vanek's absence.
I have faith that Paille will play be solid as a rock on the D side of the puckm and like Mac, Pommer, Hecht and Kotalik, will be counted on to create offense when given the opportunities to do so. Paille, Hecht, Roy, and Pommer will see more PK time with Vanek out. Shorties are created by hard work and being in position while killing. How great will it be if the Buffalo PK can chip in some timely goals?
I like Ellis playing the pivot on the fourth unit. He has the size, strength and discipline to make a difference. I also love Lindy Ruff's unbridled support of Nathan Paetsch on the wall. 38 is a hybrid who can play both sides of the puck with great dexterity and poise. Kaleta missed practice Tuesday, however, will be ready to go on Wednesday night. Petey will sit.
The lines are the lines-- for now. If Lindy does not like what he sees from his forwards against Ottawa, look for him to dial Portland for Mancari or Kennedy in time for the San Jose game in Buffalo on Friday night.
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Reggie Sekera would like to play against Ottawa. he feels like he's ready to give it a go. Lindy Ruff won't make a decision on the matter until the morning skate.
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You won't see Chris Neil, in the Sens lineup Wednesday night. Neil suffered a nasty gash on his calf-- the result of a snafu with Teppo Numminen in the dying moments in Ottawa Saturday night.
We're told that Neil will miss Ottawa's five game roadie which begins in Buffalo. Neil required a whack of stiches to close the wound and he's presently on crutches.
Look for Shean Donovan to return to the Sens lineup in Buffalo.
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The Flyers have ANOTHER goaltending calamity on their hands right now, just in time for the stretch run. Deja vu, all over again. John stevens made a similar move last year at this time. Marty eventually won his net back.
The Sabres, Rangers, and Canadiens all have designs on knocking Philly out of the top four.
Click on Panotch's blog for the whole story.
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Mandatory Metallica!
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Nathan Gerbe has been recalled and wil play against Ottawa.
Dan Paille will sit for hi s third straight game. Andrej Sekera will not see action until Friday night vs. San Jose.
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