In yet another sad twist of fate for former-coach John Paddock, GM/coach Bryan Murray shook up his line combinations this morning. One of Paddock’s greatest sources of criticism (and there were many) was the fact that he changed the lines too many times over the course of a game.
After last night’s lack of offensive production, a shake-up is needed but once again it begs the question: “Is the coach really the problem?” I believe the Sens play over the past 6 weeks is quite indicative of the answer. In any event, the Sens’ lineup should look something like this tomorrow night. This is of course if Anton Volchenkov cannot dress after receiving a puck straight to the head in Game 1.
Forwards
Heatley – Spezza – Lapointe
Stillman – Vermette – Foligno
Donovan – McAmmond – Neil
Schubert – Bass – Robitaille
Defence
Phillips – Commodore
Redden – Richardson (replace Richardson with Volchenkov if he can play)
Lee – Meszaros
Goaltender
Gerber
Emery
I really like the line combinations up front. Murray paired up offensive players with a player willing to pay the price in front of the net or in the corners. Many Sens fans will be overjoyed to see Randy Robitaille secluded on the 4th line. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Robitaille is skipped for a few shifts in favour of Shean Donovan. Robitaille’s style of play just simply doesn’t fit in as a 4th line checker where as Donovan excels in those roles. Robitaille will most likely be a healthy scratch once the Senators start getting some bodies back.
Along those lines, Daniel Alfredsson reportedly had a workout session on the stationary bike today. There are rumbles that he is eying a Game 3 or Game 4 return to action. I just gave myself chills by giving my best impression of Stuntman Stu on the mic: “Starting at right wing… number eleven… your captain… DDAAANIIIEEEEELLL AAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLFREDSSSSSSSSSOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNnnnnn!” with the crowd chanting: “ALFIE! ALFIE! ALFIE!” in the background. Pretty magical if you ask me.
I’m a dreamer at the best of times.
