The N-H-L returns from its midwinter break tonight after its all-star break. The Senators are hosting New Jersey tonight. When we last checked in with our heroes, they had taken 7 of a possible 8 points in their last four games. Not enough to make anyone think they’re playoff bound, but at least a sign that better days may be ahead. The Sens stand 12 pts and five teams out of the playoffs.
To get to the magical 94pts, which has been roughly the standard for the 8th and final playoff spot in the East, the Sens need 55pts in their last 38 games. For example, a record of 27-10-1. Not impossible but not likely either. Kudos to Gordie Wilson for telling us this morning for predicting they they can do it.
There is apparently, for some reason, an NHL team interested in Martin Gerber. Mike Keenan thinks it’s out of the question that he end up in Calgary as he makes too much money. But Bryan Murray says Gerber will be either be moved to a team today or sent back to Binghamton. Gerber is a worthwhile backup but too expensive for that role right now.
Justin Pogge will get a second shot to prove himself as an NHL goaltender when the Leafs visit Minnesota. Head coach Ron Wilson felt that it was a good time to give the 22-year old another shot in goal because the layoff over the All-Star break kept Vesa Toskala and Curtis Joseph from playing or skating for four days.
I guess he hopes that, for Toskala and Cujo, the effects of inactivity will be cured by more inactivity.
Pogge will go down again after the game, regardless of performance. Cujo is done and Toskala is playing no better than Alex Auld. Funny how two teams in similar boats have such different strategies for their young goalies.
