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Wednesday, December 1, 1999
Rushed into action
Gruden gets the emergency call to replace Laukkanen
There's nothing like a ride in a police car to get your heart pumping, just ask John Gruden.
The Senators defenceman was escorted to the Corel Centre last night by police in order to get him to the rink in time for last night's 2-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
"They even turned the lights on a couple of times," he said. "It's definitely a story I won't forget."
Gruden was recalled from Grand Rapids yesterday afternoon to replace Janne Laukkanen, who missed the game due a sore left shoulder.
Gruden received the call at noon, flew out at 2 p.m. and made it to the Corel Centre just before the warm-up.
By the time the 29-year-old was dressed he managed to catch the last nine minutes of the warmup.
"I felt pretty good," said Gruden after the game. "I was excited and just wanted to get through it.
"It's kind of tough circumstances, but it's better than none at all."
Paired with Patrick Traverse, Gruden played a total of 11 minutes, 37 seconds and came out fairly unscathed.
"We just tried to play it safe," said Traverse. "We didn't want to do anything too risky."
Senators coach Jacques Martin was pleased by the new arrival's effort, despite his having little time to prepare.
"I like John," said Martin. "I thought he used his speed and moved the puck well.
"I thought he did a good job."
Gruden had played well through training camp and most of the preseason, but a broken wrist ended any chances of his remaining with the Senators.
INJURY HURT
Had it not been for the injury, it's likely Gruden would have been recalled a long time ago due to the rash of injuries sustained by the Senators blue line.
"I probably would have more games here if not for the injury," said Gruden. "But now I've just got to do my job and make the best of it."
Laukkanen is considered day-to-day and Igor Kravchuk is expected to return to the lineup for Saturday's game, which could impede Gruden's chances of staying, but he's not even considering that possibility.
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