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Tuesday, November 30, 1999
Tug at heartstrings
Sens get lucky, Tugnutt only out a few days
The Senators might soon be breathing easier.
After losing four of their last six games, Ottawa looks to be heading in the right direction after Sunday's 3-3 tie with the Flyers.
The only downfall of the game was the loss of goalie Ron Tugnutt, who left the game early in the second period due to a sore left knee.
Tugnutt was re-evaluated yesterday and expects to only miss a couple of days. He will not dress for tonight's game.
The 32-year-old had injured the knee during the off-season and missed the entire pre-season, but feels there were significant reasons the knee flared up.
"I went off the anti-inflammatories I had been taking," he said, "then I tweaked it in New Jersey and the added work I was doing with (goalie coach) Phil Myre just added to it."
Tugnutt admits he's been playing with some discomfort all season, but it wasn't hindering his performance.
Extended rest would probably be the best medication for Tugnutt, but he doesn't have that luxury.
"I'm just hoping it won't flare up again," he said. "Basically, I'll just play with some discomfort all year."
FOUNTAIN RECALLED
Tugnutt will resume taking anti-inflammatories, which he says made the knee feel better.
Tugnutt admitted he already saw improvements as of yesterday afternoon.
"It's already feeling better."
The Senators have recalled Mike Fountain from Grand Rapids of the IHL to serve as Patrick Lalime's backup for tonight's game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Fountain has a 7-3-1 record with a 2.89 GAA in 13 games with Grand Rapids.
"I'm comfortable with Lalime, he's given us some good games," said coach Jacques Martin. "I think our goaltending has been good, I don't think it's been a problem."
Tugnutt's prognosis wasn't the only good news the Senators received.
Defenceman Igor Kravchuk will take part in full practice this week and is expected to return to the lineup for Saturday's game against Dallas. Kravchuk has been sidelined since Oct. 30 with a partial tear to the MCL in his left knee.
Right winger Daniel Alfredsson will still need a couple of weeks before returning to the lineup. While he has resumed skating, he will not take part in full contact practices this week.
Martin is hoping Alfredsson will be ready to return Dec. 11 when the team hosts the Islanders.
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