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Thursday, October 7, 1999
Beat goes on for Sens
Ottawa off to flying start despite Yashin's absence
As Alexei Yashin continued to skate circles in Europe, the Senators didn't look like a troubled team as they went through a light workout yesterday.
However, the Senators will be forced to make changes against Boston. Centre Mike Fisher is gone for a week with a hip injury, while veteran Kevin Dineen (wrist) and winger Magnus Arvedson (foot) didn't skate.
But with four points under their belt after victories over the Flyers and Rangers to open the season, the Senators are determined to keep going in the same direction.
"Yes, we're surprised," said winger Daniel Alfredsson, the man chosen to wear the 'C' in Yashin's absence. "We knew these were going to be tough games to start the season.
"When you play the home openers in Philadelphia and New York, you know those buildings are going to be pretty emotional. That's why these wins feel so good.
"The way we look at it, everybody just has to do a bit more. If everybody on the team gets five more points this year, then that's 100 points and that can help to make up for not having Yashin."
Trying to make up for last year's early exit from the playoffs, the Senators are aware the 94 points they're missing without Yashin in the lineup isn't going to be easily replaced.
Instead, the Senators need all hands on deck to make the playoffs. That means they're going to need contributions from everybody.
That's exactly what they've gotten in the first two games of the young season:
n Centre Radek Bonk was outstanding against the Rangers and Flyers. Not only does he have a goal and two assists, but he's also been the leader with Marian Hossa and Arvedson.
n Goaltender Patrick Lalime has led the charge with a shutout Saturday in Philly and a solid performance Tuesday against the Rangers. This is the same goalie who spent last year in the minors.
n Defensively, the Senators have picked up right where they left off last season. Wade Redden, Igor Kravchuk, Chris Phillips, Jason York and Janne Laukkanen are going to be counted on heavily.
Need everybody
"We need everybody," said Hossa, who scored both goals in New York. "We all have to do more, because you don't just take 94 points out of the lineup and not miss it.
"So far it's been great. Bonky has played well. Lalime has done a good job and everybody is doing their part. If we want to be successful, that's the way we have to play."
That's going to be paramount if the Senators are going to continue to be successful without Yashin. Like him or not, he's one of the top players in the NHL and his absence will cost the club wins.
Coach Jacques Martin has been pleased with the effort in the first two games.
"We talked about playing well defensively in training camp, but we also talked about getting an improvement from everybody offensively. Without Yashin, everybody has to do more," said Martin.
"I've been pleased. The guys have played hard and they've played smart. His absence is a good opportunity for other guys to step up and get the job done."
After two games, the Senators have plenty of reasons to smile, but it's still too early to start saying Alexei Who?
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