LazarBeam

Ottawa, ON • Canada • 2015 Years Old • Male

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Sens Call Up Puempel, Send Down Prince Before Panthers Game

After a two game NHL stint, Shane Prince has been sent back to Binghamton of the American Hockey League for further development. In his place will be Matt Puempel, first round pick of the same year Shane Prince was selected in the second round and JG Pageau was nabbed in the fourth.

Prince got an opportunity on the third line after MacArthur was injured, and was definitely impressive. He generated one assist in his first game and looked NHL ready through his first two NHL games. At the time there isn't much space in the Sens line up, but he has given management reason to clear room for him this summer.

Matt Puempel has struggled a bit in the AHL, despite netting 30 goals in his first professional hockey season last year. With the Senators calling up so many prospects over the past couple years, it gives reason that Puempels offensive production has dipped due to the lack of quality teammates remaining in Binghamton. We will see what Puempel can do in his first NHL game tomorrow night but one can be sure he will play with tons of energy and heart as he tries to prove the stats aren't the whole story down in the AHL.

Clarke MacArthur reportedly had a concussion after his collision into Robin Lehner two games ago against Carolina. MacArthur was a big part of this Senators team least year on a line with Turris and Bobby Ryan, but has been going through a terrible dry spell of late. He was on pace for 40 points before his injury, and this season is starting to look like one he'll try to forget as soon as it ends.

To make matters almost laughably worse, Robin Lehner has reported to have had a concussion as well from the collision. In one play, the Senators got scored on, lost the second of their top two goalies, and a player that had being playing top 6 minutes all season - even if his minutes may have been questionable.

This isn't too worrisome to Sens fans though, as playoffs are all but mathematically impossible and a drop in the standings this year means a better chance at Connor McDavid. As well, another injury means more opportunity for prospects like Puempel and increased minutes for young players like Lazar and Hoffman.

It looks like Hammond will get another start tomorrow as the Senators are low on options until Anderson returns. Zack Smith, who hasn't played in a couple months, will travel with the team on their next road trip but is unlikely to play - something many Sens fans were worried might happen.

Last thing- Trade Rumor Update:
Erik Condra is the new Senator on the block, as Neils injury makes trading him unlikely and Phillips isn't drawing much interest. It would be a real shame if the Sens couldn't retain Condra, as he has been one of the best fourth liners in the league all season. He plays a complete game with tons of energy, and can be surprisingly dominant when given the opportunity. As well, when returning from being a healthy scratch Condra has shown he can elevate his game to impress the coaches. There are players on this team that make them worse, but Condra is not one of them. He doesn't take up a big role as he has been a perfect fit on the fourth line and can play anywhere in the line up if needed. He is cheap, so if the Senators cannot retain him it could cause some to question who is evaluating our players and why Condra was not made a priority to be resigned.

Thanks again for reading, be sure to comment below and let me know what you think! I'll post a post-game review ASAP after watching this one live at the CTC!

GO SENS GO!!!

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