Ottawa Senators – No Goaltending Controversy

This time around, there will be … absolutely … no goaltending controversy surrounding the Ottawa Senators.

Last year, after the Senators roared out to a 15-2 start, they quickly became unraveled and never got on track. Their injured goalie, Ray Emery, caused some friction, when he came back healthy. He acted up, and would not accept his role as the back-up.

Days after losing, in the opening round, to the Pittsburgh Penguins last spring, Ottawa addressed their goaltending controversy by putting Emery on waivers.

On the first day of training camp at Scotia Bank Place, on Thursday, the Sens once more made it official that veteran, Martin Gerber, will be the, undisputed, number one goaltender, and will be backed up by, free agent pickup, Alex Auld.

Despite the vote of confidence by management, Gerber who won 30 games last season, is not taking anything for granted, as he knows that changes can happen very quickly, especially with goaltenders, in the game of hockey.

“You’re never guaranteed anything in this league,” said Gerber. “You have to really work for it and prove yourself everyday. It’s good to know that I’m getting the call first. I just have to make sure that  I’m ready for the first game.”

Meanwhile, Auld believes that he can help Gerber improve his game, and that while he accepts the backup position, echoes Gerber’s thoughts, that in hockey, indeed, anything can happen.

“We can push each other and make sure we’re always sharp,” Auld who won 12 games, in limited duty, last season with the Phoenix Coyotes and Boston Bruins said. “It’s a … team first … attitude here, and I want to be a part of that.” The season is a long one and anything can happen. ” 

If anyone knows, it’s Auld who is coming off a season that saw him start out with the Coyotes, before being demoted to the American Hockey League, before ending up with the Bruins.

“Last year, almost having it (NHL career) taken away; having to go to the minors for a bit, made me appreciate the (NHL) even more,” said Auld. “My outlook changed.”

One thing is for sure; the Senators will not have another goaltending controversy, as Auld signed with the Senators, knowing up front, that he will be the backup.

           

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