One week ago, we saw Sens season come to a pause for the 2nd time this year. Three games were postponed leading into their Christmas break (19th vs BOS, 21st vs STL, and 23rd vs CAR), with the team set to resume practice on the 26th. If you’ve been away or unplugged during the Christmas break, here’s what you missed:
DEC. 21st – DJ Smith and Filip Gustavsson added to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol
DEC. 24th – Sens vs Caps rescheduled
DEC. 26th – Sens vs Bruins postponed
DEC. 26th – Erik Brannstrom returns
Hello Branny 👋🏻#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/GS0OIdG8rj
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) December 27, 2021
DEC. 27th – Anton Forsberg placed in the NHL’s Covid-19 protocol
The Sens returned to the ice yesterday following the Christmas break, with development coaches Shean Donovan and Jesse Winchester running the practice. It wasn’t a traditional practice, just some drills, skating and 3-on-3 games.
Today, the team returned to a more normal practice, but associate coach Jack Capuano led the course with head coach DJ Smith still in the NHL’s Covid protocol. Here’s what the lines looked like.
Goaltending will undoubtedly be something to watch over the next few days. As of now, Ottawa’s next game is scheduled for December 31st against the Penguins. University of Ottawa goaltender Anand Oberoi and Bradley Mitchell, who used to play for the CP Canadians, were on the ice with the team today.
Capuano was unsure when he would get his goaltenders back when asked about following practice. Hopefully, Gustavsson will be available before their New Year’s Eve matchup with Pittsburgh.
By Steve Bunda