Stephane Da Costa has been recalled by the Ottawa Senators.
For the second time in two seasons, it seems like Da Costa may be looked at as an internal candidate to fill that second line center role, after Regin failed to grasp it.
At practice today Zack Smith was elevated to the second line, with Regin demoted to the third. Da Costa was practicing between Condra and JOB, while also getting looks on the 2nd PP-unit.
Although a shoulder injury knocked Regin out of the lineup in 2011/12, ineffectual production – zero goals and zero points in nine games – for a goal starved Senators team serves as the basis for the Da Costa’s call-up.
Considering the ballyhooed hire of Adam Oates in Washington, maybe it’s not a surprise to see the Sens turn to his second-coming as their offensive saviour.
In 31 games under Luke Richardson, the Parisian phenom has 9 goals and 24 points.
Much like it was in Zibanejad’s case, the promotion serves to reward the player for his strong play. In his last ten games, he has three goals, eight points, 15 shots and is a +6. (Albeit, in his last five games, he has zero goals, two points, an even plus/minus and nine shots.)
Regarding Regin
Despite some impressive underlying numbers while playing against soft competition, Regin hasn't produced numbers since being moved from the ‘fourth line’ with Erik Condra and Jim O’Brien to the team’s second line. (though had Benoit's goal not been waved off, he would have had the primary assist)
I’ve always been a fan of Regin’s skating and hockey sense, but the lack of production is wanting. There is some room for hope however; although he has the second least amount of average ice-time per game, he has demonstrated an ability to make those around him better.
But at some point production needs to materialize.
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