Stick Fits

The Ottawa Senators’ may have lost 4-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the story of the game had to Robin Lehner’s antics in the game’s waning minutes.

After allowing the game’s fourth goal, Lehner nonchalantly flipped his stick onto the ice in disgust.

At the conclusion of the game, Lehner’s frustrations materialized while skating back to the Senators bench. There’s nothing like dropping an audible f-bomb, breaking a stick over your knee and then smashing what was left of it in the tunnel back to the dressing room to punctuate a message in front of your coaching staff and teammates.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtN_yTpvup4]

The thing is though, I didn’t and don’t hate it.

Inevitably, an event like that is going to be polarizing. As a player who’s renowned for his fiery competitiveness and candour, some will relish the fact that Lehner’s pissed off and vented his frustrations because as fans, it’s hard not to share that feeling of disappointment.

On the flip side of the coin, there’s going to be a proportionate number of people who will chalk Lehner’s actions up to immaturity and condemn the goaltender for showing up his teammates, especially when Lehner’s had one of his worst statistical seasons as an NHL goalie.

In either situation, you can make a compelling case for or against Lehner’s actions. Senators head coach Dave Cameron was quick to point out that Lehner’s actions were inappropriate.

“I don’t like it. No matter why you do it. You want your team to be emotional … when it’s done right there, it looks like you’re showing up your teammate.”

I understand where both sides are coming from, but it’s not like Lehner’s the first Senator to express frustration with how a game unfolded.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjKojjlhf1o] Neil’s Limited NTC

Andy Strickland reported that Chris Neil has the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues on his list of fifteen teams that he cannot be traded to without waiving his no-trade clause. Neil’s list is 15 teams long and Bruce Garrioch is reporting that the Winnipeg Jets are also on his list.