The fallout from the 6-0 beatdown by the Boston Bruins continues as the Sens have sent down rookie Jimmy O’Brien and goalie Mike Brodeur back to the AHL Binghamton Senators in favour of centre Corey Locke and goalie Robin Lehner. This move is to solve the Sens two biggest problems – goal scoring and goaltending.
Robin Lehner is fresh off his world junior performance for team Sweden where he went 2-1 in his three starts. With Brian Elliott losing his last six starts, and with Brodeur only playing in a handful of games this season due to injuries, Lehner may be the best chance Ottawa has to stop the puck. Coach Clouston has announced that Lehner will get his first start tomorrow against the New York Islanders in NY.
In Corey Locke, the Sens are calling up the leading point scorer in the AHL with 55 points in 38 games. The 26 yr old will centre one of the top two lines for Ottawa and will man a position on the powerplay. The knock on Locke is his size (he is only 5’9″ and 185 lbs) and his skating ability. But Locke has produced at every level below the NHL and has only been given four games in the NHL to prove his worth. With Spezza out for a few more weeks, this is Locke’s chance to show everybody he can play with the big boys.
With Ottawa facing the Islanders tomorrow night, at least Lehner and Locke will be eased into their first NHL game action of the season. How do you think they will do? Who should Locke play with on a line? Will Lehner get the shutout?