Training Camp Begins For The (Binghamton) Senators

At least some members of the Ottawa Senators organization will be playing hockey soon.  The Binghamton Senators opened training camp this weekend with the likes of Mika Zibanejad, Mark Stone, Jared Cowen and Jacob Silfverberg all among those who would rather be suiting up in Ottawa, but will be playing hockey nonetheless.

Two other players I will be very interested in following the pursuits of are former Ottawa 67’s winger Shane Prince and goalie Robin Lehner.

Mar 2, 2012; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Robin Lehner (40) makes a save on a shot from Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Shaw (65) at Scotiabank Place. The Blackhawks defeated the Senators 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-US PRESSWIRE

Price became an elite star in the OHL in the second half of the season last year.  You would be hard pressed to show me a player who had a better January to March.  He became an alpha-type player who took control of games and demanded the puck rather than sit back and wait for things to happen.  Getting released from the US Junior team seemed to be the spark that turned him from star to superstar.

Lehner, on the other hand needs to re-establish his claim as the heir apparent in the Senators net.  After winning the Calder Cup two seasons ago, Lehner seemed to take a step backwards last year.  He seems to think he is ready for the NHL,  but he has to show it on the ice.  He will be handed the starting job in Bingo this season, and what he does with it will be one of the top stories to follow this season, even after the NHL lockout ends.