Now that the smoke has started to clear on the disappointing Team Canada 4th place performance in the World Juniors, there was a bright spot for fans of the Ottawa Senators.
Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Ryan Pulock poses for a photo with team officials after being introduced as the number fifteen overall pick to the New York Islanders during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Most Senators fans finally got their first chance to see Ottawa’s 2013 first round pick in action. And from what I saw in the tournament, there is a lot to like, and it could be sooner rather than later when you see him patrolling the ice in an Ottawa Senators uniform. Lazar was prominent in even strength situations as well as being a go-to guy on the penalty kill. Despite his relatively small stature, he wasn’t afraid to mix it up and go to the dirty areas, and showed himself as a strong forechecker as well as being able to play in his own end.
Lazar plays centre for the most part in the WHL for the Edmonton Oil Kings, but was moved around as needed and spent most of his time on the wing during the World Juniors. Lazar posted 7 points in 7 games while being named one of Canada’s top 3 players as selected by the Canadian contingent, despite bouncing around the lineup when injuries or penalties required that of him.
All in all, through the bitter disappointment of finishing out of the medals for the second straight year, Senators fans can continue to feel pretty good about the future, as they continue to add quality players to their roster.