Mar 4, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward David Perron (57) and Ottawa Senators forward Cory Conacher (89) battle for position in front of the Ottawa Senators net during the second period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Well, the Ben Bishop deal at last year’s trade deadline now looks like a complete and utter failure as the player he was acquired for will now be patrolling the wing for a divisional rival, free of charge.
Cory Conacher, despite skating on one of the Senators’ top two lines in Edmonton, was placed on waivers before the game on Tuesday, has been claimed by Tim Murray and the Buffalo Sabres, as reported by Sportsnet’s Hockey Central.
Conacher played 72 games for the Senators, scoring 6 goals and adding 19 assists for 25 points, and was a +14 in those parts of two seasons. He had 24 points in 35 games with the Lighting when he was acquired. He had 3 goals in Ottawa’s 2 series playoff run last spring.
Mar 4, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) blocks a shot against the St. Louis Blues during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Bishop, meanwhile has been the Lightning starter and all he has done is post 29 wins, with a GAA of 2.07 and a .931 SP, just to add insult to injury from the Senators standpoint and the fans who like to have 20/20 hindsight.
Maybe Tobias Lindberg, who was selected with the fourth round pick also acquired for Bishop, will turn into something. By the way, Lindberg has no points in just 3 games in the Swedish Hockey League this season at the top level.
If you only knew then what you know now….