Maybe there is some fight left in the Ottawa Senators after all. At least amongst each other, as defenseman and recent healthy scratch Jared Cowen exchanged punches with pugilist Chris Neil at practice in Alberta earlier today.
In the Black Corner…Chris Neil Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
This could obviously be a case of frustration boiling over, Cowen because of his recent stretch in the press box and Neil because the team has performed so poorly out of the Olympic Break.
and in the Red Corner…Jared Cowen! Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
It isn’t the first time teammates battle in practice, and the Senators have a long history of such events. Just this past December Neil got into it with Cory Conacher, and he has also had battles with Ray Emery in the past as well. The players involved and the coaches will play it off as if it is nothing, as per usual claim it is just boys being boys, but it does indicate the tension that currently envelopes the team.
By all accounts Paul MacLean and some other players had to break up the tussle and punches were exchanged.
With a long hill to climb to get into the post-season and not a lot of time to climb it, Senators fans can only hope some of that fight translates to the ice when it counts for real, beginning Saturday in Winnipeg.