Curtis Lazar’s 1st NHL Goal, Injury-Reserve, Jean-Gabriel Pageau

After 26 NHL games, Curtis Lazar finally netted his 1st NHL goal. The goal was a well fought for one as Lazar shoved in front of the net to bury i6. Lazar had an earlier chance in the game on a feed by Bobby Ryan, but it bounced over his stick. Lazar’s 1st is one of what is to be many from Curtis as he continues to make the transition from junior player to NHL player.

As talk regarding Curtis Lazar going to the world juniors continues, the goal and a few injuries to the squad may come at a good time to keep Curtis Lazar in the NHL.

It’s safe to say that Lazar was happy to get the monkey off his back.

Listening to Lazar, his analysis of the goal and self-reflection is honest with some humour.

"It’s about time, let’s be honest here. I think I’m on pace for 3 goals this season, aha. I feel like a big weight was lifted off my shoulders and now I can just get out there and play."

IR UPDATES

The Senators have been pretty healthy all season, until lately. Last week saw Zack Smith, Chris Neil, and Marc Méthot placed on injury reserve.

In the case of Chris Neil, his injury was described as upper body and not a “day-to-day” type injury. Dave Cameron described the injury as more of a “week-to-week” situation. Neil has had a solid season this year, and has appeared to have accepted a diminished role.

Zack Smith suffered a broken wrist vs Pittsburgh, and is expected to be out a few months. Méthot was returned to the IR after a 2 game stint in Ottawa. The injury is becoming more and more suspicious as it appears to be affecting Méthot’s future, including his contract.

PAGEAU

Jean-Gabriel Pageau was called up earlier in the week, and is likely set to make his season debut tomorrow @ New Jersey. Jeff had a news piece on Pageau’s call-up here.

Here’s a little excerpt from Jeff with a Binghamton perspective

"Pageau has been one of the more consistent player’s for Binghamton so far this season scoring 8 goals and 10 assists in 25 games with a +6 as appointed the letter ‘A’ sewn on his jersey, as that role has served him well. Pageau leads the AHL  with 94 shots scoring on 8.5% of the time as the team is also a league best 3.36 goals on average per game.  – Jeff Ulmer, Editor"

As Jeff states, Pageau has had a great start to the season. This gives Pageau a chance to prove himself as an NHL player where Bryan Murray has stated in the past that he should have been on the team to start the year.