All-Star Return: Drake Batherson is Back in the Senators Lineup
After suffering an extremely unfortunate high-ankle sprain on January 25th, Batherson is back
There’s no arguing between fans, management, and even the Senators coaches when discussing star forward Drake Batherson‘s play prior to his injury, he was far and away the team’s best forward, and offensive player. Through the first 31 games of this season, Batherson would find the back of the net 13 times, while adding 21 assists, he currently leads the Senators in points-per-game by a steady margin (1.10), with the next closest being Josh Norris (0.77). Adding this level of production and offensive firepower to the lineup for the final 18 games of the season is extremely exciting for both management and fans alike. At just 23, Batherson has a lot of room to grow, and it was obvious this season, he’s already matched his point production from last season in 25 fewer games.
Drake Batherson continues to improve, looking like a great scoring first liner for the Senators. Nice contract and will be a huge part of their future. #GoSensGo https://t.co/BCFfgi0wG1 pic.twitter.com/LXYA3oO6bU
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) February 2, 2022
Taken out by Buffalo Sabres’ goaltender Aaron Dell a couple of months ago, there’s no doubt that the “dirty” and easily avoidable collision didn’t sit well within the Senators locker room, and rightfully so, especially with a player as respected as Batherson. Despite Dell receiving a subsequent three-game suspension, Senators coach D.J. Smith was hot about the situation and likely held back a bit with some answers:
"It doesn't matter to me what they do to the other team's player. My guy, our leading point getter, is out for two months or longer."
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 27, 2022
Sens head coach D. J. Smith on Drake Batherson injury, subsequent suspension to Aaron Dell. pic.twitter.com/yS7pA4jblP
Adding Batherson back to the forward group helps all the other Senators’ lines become much more balanced. The 23-year-old forward will slot back into his usual spot on the top-line alongside Brady Tkachuk and Josh Norris, a line that had already found plenty of success in the earlier part of the season. This allows Colin White to kick down to a more comfortable spot on the third line, and suddenly the team looks greatly improved on the right-wing.
Sens morning skate lines vs Florida.
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) March 26, 2022
Tkachuk Norris Batherson
Formenton Stützle CBrown
Joseph Tierney White
Ennis Gambrell Watson
Brannstrom Zub
Holden Zaitsev
Del Zotto Hamonic
Forsberg-starters end.
Gustavsson
Batherson’s offensive creativity was badly missed during his two-month absence, there were stretches of action where it looked like the team would never score again, add an offensive force like Batherson, and the Senators’ scoring problems will diminish. His return couldn’t come at a better time either, as the Senators face the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Florida Panthers.
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