Let the goaltending controversy in Ottawa officially commence!!

The Ottawa Senators goaltender Ray Emery returned to action for the first time this young NHL season since under going surgery on his wrist over the summer. Emery made 31 saves in his appearance and helped the Sens to a 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers.

In Emery's absence, goaltender Martin Gerber has led the Senators to the top of the NHL, only losing one game during that march. Gerber has been reborn hard (to steal a quote from Gunnery Seargent Hartman) and has definitely been a bright spot.... on a team loaded with bright spots. GM Bryan Murray has a problem, but one that most teams would relish. Two number one goaltenders, playing light's out hockey. Keeping both as insurance would be prudent, however, holding onto Gerber and his salary may make it difficult to retain both Jason Spezza and Wade Redden, and with Gerber's stock being as high as it is right now, trading him, even with a large contract would be much easier to do now. There are a few teams out there who would be interested (see Los Angeles.... if LaBarbera can't shoulder the load there). Keep an eye on the rumor mill this week, it will be very entertaining if nothing else.

Bottom line, the Ottawa Senators look unstoppable.

Quick Shave:
The New York Rangers played their best defensive game of the season yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately for them, the Boston Bruins played theirs too, and just a bit better. Bruins forward Phil Kessel scored the only goal in the shootout and goaltender Manny Fernandez made 26 saves to record the 1-0 shutout win. Rangers forward Martin Straka broke his finger blocking a Zdeno Chara slapshot (after the first shot that hit his hand, he actually got down in front of Chara and blocked a second one.... that's just tough) and did not return to the game. I think it's safe to say that the Philadelphia Flyers are the real deal. Last night they defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in OT. Flyers forward Simon Gagne scored twice including the game winner in the extra frame. Philadelphia 's Martin Biron continued his amazing play in net stopping 40 Hurricane's shots. If the Canadian media isn't talking about who's gonna be the number goalie in Ottawa it's because they will be writing about how bad the Toronto Maple Leafs are playing. The Leafs surrendered another 2 goal lead, this time to the Chicago Blackhawks, and ultimately fell 6-4. The Maple Leafs did hold a 3-1 lead in the third until the wheels came off, and just about everyone on the Hawks scored. Raycroft will be hearing it today. San Jose Sharks forward Jeremy Roenick scored the 498th goal of his career last night, and what proved to be the game winner as the Sharks shutdown the Nashville Predators 3-0. Sharks keeper Evgeni Nabokov made 22 saves to record his first shutout of the season. Bill Guerin started scoring late, but now he can't stop. The New York Islanders captain potted the game winner in OT to help his club beat the New Jersey Devils 4-3. Buzzkill of last night for me was Atlanta Thrashers keeper Johan Hedberg. After looking solid in net against the New York Rangers two nights earlier, Hedberg was bombarded and allowed 5 Tampa Bay Lightning goals before being yanked. The Lightning went on to win the game 6-2, and further destroy my fantasy league championship hopes. Can anyone say trade?

Game of the Night:
Vancouver at Columbus 5:00 PM
Colorado at Minnesota 7:00 PM

Only two games tonight, but both interesting ones. The Columbus Blue Jackets are off to a franchise best start, while the Canucks... they just haven't started yet. The Colorado Avalanche will visit the red hot Minnesota Wild who have once again begun their season on a good note. Enjoy the games!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh