Neil proves to be Sens’ sparkplug in limited minutes
Veteran winger expected to be in lineup for Game 6 after 2:26 of ‘gritty’ leadership
Doesn’t sound like Chris Neil is going anywhere anytime soon.
After all the credit the Ottawa tough-guy was given for just being in the lineup and the role he played in Saturday’s 5-4 OT win over the New York Rangers, coach Guy Boucher certainly didn’t rule out using him Tuesday night in an attempt to turn around the club’s misfortune at Madison Square Garden in this series.
“He’s definitely somebody who has a chance to play in the next game, for sure,” Boucher told reporters in Ottawa before the club’s departure Sunday.
Though Neil, 37, played only 2:26 and didn’t see the ice after he was given a 10-minute misconduct in the second period while unsuccessfully trying to get Rangers winger Tanner Glass to drop the gloves, Boucher and the players placed a lot of importance on the role Neil played in the win.
“It was just on the bench, I think it was before the game,” said Boucher. “He’s gained a lot of respect over the years, not just from his peers, but I think from the fans and from the other players in the league.
“He’s not just a tough guy, he’s a character. He’s brought a lot of leadership to our group and he’s had a terrific attitude during the games that he didn’t play in the playoffs. I’m sure that it’s difficult for him and guys like Kelly when they’re not playing. But I’ve said I’ve always thought we’ll need everybody, depending on what we need for particular games.”
The Senators got pushed around badly during back-to-back losses in New York Tuesday and Thursday. Glass left the ice rubbing his hands together Thursday in the final minute after beating on Kyle Turris.
“After the two games in New York, it was pretty clear we need to answer back some of the liberties they were taking on our skill guys and answer back with our own gritty guy,” said Boucher. “I thought he did a terrific job with his presence. He did a terrific job doing what he needed to do on the ice, but also off the ice. And, yes, it did lift our guys up and a lot of skill guys played a terrific game.
“I thought they felt protected and I thought we were able to answer back what the opponent was giving us.”