CONDON ‘VERY PROUD’ OF PLAYING IN 100 NHL GAMES
Backup goaltender reaching milestone was one silver lining in big loss to Montreal
The circumstances surrounding the event could have been a lot more positive, but Mike Condon hit a major milestone Monday against Montreal.
The Senators backup goaltender played in his 100th career game, stepping in for Craig Anderson for the third period of the 8-3 defeat.
Coincidentally, his first game came while playing for the Canadiens, against the Senators, at Canadian Tire Centre, on Oct. 11, 2015.
“It’s a good milestone, 100 games,” Condon said.
“I never really thought I would get one, so getting 100 is certainly unbelievable.
“With that perspective, I treat every game as a blessing, so I’m just very happy to be in the league and trying to contribute as much as I can.
“It’s a big milestone for an undrafted goalie, so that’s something I’m very proud of.”
A first for Belleville: Hockey history will be made in Belleville on Wednesday.
After an extended road stretch to open the season, the Belleville Senators — Ottawa’s American Hockey League affiliate — will finally play the franchise’s first home game at Yardman Arena, which underwent $20.5 million in renovations.
The players will receive red carpet treatment as they enter the facility, which has a standing room capacity of 4,400. White’s season debut: Many eyes will be on Colin White, expected to play his first game since suffering a broken wrist while blocking a shot in Senators training camp.
Before his injury, White appeared to have an inside track on winning a roster spot.
“He’s going to be a special player,” Senators assistant GM Randy Lee told TSN 1200 on Tuesday.
“He worked really hard while rehabilitating and he’s ready to go.”
Belleville also plays at home against Charlotte on Friday and Saturday and it will be intriguing to see if White joins the Senators when they leave for Sweden on Monday.
Goalie recall coming: While Max McCormick was sent back to Belleville on Tuesday (he played a mere two shifts and 1:04 against Montreal), Lee says the Senators will bring a third goaltender when they head to Europe. Danny Taylor (3-3-0, 3.27 goals against average and .903 save percentage) and Andrew Hammond (1-1-1, 2.69, .929) are options, but there is some intrigue in that Marcus Hogberg has also joined Belleville after being recalled from Brampton of the ECHL … Hammond’s play, coupled with the run of goaltending injuries around the NHL, could mean teams take another look at acquiring him and the US$1.5 million salary Senators GM Pierre Dorion hasn’t been able to unload … For those who like the speculation game, Dorion was in Brooklyn on Monday, scouting the New York Islanders-Vegas Golden Knights game.
Chabot recovering: Belleville defenceman Thomas Chabot missed last weekend’s games against Manitoba, due to what Lee describes as a “tweaked groin” and he’s questionable for Belleville’s home opener. Chabot, who had a pair of assists in three games with Ottawa earlier this season, has one goal and two assists in five games with Belleville. Lee also told TSN 1200 that fellow top defence prospect Christian Jaros is “like a wild horse, fun to watch.” He has one goal and four assists in eight games.
Army night: More than 3,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families will be at Canadian Tire Centre for the Senators 14th annual appreciation night for the troops … Monday’s crowd of 15,069 to see the Senators and Canadiens is yet another disturbing attendance sign. Through eight home games, the Senators are averaging 15,021 — 25th in the NHL, playing to 78.4 per cent capacity.
First goal blues: Detroit coach Jeff Blashill should consider dressing Luke Witkowski for Thursday’s game against the Senators. Why? Witkowski, who has been in and out of the Red Wings lineup and has played 60 NHL games between Detroit and Tampa since being drafted in 2008, might just score his first NHL goal. Or maybe his first two NHL goals. On Monday, Montreal’s Charles Hudon scored his first two NHL goals against the Senators. A few weeks back, New Jersey’s Nico Hischier turned the same trick. The CTC has been a special place for visitors’ first goal celebrations … Some people are criticizing Connor McDavid for dressing up as Donald Trump for a Halloween party? Seriously? … Lost in Monday’s romp was the fact Nate Thompson somehow finished with a plus/ minus of plus one and Zack Smith registered eight shots on goal.