Wideman determined to play again before season is over
Chris Wideman is determined to play again this season, and he’s doing everything in his power to make that dream reality.
The Ottawa Senators defenceman wasn’t expected to be back at all after requiring surgery to repair a hamstring injured when Pittsburgh Penguins centre Evgeni Malkin fell on him Nov. 16.
A potential unrestricted free agent as of July 1, Wideman received a good prognosis from team doctors Monday. He hopes to soon get word that he’s cleared for contact during practice and then, of course, the final step would be to return to the lineup before the Senators’ season ends April 7.
“I’m going to try,” Wideman said Thursday. “I’ve put in so many hours of work on the ice and in the gym with the trainers, it’s really my goal to play. If I have the clearance from the doctors, I’m going to play … 100 per cent.
“I saw the doctors on Monday and they did an evaluation and they figured I’m probably a month to (six weeks) ahead of where they expected me to be. They’re going to talk and I should know more by (Saturday).”
Wideman said he was trying to get more involved when skating with teammates. When the Senators aren’t in town, he has been on the ice with player development coach Shean Donovan or power skating coach Shelley Kettles.
“I’m definitely not shying away from anything,” Wideman said. “I don’t really feel anything, I’m not really limited. The hardest part for me is when the guys go away and they play back-to-back … I’m missing a morning skate and two games, so I’m here on the ice by myself.
“(Donovan and Kettles) have been great, but you can’t simulate the games or being out there with NHL players.”
Returning to the lineup would give him peace of mind heading into what could be a long offseason.
“I’ve proved people wrong my entire career,” Wideman said. “I don’t think people picked me to be sitting here right now. It’s just another obstacle for me and I’m excited about it.
“It’s challenged me a lot mentally and physically, but I think I’ve done a pretty good job of getting through that. Hopefully I can get into some games before the end of the year.”
Wideman skated recently with the Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League, but said he wouldn’t be interested in a conditioning stint before making his return to the NHL.
“I’m excited for the next couple of steps here,” he said.
CHEMISTRY SET
Senators winger Mike Hoffman has developed good chemistry with centre Matt Duchene in the past month, and he enjoys the opportunity.
“Chemistry is huge in the hockey world and it’s been nice that we’ve been together for a long time here,” Hoffman said. “I know, when he first got here, we started together and kind of split up and everyone was kind of playing with each other and nobody could really get a feel for each other. As of lately, it seems like we’ve had lines stick together and stay together. The chemistry is showing.”
OFF THE GLASS
While Dallas Stars defenceman Marc Methot made the trip here, the Ottawa native and former Senator won’t be in the lineup Friday after cutting his hand while blocking a shot during Tuesday’s contest against the Montreal Canadiens. He’s not expected to return soon … Senators head coach Guy Boucher has had success against the Stars, with a 5-0-0 career record. The Senators’ next victory will lift Boucher into a tie with Dave Cameron for fifth place among all Senators head coaches … Defenceman Mark Borowiecki reiterated Thursday he would carefully pick his spots before fighting again. Borowiecki has a history of concussions and has had several discussions with Boucher about fighting.