Sens hang their stockings
OTTAWA — With my annual apologies to Clement Clarke Moore:
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through Eugene Melnyk’s house, not a creature was stirring not even Tom Anselmi’s mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that Santa Claus would deliver a playoff spot there.
Pierre Dorion was nestled, all snug in his bed.
With visions of making another trade dancing in his head.
And, Guy Boucher in his pajamas and Erik Karlsson in his cap, had just settled down to see if they could take a little pre-game nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter.
Boucher sprung from his bed to see if he could find a book to help him deal with this matter.
Away from the book stand, Boucher flew in flash, he tore open the shutters and prepared to make a dash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of mid-day to hockey equipment below when, what to Boucher’s wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight big-bodied forwards.
“Now Brassard! Now Duchene! Now Stone and Ryan!
“On Phaneuf! On Smith! On Dzingel and On Thompson”
So up to the house-top the forwards they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and Santa Claus too.
And then, in a twinkling, Boucher heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As Boucher drew in his head, and was turning around, down the chimney Santa came with a bound.
His eyes — how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like Don Cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as snow.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and Boucher laughed when he saw him, in spite of himself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave Boucher to know he had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, to hand out some presents to some of Senators’ good sports …
Eugene Melnyk: A sold out Canadian Tire Centre on a nightly basis and a deal to take the team to LeBreton Flats. Would make for a Happy New Year.
Tom Anselmi: Ditto. See above.
Pierre Dorion: A miracle run that would help the Senators get back into the playoffs and a willing dance partner to make a deal that return the club to consistency.
Guy Boucher: Earplugs because he doesn’t want to hear what people are saying about the way this team is playing going into the Christmas break.
Erik Karlsson: A new contract extension in July that will keep him in Ottawa, but if that can’t be done then make sure the right assets come back in return.
Matt Duchene: Success and more consistency scoring goals in his new home. His impact hasn’t been felt but all accounts he’s an impact player.
Cody Ceci: A day away from television, the radio and social media because the good people of Ottawa have decided it’s time for him to move on from his hometown.