Cameron’s philosophical about role of an NHL coach
‘When things are going good, you’re the smartest guy in the world’
Senators coach Dave Cameron can see the big picture. While he’s earning raves for the 17-2-2 run that has the team sitting in a playoff spot, he understands the uncertainty which comes with being an NHL coach.
“My profession is probably the only profession in the world where every day you go into work, you’re a day closer to getting fired, because every coach is fired,” he said.
So far, so good. Cameron is 2613-6 since taking over from Paul MacLean in December.
“I wanted to be able to last long enough to see if my philosophy was the right one, if I could do it,” he said. “So, I’m satisfied from that point of view. But I’m really satisfied because now I see the players getting rewarded for all the work they’re doing. It’s still about the players. This job of coaching, regardless of your level, is about you’re only as good as your players. It’s as simple as that.”
Like players, who enjoy plaudits when the team is winning and hear it from fans when they’re losing, coaches also endure a roller-coaster of opinions.
“We’re the flavour of the week and when things are going good, you’re the smartest guy in the world,” he said. “And when things aren’t going well, (the attitude is) don’t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out kind of thing. You understand that. It’s nice to reap the benefits from that. It probably buys you more time. The nice thing is that the players have bought in and deserve the credit.”
WIERCIOCH-CECI PAIRING SOLID
Conventional wisdom is that NHL teams should pair an offensive-oriented defenceman with a stay-at-home type. It certainly works with the Erik KarlssonMarc Methot duo. But how then do you explain the success Patrick Wiercioch and Cody Ceci have enjoyed while playing together as a second pair for the past month? Both are generally recognized for their offensive skills.
“Someone said it was like when I was with (Sergei Gonchar) a few years ago,” said Wiercioch. “The best way I can try to explain it is we try to play as little defence as possible. We both like to handle the puck, to be in possession of the puck, and we don’t want to get rid of the puck. Between the two of us, we’re always trying to make a play that extends our possession and allows us to ... enjoy the game more.”
Wiercioch also says there’s little doubt Senators skaters will be doing everything possible to keep Andrew Hammond’s streak alive. When Wiercioch was asked about Hammond approaching another record, he offered up a solid one liner.
“Which record is that? The Hall
of Fame? Fastest to be voted in?”
MACARTHUR EYES SUNDAY RETURN
Left winger Clarke MacArthur, who has been out of the lineup since suffering a concussion in the collision with goaltender Robin Lehner on Feb. 16, is aiming at being back in the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Florida Panthers. MacArthur has to clear a few more tests and would like to go through a bit more bumping in practice before he gets clearance. ... Cameron said that goaltender Craig Anderson skated before the rest of the Senators on Wednesday, but there is no time frame for his return from his bruised right hand. Earlier in the week, both GM Bryan Murray and Cameron talked about the possibility of Anderson returning for the weekend. … Left winger Milan Michalek continues to “experience discomfort,” according to Cameron. There has been no official word on Michalek’s injury, but it appears to be a concussion.