Boucher ready to make changes, but how many?
With Smith doubtful for Game 4, Sens’ roster will need to be tweaked Thursday
The time has come for NEW YORK Guy Boucher to send a message.
And that will likely be the case Thursday.
Yes, the Senators coach will be forced to make at least one change because it sounds like centre Zack Smith is doubtful for Game 4 of the club’s Round 2 series against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. But coming off a 4-1 loss in Game 3 Tuesday night, it doesn’t sound as if he’ll stop there.
While winger Bobby Ryan looks like he’s OK after taking an Erik Karlsson shot off the thigh in Game 3, it sounds like winger Tom Pyatt will play regardless of whether Smith is ready or not. Defenceman Chris Wideman, meanwhile, looks like he’ll return for the first time since Game 5 of the Boston series.
Smith was hit by Tanner Glass and J.T. Miller in the first period Tuesday, left the game and didn’t return.
“I was looking at putting Wideman in at some point, but we were winning the games and it’s hard to get him back in. I’m definitely looking at that for (Thursday) regardless of injuries,” said Boucher Wednesday. “Pyatt also. I was looking at bringing him in for the last game, but I didn’t want to touch our lineup because it had won.
“The chances are two regular guys that have been really good for us all year (will) be back in and who we’re taking out is going to depend on the injuries.”
Boucher said he expects Ryan will be fine as long as he’s able to skate Thursday.
Injured Mark Borowiecki is not ready to play. Defenceman Ben Harpur, who is making his postseason debut this spring after being called up from Binghamton
The chances are two regular guys ... (will) be back in and who we’re taking out is going to depend on the injuries.
late in the year, had difficulties in Game 3. It’s possible he could be taken out and replaced by Wideman.
Up front, winger Ryan Dzingel, who has struggled to find consistency this spring, would be a candidate to be scratched if the club was completely healthy. He wasn’t very good in Game 3 with a minus-2 rating and also was called for two penalties.