Senators: Neil and Fisher doubtful for Thursday

Just saw this on the Sun's web site.

http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Senators/2008/11/18/7452031.html

Injured Senators Chris Neil and Mike Fisher will visit with a doctor
this afternoon to determine the extent of their respective leg
injuries, coach Craig Hartsburg said this morning "We'd hope," Hartsburg said when asked if
the pair would be available for Thursday's home game against the
Montreal Canadiens, "but it's probably not realistic."

Damn.

So I guess Zubov stays up and Bass comes up too? Or maybe we finally get some Zach Smith up here.

Yeah, I suspect we'll see Zubov stick around and Bass called up.

From TSN's Ice Chips:

Mike Fisher and Chris Neil, both with knee injuries, will see a doctor
this afternoon and are not expected to play Thursday against Montreal.
Forward Ryan Shannon (concussion) starting riding the bike today and
may skate tomorrow. - TSN

I wonder if they just put Schubie back on the 4th line?

Yes! I want Shannon and Zubov playing together! With Vermette centering them (unless he's gasses for Ohlund or Bow).

504Heater wrote:Yes! I want Shannon and Zubov playing together! With Vermette centering them (until he's gasses for Ohlund or Bow).

Fixed.

504Heater wrote:Yes! I want Shannon and Zubov playing together! With Vermette centering them (unless he's gasses for Ohlund or Bow).

I don't think that's suggesting Shannon will be ready to go for Thursday, only that he'll get back on the ice for the first time since the incident as part of his recovery.

Fish = Cinderella's galss slipper

Actually the slipper is more durable...

So... Bass or Zach Smith coming up?

ummm, that's a tough one. both are big players and could throw their bodies around, which they will need to do; especially if Komi's returning to the Habs fold... *eeeek*...

I'll say Smith, since Bingo's practically depleted as it is, why stop now! LOL

Well here are the options as I see it.

You've got your forwards: Alfie, Spezza, Heatley, Ruutu, Vermette, Kelly, McAmmond, Foligno, Donovan, Winchester all playing. That's 10 forwards, and two missing.

Options to fill in: Zubov, Bass, Z.Smith, Schubert, Shannon (if he's back, any updates on that??)

Assuming Zubov plays and Shannon is injured, that leaves Bass, Smith, or Schubert as the 12th man.

On D-, there aren't any injuries and there are 7 men. Phillips, Volchenkov, Kuba, Picard, Smith, Bell, and Schubert. Those first five are probably locks for roster spots, so that leaves two men.

So the most likely scenarios are, and in no particular order (F= forward, D=defense, S=scratch):
1. Bass (F), Bell (D), Schubert (S)
2. Bass(F), Schubert (D), Bell (S)
3. Z. Smith (F), Bell (D), Schubert (S)
4. Z. Smith (F), Schubert (D), Bell (S)
5. Schubert (F), Bell (D), No one (S)

Hopefully we opt for Scenario #3 (though I think #5 is most likely, personally).

I think you're right Matt. Schubert may NOT be happy playing as a forward, but the facts are: 1) he SUCKS at D and Bell played very well and was poised in his play; and 2) Schubie needs to suck it up and play the way we're used to him playing: crashing players into the boards on the forecheck. that's where the TEAM needs him tomorrow night IMHO.

I see them putting Schubie on the 4th as a no brainer. They love the guy as a 4th liner. If Schubie is sat in place of calling up Z. Smith then I will be very surprised.

Couldn't agree more Clutch and Cronie.