Ottawa Senators Fan Blog

GERBER IN VERSUS RED WINGS

One would think that a goaltender controversy could not possibly develop in just two games, but that was exactly what appeared to be happening with the Ottawa Senators. Until today. Craig Hartsburg has announced that Martin Gerber will start on Saturday night against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings. This is a good thing. Even though Alex Auld played very well on Sunday, posting a 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the back half of the Sweden series, giving him the start based on that and Gerber's awful play in the first game sends the message that there is no clear number one goaltender on this team. Hartsburg has clearly indicated that Gerber is not going to ride the bench simply because of one bad first game.

"Our plan to start in Sweden was that both were going to play and obviously Alex played well. Unfortunately for Gerbs, he had a tough night but he's going to rebound for us. Martin will bounce back. He's a veteran guy and we've just got to move forward."

It is vital for the psyche of this team that Gerber not only play well on Saturday, but that he put togehter a string of good games, because as of now, the team is likely to play more confidently in front of Auld. It is also vital that Hartsburg continue to handle this situation appropriately. Should this be mismanaged (see Emery, 2007-08), it can be a disaster. If it is managed properly, both goaltenders can feed off of their competitiveness and form a very strong tandem.

There are already factions forming within the fan base. And with this being a fan blog, I would be remiss not to discuss this, and perhaps even pick a side. I for one am kind of sick about hearing about Gerber's confidence. He's a veteran. He either has game, or he doesn't. Some think he plays better when no one is breathing down his neck for the starting job. Others feel that this is when he struggles. I don't want to hear it anymore. Just show some consistency or make way for someone who can! That said, I don't think it would be wise to suddenly turn to Auld as the starter after each have played exactly one game each.

At the very least, we can take solace in the fact that by turning back to Gerber for the start on Saturday, Hartsburg does not seem to be entertaining the notion of implementing a "win and you're in" policy!  

IN WITH THE AULD

Alex Auld to start in place of Martin Gerber

Head coach Craig Hartsburg has decided to put back up goaltender Alex Auld in goal for today's back end of the Swedish home and home versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. While Gerber obviously struggled yesterday, Hartsburg has said that his decision to go with Auld is about giving him some work. With the Senators not playing again until next Saturday when Gerber is likely to get the start in the home opener, Auld would not be able to get into a game for over a week. So this makes sense, but something tells me that if Gerber was at least decent yesterday, he would have got the back-to-back starts.

Ian Mendes (Sportsnet beat reporter for the Ottawa Senators) just sent in this Hartsburg quote from Sweden:

"We didn't want to make a decision until last night. We think it's best for both of them and for our team tonight." Craig admitted that the schedule after this (1 game in 12 days) played a factor. He also said that if Gerber would have had a shutout, it would have been tough to put Auld in there."

CURTIS HUNT TO ASSIST HARTSBURG

Craig Hartsburg will have a familiar face with him behind the bench as the Senators embark on the 2008-2009 season. The Senators announced the hiring of Curtis Hunt today as an assistant coach. Hunt was an assistant under Hartsburg for both Team Canada World Junior gold-medals in 2007 and 2008. What is interesting to note here is that Hunt's job at the World Juniors was to coach the defence. Hartsburg is also know as a defensive coach, so there is an obvious effort here to shore up what was a pitiful, disorganized defensive system a year ago.

Hunt leaves his position as head coach of the WHL's Regina Pats.