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Tuesday, November 16, 1999
Sens gain experience, not years
The Ottawa Senators added Kevin Dineen, Rob Zamuner and Joe Juneau in an effort to add some veterans and experience to their lineup.
Since their arrival, there's been much made about how much "older" the Senators have become, but in fact, the team remains one of the youngest in the league.
Even with the addition of the three veterans, the Senators have an average age of 26.2., tying them with the Boston Bruins as the fourth youngest team in the league.
The New York Islanders are the youngest team at 25.1, followed by the Oilers at 25.8 and the Florida Panthers at 26.0. The Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues are the oldest teams with an average age of 29.1.
More important than their age is the experience players like the 36-year-old Dineen bring to the Senators dressing room.
VOICE OF EXPERIENCE
"It's been important to have veterans to help the young guys through the tough times," said Jacques Martin.
While Dineen understands his role as a veteran, he says he's been impressed with the resilience the Senators have shown through all the adversity. He says the team has continued to raise its level of play despite the absence of Alexei Yashin, injuries to Daniel Alfredsson, Sami Salo and Igor Kravchuk and the possibility of the franchise being sold and moved.
"The team is not letting excuses get in the way," Dineen said. "My job is to not let these guys forget about how talented they are."
Zamuner knows he's considered one of the veterans, but says the Senators already have great leadership.
"There's something really special here," said the 30-year-old. "The chemistry really stands out on this team."
Ron Tugnutt, 32, says he's taken it upon himself to take on a bigger role.
"I try to be more vocal," he said, "and I try to organize more stuff with the guys and help build team unity."
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