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Thursday, October 14, 1999
Sens storm desert
Ottawa brings its best start ever into Phoenix
While the mercury at the Phoenix/Scottsdale Airport topped 40 C when the unbeaten Senators landed here yesterday morning, they hope they don't turn stone cold tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes.
After a light workout at the Coyotes' practice rink, Senators coach Jacques Martin declared he's more than happy with the 4-0-1 start but wants to keep it going.
With the team off to its best start ever, Martin is hesitant to make changes to a winning lineup, but centre Mike Fisher (hip pointer) could return tonight. Ron Tugnutt is the automatic start in goal.
"We've just got to keep working hard and playing the best we can," said Martin. "I've been really pleased with our game from every aspect.
"We've really worked hard as a team and we've worked on improving, especially in the area of special teams, which was something we worked on a lot in training. That's really been pleasing to see."
With captain Alexei Yashin sitting in Switzerland waiting for a new contract or trade, the Senators haven't looked like a team distracted by not having their best player in the lineup every night.
TEAM EFFORT
Instead, they've received contributions from everybody through the first five games of the season.
They all realize that's the way it's going to have to stay if they're going to challenge for top spot in the East again.
Centre Radek Bonk leads the list with three goals and four assists. Winger Marian Hossa has been dominant with four goals. Captain Daniel Alfredsson has three goals and defenceman Wade Redden has been solid.
"I'm not surprised with the way we're playing because I've been in this situation before where the star player has quit on his team. Usually, that means everybody else has to pick it up," said winger Magnus Arvedson.
"That's what we're doing right now. Everybody is working hard to support each other. Everybody is doing their part so we can have success."
It might be early in the season, but the Senators know sooner or later Yashin's absence is going to catch up with them because they're a better team with him in the lineup than they are without him.
Facing the Coyotes without centre Jeremy Roenick -- suspended for slashing Chicago's Tony Amonte -- and Colorado minus Peter Forsberg Saturday, the Senators have a good chance to pick up valuable points.
"We try not to focus on who is in the lineup and who isn't in the lineup for the opposition," said Martin. "I want us to focus on what we're doing and how we're getting the job done. You can't be worried about what the opposition is going to do."
So far this season, the Senators really haven't had much to be concerned about.
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