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Monday, October 25, 1999
Sens keep coach happy
Even with the absence of Alexei Yashin, who continues to hold out for a new contract, the Senators have a 6-2-1 record and are undefeated at home, 4-0-1.
The addition of Joe Juneau will also be a welcome bonus.
All but eight players have scored a goal and Janne Laukkanen remains the only player yet to record a point.
"Our offence is spread around and I think the way we're playing is great," Martin said. "Every game at home, we've created lots of chances and had a great transition game."
Martin conceded that even though the Senators lost games against Colorado and Phoenix on the road, he's happy with their overall effort to play as a team.
"I'm extremely pleased with the way this team has played since the start of the season," said Martin. "They've made a commitment to their teammates and themselves."
The coach is impressed by the way the team has risen through adversity, first with Yashin's absence, and now Alfredsson's knee injury.
"It's important from the start that we deal with the situation at hand," said Martin. "It's easy to find excuses, but this is a challenge and let's answer the challenge."
Shawn McEachern, who will act as captain in Alfredsson's absence, rose to the challenge collecting his first goal of the year Saturday night against the Sabres.
Various injuries have caused Martin to juggle his lines, but he says that isn't always a bad thing.
"I tend to juggle lines a bit, but I have had success with a couple of players," Martin said. "It's early in the season and you need to experiment with your personnel.
"I like to find balance. I want to feel comfortable that I can establish more tempo (with four lines) rather than match lines."
The line of Marian Hossa, Radek Bonk and Magnus Arvedson has proven successful and Martin says he's liked the work of Kevin Dineen, Shaun Van Allen and McEachern.
"Dineen plays with such determination and that reflects well on other players," he said. "(Rob) Zamuner and Dineen have been helpful in bringing experience and setting good examples."
Martin has also been pleased with goalie Ron Tugnutt's performance.
"The last two games, he's looked more comfortable and overcome his absence at training camp," he said. "It takes awhile to get back in the zone."
Sens goaltending coach Phil Myre will be in town this week helping Tugnutt and Patrick Lalime.
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