24 hours ago, the Senators were outplaying the league-leading Red Wings, taking a 2-0 lead into the third (and frankly, that score flattered Detroit). All was well in the world.
Fast forward to today, when we have Heatley out for 4-6 weeks with a separated shoulder, Spezza out for something that looked suspiciously like a concussion (but, weirdly enough, might be his wrist. I don't know which to hope for!), a blown lead against Detroit that we just squeaked out as a win, and an annoying, penalty-riddled loss to the Islanders under our belt. Um. Great.
The one hope at this point is that Spezza isn't seriously injured. There just isn't enough offense to make up for the double blow of Heatley and Spezza -- Alfredsson is only one man, and Fisher won't maintain his recent pace forever. Vermette, Kelly and Donovan have provided a fat lot of nothing lately, but Paddock doesn't seem anxious to break them up (meanwhile, Christoph Schubert has been playing on the second line. Schubert, whose heart -- and, arguably, true talent -- is on D. I love Schubert endlessly, but come on. I swear, if Vermette was the only forward left on the team, Paddock would still pencil him in on the third line). Neil is Neil; McAmmond, bless him, has missed scoring chances at a pace to rival Chris Kelly. Robitaille will probably score two goals in February, to meet his monthly quota, but that's not very comforting right now.
Eaves should be back on Tuesday, and is apparently going to be gifted a top line role upon his return. That's good news in a way, except that I'm not sure I see the wisdom in throwing him into top line minutes in his first game back, since he's been out for the last thousand years. I also don't think it's particularly fair that no one who's played all this time gets a chance to step up instead, but Paddock works in mysterious ways.
On the bright side, at least we have something to talk about that isn't Gerber vs. Emery, Round 856322.
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