The forwards called up are right winger Jakob Silfverberg, the B-Sens leading scorer, and left winger Mike Hoffman. Ottawa also invited a trio of defensemen — Mark Borowiecki, Andre Benoit and Patrick Wiercioch — and goalies Ben Bishop and Robin Lehner.

Right winger Mark Stone and center Stephane Da Costa were rumored to get an invite but apparently did not. Ottawa coach Paul MacLean said earlier in the week that the training camp roster will be kept trim compared to a usual year with no lockout. Out of the seven B-Sens that did get an invite, it’s quite possible all but one of the goalies will make the team.

Professional Writer at Work. Personal pronouns particularly problematic.

Bruce Garrioch ‏@SunGarrioch
Freddy came along for the ride with Jimmy and I at @Chatmontebllo #Nicedayforswinging http://yfrog.com/nzlf0xjj

"Shanny announces that Hagelin's suspension may get reduced if Alfredssopn plays tonight"

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?

He’s not exactly Jonathan Cheechoo or Bill Muckalt, but Bobby Butler is colder than the concrete steps outside my front door. It’s tough to score when he can’t hit the net, even after getting a perfect pass into the slot with no Bruin near him for at least two steamboats. The shot Butler has is so deceptive when he’s confident. It’s a shame to see it go to waste right now.

"The way this season is going, if I'm still healthy after this season, I'm hoping I can go one more," said Alfredsson. "This year has been so good. If we can make the playoffs, that would almost be a dream come true."

The Senators have top-end talent at every forward position, headlined by wingers Matt Puempel and Stefan Noesen, and center Mika Zibanejad. The organization possesses one of the best one-two punches on defense in physical stalwart Jared Cowen and puck-mover David Rundlad. There are also a deep group of players who can fill a variety of roles and provide depth at the NHL level including Stephane Da Costa, Jim O'Brien, and Bobby Butler.

There are different journalists. My opinion of Ottawa journalists is that they don't watch hockey at all. When they fly with the team and go through the [metal detector] at an airport, their bags are filled with beer. You realize right away what these people do when they write about the NHL.

Three key figures in Senators' history should have their numbers retired when done. Daniel Alfredsson is a complete no-brainer, and Murray is on record saying the captain will not be moved. Jacques Martin is another. Martin didn't have the desired playoff success, but there is no doubt he was reason number one for the organization's turnaround. Of course, he doesn't have a number, so maybe they can retire a can of Brylcreem.

The third is Phillips. You may snicker, but he is totally deserving. Taken first overall in 1996, his decision to go to Ottawa without complaint was a major boost for a team that had to trade Bryan Berard (the top selection a year earlier) because Berard wanted nothing to do with them. All Phillips has done since then is play 1,022 games (including playoffs) and do an incredible amount of work in the community. Not as large an impact as Alfredsson or Martin, but when you remember what a complete mistake Ottawa looked like in 1996, Phillips' role in the turnaround is very significant.

Huge win for Bingo!