Alfredsson not symptom-free
Don’t expect Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson back in the lineup anytime soon.
Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson has joined Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby in the uncertain world of concussion recovery.
Alfredsson, who suffered a concussion when hit in the head by Wojtek Wolski of the New York Rangers last Saturday, has no idea when he might be able to return to the lineup. He certainly won’t be playing in home games against the Montreal Canadiens tonight and the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
With numerous concussions around the league and Crosby still out after being injured in January, NHL fans know all too well there’s no set timetable for players to return. Players react differently, regardless of the severity of the hit that caused the head trauma. While Alfredsson said he isn’t suffering from headaches, he is experiencing other “symptoms” and hasn’t tried to push himself.
“If I’m at home with the kids, I get a little light-headed and I have to sit down for a little bit, and then I feel good again,” Alfredsson said Thursday, speaking publicly for the first time since the hit. “Until that’s gone, I’m not going to do anything physical.”
Alfredsson has spoken to NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan and understands the league’s rationale for not suspending Wolski, although he doesn’t “totally agree” with the league’s argument.
Shanahan said it was a matter of players battling for the same spot on the ice.
“There are collisions that occur on the ice where, unfortunately, one player sees it just prior,” Shanahan said in a video released on NHL.com. “We’ve seen enough of these now – and I don’t like these – but seen enough of them where when one player sees (the hit) just prior he tenses up. And sometimes he even leans in, because he’s bracing for an impact. When both guys see it, it’s two guys tensing up and they bounce off each other, and everybody’s fine. It’s really unfortunate here, when one player doesn’t see it and the other guy does.”
Shanahan also said Wolski has no history as a “dirty player.” “(If) I might have felt there was any kind of sneakiness or history of these types of offences for Wolski, he would have been suspended.”
Alfredsson understands Shanahan is in a tough spot.
“No matter what they do, they’re going to get (crap),” Alfredsson said. “I thought that (Wolski) maybe could have avoided the whole situation and they think it’s accidental, but I have no problem with their decision.”
Alfredsson believes a player has to be aware of his own place on the ice and he also holds himself responsible for not recognizing Wolski was in his path.
“I don’t think his intention is to hit me in the head,” the Senators’ captain said. “I’ve seen it a few times, but he tries to lean into me a little bit. It’s not a blatant elbow, but (he hits me with) something in the side of the head, nothing from the shoulder or anything. I can’t say it’s a dirty hit, but it could have been avoided.”
It’s the first time Alfredsson has suffered a concussion, and he’s relying on the advice of doctors and trainers on how to deal with it.
“It’s a different feeling,” he said. “I’m hoping that, in a few more days, it’s going to be a lot better.”
Senators coach Paul Mac-Lean says Alfredsson’s words are “not great to hear” because “we’re without our captain, one of our better players, for the weekend.”
MacLean says it could be promising that Alfredsson isn’t suffering from headaches, but he also recognizes that the world of concussions is murky.
What he does know is that Alfredsson’s abilities and the intangibles he brings to the team will be missed.
“It’s not only the skill set, but his leadership in the room, getting the team ready to play and handling momentum swings during the game,” said MacLean.
“He has the ability to do things on the ice, do things right, and that’s the biggest part of him. He’s a voice in the room that can settle things down when momentum is going the other way.”
Centre Jason Spezza says Alfredsson’s “composure” and his ability to slow a game down is what sets him apart.
“He’s a special player and even when he’s not having his best game, he can change that in a shift or two,” said Spezza.
“There’s no hiding the fact we’re going to miss him. He makes a big difference. He’s an elite player, he makes elite plays.”
BUTLER TO BENEFIT
Bobby Butler, who had a slow start to training camp and the regular season, figures to see extra ice time with Alfredsson out. Butler, who picked up his first assist of the season in Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins, scored 10 goals and 11 assists in 36 games with the Senators last season.
MacLean says he’s contemplating putting defenceman Brian Lee back into the lineup against Montreal.
Lee has sat out the past seven games and MacLean keeps asking himself and the rest of the coaching staff where he can fit him in.
“I ask that question every day. I asked again (Thursday). I’ll ask again (today) and make a decision.
“We know he’s a good player, but right now he’s the seventh (defenceman), and that’s just the way it has played out. It’s up to him, when he gets in there, to make us keep him in.”
Rookie blueliner David Rundblad is a candidate to come out.
Craig Anderson will start in goal against Montreal, with Alex Auld, who played for the Canadiens last season when Carey Price didn’t start, returning as a backup after missing three games with a groin injury. Robin Lehner was returned to Binghamton after practice Thursday.
Here he goes again, that crybaby Alfredsson. He wants to blame everyone but himself for the play. Not taking responsibility, that’s been his way throughout his career.
With leadership like that it’s no wonder the Sens keep choking when the going gets tough.
did you read the article you door knob?
Quite the contrary, “Colin” – he actually recognizes both his faults and how things could have been improved or avoided – on both sides. If anything, Alfredsson is acting quite diplomatic, considering the circumstances.
Did you skip to the comments section? Clearly, you did. LOL.
IDIOT
Colin you are a grade “A” moron. Did you even read the article?!?
Colin,
Did you even read the article. Alfie said he has to also be partly responsible to not recognize that Wolski was in his path. Next time you want to troll… actually read the article so not to make yourself look foolish.
I think Wolski could have turned away… but if you notice in the video at the last second he turned into Alfie. The puck was no where near him… he did not have to hit him at all.
Just hope Wolski keeps his head on up Nov 9th.
Was really hoping Alfie would be playing the game on 11-11-11. With these symptoms that appears to be out of the question.
The leagues definition of who deserves discipline is a joke as is Brendan Shannahan. I watched Shannahan growing up and can say I’ve lost all respect for who I thought was an honourable player and person. The replay clearly shows from all angles that Wolski put his elbow into Alfredsson’s face… but because of Wolski’s “reputation” he isn’t getting a suspension? There is no favouritism with the law, if you’re a good person and you rob someone, or kill someone out of the blue, you’re still going to jail… even if you didn’t mean to do it. Show a little more respect for Alfredsson and the Senators.
All hit to the head,intentional or not should be penalized with a suspension.each player should be in full control of there arms and stick at all time.
Colin, or should I say “Laffs” fan. Get a life! You obviously wouldn’t know “leadership” if it kicked you in the a$$. No one worth a pinch saw anything in that hit but a “headshot”. At the rate “Shanny” was going, and I emphasize WAS, during the pre-season Wolski would have gotten 10 games easy. The owners/GMs and Buttmen have effectively neutered him just as they do the referees come playoff time. You’re all for the rulebook until it affects you/your team. You’re all the same…hypocrites!
Wow Colin, I can see you have never got over the Tucker’s hit.
Sad, you still live in the past and can not let go!! Do it now! You will feel better my “Bud”dy!!! Leafer!!!
You are healed!!
Praise Alfie!!!
Wolski won’t need to reach out on the 9th. Neiler will be reaching out for him.
Where is the transparency that Shanahan promised would come with his new position? I have lost all respect for him as he did not have the courage or integrity to so the right thing. In regard to Colin, it is quite apparent that he does not have the cognitive ability to read and process the information provided in the story. He must be a Leaf fan.