Craven Morehead

Right winger Martin Havlat makes his season debut tonight against the Washington Capitals after his contract squabbles from earlier. A groin injury put his debut on hold until tonight. Ottawa has been without there 3 fastest players from last season with Havlat, Fisher(injury) and Arvedson (left via FA) and it has shown. With Havlat coming back, Ottawa's best natural sniper will slide in with Spezza at centre and Schaefer on the left. Ottawa, which has come out of the gate somewhat slow, has had lots of success the last couple seasons versus the Caps offensively!!! Plus, I have gold seats for this game, so I had to say something!!!

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I'm back baby, I'm back!!

TimmyTabasco

Havlat is a key player for the Sens.

He will produce well this year.

But 3rd line duty?

hockey nut

It's great that Havlat is back and ready to go tonite. As for him being a key player, with that said I have to ask who aren't key to the Sens lineup, I think that all the players are important to the teams success.

Your last remark raises a question for me, who of the other RW's should get less ice time since you note that "3rd line status" is not correct? IMO, the lines on the Sens are not clear as to 1,2,3 and they will get ice time that they deserve based on situations and how well they are playing. I wouldn't expect to see the Spezza/Havlat line out against the Jagr line, they are not presently the greatest in defensive roles and also will not be out for the PK. On the flip side though, they will get ice time on the PP and even strength.

Bottom line as I see it is that they will get the ice time that they earn and that goes for the other fwds in the lineup.