Senators Articles: Emery's promotion leaves B-Sens short
March 29, 2004

Posted by: Bob Howard
Credit: Scott Lauber of Press Connects.com

Emery's promotion leaves B-Sens short

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- As if making the Calder Cup playoffs hasn't been tough enough for the Binghamton Senators, they will have to do without their starting goalie for at least the next few days.

Two-time AHL all-star Ray Emery was summoned on an emergency basis Sunday by the Ottawa Senators to replace Patrick Lalime, who sprained his left knee six minutes into Saturday night's 2-2 tie with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Lalime will miss at least two games, tonight in Tampa Bay and Wednesday night against Florida. Binghamton does not play again until Friday night's pivotal playoff battle in Norfolk, but Emery will be there only if Lalime is ready to play against the Flyers in Philadelphia.

"Patrick still has some soreness," Ottawa coach Jacques Martin told reporters Sunday. "It's not going to be too long, but he won't be playing in Florida this week. We'll just have to see how he comes along day by day."

If Emery is still needed by Ottawa, rookie backup Billy Thompson will start Friday night for the B-Sens. Thompson is 4-1-1 with a 2.31 goals-against average and .934 save percentage in his last six starts.

The B-Sens had the day off after Saturday night's 1-0 overtime loss to Philadelphia, but they got help in the East Division playoff race. Bridgeport blanked Norfolk, 2-0, and last-place Albany came from behind to beat Hershey, 4-2.

With six games remaining, Binghamton holds a two-point edge over Hershey for the final playoff spot and is one point behind fourth-place Norfolk.