Senators Article: Langfeld's return a boost to B-Sens' offense
April 14, 2004

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

Langfeld's return a boost to B-Sens' offense

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- The AHL playoffs open here tonight, and no joshing, Josh Langfeld will be in uniform for the Binghamton Senators.

Langfeld, who had not dressed for three Stanley Cup playoff games with Ottawa, agreed Tuesday to a minor-league conditioning stint of undetermined length starting tonight in Game 1 of the Senators' best-of-three qualifying round series against the Norfolk Admirals.

"Josh wanted to come and play, and Ottawa wanted to give us the best chance possible to succeed," Senators coach John Paddock said. "It was a mutual decision for Josh to come and do this."

Langfeld, 26, has not skated in an AHL game since Jan. 28 in Rochester. He was recalled by Ottawa the following day and had seemingly secured a permanent spot in the lineup with seven goals and 10 assists in 38 games.

Still, plenty of players joined the Senators since late January, and none were issued No. 21.

It was being saved for this occasion.

"He talked to a couple of other players and decided he wanted to do this," Paddock said. "He's a great team guy. Everyone wants to play this time of year."

Langfeld, who is expected to arrive in time for the morning skate, should fit right in on the right wing. He recorded 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) in 30 AHL games this season and has excelled on a line with center Chris Kelly and left wing Denis Hamel.

His return coincides with the news that dynamic right wing Brad Tapper will miss the playoffs after suffering another concussion last Saturday night, and Langfeld's presence figures to give the Senators' offense a jolt.

"Most players come down with some sort of adrenaline," Paddock said. "Not many players play at a point-per-game pace the way Josh did. All year he was one of our top players. Certainly he has the potential to have a big impact."