Senators Article: Langfeld bides time by helping B-Sens; Winger welcomed addition to lineup
April 15, 2004

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

Langfeld bides time by helping B-Sens

Winger welcomed addition to lineup

BY SCOTT LAUBER

Press & Sun-Bulletin

BINGHAMTON -- Josh Langfeld moved into his old locker near the front of the Binghamton Senators' dressing room Wednesday morning.

Hours later, he pulled on his familiar No. 21 sweater and took his place on the right wing with linemates Chris Kelly and Denis Hamel. And just like that, it was as if Langfeld never left.

But his encore engagement in the AHL has a far different, more temporary, feel to it.

At the suggestion of Ottawa management, he rented an apartment near the Corel Centre, a sign that he is in the NHL to stay, and at general manager John Muckler's first request, he will return there.

The reason he came here and rejoined the Baby Senators in time to open their best-of-three qualifying round series Wednesday night against the Norfolk Admirals was to stay in game shape so he is ready if Ottawa needs him to contribute in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

"It's something I didn't have to do," Langfeld said. "But if someone on one of (Ottawa's) top lines gets hurt, they told me I'd be playing, so I decided if they could figure out how they could send me down for a few games, I wanted to do it.

"Not only that, but I wanted to come down and help the guys and help (coach) John (Paddock). It was the right thing for me to do."

Unless he hears differently from Ottawa, Langfeld expects to play in Game 2 Friday night and Game 3, if necessary, Saturday night. Then he is scheduled to speak with Muckler about possibly returning to Ottawa.

In the meantime, Langfeld is determined to help his former teammates get past the Admirals. He was one of Binghamton's top forwards in the playoffs last spring and scored 27 points in 30 AHL games and was selected to play in the All-Star Game before going to Ottawa full-time in late January.

"I'm excited about this," said Langfeld, who was greeted by fans in Section 3 carrying signs that read, "Go Josh" and bearing his No. 21.

"I listened to their game (April 4) in Philadelphia on my laptop, and I know what's been going on here. I played with most of these guys for three years, and I want to see them do well. I just happen to be back with them this week, and I'd like to help if I can.

* Slap shots: Rugged winger Mike Brown, scratched for Game 1, is sporting yet another new look. After dying his shaggy blonde hair red this week, Brown has shaved his head. ...

Rookie forwards Gregg Johnson and Derek Campbell, and defensemen Jan Platil and Neil Komadoski were also healthy scratches. ...

Even with Game 4 of the Battle of Ontario raging in Ottawa, Senators pro scout Michael Abbamont was here. Ditto for Bob Pullford, senior vice president/GM of the Chicago Blackhawks, Norfolk's NHL club. ...

AHL president Dave Andrews is expected to appear this morning on ESPN2 talk show Cold Pizza.