The Ottawa Senators have recalled goaltender Chris Driedger today, with Craig Anderson not on the ice at practice. Bruce Garrioch does report that Mike Condon is present, meaning he will likely get the start tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anderson has been in and out of the lineup as he continues to deal with issues surrounding his wife’s illness, but had been back with the team for over a month.
The 35-year old Anderson has won six straight starts and is in the midst of his most successful NHL career, if a difficult one off the ice. With a .930 save percentage in 30 starts, he has been a huge reason the Senators find themselves battling for first place in the Atlantic Division. They’ll hopefully get him back sooner than later as they fight to lock up the top seed.
Driedger has been up this year in emergency situations, and got into one game back in November. The 22-year old netminder has spent time at all three levels (ECHL, AHL, NHL) this season, with mixed results at each. A former third-round pick, his future is still bright with the organization after posting a passable season with Binghamton.