Pascal Leclaire is Turning Heads and stopping Pucks

There is plenty of excitement being generated by management and players alike in the Ottawa Senators training camp as their number one goalie Pascal Leclaire has been turning heads with what has been a strong camp. After struggling last season with mediocre at best goaltending the Senators made an investment at the March trade deadline as they acquired Leclaire who at the time was injured from the Columbus Blue Jackets.  This 26 year-old who was chosen eighth overall in 2001 only played in 12 games last year and was sidelined for the season in November due to a severe ankle injury. Coming into camp Leclaire who had his best season in 2008 with 24 wins and a 2.25 GAA was a bit of a wildcard as no one knew how much rust he would have after being sidelined for so long. “I’m very happy with Pascal,” said Senators’ general manager Bryan Murray who has had approximately eight number one net minders in the past nine years. “He is coming off a time where he had some injury problems and health problems. He’s worked very hard this summer and has looked very good in the games this preseason.”  In camp Leclaire was looking to once again get comfortable on the ice after the long layoff and start the season healthy. Unfortunately injuries have haunted him in his first six NHL campaigns. “It was a long time without playing any games,” Leclaire who went 4-6-1 last year said. “I’m trying to use the exhibition games to get back in the groove. So far so good… but it’s not perfect.” Unlike goalies of the past such as Dominik Hasek or Ray Emery who have graced the Senators net Leclaire is a lot calmer which he feels is an advantage on the ice. “When the goalie is calm it has a positive effect on his teammates,” Leclaire said. Despite a solid camp there will be a lot of pressure put on Leclaire playing for an Ottawa team that drastically underachieved last season in missing the playoffs. Lots of eyes will be focused on the Quebec native who hasn’t won a game since last November.