Fluky Face Injury to Pascal Leclaire

You can excuse Ottawa Senators goalie Pascal Leclaire if for now on he decides to wear a full mask when sitting on the bench. During Monday’s home game against the Washington Capitals Leclaire who was just starting to turn his game around after getting off to an inconsistent start suffered a devastating fluky injury that will keep the 27 year-old out of action for the next month. Leclaire who is a former 2001 Columbus Blue Jackets first round pick was sitting on the bench and talking to the trainer when all of the sudden he got hit in the face by an errant puck. ”I didn’t even see it coming,” Leclaire who has 8 wins this season and a 2.71 GAA said. “I was talking to one of our trainers and it hit me like a baseball bat. It hurt quite a bit and I was dazed for awhile.” This is just the latest setback for Leclaire who played only 12 games last season due to a lower body and an ankle injury. There is no doubt that this injury will start the debate about whether backup goalies should perhaps wear a helmet on the bench as opposed to just a baseball cap. With Ottawa battling tooth and nail for a playoff spot there is no doubt that this costly loss can end up costing them a playoff spot once spring rolls around. “That’s a terrible break for (Leclaire) and for us,” Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson said. “He’s played really well when he has been called upon and we feel comfortable with him playing without question.”