The Senators’ season hasn’t gone as expected, as the team sits seventh in the Atlantic Division with a 19-21-3 record and 41 points. This team was expected to take a step forward this season with the additions of Alex DeBrincat and Claude Giroux as they joined a forward group already consisting of Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, Drake Batherson, and Josh Norris.
Unfortanley for the Senators, they have been without their star 23-year-old center Josh Norris since Oct. 22. Norris played in only five games before sustaining a shoulder injury. When the injury occurred, it was thought he might miss the remainder of the season, but over the last few days, word has gotten out that he will be returning soon. The decision was made in November that Norris wouldn’t have surgery on the shoulder he injured back on Oct. 22 game against the Arizona Coyotes.
Head coach D.J. Smith told reporters last Sunday that Norris wouldn’t be suiting up for the Senators’ game last night against the Blues but will be looking to make his return later this week. The Sens suffered a 2-1 defeat against the St. Louis Blues last night, as they have now lost four of their previous five games.
The Senators have three games remaining for the week as they play the Pittsburgh Penguins twice, with the games being on Wednesday, Jan. 18, and Jan. 20. They wrap up the week on Jan. 21 against the Winnipeg Jets at home.
“Norris is close, so maybe we’ll get a boost with a few of these guys,” Smith said after the club’s skate at the Enterprise Center. “Norris won’t play (Monday), but he’s getting really close.
“He has to feel good, but he’s feeling as good as he’s felt.”
Having Norris return to the lineup will be necessary for a second-half push. It will be an uphill battle for the team to get back into playoff contention, as there are six teams ahead of them for the final Wild Card. Nine points separate them and the Pittsburgh Penguins, who hold that final spot.
Norris is coming off a career year that saw him, in only his second year in the league, scoring 35 goals and tallying 20 assists for 55 points.
