Prime Time Sports Summary - April 17, 2007

Here are the NHL Stories from Prime Time Sports last night (National Hour):

Host: Bob McCown
Guests: Jim Kelley from Rogers Sportsnet
NHL Phone In: John Muckler, GM of the Ottawa Senators

Main NHL Story: John Muckler called into the show and both McCown and Kelley talked to him about some of the issues surrounding the Senators. McCown first brought up the state of the series with the Penguins. Muckler commented that it is a very tough series and will continue to be one. The Penguins team is young and fast and Ottawa must match that with skill. McCown continued, mentioning how this series will be seen as a "hurdle" for the Senators to get over, given their past playoff performances. Muckler responded that he knows his team must win in the playoffs, regardless of their regular season performances. Muckler feels that this 2007 team is built differently than previous years and has all the make-up of a playoff winning team. Kelley asked Muckler about the state of his team and why they should be considered a playoff team. Muckler responded with the example of the adversity the team faced when they were plagued with injuries. Those injuries allowed some of their 4th liners and AHL players to prove themselves, which in turn has made the Senators a very deep team in terms of NHL playing time and experience. Muckler really thinks the maturity of Ray Emery will also help them to succeed. Kelley and Muckler talked about the physical side of the series and the playoff on whole and so far Ottawa is winning the physicality battle in the first round. McCown brought up the issue of the Gary Roberts trade and some of the rumours going around the trade. Muckler responded simply with no comment. As was mentioned on AM640's Leafs Lunch yesterday, by Bruce Garroich of the Ottawa Sun, Roberts didn't go to Ottawa because Muckler would not give Florida their first round pick, but I digress. Kelley asked Muckler about his feelings on the officiating so far in the playoffs. Muckler seemed quite happy with the Officials and feels he has a great pair of Refs for the Pens and Sens round. This brought on a discussion about the style of play in the post-lockout era and the officials. Kelley asked Muckler about the play of Daniel Alfredsson, who seems to be playing for vengeance this series, because of the weak defensive move he made on Buffalo's Jason Pominville in last years playoffs, which ended the Senators hopes at the 2006 Stanley Cup. Muckler just said that Alfredsson is playing like a leader, like the captain of the team or, in other words, like he should be. Finally, McCown asked Muckler if he had any feelings about the CBC snub by the NHL on the Saturday night game last week. Muckler said what is best for the NHL will be decided by the NHL.

Bullets:
Jim Kelley and Bob McCown sent their condolences to the family of Gaetan Duchesne, who died of a heart attack at the young age of 44.