"The suspicious look grew on Cory Clouston's face Monday at the Bell Centre when he was asked if he'd already made his choice — a tough one, for the right reasons — as to which goalie he would start against the Habs the next night.
Evidently, he thought the media was trying to get him to reveal that secret before he traditionally does, the morning of the game.
"Right now our decision is mostly made," Clouston said, breaking into the type of grin that is easier to spot around the Senators' dressing room these days. "That's good, though. Isn't that leading the witness? Isn't that what that's called?"
There's been one blip on each of their screens since Nov. 22, but Pascal Leclaire and Brian Elliott have otherwise been stellar of late. The Senators have given up just eight goals in six of their past eight games as whichever masked man has been in their goal has given them, even with their sputtering offence, a chance to win.
During much of his almost two seasons in the NHL, Clouston has had to choose between Leclaire, who is inconsistent and often injured, or Elliott, who has been mostly just inconsistent.
But now, both are playing well and if Elliott didn't have a minor shoulder injury that could probably use a little more rest, Clouston would have a one of those difficult calls all coaches like to have in selecting who to use in an important game with the leaders of his division.
Okay, so we're just guessing he's going to use Leclaire against the Habs.
"The thing is, we need to keep them both sharp, both ready, because you never know what happens, as far as injuries, sickness," said Clouston. "Both players are playing well and it gives the team a lot of confidence."
Clouston credits goalie coach Rick Wamsley with helping Leclaire, who he also worked with in Columbus.
"He's seeing the puck well," Clouston said of Leclaire, who finally bumped his save percentage over .900 with Sunday's 3-1 win over the Rangers. "The rebounds aren't as big as they used to be. I just think he feels good about his game. I think Rick has done a tremendous job with him. They have a good relationship, as with him and Brian. "
