Bittersweet homecoming for Havlat, Lalime
OTTAWA, Ontario -- Martin Havlat and Patrick Lalime each had homecomings Saturday night as the Blackhawks played in Ottawa for the first time since the pair left the Senators -- Lalime following the 2003-04 season and Havlat two years later.
Both were disappointed for a while, but a 4-3 overtime win put smiles back on their faces.
Both players were key elements the last time the teams met as the Blackhawks were 4-3 winners in overtime last March at the United Center. Lalime collected the win in goal while Havlat picked up an assist.
Saturday, Lalime was a backup to Nikolai Khabibulin, and Havlat left with a groin injury in the second period having taken just 12 shifts for 8:10 of ice time.
"It was a great win for us and a great 2 points," Havlat said. "I was disappointed that I didn't finish the game because I was really looking forward to it, but at the end everyone was happy because we won the game."
During five seasons with the Senators, Havlat had 105 goals and 235 points in 298 regular-season games. He was one of the flashiest players to wear a Senators uniform.
"He's a skilled player and he's the go-to guy in Chicago," said Senators forward Chris Neil. "When he was here he was a good teammate and a good guy. He needed a change in scenery to become the player he is today."
Havlat did have a first-period breakaway, but he was turned aside by Ray Emery.
"I was looking forward to this even before the season started," said Havlat, who treated 12 of his closest Ottawa friends to a night in a suite at Scotiabank Place. "It was my home for six or seven years and I have nothing but good feelings for this place. I've got a lot of friends here in and out of hockey."
Lalime, who played five seasons with Ottawa before being shipped off to St. Louis, was hoping to get the start Saturday, but coach Denis Savard decided to stick with Khabibulin.
Still, Lalime was happy to be back in Ottawa, where he enjoyed varied success. In his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Lalime earned a 3-3 tie in his only appearance in Ottawa as a visiting player. That allowed Lalime to tie the record for the longest unbeaten streak to start a career. He went on to set the record, which now stands at 14-0-2.
"I heard that maybe I had a chance (to start), and when the schedule came out, there was some talk about Ottawa," Lalime said. "Being the first time I come back here for hockey reasons, it would have been nice. I have a lot of good memories from here."
Barker debut: Defenseman Cam Barker made his season debut with the Blackhawks after being called up from Rockford of the AHL on Thursday. Barker had almost 14 minutes of ice time.