The Ottawa Senators lineup just got a little less brawny as forward Nick Cousins will miss six-to-eight weeks with a knee injury, head coach Travis Green said on Wednesday. This news is a significant blow to the team, who have been relying on Cousins' physical presence on the ice to create scoring opportunities and intimidate their opponents.
The injury to Cousins is a major concern for the Senators, who are already struggling to find consistency in their game. With Cousins out of the lineup, the team will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence. This could be a tough task, as Cousins brings a unique combination of skill and physicality to the game that is difficult to replace.
Head coach Travis Green will have to get creative with his lineup and find ways to generate scoring chances without Cousins on the ice. This could involve moving players around and trying out different combinations, or it could involve calling up players from the minor leagues to add some freshness to the lineup. Whatever the solution, it will be crucial for the Senators to find a way to overcome the loss of Cousins and keep their season on track.
For Cousins, the injury is a frustrating setback in what has been a solid season so far. He has been a key contributor to the Senators' offense, using his speed and agility to create scoring chances and his physicality to win battles for the puck. His absence will be felt not only on the ice, but also in the dressing room, where he is a respected leader and a popular teammate.
As the Senators look to move forward without Cousins, they will have to draw on their depth and resilience to overcome this latest setback. It will not be an easy task, but with the right mindset and the right strategy, they can still achieve their goals and make a push for the playoffs. For now, though, the focus will be on supporting Cousins as he undergoes treatment and rehabilitation for his knee injury, and on finding ways to fill the void left by his absence.