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Craig Anderson gets pulled in first five minutes during return

Ottawa Senators v Boston Bruins

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 31: Craig Anderson #41 of the Ottawa Senators hits his face with some water before the game against the Boston Bruins on January 31, 2012 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Elsa

When word surfaced that Craig Anderson was nearing a return, I felt a little silly (but still had to ask) if the Ottawa Senators could have a goalie controversy in the making. That question feels less ridiculous after tonight, however, as Anderson was pulled about five minutes into his first game back after allowing two goals on four shots.

It’s fair to say that it’s probably “just one of those games,” though. Erik Cole completed his natural hat trick less than a minute later, as Ben Bishop hasn’t fared much better so far (two goals allowed on eight shots in a little more than nine minutes of game time).

Update: in fact, Senators coach Paul MacLean opted to go back with Anderson after the first period ended. He allowed on more goal throughout the game (a Lars Eller mark in the final frame) as the Montreal Canadiens won 5-1, suddenly placing the Senators’ playoff hopes in doubt.

Still, the Senators are dealing with heightened expectations right now. The team might be taken more seriously considering their Erik Karlsson/Jason Spezza-fueled attack, but getting decent goaltending is key.

There could be some debate about which netminder would be best to get that done, then.