In Ottawa, Don Brennan writes the arrival of rookie G Andrew Hammond has been "the saving grace to a Senators season that was headed down the drain and had lost the interest of a great many fans." The Senators through 33 home dates "have had just seven sellouts," and while as of yesterday there were still 2,000 tickets left, tonight's game against the Bruins "should be the eighth." Suddenly, the Senators "are again the talk of the town." CFGO-AM "has emerged as a community leader by purchasing 10,000 Hamburglar masks that will be handed out to the first customers through the doors" tonight. Hammond has been nicknamed "The Hamburglar," and has the classic McDonald's character painted on his mask. There is "tremendous excitement over the arrival of a 27-year old likeable and unassuming goalie" (OTTAWA SUN, 3/19).
VACANCY AT THE ALAMO: In San Antonio, John Whisler notes the Panthers "have signed a working agreement with the Portland (Maine) Pirates of the AHL." Various reports indicate that the contract "is for four years," beginning with the '15-16 season. That leaves the AHL San Antonio Rampage "without an NHL parent club" for next season at the moment. But Spurs Sports & Entertainment yesterday in a statement indicated that pro hockey "will remain in San Antonio" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 3/19).
GOING GREEN: In Buffalo, John Vogl notes the green St. Patrick’s Day jerseys the Sabres "wore during warm-ups Monday and the breast cancer awareness jerseys worn by former players at the alumni wine festival are up for bid." Both auctions "are accessible via Auction.NHL.com." The green jerseys, "which feature a shamrock on the shoulder and gaelic lettering on the back, had a starting bid of $250." The auction runs until 9:00pm ET Sunday, with proceeds "benefiting the Sabres’ foundation." The autographed alumni jerseys, which "are white with pink numbers and trim, feature players such as Gilbert Perreault, Rene Robert, Danny Gare and Rob Ray." This auction will run until 9:00pm Wednesday (BUFFALO NEWS, 3/19).
