Ottawa Senators’ Artem Anisimov Almost Makes History

Artem Anisimov volunteered to don the goalie equipment after starter Matt Murray appeared to tweak his left side after being tangled up with Canucks Jake Virtanen. Murray received a tripping penalty on the play.

Hogberg entered the game in relief of Murray 4:13 into the second period. Even more interesting was the circumstance why Hogberg was backing up in the first place.

Senators’ head coach D.J. Smith originally appointed Anton Forsberg as the team’s starter Saturday in what became an eventual 4-2 loss to Vancouver, ending Ottawa’s three-game win streak, while Murray was slated to back up.

Forsberg never made his way to the ice for pregame warmup. The club announced he sustained a lower-body injury prior the actual warmup. The goaltender was later photographed on Anisimov’s Instagram account with his left ankle wrapped.

Artem Anisimov on Instagram. 😂

Forsberg was helping him put the equipment on (seems to be an ankle injury). pic.twitter.com/q9c29ldMNO

— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) April 25, 2021

Appearing in only 18 games, it’s been a tough season for Anisimov who’s been waived and spent time including the present on the Senators’ taxi squad. The 32-year old is known as a pro’s pro who’s willing to assist his team in any way necessary. And this night was no different, albeit a bit unique.

“We had Arty dressed and ready to go. We didn’t have anyone left. A lot of people would think Zak Bierk, the goalie coach played in the NHL – but with three hip surgeries, a bad ear from a shot in the head as a player, so he’s not an option. So we really didn’t have anyone left. I know (GM) Pierre Dorion played some net at the Christmas skate a couple of years ago. We were mulling that over, but Arty had the gear on and was ready to go in,” explained Smith.

Arty’s been playing the wrong position all along 😂 https://t.co/DBikxoQYc6

— Joey Daccord (@JDac35) April 25, 2021

Defenseman Thomas Chabot was proud of his teammate, “You learn some things after the game in the locker room to see him all dressed up as a goalie, but that’s part the of the game – weird stuff happening. Guys get hurt. To see him dressed up was pretty funny. Guys definitely had a good little laugh at it. It’s good on him. It’s good for Arty to be ready to play goalie in case we needed him.

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The Senators returned home Sunday morning in advance of facing the Canucks once again Monday and Wednesday with one healthy goalie, Marcus Hogberg. Filip Gustavsson will likely be recalled from Belleville to act as back up,

Maybe Smith will receive some good news regarding the health of Forsberg and Murray? While it’s unlikely, Senators’ fans know Artem Anisimov will be ready if called upon.