Article content continued

“It’s tough to see (Canada), we’re travelling at the same time,” he said. “Actually, in their first two games, we were playing on the same night. I’m trying to follow it as much as possible, but I’ve been in and out.”

SLEEPING THROUGH THE NOISE

Even the afternoon outdoor classic between Canada and the United States on Dec. 29 presented a problem. The Senators played Columbus later that night and Chabot was doing what NHL players do — getting in his pre-game afternoon nap.

Chabot says he feels odd when he does catch bits and pieces of the action.

“It’s actually kind of weird being on the other side of it, and trying to watch it on TV,” he said. “I watched it my whole life on TV and in the past two years, I’ve been there. It’s great. I hope the best for (Canada). I hope they get gold because we came so close last year.”

When Canada blew a two-goal third period lead against the U.S. on Dec. 29, before losing in a shootout, it brought back painful memories for Chabot. It’s precisely the same scenario that played out in the championship game last year.

“It was exactly the same thing,” he said. “We went into the third up by two, still up by two with 15 minutes left. That was tough to watch. But I’m sure if they get (the U.S.) again, they’ll get them back.”

WELCOME BACK, FREDDIE

After missing the past two games due to a suspension for his high hit on Boston’s Noel Acciari on Dec. 27, Fredrik Claesson was happily preparing for his return against Detroit Wednesday. He was happy, that is, until he took a deflected puck in the mouth at practice. After dropping briefly to his knees, Claesson got up, gave a thumbs-up and skated off the ice with blood cascading down his face. Apparently he didn’t lose any teeth, but he did need three stitches to close the gash.