In hindsight, the Ottawa Senators could’ve used Bobby Ryan, what with their inability to score against Braden Holtby in a 1-0 loss to the Washington Capitals.
If you’re wondering why Ryan was a healthy scratch, don’t expect to get an answer any time soon from head coach Guy Boucher.
Was Ryan injured? Is a trade coming? Perhaps something discipline-related is going on? All of those questions popped up, yet Boucher really wasn’t giving reporters anything beyond stating that he hopes the winger will play against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday:
Boucher being tight-lipped on Ryan. Doesn't say he is injured. Just says he is hopeful he will play tomorrow. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) January 8, 2017
Hmmm. The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch and others note that Boucher kept hammering the train of thought when asked about possible reasons why Ryan didn’t play tonight.
When asked about discipline issue, Boucher repeated that he was hopeful Ryan would play tomorrow. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) January 8, 2017
So, from the sound of that, we’ll need to wait to get more details about Ryan, a forward who’s been exposed to behind-the-scenes drama plenty of times before.
If you’re bored on a night like this, you could probably entertain yourself with any number of likely unrealistic scenarios. At least there’s that.