John Muckler has steadfastly maintained that Patrick Lalime is the Senators #1 goalie and will be their goalie going into the playoffs (although Muckler might have softened his stance during the past day). It really does appear that Lalime, who has played well for the Sens in the past but has struggled considerably this year, will continue to be a Senator following the trade deadline.

However, it looks like Karel Rachunek, who has played well for the Sens in the past but has had some struggles this season, will probably be traded before the deadline tomorrow. Rachunek has been a scratch the past two games with a "back injury" but the Ottawa Citizen reported that he looked fine doing wind sprints Saturday.

Unless there is more the Rachunek situation then meets the eye, I don't understand why the Sens would give up on the younger player. Rachunek can be spotted in the lineup if the continues to struggle while Lalime cannot. If Rachunek stinks in the playoffs, he can see his icetime reduced with little effect on the Sens. If Lalime stinks in the playoffs, he'll probably cost his team victories.