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Since Josh Norris is out with a shoulder injury for some time, the Ottawa Senators should be concerned. It was not the first time Norris encountered a problem of the same type that kept him from playing. Eventually, Norris was forced to undergo surgery due to the injury.
As of right now, Senators coach D.J. Smith is concerned about the situation. Smith is hoping for the best but realizes that Norris' injury could have a significant impact on the team's performance this season. "It's concerning.
When I'm doing my lineup in the middle of June and July, I have him in my lineup. At this point, I am being told he is unable to play. We will continue doing what we're doing but understand that the player and ourselves all want Josh to play."- Senators coach D.J.
Smith said, as quoted by nhl.com!
D.J. Smith reacts to Norris' injury
Smith wanted to give Norris a chance, but the injury was obviously an obstacle. The coach did not expect such a thing to happen. He has to adapt to the situation and experiment at this moment.
Smith will have to come up with new strategies to compensate for the injury. "Right now, the training staff and doctors are telling me that he's not going to play," Smith said. "Again, it's unfortunate. I know the kid wants to play hockey.
As a coaching staff, we've had to change some things around, especially our power play. We always have Josh in that one-time spot. Never did we think that possibly we'd start the year without him, and it certainly looks that way." Smith calls for optimism at this point.
They have no choice but to adapt. "It's frustrating for everyone involved. He's a big part of this team, but all we can do is have a next-guy-up mentality and do what we need to do."