here is a very simple reason why the Ottawa Senators have not sent Ray Emery home or buried him in the minors - because they need him. Boy, do they need him.

Sure, they don't the need all the aggravation that he has caused and his teammates will be the first to tell Emery that, but in case you haven't noticed, there is lately an air of desperation about the Senators. They are not playing well and they are not getting good goaltending from either Martin Gerber or Emery, and if they have any hopes of being a legitimate Cup contender, one of the goalies has to step up and step up soon.

And for as much grief as Emery has caused them, the Sens aren't particular about which guy steps up, so long as one of them does because Ottawa isn't in any position to trade for a No. 1 goalie. Let's call it for what it is -- their season rests on the shoulders of Gerber and/or Emery, so as much as they might like the idea of burying Emery, don't be surprised if in short order they do exactly the opposite and start giving him more starts and a greater opportunity to get on a run.

At that point, it will be up to Rayzor to get sharp. In the meantime, the Sens are hoping peer pressure from his teammates and a fine of about $14,705.88, give or take a few pennies, is going to be the wake-up call he needs to play like he did last season.

It's probably his last chance, although one could say the same thing about the Senators, which is why they're still together, trying to work it out.