Teammate Awkwardly Forced to Tell Senators Goalie He’s Been Pulled From the Game

Senators goalie Anton Forsberg was pulled from the game, but defenseman Travis Hamonic had to be the one to tell him.

Monday night’s game against the Sabres was a rough one for Senators goalie Anton Forsberg. 

The Swedish veteran allowed five goals in the first two periods, stopping just 13 of the 18 shots he faces as Buffalo raced out to a 5–1 lead. When the third period began, Ottawa coach D.J. Smith decided he’d seen enough from Forsberg and opted to put Joonas Korpisalo in net instead. 

The problem was that Forsberg had apparently not been informed of the switch. 

As the period was about to start, Forsberg stood in his crease ready for the action to begin. Defenseman Travis Hamonic had to be the one to skate down toward Forsberg and tell him he was being given the hook. 

Nobody told Forsberg that he wasnt playing the 3rd period. Hamonic had to come over and tell him #LetsGoBuffalo #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/Eb17XG2hMw

— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) October 25, 2023

How does that happen? The coaching staff should have made it clear to Forsberg before the start of the period that his night was over. It never should have been Hamonic’s responsibility to break the news to Forsberg. 

In a social media post, former NHL goalie Mike McKenna called it “an unforgivable miscommunication.”

At several points during the game, Senators fans chanted “Fire D.J.” in reference to head coach D.J. Smith. After his awkward moment with Hamonic, Forsberg might agree with them.