Sens gear up for playoffs

The Ottawa Senators -- in a long-rumored deal -- acquired winger Peter Bondra today from the Washington Capitals in exchange for prospect Brooks Laich and a second round pick in the 2005 Entry Draft. The repercussions of this deal will be interesting to witness. How will Bondra react to being traded? He has been rumored to be on the block several times in his career -- mainly because Washington hasn’t had good teams, despite Bondra’s numbers -- including once by his own request. Will he embrace his new team, or will he wonder why Washington traded him away? More importantly, how will the other powers in the East -- Toronto, Philadelphia, and New Jersey -- react? Flyers GM Bob Clarke has already made two bad trades this season -- will he add to that total? Will Maple Leafs wonder boy-GM John Ferguson feel the pressure from the Cup-starved Toronto fans? Will Devils GM Lou Lamoriello try to make a splash to shake up his team, or will he continue to do what’s always done and add character guys that win? March 9 is less than three weeks away. The clock is ticking.