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Stillman, Commodore to make debut as Senators host Sabres

Feb 12, 2008 - 3:02 PM Buffalo (26-21-8) at Ottawa (34-18-4) 7:30 pm EST

OTTAWA (Ticker) -- Intent on making another run at the Stanley Cup, the Ottawa Senators added some much-needed experience, getting a pair of players who have won a combined three rings on Monday.

Cory Stillman and defenseman Mike Commodore, acquired in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes for defenseman Joe Corvo and Patrick Eaves, are expected to debut with their new team Tuesday night when the Senators host the Buffalo Sabres.

A 13-year veteran, Stillman won Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay in 2004 and Carolina in 2006, while Commodore also was a member of the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup-winning team.

"What we get here are two guys that have won Stanley Cups," Ottawa general manager Bryan Murray said. "I think it's a message to the community that this teams wants to win a Stanley Cup."

Stillman, who has 21 goals and 46 points this season, should provide the Senators with some offensive depth beyond the first line. The club showed how dependent they were on the top line when All-Stars Dany Heatley and captain Daniel Alfredsson missed games with injuries.

The Sabres have posted a 6-0-2 record over the previous eight contests. Buffalo is coming off a 5-3 victory over the Florida Panthers.

Defenseman Brian Campbell had three assist in that contest, which was marred by Panthers right wing Richard Zednik getting his throat slashed by the skate of teammate and captain Olli Jokinen midway through the third period.