Mike Condon proving vital to Senators' success

When the Ottawa Senators added Mike Condon for the price of a fifth-round draft pick, the expectation was that he would give the club the occasional spot start while Craig Anderson was on personal leave and in relief of Andrew Hammond.

As it turns out, the 26-year-old undrafted goalie has been relied upon heavily in recent weeks, and is making good on the opportunity.

Condon's latest feat? A 42-save shutout win over the first-place Columbus Blue Jackets.

Since the beginning of December, Condon has started 19 of Ottawa's past 20 games for the Senators, with Anderson still away from the team to be with his ailing wife and Hammond on the shelf with an ankle sprain.

In that time, he's posted a record of 10-6-3, with a save percentage of .910, helping the Senators remain in a playoff spot.

When one considers the alternatives could have been Chris Driedger or Matt O'Connor, general manager Pierre Dorion's decision to ensure a level of depth at such an important position is turning out to be one of the shrewdest moves of the season.

Condon can become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, and should shed his status as a journeyman goalie based on his efforts this season.