from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

Michael Andlauer is “making notes” and wants to practice patience.

The Ottawa Senators’ new owner told reporters at the NHL’s board of governors’ meetings in Seattle on Monday night he’s heard the fans calling for D.J. Smith to be fired, but Andlauer is trying to support the club’s embattled head coach with interim general manager Steve Staios....

Andlauer stopped short of giving Smith and his staff, who are in their fifth season behind the bench, a vote of confidence, however, it doesn’t sound like the Senators are in any hurry to make a move either.

Told by TSN’s Gino Reda “you mentioned what the fans want and they don’t want D.J. Smith behind the bench anymore”, Andlauer smiled and said: “Section 323 and maybe thirty fans there … I don’t know.”

Andlauer wasn’t being dismissive of the unrest of the fanbase but he’s also going to take his time with Staios before making a decision.

read on