Darrell Davis: Tumult in Ottawa, not Saskatchewan

Anyone who thinks Saskatchewan sports fans suffer from uncontrollable anxiety, check out Ottawa. How must Senators and Redblacks fans feel these days?

Their NHL team just traded away captain Erik Karlsson, one of the world’s best defencemen and the latest disgruntled player trying to escape the mess created by tight-fisted owner Eugene Melnyk. Since the death of well-respected general manager Bryan Murray, the Senators have been in freefall.

Meanwhile, Ottawa’s CFL team has lost two straight games and let its supposedly weaker opponents catch up in the East standings. The Redblacks visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday amid concerns that Ottawa quarterback Trevor Harris won’t escape his recent funk. Head coach Rick Campbell’s team traditionally improves as the season progresses. Not this year.

Meanwhile, the world’s most angst-ridden fans appear calm while their Roughriders attempt to lengthen a four-game winning streak. Calm … for now.