OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators assigned newly acquired goalie Ben Bishop to Binghamton of the American Hockey League on Monday.
The Senators acquired the six-foot-seven Bishop in a trade with the St. Louis Blues on Sunday for a second-round pick in the 2013 draft.
Bishop, who has been among the best goalies in the AHL this season, joined the Senators organization less than a week after starter Craig Anderson had surgery for a severed tendon in his right hand. He cut his small finger while preparing food.
Bishop was to have become a free agent this summer but agreed to a one-year contract extension as part of the trade.
Robin Lehner was recalled from the AHL after Anderson's injury and started for Ottawa on Sunday, making 28 saves in the Senators' 5-2 win over the New York Islanders. Alex Auld is Anderson's regular backup and started Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins.
The 25-year-old Bishop posted impressive numbers with the AHL's Peoria Rivermen this season, going 24-14-0 with a 2.26 goals-against average and .928 save percentage. He also has a league-best six shutouts.
Bishop has made 13 NHL appearances for the Blues but found himself behind Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott in the rotation this season.
