Senators' coaching search to be narrowed down to 2 by Friday

The Ottawa Senators have been busy whittling down the candidates for their vacant head coaching position.

Senators owner Eugene Melnyk told Prime Time Sports on Sportsnet 590 The Fan on Wednesday that he expects GM Pierre Dorion to present a shortlist of two candidates by Friday.

Melnyk added that he will talk to the two finalists, but likely ultimately side with Dorion's recommendation.

Bruce Boudreau, the highly successful regular-season coach only recently fired by the Anaheim Ducks, is expected to interview later this week and Bob Hartley, who received his walking papers Tuesday from the Calgary Flames, is also expected to receive a call.

Mike Yeo, Guy Boucher, Randy Carlyle, Kevin Dineen, and Benoit Groulx have already held discussions with Dorion, Bryan Murray, and the Senators, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.