(UPDATE 12:46 PM)- The Ottawa Sun is reporting that Filip Kuba will be a game time decision for this one with a lower body injury. If he can't go Alex Picard will suit up in his spot.
You hate to call it a must win this early in the season but after seeing the reaction of fans after an opening night loss, Id hate to think how people would react to a loss to the hated Leafs.
The Leafs come into this one a hungry bunch after dropping their first two games so we should see some desperation from both teams tonight. Both teams are being coy about their starting goalies but I would expect it will be Leclaire for the Senators and Gustavsson for the Leafs.
The Senators will be without Ryan Shannon, who suffered some a possible concussion in the opener. Winchester remains out of the line up but is apparently ahead of schedule on his return. Shean Donovan will play in his first game of the season.
Clouston will put Fisher back to the centre ice position with the absence of Shannon. Every line but the first will see a little bit of shuffling heading into the game with the Leafs.
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Foligno-Fisher-Kovalev
Cheechoo-Regin-Neil
Ruutu-Kelly-Donovan
Ottawa will need to have the power play going tonight in Toronto. The big bad Leafs defence is slow and should take a bunch of penalties tonight. Ottawa is going to need to make them pay with the PP.
Tonight's game is on TSN which means we get our first dose of Pierre McGuire this season. Can't wait....
PREDICTION: Ottawa 4 Toronto 2
66 comments:
I doubt we'll get an easy win. We're kidding ourselves.
Let's hope that the Sens crush the Leafs. We need a good win to get out spirits up (and theirs down).
I think Kovalev will have a big night.
I'd like to see our D play a little more conservatively both coming out of our own end and in the neutral zone. Should be a good game, and yes it is a must win, as are all of our divisional matchups.
Can Ron Wilson not play Toskala? Wilson needs him to turn it around. He can't have that big salary sitting on the bench all year - its just like Gerber with Ottawa last year. Toskala needs to play (and play well) in order to be traded.
W:
This will be a good test for the Sens. I think we will have an advantage because we are a faster and more skilled team, and I am hoping that translates into hooking, holding, and tripping penalties against the slower leafs. I was hoping Toskala would be in net tonight so that maybe our forwards could bang in some easy goals to get their confidence up. I hope Shannon does not have a concussion. I would hate to see this budding young star miss too many games and wind up like Eaves or Lindros.
GO SENS GO!
As much as I like to say we will win...its going to be hard to beat the leafs in their own barn tonight.
One more loss and Leafs nation will eat that team alive.
Lets hope i'm wrong.
where can i watch this on-line? you know for those who don't have cable ;)
While I'm not as doom and gloom as some posters after the Ranger's game, I don't think the Sens will win tonight SC - especially with 4 goals.
They have yet to show any kind of offensive output and our D is still a weakness and disorganized. That is not to say the Sens won't start popping in goals soon, I just think getting any more than 2 goals at this point is asking a lot.
I predict 5-3 Leafs, no panic, just saying, it will take a lot longer to gel than 2 games. By November we'll be up to normal. Until then it will be just trying to find the positives from a lot of negatives.
A little discipline no our end would be nice. The three penalties in the first last game killed us in the third.
Striker - It looks like atdhe.net will be carrying the game tonight.
I'm thinking 6-4 Toronto. . . But anyways GO SENS GO!
Panic hits the Ittawa fan base!
That should have been the title of all the newspapers and blogs surrounding Ottawa's season opener.
It was nothing short o embarassing to see people turn into panic stricken chaos over one game.
From what actually took place on the ice, we had a pretty damn exciting game. We had lots of chances and if te bounces would have gone our way, every reporter and self professed fan would be on cloud 9 right now.
It's no secret we have a new team, more depth, and a better balanced offering. It is going to take time for everyonb to "gel".
Tonight I the stet of a few games where Cory will juggle the lines in an effort to find those winning combinations.
We will end up with these:
Michalek-Fisher-Alfredson
Cheechoo-Spezza-Kovalev
Foligno-Winchester-Shannon
Neil-Regin-Ruttu
until then, its a learning curve... So sens fans... And I do mean the real ones out there. Sit back and wait, as our Sens are going to shock and surprise all those haters and band wagon jumpers.
Fully out Senators fan!
If the 2nd line stays intact, Foligno and Fisher should be able to create chances off the forecheck, which should bode well for Kovalev. If the Sens can play a strong neutral ice game and avoid the D pinch, then they should take this one at the ACC. LeClaire will rebound from Saturday and I'm sure the team will be better overall, and especially defensively, as well.
Go Sens Go!
Yes, please post any live feeds you know of.
And in response to your post yesterday, I completely. People need to lay the f*ck off the team. One game, one night, five new faces in the top 9 (if you count Shannon and Regin, which I do), two new defensemen... my god, how short-sighted some people are.
It's like the crap I'm reading about Luongo being washed up cause of his first three games... some fans/writers have nothing better to do with their lives than bitch and complain...
The panic is an inevitability at this point. I'd say that any fan who likes to be optimistic would be best off trying to ignore it.
I really think the Senators are going to have a good season, but tonight's game is going to be a really tough one. Toronto is going to want it really bad just because it's Ottawa, compound that with the fact that it's their home game and they haven't won yet, and the Senators are up against a really tough team.
I only have 2 things to say that address the negativity. One, Vancouver is 0-3 now, and Luongo let 4 straight shots in last night. Yet I don't think anyone expects Vancouver to be terrible this year, meaning that these first few games are not all that indicative of the final season result. Second, and more importantly, the Senators were 6-10-1 on November 13th, 2006, and that year they ended up going to the Stanley Cup Finals. All I'm trying to say is that there's no reason to throw in the towel at this point, it was only one game, and if they lose tonight, it's only 2 games. Wait until we've played a quarter of the season before passing judgment. This is not a sprint, it's a marathon, everyone relax and enjoy the ride.
Sens win 5-0 and Leclaire gets the Sh... Karlsson will get his first NHL goal on the PP and Kovy will get his first goal as a Sens. Carkner will go toe-2-toe with Komisarek and lose. That's my prediction.
Carkner fights Orr; Neil fights Rosehill and Spezza fights Blake; Senators win 5-3!
Also, if they happen to lose 5-3 I will be more pissed they lost to the Leafs rather than they went 0-2. Vancouver is 0-3 and I still say they win the Northwest.
Good game day preview SensChirp.
Toronto's D is slow, so Ottawa's speed should be a factor. I agree on score. 4-2 Sens!
On another note: I'm starting to think Ottawa came up with truculent & belligerent styles of hockey before the Leafs/Burke did... I have proof: http://stayclassy.net/2009/10/06/hey-we-were-truculent-first/
Enjoy the game tonight, everyone!
I just hope those goons don't take any cheap shots against our forwards, we need all the offense we can get!
If they do I hope guys like Neil and Carkner show them where to go.
This is Shannon's second concussion as a Sen, as good as he has been this is why there are not that many players of his height in the NHL IMO.
In anycase, I predict a 3-2 Sens Shootout win. GO SENS GO!
This game will be a good game to watch and a close one i think ... i say 4-3 Senators .. i hope :S
I think it'll be a great game. I anticipate the Leafs will throw the kitchen sink at Leclaire in the first period. They always seem to get a buttload of shots away early. If Pascal can weather the early storm, I see the Sens taking a close one, 3-2.
If Leclaire and the D buckle under the initial pressure, it could get ugly fast, 5-3 Leafs and a ton of fights.
KD
Prediction: Ottawa loses this game in OT or shootout but wins its next 2
I wouldn't say tonight is a must win, but thursday definitely is. If we don't win on home ice expect the team to get booed by the idiots in this city.
Anon 11:48 - those lines are dumb. Corky from Life Goes On dumb.
Play a good game tonight boys - win or lose at least make some progress and show some grit. It's a long season.
I like the optimisim this time around. It might be a close game, but with Gussy starting his first home game at the ACC, we might be able to run up the score. Has he ever faced the likes of Spezza, Alfie, Michalek, Kovalev in his life....I don't think so. Get ready rookie!
Hey Senschirp - I'd like to see running a Sens fight scoreboard on the right hand side of your site. We're 0-0-2 right now???
Kuba’s out again! He’s one of best passing defensemen but he’s never healthy, hopefully Cowen is ready next year.
You're dreaming there Chirp. Leafs win 4-1, unfortunately.
Will Clouston make it till 2010?
Man, I don't recall the Rangers pushing us around physically, how did our guys get so banged up?
Interesting how "mikep" and "always negative anon guy" seem to post right after each other.
Things that make Arsenio Hall go hmmmmm....
For the record, calling a 3-1 Sens win tonight with an empty netter. And still mikep and A.N.A.G. will expect Murray to be fired, Clouston to be fired, Leclaire to be benched, Kovalev to be sent home etc.
thanks cassie
I really like the 2nd line tonight. Foligno-Fisher-Kovalev should give the Leafs D problems. I could see this line putting up a few goals.
I predict a blowout! 6-2 Ottawa.
mikep can't do math, missing less than 10 games a year on average over a career is hardly "hardly healthy"
Kuba is a overrated bum, we could have used his money to sign a real top 4 dman.
He's so freakin slow.
Don't expect wonderful things tonight, guys and gals, it will be tough to win in Toronto.
Prediction 3-2 Leafs (OT) :(
Corky from Life Goes On dumb.
That line cracked me up, and I never even watched that show.
I like Foligno-Fisher-Kovalev on the 2nd line. Should be able to forecheck aggressively, maintain solid puck possession, and with a little luck, pot a couple goals.
I predict a big win for the Sens, 4-1. Michalek gets his first as a Sen, Kovalev with 2 assists on goals by Fisher and Foligno, and Regin picks up another garbage time goal late.
Ottawa will get at least a point tonight. Remember Clouston's first few games: loss, OT loss, OT win, win.
I think Donovan is going to have a great game and remind everyone why we need him around.
I really hope are guys aren't "this" soft all season (someone being banged up each game).
2:11, the only question I have for you is this: if Murray had elected to let Kuba walk instead of resigning him, which d-man would you have preferred to have signed? It seems to me that all of the upgrades ended up getting more than Ottawa could have afforded to pay, and that's assuming that they would have wanted to come here. You can want and want and want, but if the upgrade isn't out there, then letting Kuba walk would have been pretty stupid if he couldn't be replaced.
You gotta understand, the real world doesn't operate like EA Sports. They couldn't just create a player out of thin air and plug him into the lineup, right?
So we lost the season opener !
Too much negativity from Sens fans and some spotrs people !
Carolina,and New Jersey are both 0-2, and Vancouver is 0-3 !!
Sens speed should get around Leafs armour type defense and blast the "Monster " ! Toskala might be asked to rplace him afte 3 goals !
Sens 5 Leafs 4
Robert Cyr
Not a fan of the second line. Foligno, Regin and Fisher should be a third line. We're wasting Kovalev putting him with two "effort" guys. I'd stick him with Cheech who can actually hit the back of the net if someone feeds him properly. Not sure who goes in between them though.
it will be 4-1 tonight, leclaire will stand tall. the goal will come against us on the pk when he had no chance of making the save.
I expect a much better game this time around...like a 60 minute game. The Laffs will go 110% for the first 10-15 mins but then they will slow down and resort to cheap shots and bullying techniques for the rest of the game. If the Sens can get through that and not stoop down to the Laffs level, it could be a very good game.
Also, don't forget this is Gustavsson's (sp?) first NHL game so he will be sharp and strong. With big (albeit tough) pylons like Komisarek and Exelby in front of the net, the Sens might have a tough time getting those greasy (dirty) goals. Crashing the net will result in Komisarek in your grill as he showed VS. the Cr(H)abs. So be it...some Neil VS Komi action??
Also, the Laffs are notorious for coming back hard (and dirty) in the 3rd. If the Sens are in the lead in the 3rd, expect it to get nasty.
Prediction: 5-2 SENS!!! (one empty netter)
Scorers - Spezza(2), Michalek, Foligno, empty netter
Enjoy the game Sens fans!! Go Sens!!
We'll win this game.
Leafs are nothing but overrated pylons on "D" outside of Beauchemin and Schenn and Kaberle.
Anyway, Alfredsson is a Leafs killer so 5-3 Senators. If we lose tonight I expect widespread panic.
Some of Devlis fans on hfboards are saying they would like to see Lou Lamarellou trade Jamie Langabrunner for a puck moving dman and a draft pick I would like to see the senators get Langenbrunner for on our puck moving dman.
Also Langenbrunner cap hit is pretty reasonable.
Does anyone know if tonight's game is being streamed?
Im just curious, when winchester does come back, and shannon is healthy, what do you think the lines will look like? basically, if we could have any lineup we wanted right now, what would it look like?
Hax I expect Murray to be fired by the end of the season. If the team performs well, I’ll be the first to post a message admitting my mistake. I believe Clouston is still an unknown quantity. The Sens performed well when they were out of the playoffs, when the gap closed the Sens promptly lost again. I would expect a team that lost Chara would appreciate what a physical defensemen with offensive skills brings to the table and what we lost. Obviously Chara is not replaceable but there have been options to improve of D over the last 2 seasons(before the Heatley fiasco).
Kuba is out as per Sportsnet....
-DJ
About tonight's game, I got my hand over the panic button, so everyone else can just relax and enjoy it.
For those who want to watch online here are your options.
1. ATDHE.NET
2. Jvision.tk
3. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/hockey-live
I hope those help/work.
Should be streamed on this site...check it out...
http://www.atdhe.net/
TOsensfan
Should be streamed on this site...check it out...
http://www.atdhe.net/
TOsensfan
If we don't win, both Murray and Clouston have gotta go....just kidding. LOL
Can't wait to see the game on flight home from Calgary. Thanks Westjet for the free TV!
Honestly, if i hear another maple leaf stat on TSN im gonna puke. Every single stat in the first period was about the leafs. It is TSN after all the Toronto Sports Network!
TOsensfan
Wow the first period wasn't very exciting.... Not many chances for our Sens. Hopefully the 2nd is better!
Brent
Wow the first period wasn't very exciting.... Not many chances for our Sens. Hopefully the 2nd is better!
Brent
Penalty shot by Alfie, shutout coming for Leclaire, book it!
"If Gustuvson doesn't make that save Kelly doesn't get that penalty"...Oh mcguire...ugh
on another note, karlson and cheech both looked good in the 2nd.
Did anyone catch McQuire saying it was Gustavsson two good saves that lead to Kelly taking an interference penalty near the blueline? Is he for real?
More importantly, did anyone hear MacT use the expression "swallows the rod" during the intermission??
Looking good Donovan - even Picard doing well. Go figure. Looking forward to the home opener. Keep it going fellers...
i dont know whats worse, the leafs scoring or having to hear pierre analyze it
Good road victory. Couple of points worry me though.
Defensive zone faceoffs : GOTTA DO A BETTER JOB!!!
Phillips - Volchenkov : Why can't they seem to get the freakin' puck out their zone!!! It's painful to watch!! Doing a good job shutting down opposing forwards (nice hit by Volchy tonight)
Picard : didn't make a good impression with that bad penalty that costed us the lone ML goal (off a lost D-zone faceoff)
All things aside... really happy with the win... things looks to be heading in the right direction (especially that Fisher-Foligno-Kovalev line).
Go Sens
superb play by leclaire, and overall a good game by the sens. However, I would like to see more scoring chances, but you have to expect that the more games they play they more chemistry they will have. Good work sens!
superb play by leclaire, and overall a good game by the sens. However, I would like to see more scoring chances, but you have to expect that the more games they play they more chemistry they will have. Good work sens!
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