The Ottawa Senators were back on the ice this morning in preparation for their game at Scotiabank Place against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Here are a few notes from this morning's skate...
The lines seemed to be pretty much unchanged but with the additions of Regin and Winchester up front. The Spezza line will remain the same after a strong performance on Monday against the Penguins.
Kovalev-Fisher-Alfredsson
Michalek-Spezza-Cheechoo
Foligno-Shannon/Regin-Neil
Ruutu-Kelly-Donovan/Winchester
Injured players Peter Regin and Jesse Winchester were both on the ice with the team this morning and appear as though they are getting close to a return.
According to the Senators Twitter page, Filip Kuba was once again not on the ice with the team. Latest I've heard on Kuba is that they are hoping to have him back in the line up by Saturday's game in Montreal. I'm hoping to have more details on Kuba before the day is out.
74 comments:
Thanks for the update Senschirp. When Kuba returns, who do you think will be pulled from the line up. Have a good day.
Id have to think it will be either Campoli or Karlsson.
Personally Id like to see Karlsson get a few games paired with Kuba before making a final decision on whether or not to send him down.
Kuba was to meet with doctors this week to figure out "what is wrong"
Its not a simple groin issue
Could be abdominal or sports hernia
Do not expect him to play any time soon
I realize that we now run a 1a and 1b lineup, instead of a definitive line #1 and line #2, but it weirds me out to see Spezza listed as a second-line center, behind Fisher.
Let's just hope that the guys can build on their solid(ish) play against the Penguins. The Pens are a tough team, no doubt, and we didn't look out of our league against them... just a few bad bounces, and one semi-soft goal.
I can't wait to watch the game tonight on TSN! TSN and CBC are the only channels that I can watch Sens' games on, since I live so close to the sh!thole known as Toronto. The Sportsnet channels all get blacked out for me, and I'm forced to watch the AHL Maple Leafs play instead, and hope for extended highlights!
GO SENS GO!!!
I'd rather see Regin play then Shannon - other than looking like a bug on the water I dont see Shannon doing much out there
During the pre-season (for what it's worth), Kuba was certainly a calming influence on Karlsson. I look forward to his return.
Although the result of the Pens game may not show it, I thought Cheechoo had his best game playing along side Spezza. Perhaps Michalek's "drive to the net sytle" may be better suited to Fisher? I know Kovalev is considered to be a playmaker, I'd like to see a Kovy/Spezza/Cheechoo line.
Id rather see Shannon than Kelly. Cant wait for Murray to get rid of him!
Kudos to Burke. He is biting the bullet and doing a full rebuild...I wonder at what point Murray should consider doing the same.
Chivon,
Please explain to me how Burke is doing a "full rebuild"...
I would like to see the third and fourth look like this:
Foligno-Regin-Neil
Ruutu-Shannon-Donovan
Shannon would be a nice compliment to Donovans speed and tenacity. Plus Donovan has shown that he has earned a spot full time.
Regin and Foligno seemed to have chemistry, while Neil playing in front of the net always plays well.
For those of us in Toronto that have a hard time catching the Sens game in this city (until Toronto stops airing Leafs games altogether, once the entire Leafs roster is moved to the AHL).
I'm a huge Sens fan living in Toronto, without cable (I get free, over-the-air HD signals from the CN Tower). This makes it a rare occasion for me to catch games from the comfort of my own home, except via the internet streams (which aren't the greatest quality).
However, there are 2 bars downtown (that I know of) that will show Sens games automatically:
Grace O'Malley's: 14 Duncan Street, west of University and north of King, it's a cheesy Irish Pub with a dance floor that can get pretty sloppy on a Thursday/Saturday night after the game, but it's a dedicated Sens bar.
Kilgour's: 509 Bloor west, a bar I'm not very fond of at all (generally owned, operated and frequented by podunks). It's a Habs bar, so any time the Sens play the Habs, Kilgour's will show it (like this Saturday - I'll be there).
Anyone else know of any Sens hotspots centrally located in TO?
Chirp - according to Chivon, step one in a full rebuild is to trade away two years' worth of first-round picks (one of which might be a lottery pick) and what will likely be a VERY early second-round pick.
Yeah, kudos to Burke. Mortgage the future on a one-year wonder who had arguably the best passer in the league as his centreman. I'm sure Stajan has sweeter passes than Savard does, though, right?
Chivon, you're probably the ONLY person giving kudos to Blowhard Burke...
And what "rebuild"? Last I checked you don't rebuild a team trading lottery picks for a 30 goal scorer with questionable heart and work ethic....
We just paid money for Kovalev. :)
SensChirp, thanks for your perspective regarding the reaction of Sens fans. I live in Vancouver, and when back in Ottawa recently, I had some friends, who are RABID fans, express that I am always so positive about the Sens.
No fair weather fans, and no bandwagons. Those are not traits of an allegiance, nor are they traits of being A GOOD SENS FAN!
As always, thanks for your updates too. Between Center Ice and the internet, I'm almost home in Sensland.
ANON 11:39 - making a good case to ban anons again. Care to provide a source for something that's a direct contradiction to what other outlets are reporting?
You're right about one thing though, it's not a simple groin issue - since the knee is not part of the groin.
'chirp - time for a new poll. I'm thinking maybe "what to do with Karlsson" or "when every forward is healthy, who would you scratch".
Rob R.
use this site for streaming live Sens games...
http://www.atdhe.net/index.html
i know how you feel, I live in Calgary
I have to say that I've never liked Burke's style of team building. It's not because he's running the Leafs that I dislike him (though it definitely helps), but he's just a very overrated GM who has made very questionable moves and has been rather lucky in some of his acquisitions.
In Vancouver he gambled on the Sedin twins, and it almost came back to bite him in the ass, because I think everyone can agree the Sedins were not good hockey players their first 4 years in the league. They panned out, but the possibility was very real that they wouldn't. Bertuzzi was already in Vancouver when Burke got there, so was Naslund. He only dealt for Jovanovski because he was forced into submitting to Pavel Bure's trade demands and ended up "getting stuck" with JovoCop.
In Anaheim, he pretty much inherited a 100% BRYAN MURRY-built Ducks team. Murry drafted he drafted Getzlaf, Perry, Lupul, Shane O'Brien, Smid. Burke got lucky by being able to get Pronger out of Edmonton, as it's pretty widely known that K-Lowe could have got a LOT more for Prongs had he actually advertized the fact that he was open to offers for Pronger, and Burke wasn't biding against many other teams.
Whatever. Burke is a mid-tier GM with a First Rate mouth. He's the Don King of hockey: more hot air and posturing than substance and effort. He's not going to lead the Leafs ANYWHERE, because the teams he's succeeded with were already half-built when he got there. Toronto was a mess when he arrived, and it will be a mess when he leaves.
Hax - get your facts straight.
What 'mediot' said it was his knee?
NO ONE!
Why does it matter if I make up a name?
Doesn't change the fact that I was told Kuba was off to see the doctor & wouldn't be at practise.
I have been high on Cheechoo right from the get-go, and I am VERY pleased to see Clouston playing him with a play making center in Spezza.
I expect big things from this line in the near future. BIG big things.
@ Chivon,
I agree with SC, how is he doing a rebuild by giving two first round picks for Kessel?
Karlsson should probably be sent to Binghamton, although I'm worried about him taking off a la Jiri Hudler. I don't think he's ready for this level yet.
Campoli HAS been brutal, and I never thought I'd say this but I'd rather have Brian Lee up here.
I think that someone on the roster will have to play themselves off it if we're going to see Winchester again. Any of the guys he would replace are playing well right now....so I think he'll be in the press box for a while. Too bad for him, but that's the NHL.
Brian Lee is what we need right now...much steadier defensive defenceman than Campoli - Unfortunately though, until one of the current Sens roster D are shipped out of the org, Lee will stay in Bingo.
ANON 1:33 - "get my facts straight"? All I was asking is that you support your statement somehow considering it's contradictory to what everyone else (TSN, Sens Twitter, SensChirp, other posters...) have been saying.
Who knows, maybe you're Kuba's doctor for all I care - just that it adds nothing to the discussion to throw an anon post out there with zero back-up on it.
Glad to see Regin is back. Our center position is loaded with lots of depth. I hope Kuba will be back on Saturday.
Burke will come out on top and so will the Leafs (down the road) I don't understand him giving up 2 frist rounders ?? Ottawa could use some frist rounders we don't look good down the road.
Hax - how do you propose I 'support' my statement ?
I was told Kuba was off to the doctor & its not a simple groin pull.
Should I tell fatso Garrichack so he'll publish it tomorrow ? Will that make you happy when you see it in the paper ?
Get off your high horse.
Might be a good idea to keep Karlsson living in Alfie's house and fly him into Bingo games from the Carp airport.
I understand Alfie's outdoor rink is near nhl caliber, so he could practice there.
Personally, I'd like to see regin with Alffie and Fish, and Kovalev demoted to the third line until he decides to skate.
"High Horse"? WTF man?
Can you tell us your source? Can you elaborate on "not a simple groin pull" when I've only seen it reported as a knee issue.
Not saying you're wrong - just wondering if you can substantiate any of it - otherwise how are we to know if it's BS or not?
Michalek-Spezza-Cheechoo
Kovalev-Regin-Alfredsson
Foligno-Fisher-Shannon
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil/Donovan
Thats what Id like to see once everyone is healthy.
Karlsson staying:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/ottawa-senators/Sens+defenceman+Karlsson+staying+Murray/2100683/story.html
@Anon 2:24
Man, the Leafs do NOT look good down the road. At all. No 1st rounders this year or next, only 1 30 goal guy (Kessel) in the whole freaking system. Goaltending is a mess. No young D anywhere other than Schenn. Toronto is a team that needed to rebuild through the draft, and Burkie is gambling that Kessel will be better than two top-15 first rounders and a 2nd rounder. In my eyes, that's a pretty big gamble.
Sure, Ottawa could use some more 1st rounders, but EVERY team can always use more 1st rounders. I like Ottawa's depth! Lots of skill and toughness in our defensive prospects, a good young stud in Lehner... all we're missing is that elite young kid with the 1st line written all over him. Otherwise, our farm = VERY nice.
Hey Chirp,
What's the good word?
Way to call out Chivon on being "king of the plugs".
My question regards our team however. Who do you take out up front? If all the boys are healthy, who do you take out on our third/fourth lines?
Dono, Kells, winnie, Jarkko? Let me know your thoughts. Love the comments of the true POSITIVE sens fans!
Go Sens Go!
BradC - not to mention they've replaced those three draft picks who would all be on entry level contracts with one Kessel getting paid 5.4 million/year.
I like your lines SC....but who in your line-up is not healthy?
Michalek-Spezza-Cheechoo
Kovalev-Regin-Alfredsson
Foligno-Fisher-Shannon
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil/Donovan
Those lines are either absurdly good or very very bad....
senschirp: I just had add that TO IS doing a full rebuild.
It just won't be overseen by Burke :-)
keep up the good blogging
SensChirps lines looks solid....I remember how good the "FFS" (Foligno-Fisher-Shannon) line looked in the preseason.
I'd take Lee>Campoli any day of the week....
If Kuba is out longer than expected...do you see Murray try and make a move for another D man...maybe one that has more NHL experience?
Watching last nights games (COL vs TOR) i really liked the game of Kyle Quincey and JM Liles,...but I doubt with Colorado being 4-1 we can get any of those two guys...
I don't feel like typing a whole lot right now. So...
@Chivon
- Go back to your Leaf's board and reminisce about the "Good 'ol days". Because Brian Burke has completely thrown away their future for nothing.
Have a good day!
Leafs suck.
I think the problem with Campoli right now is there is no one else in Ottawa right now that can replace what he does on the back end. If Karlsson was playing lights-out hockey, he would render Campy obsolete, but with Karlsson looking a little intimidated and unsure of himself on the smaller ice, you need a guy like Campy to be that first-pass, offensive guy.
The problem is pairing Campoli and Karlsson TOGETHER. I think they're both very similar players, with Karlsson obviously having MUCH more upside. This is where we really miss a guy like Kuba, who plays a very responsible game and can cover up some of the defensive lapses that will happen when you have a small & skilled guy on D.
I think maybe that's why Picard has looked not too bad lately... he's been playing with Carkner, who while lacking elite skill makes up for it by being a steady presence out there to let Picard do his thing. If Campoli was playing with a Carkner or a Kuba, we wouldn't be talking about sending him down right now.
"If Kuba is out longer than expected...do you see Murray try and make a move for another D man...maybe one that has more NHL experience?
Watching last nights games (COL vs TOR) i really liked the game of Kyle Quincey and JM Liles,...but I doubt with Colorado being 4-1 we can get any of those two guys..."
BUT Anton Babchuck is being shopped around by the Hurricanes RIGHT NOW!! I hope it's on Murray's radar, cause he's a big man with a helluva shot.
SC,
What will our PP and PK Lineups look like? If we are 1 for 15(Ottawa Citizen) in the pp i think there might need to be a change or they might need some time to gel. either way im just wondering what you think it will look like.
Also, with all the defensive line wonders(Karllson, starting shaky, Picard, playing so well, Campoli not doing so well) and other associated players, what do you think our D will look like?
Thanks for all the great work by the way, i have been a fan for a year.
The only way BM trades for a D is if two go back the other way (i.e. Campoli and Picard). There's a log jam already even with Kuba out. If Kuba is out long-term (where did his nurse go?) then maybe one-for-one with something else thrown in (forward, AHLer etc).
BradC makes a good point - kinda surprised they haven't mixed up the pairings a bit. Of course, if Kuba is due back soon then maybe there's no need to since Kuba slides back in with Karlsson.
if it comes down to donova or winchester i say we keep donovan. the guy is a warrior and we'll miss him if he's gone. we already have too many winchester type 3rd and 4th liners (regin, shannon). when it comes down to regin and shannon i really think murray needs to make a move to fit them in or to trade one away. we have too many forwards right now and getting a pick or prospect in return could be good. there are many teams that are surprisingly struggling right now who would possibly want some new players to shake it up.
Tyler
Anton Babchuk is currently playing for Avangard Omsk of the KHL.
Tyler - I agree that ultimately we need to ship a forward or two out. But I think there's time to wait for the right deal and to see how players fit in. With so many new faces I think we should take some time to figure out exactly what role(s) we need filled and who is the best to fill them.
Not really looking forward to anyone leaving, but agree that Donovan would be tough to lose.
Anton Babchuk is playing for Omsk Avangard in the KHL FYI.
How long does it take to fly from Alfie's house to Bingo?
BradC I think you mean two top 5 first rounders the way this season is going for them. They are for sure in trouble. Even if they can make the team decent not having those two young forwards/defense in the lineup cheap for 6 years or three given the fact that the 2nd round pick could be like 35th overall or something. That will really hurt them in the long run. Beauchy isn't looking nearly as good when he doesn't get to play with Prongs and Neids.
Campolli and Karlsson probably shouldn't be paired together. Carkner would make a decent partner for one of them. Kuba for the other. Then you choose between Campolli/Lee/Picard for who you want in the lineup.
@ Anon 11:45am...
this will contribute nothing to the thread whatsoeever... but i'm e-shaking my fist at you. I misread your post and was thinking this whole time the sens were playing tonight. Turns out its tomorrow night. I blame you. That is all.
Go sens :D
Since there are so many Leaf fans chiming in here on chirp today...
Brian Burke's franchise rebuilding plan:
step 1) Spout off at the draft about moving up to select john tavares, fail miserably by refusing to trade young pylon luke schenn for a clear cut franchise player.
step 2) Trade a talented defenceman to the thrashers for a pylon only because he will occasionally chuck some knuckles.
step 3) Sign a big pylon just because he can deliver a decent hit, slap the A on his #8 jersey and expect him to be a star, demonstrating your clear bias towards american players.
step 4) Sign a defenceman from your former team who made you look good once in a trade in the hopes he'll still make you look good. When he also shats the bed, due to not having a hall of famer to help pad his stats, keep pretending to still believe in him also.
step 5) Create undue hype around two undrafted college players you signed, despite them both being passed over by the thousands of NHL scouts who check all corners of the world and yet somehow missed these two gems in their backyard.
step 6) Stick with the undrafted route, and sign unproven swedish goaltender whose enormous size may well be the only reason he has good stats, and was being pursued by most other teams as a backup/minor league option. Again, be sure to create hype. Follow up by trading former goalie of the future to ducks for bag of pucks.
step 7) In a coup de gras that will be remembered for ages, trade the next two years' first round picks, a second round pick, and indirectly a third, in order to obtain one player who's point totals have only reached the 60 point mark, and who has had a WHOPPING 36 goal season. Proceed to sign him to a 5 and a half million dollar, 5 year contract at the height of your supposed rebuild. Since these three picks will almost surely be top ten picks in the draft order, Boston will reap great rewards, and Leaf fans will watch those players mature on another team as Phil Kessel remains an above average talent with too big a salary for what he contributes.
Enjoy the glory of Burke,
Leaf Nation.
0-6 and counting.
What happened to Zubov? Was he forced to Bolt?
It's 439km from Alfie's house to Binghamton by car. I figure that you could fly that sucker in less than 90 minutes.
Brilliant Ross, brilliant!
Well said Ross... well said.
I say Ban the anonymous posters. I don't see a reason why someone can't use some sort of name.
I guess it's not like Chirp can't hunt down their IP and figure out there they are posting this crap from.
My intuition tells me that Karlsson is going to be here for the rest of the season.
Campoli's play beside Karlsson hasn't exactly been a calming influence and in a contract year with Campoli looking for a raise, he better up his game or he's going to find himself on another team soon enough, with all the talent we have stored away for the future.
hahaha you said it Ross!!!
Any idea why Murray gave up a number one for Campoli? It would have been nice to trade up in the draft. Many others have commented about Burke winning the cup with Murray's team. While the forwards were Murray's the defense was Burke's and I think that's important to remember. At the moment the Sens's lack a howitzer at the point and it's showing on the powerplay stats down the road this deficiency hurt Ottawa's chances at making it deep into the playoffs.
hahah you said it Ross!!
mikep - Murray gave up a #1 for Campoli? I thought we traded McAmmond and a pick for Comrie and Campoli.
I get what you're saying, that McAmmond and Comrie are a wash in your opinion, but I disagree. Especially since McAmmond is AWOL and Comrie has a job right now.
Anyway, Murray was pretty desperate to add a puck mover who is NHL ready, which Campoli is (or was last year - not so far this year).
Oh and mikep: it was San Jose's first round pick, not our own.
Just sayin'
well said ross!
Hey guys , just wondering do you think we will resign volchenkov, i hope to god we doo he is way to good to let slip between our hands
Phil
Really looking forward to seeing Regin again. IT's a shame he missed the Pens game.
The Michalek-Spezz-Cheech line is starting to get going. I especially like seeing Spezz skating... Milan has him moving his feet now that #15 is gone.
I'm not going to judge Karlsson until Kuba's back.
I was not at all surprised to see the rookie puck mover struggle against Pitsburg... I'm sure nobody was.
He needs to learn and BM has said that the 10 game mark is not really a point of contention for him.
I do not think that we will make any trades or send anyone down to Bingo. With the condensed schedule because of the Olympics there are going to be a lot of injuries and depth will be critical. Each team will need one or two extra forwards and one defencemen with them all of the time. Check out December and January schedules to see the huge number of games. All teams will face this problem so having one on the sidelines and Lee down in Bingo is not a bad thing at all. Having Carkner play so well will prove to be a godsend to the Senators. Having the extra forwards will be helpful to give others a chance for a rest if they are bumped and bruised.
For those who criticize Kovalev please go to a game and just watch him. He does things that only a handful of players in the NHL can do. I have not seen any floating as claimed by many people. He uses his energy cautiously but he came back to stop a 2 on 1 and save a goal in the Pittsburgh game.
I would like to see a Fisher, Michalek, Neil line. Think of the speed and power it would have. I think most teams would have a tough time defending those guys. Sub Alfie for Neil for a little more finish maybe.
Think of these top 2 lines:
Cheech-Spez-Kovi
Mich-Fish-Alfie
Putting Cheez with Spez and Kovi would work well because they both would slow the game down enough for Cheech (although he has been looking faster in the past few games). All three have finish and and spez and kovi can set up cheech, or each other. My only concern would be the work ethic of that line, spez and kovi together might tend to rely more on skill than hard work.
Hax - its true it is early. how long do you think we should wait? i say 5-10 more games until we really have to start getting some lines solidified. that gives the sens over 15 games to start gelling and hopefully give the injured younger guys a chance to prove they deserve a spot. ultimately i think it will come down to chemistry over skill and regin certainly has more with our skilled wingers than winchester has with donovan/neil/rutuu (the line he would be playing on)
Tyler
When is this site become a Leafs vs Sens... Is there anywhere you can talk hockey without some Leafs fans disrupting intelligent discussions....
Anyhow, what as become apparent with Karlsson staying and Picard improving is the trade for Campoli was a mistake by Murray. I would take Lee over him any day of the week...
Time for Murray to pull the trigger on both Campoli and Kelly.
Winchester can and will probably do a better job centering our 4th line.
Agree. Unfair to compare Sens to Leafs until the Sens win a cup. Let's move this discussion out of here.
Anon@8:30 makes a good point re: cheechoo
Stephane - "the trade for Campoli"? Do you mean the trade for Comrie that happened to include Campoli? Campoli was not the centerpiece of that trade so you can't really call it a mistake. Plus, Campoli played pretty well last season (especially considering his salary). He's been off so far this year, but I don't think pairing him with Karlsson did him any favours either - he's better when he's got a solid stay-at-home with him so he can focus on offence more.
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