Sorry about the late post. Still trying to adjust to this new time zone but luckily I'll be back in Eastern Time tomorrow night.
Really loved the effort from the Senators tonight. This was a big win for the team after having their winning streak snapped on the weekend.
Ottawa is now tied with Buffalo for the Northeast lead but the Sabres have a couple games in hand.
The Flames have been a bit of a disappointment this season but a win over them on home ice is still impressive. Calgary has a solid line up and were expected to be a force in the Western Conference.
After all the Cheechoo talk in here the last couple of days it was nice to see him have what was probably his best game as a Senator. I know many of you argue he isn't cut out for the top 6 anymore but he really seems to have something with Spezza and Michalek.
If they are going to get any value out of Cheechoo on this team he has to be given a chance to succeed. While he has done a good job as a bottom 6 guy, his skill set is more appropriate for a line mate like Spezza.
Really liked what I saw from Cheechoo tonight and hopefully he gets a chance to build on that Thursday night.
I've had a ton of people ask about the Lecavalier possibility and honestly I can't see it. Vinny has a huge contract and really wouldn't fit given the current cap situation.
For what it's worth, I haven't heard anything specific from any contacts relating to Vincent Lecavalier.
Until tomorrow...
92 comments:
SOOOOOOO - where did all of the Spezza haters go ?
That was an awesome game!
-Cheech couldve had 4 goals!
-The effort from the Sens was great!
-I loved the scrums in the 2nd too! I was sure Fisher and Iggy were gonna drop the gloves :)
Great game all around :D
1st ^_^
Seriously though, felt bad to my stomach when i saw what kipper did to cheechoos two attempts, especially the last one.. was expecting the red light for sure. It seems like he almost took the goal for granted and didnt step it up around the goalpost
go sens
I'm assuming that this comment section will be filled with pro/con cheechoo, here's my take (as someone who often said we should trade him).
My problem with cheechoo was never his effort or skills, it had to do with the term of his contract with what he provided to the team. Heart is important...but 3M/Year important (some would say yes, i thought no).
It seems that since the start, Clouston didn't give him much of a chance as a top 6 (which always left me scratching my head as i thought he was a perfect fit with either MM/Spezza or with Kov/Alfie.
Hopefully he gets more of a chance as a top 6, and proves that he can cut it (which i honestly think that he can). If clouston keeps him on a bottom line, i think he needs to go. Trading is a risky business, if we can find our needs internally (like getting cheech to produce on a top line), i think that that is better than gambling on a top 6 forward rental.
go cheech go.
You stick anybody on the 1st line with Spezza and Milan and they'll probably have a great game.
"Good" players shouldn't need to be put with superior line mates to succeed. They should be able to score goals on whatever line the coach puts them on regardless of ice time on a lower line.
Still, nice to see Cheech earn his nightly pay cheque but I still think he's not cut out for the top line. I'm sure Zack Smith would have done a great job on the first line too.
Cheechoo, please convince me otherwise.
As Peter Mahar would say...Yeah Baby!!!
Needed that win with a couple tough games ahead.
The Caps 14 game winning streak will be snapped tomorrow.
I must agree with you Chirp.. After the second goal and T1000 changing the lines it was a entirely different game. I would not mind seeing the lines stay the same for now.
Kelly-Fisher-Alfie
Shannon-Regin-AK27
Michalek-Spezza-Cheechoo
Ruttu-Winchster-Neil
Excellent combinations and really shut down that top line for the Flames last night. Lets see how they do against the Caps.
Go SENS Go
SC,
Couldn't agree more with you about Cheechoo. I love his work ethic every night and think he is great for this team, although it would be nice if he had a smaller contract. I have said all season that he should play with Spezza and Michalek. Every time they have been put together (albeit in brief stints), they have shown some chemistry. This is a guy who scored 56 goals with Thornton feeding him, and while he obviously isn't that player anymore after the hernia surgeries, I believe he could score 20 at least if not 30 playing with Spezza for most of the year. While he hasn't shown much offensively this year, I do agree with you that this guy is gonna come up big at some point in a Senators uniform. Just got that feeling
I agree about Cheechoo, he looked good and certainly got his chances (although he def should have buried that wrap around).
I really like the way Clouston constantly juggles the lines, I am certain the other coaches are having a difficult time getting the matchups they want. Great idea to put Kelly, Fisher and Alfie to shut down the flames top line after they scored two goals.
Ruutu continues to impress me and at his contract, is a steal.
Elliot made the saves at the end when needed. To be honest, I thought this game could have gone either way.
At the end, not sure if kelly couldn't get the shot away or if he wanted alfie to get the goal but it just goes to show how unselfish kelly is. I think he should have just taken the goal though.
In any case, Im content with the W but we better be ready to skate against Washington
WHAT'S UP WITH THOSE LECAVALIER RUMOURS!!!
That would be the stupidest move. We finally get rid of Heatley and his huge contract. We get to spread out our offense and get some depth. WHY would we even be interested??
I think the coaching staff needs to get lots of credit for this win. They changed the lines to shut down the Iginla line after they scored. I really think that the depth/talent of the roster gives the coaches lots of flexibility to manage the game. Looking forward to game on THURSDAY (how many times did Dean Brown get the day wrong) against the Caps.
Go Sens!
PS, Nice to see Cheechoo getting some success. He must be close to the top in the league hitting the posts.
Hey Guys,
Looking for some input here. Anyone else notice since karlsson has been out, kuba looks like a chicken with his head cut off in the d zone. Everytime he gets the puck in the d zone he seems lost when looking over at his partner and its not karlsson then he panicks. We need our young stud back and quickly. Mostly to get picard off the ice.
Sens Fan
Vinny won't happen. Cheechoo had a lot of chances appear for him tonight but we can't wait 40 games between good ones from this guy. If GM can move him for a bad of pucks and a lotto tickets then by all means do it.
Ok again....he had alot of chances and finished with 1 assist (which I think was fluke).
But see what I mean by effort not paying off. He had 2 wide open nets and still found a way to mess up. The Flames were not even concerned with him, concentrating their efforts on Spezza/Michalek, leaving Cheechoo to have his chances.
His only point came on a Spezza takeaway. Looking at the replays, he just throws the puck in the slot, it wasnt intentional and Pardy totally mispalyed the puck.
But props to Cheechoo fo snapping a 10 game pointless streak, yay!.
Had it not been for Kipper robbing him twice, Cheecho would have had 2 goals along with his assist last night.
Maybe he read all of yesterday's posts and wanted to prove everyone wrong.
Although Ek over at Hockeybuzz tends to throw out blanket rumours that cover every possible trade a team could make he had an interesting one about the sens targetting Penner in the Oilers fire sale. I think he would be a great fit in the top 6 playing on a line with Fish.
Maybe we could bury Cheechoo's contract in Bingo and free some cap space. I do like the guy's work ethic and he's a great character player, but not at that price tag.
Pay Cheechoo $5 million! He is so good.... ;)
Great game by Cheechoo for sure!
The bottom line still stands though
Volchenkov resigned>>>Hard Working Cheechoo at 3 Mill
HEY CHIRP,
HOW DOES IT WORK IF WE BURY CHEECHOO IN BINGO FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT SEASON, DOES HE BECOME A UFA OR HAVE TO BE RECALLED TO PLAY IN NHL AGAIN.
DOES ANYBODY KNOW HOW THIS WORKS OUT.
"Sport Sullivan said...
SOOOOOOO - where did all of the Spezza haters go ?"
Hi, I'm here.
Waiting to see a Stanley Cup or Selke trophy out of Spezza before I grant any praise...all the consecutive goals in the world won't mean anything without equal production in the post-season. You know, the Ovechkin syndrome?
As for Cheechoo, he had a good game. The Spezza goal was largely due to poor defensive positioning and slow reaction time from the defense and goalies.
That said, the team did win so props to them on that. We're fine as long as we don't start Leclaire, basically.
SC, what is happening with Volchenkov? This is huge and is going under the radar big time. We could lose this guy for nothing.
Has Murray been proactive here, or should we trade him now while his value is high. Trading his negotiating rights at seasons end before July 4th will yeild very little? What to do here SC?
Yes Cheechoo tries hard, puts in 100% effort, and has a lot of heart.. but so what? if I were on the ice, i would also being giving it my all. The problem is, he cant keep up with the pace of the NHL (neither can i).. his shot is weak, his hockey instinct is not that good, he gets so many opp's to score "easy" goals, but doesnt. Sure he had a strong game last night, but that doesnt erase the 50 bad games he has played previously..
I hate bashing my own players, but its obvious this will be his last year in the NHL, unless he decides to make under 1 mill next year.
Come playoff time, I can see him and Winchester being healthy scratches, and having Z Smith and Donovan playing..
Im a huge Leclaire supporter, but right now Elliott is the guy.. Even though Leclaire is more talented, if the SENS play better in front of Ells, then keep him in there.
GO SENS GO! 2 straight coming up vs the Caps tomorrow!
Matt:
I completely agree with you in regards to clouston's line juggling and elliot's game. I usually hate too much line juggling as past coaches tried it and it just didn't pay off, but clouston is a machine and his line changes are amazing. Elliot really kept us in the game, a real battle of the goaltenders. I felt the same thing as you when you said this game could of easily went either way, personally I think the flames outplayed us a little bit (especially at the start), but we got the right bounces at the end.
I do disagree with your kelly comment however. I groaned when I saw that play; up by one goal, goalie pulled good shot at the net...you have to shoot in my opinion. It was a crowded scenario and a bad pass, the flames could of easily taken the puck away, rushed our zone and tied the game. I think kelly saw alfie and thought: alfie is way better at shooting the puck than my hands of stone, i'll let him finish it and then it all went bad. I think good players need to be a little selfish sometimes and shoot at good chances instead of making the pass (look at spezza at start of season compared to now). just my opinion though. Very strong game by both teams (especially goaltending...I felt bad for cheech as he got robbed twice!!)
On a non-Cheechoo note ... I saw the letters RSA on the columns outside of Gate 1. Please tell me that it was some young punk kid and not one of our real RSA members. While this may seem cool to some, it is immature and illegal.
Unless someone got permission to do this (which I doubt) this is, plain and simple, an act of vandalism.
I love the idea of the Real Sens Army but let's keep it as what it should be, a group of people who are at the game to have a good time and love their team. We don't need a group of hooligans at the Sens game. Be the great fans I know you can be.
kgv
I'm looking at the Panthers for some of their players. They have four teams to leap to get into the playoffs, and may decide to reload. How awesome would Weiss or Horton be in the Sens line-up.
This team reminds me of the habs from two years ago when they won the conference (believe me, I hate the habs as much as anyone, bare with me). Carboneau would mix up lines at the drop of a dime, and it worked. It also makes guys get used to playing within the system instead of just getting used to set linemates.
All the people who constantly need to pile on someone be it Spezza, Kovalev, Leclaire, Cheechoo....
Get a life, seriously. That's so 1995.
pg
Chirp,
You mentioned LA KING have shown mild interest in cheech but obviously hate his contract. If we were to waive him (he'd clear) and they claim him on re entry for 1.550 mill would they do it? And would half of the 3 mill count against our cap like a buyout, or just against melnyks pocket book?
Cheechoo has lost his scoring touch big time. Sure he works hard and gets a lot of chances but he is not capitalizing on them. I think they should keep him with Spezza and Milan until the Olympic break and if he is not getting points find a way to get out of his contract.
Cheechoo has 3 games left to show Clousten that he can be a top 6 player. That would be a fair thing to do.
Hopefully all this lecavalier stuff is the usual nonsense.
VIVE CHEECH!
I can't see Bryan Murray burying contracts in the minors. He's nothing if not loyal to his players, and he expects the same in return.
Besides, Cheechoo has said in the press that he's not producing at the level he expects, but we've also heard that he is loved in the dressing room, and his work ethic is second to none on the team.
I think we need to be very careful about making moves that may help the bottom line, in the chance that they might help the team on the ice, while definitely impacting the team's chemistry in the locker room.
I don't uderstand why everyone is freaking out about the Vinny rumours! First of all I've heard about it was that the SENS are Intrested should he be or were to become available! Second, I really don't think we would have to undo the makeup of this team in order to do so! I Believe we could get him and Kurtis Foster for Cheechoo, Volchenkov, Picard, Kelly, our first round pick this year and next year. Which would leave us with this lineup for the playoffs.
Michalek - Spezza - Alfredsson
Foligno - Lecavalier - Kovalev
Shannon - Regin - Fisher
Ruutu - Winchester - Neil
Phillips - Foster
Kuba - Karlsson
Campoli - Carkner
I think it's a good idea to get Lecavalier, It would really help us in the playoffs!
Nice win last night. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow night's game against Washington as this will be a true test - the Sens tend to get up for the top teams ... as well as play down to the competition (e.g. Toronto - 2nd worst team in the league). As for Cheechoo, I have to disagree with you SC. While I think he's a nice person and I don't question his work ethic, etc. it's all about results. We all want him to do well but we're always making excuses for him when he doesn't produce. Do you not think Clouston has thought of everything to get him going (top line, etc.). In my job (private sector) effort means very little ... without results you get fired - same thing for Cheechoo. I honestly think he won't be back next year.
Problem with Cheechoo is he has been miscast since he got here.
No doubt he has lost a step you but when he got here, he got a 3 or 4 game audition on the top line, didn't produce and that was it. Why you would take someone away from a role where he had success to a different role and still expect the same outcome is beyond me.
And for those saying that great players should be able to do it by themselves, a lot of players don't - like Heatley who needs a setup guy. I also don't think anyone ever called Cheechoo a great player because if he ever had been mistaken for one, he'd be signed for a hell of a lot more than a 3 mill average per season.
I also get a kick out of people talking about payroll as if it were their own money involved. "We can pay him this" or "we should buy him out" or "we should put him in the minors and eat his salary". Get a grip people, its not monopoly money, it is real and it has to come out of somebody's pocket. No matter how rich they are, nobody throws millions around like it is change.
I was at the game last night. sloppy first period, but shut down Flames top line in the final two frames. Kipper kept it close at times. Picard can't seem to make a simple pass (always at player's feet and not stick) and it leads to turnovers. We will miss Karlsson the next few games, but can't wait to see him back after the break! Our powerplay had good possession but not enough shooting and bodies in front. What did you guys think?
I think the Sens should trade Regin, Shannon and Picard to either the Wild for Brunette and Schultz or to Carolina for Whitney,Gleason and a pick.
Fisher-Kelly-Alfie
Michalek-Spezza-Kovalev
Brunette/Whiteney- Foligno-Neil
Ruutu-Winchester-Donovan
Then you have Zach Smith and Cody Bass for callups if needed.
Phillips/Volchenkov
Kuba/Karlsson
Carkner/(Schultz/Gleason)
Campoli as 7th D.
Andre... I disagree. The Toronto Maple Leafs and NEw York Rangers were notorious for throwing around millions like it doesn't matter. Just look at Finger's contract and Burke's comments about burrying overpaid players in the AHL.. but i digress.
Good to get a win last night, could of gone either way. But man there were a lot of turnovers by both teams.
The guys put in a solid effort, would of been nice for cheech to score cause he had a strong game.
Nice adjustment of lines last night to match up with the flames number one line it worked out well.
@ André
"I also get a kick out of people talking about payroll as if it were their own money involved. "We can pay him this" or "we should buy him out" or "we should put him in the minors and eat his salary"."
Of course many teams do this, you obviously have no clue how it works. Buying out saves the team money since you can do it over a period of time and sending to the minors takes the whole salary off the books but has to clear waivers to which I think he would do no problem.
Honestly (and you all know I'm a Cheechoo apologist) if we can get some value out of Cheech this year (including playoffs) and next year without having to sacrifice Volchenkov or our RFAs it would be HUGE. Then we could (presumably) sign him for $1M per year and he can slot back into a reliable 3rd line role with some offensive upside.
I know, I know, he hits more posts than anything else, but I honestly believe there's some bad luck in there too. Not that he'd have 30 goals by now if luck was on his side but he might have 15-20. Espeically if some posts turned into goals got him some more confidence and ice time (i.e. PP).
Give Cheech a chance!!!
Cheechoo has no finish anymore. How do you not bury that wrap around??
Yeah, he played a decent game, but again, that's no cause to overlook the other 50 or so that he's been brutal.
He's also a huge liability in transition D due to his slow footspeed and brutal skating.
And comparing Heatley to Cheechoo is hilarious. I hate Heater as much as anyone, but that guy could create, and obviously still can. He's an olympian.
If cheechoo finishes that wrap around by hugging the far post, then I'll cut him some slack, but he threw it almost in the middle of the goal. I'd love to see him succeed because I love to see the Sens win, but like the guy above said, if you don't produce at your job, you get fired.
If Murray can deal him, it would probably be the best move he's ever pulled.
On the power play, we need a shot from the point, and right now, the only person we have is Alfie. We miss Karlsson, to be sure, but it would also be nice to have another shot from the point besides those two.
No, that's not a plea to get Souray - too expensive, too one-dimensional, hurts us too much in other areas (cap space, defense). But surely there's someone else out there who would be able to consistently get a hard shot on net from the point?
I think Picard is a pile
There's no doubt that if you're going to get the best value out of Cheechoo, you're going to have to give him a top line role. However, this logic applies to virtually everyone in the Sens bottom 6. Sure, he'll get more points when he's on a top line - but so will Chris Kelly, or Sean Donovan.
I'm not sure getting maximum 'value' from Cheechoo warrants putting him on the top line ahead of Regin, Shannon, or Foligno when he's healthy.
12 scouts at the game last night according to the team 1200
Anon 7:57AM you can't be serious? The greatest players in the game can make their line mates better. Decent top six forwards absolutely need to play with other guys that have some skill.
If you put Neil and Donovan with Spezza they would drag Spezza's stats down through the floor because neither has particularly good offensive instincts or finish. It wouldn't matter how good Spezza was.
Fishers numbers are much better this year in large part because it is the first time in his career since Havlat and Schaefer that he's played with a couple of guys who have some skill consistently like Kovalev, Shannon, Alfie, etc.
Cheechoo is not a superstar type of player. He's a good player with a solid skill level but if he's going to produce numbers he's got to be put with other skilled players and be given 1st unit PP time. I have no doubt he'd have scored 20 goals this year if he was put down low in the finishing position by the post where Heatley previously stood on the PP.
For anyone interested in the Volchenkov situation. Murray was on Hockey Central yesterday afternoon and said he presented the agent with some contract numbers and is waiting to hear back.
Neutral messenger here
Just thought I would mention that the High Horse "Where are the >Insert name here< bashers now"? guys are probably just as annoying at the negative "Trade this/fire that" guys.
Get your head out of your ass there guys, if we all thought the same way this would be a pretty boring blog.
End rant...
The RSA outside of the bank was not put up by a true member! The RSA was designed for true fans who go to a game and actually cheer and have fun as most tend to go and be as quiet as possible....we are trying to get the pride back in the ottawa senators as many have faded away since the 07 run....join up rsa on facebook and come to our group events they are amazing and we are undeafedted as a group...GO SENS!
AH
I think Picard is slower than Carkner and that is S L O W.
SM,,,, buddy, come on. I understand you hate cheech. Every blog you rip on him. The pass he gave spezz wasnt a blinder you moron. Look at most highlights from around the league and you will notice that NHL caliber players have vision unlike your blinders you bring to your mens league team. If his set up goal was a b.s. pass then i guess 80% passing play goals in the show are shit luck. be realistic, you sound like child. Do you own a pair of nuts, maybe u like the shaft too lol. loser.
I find it funny that people are commenting that Cheechoo had his chance on the top two lines... look at Kovalev... he had ample of time to prove that he can be a presence at each game but he doesnt... but yet he's always up in the top lines.
Give Cheech the proper recognition.... HE'S a goal scorer not a 3rd or 4th liner... I swear if we had kept him on the top two lines all season he would have finished with 25-30 goals... Clouston has done a super job so far, but I have been always disappointed that he did not treat Cheech the same way as Kov.
Anyway I may stand alone in this line of thinking but you will find me with Cheechoo's name on the back of my jersey next game...
If Murray decides to trade Cheechoo I know it would be kind of stupid a player I think Murray should trade Cheechoo for is Erik Cole but personally I would not Murray not to do that.
I would rather Murray buy out Cheechoo at the end of the year try to save some cap room so Murray can go after a to ufa next summer.
If Murray decides to trade Volechenkov I would like to see Murray trade Volchenkov to Washington for Fehr and a first round draft pick and a prospect.
Another team I would like to see Murray trade Vochenkov to Chicago for Andrew Ladd and a first round pick and Kyle Beech.
Have any of you read that Colby Armstrong is going to be traded at the trade deadline! So my question for you guys would you guys take Colby Armstrong on Senators if Murray can get Armstrong at the trade deadline?
158..... I WOULD TAKE COLBY ON MY TEAM ANY DAY!!!!
There was notes on ESPN rumor site that Sens may be interested in Kubina and Penner. Any truth to this?
I wonder what we would have to give up to get those guys.
Anon@1:58
that is an open ended question as I think for just about anybody, it would depend who were are trading away for him. Colby can be an impact player given the right circumstances so I would not mind having him.... but at what price????
Anon at 1:06 it was a bs pass. The pass wasn't heading anywhere near Spezza and then it hit a stick and bounced right to him.
We have too many players like Colby Armstrong, if we get a forward he needs to be a top 6 guy at the very least!
@ Anon 1:06
Yeah I guess his pass was designed to go off Pardy's skate and right to Spezz who was at a totally different angle.
Hahaha what a douche!!!
Cheechoo was given a chance and failed miserably. End of Story, Sens will buy him out next year and its over.
@ Anon 1:32
Goalscorer??, he only has 2 seasons of 30+ to be exact, 56, 37 and one of 28, all while playing with Big Joe. That is NOT a goalscorer....Heatley is a goalscorer, Kovalchuk is a goalscorer, Ovechkin is a goalscorer.
Get the idea kiddo...
what about:
To Ottawa: Svatos
To Colorado: Cheechoo and a pick
apparently colorado wants to get rid of him and he played for Clouston in junior...this deal makes a lot of sense on many levels
One d-man who I think would help the Sens and makes a little more sense then dealing for a big name and costing us a few roster players is Adrian Aucoin. He is on an expiring contract and should come fairly cheap. I think he is a great character guy in the room, has a cannon on the point, can QB a PP on a secondary unit and is decent defensively. He is getting up there in age (37) but I think a small tinker with the line up with a guy like Adrian would definitely help the Sens run in the playoffs.
Greatwhite said,
All spezza haters will always find something wrong with his game. The guy is a great hockey player. He scores on a open net yest and bone head sullivan doesn't like it . He would rather see him miss. The guys been our best player since he's been back from injury.
Ek is saying something may go down this summer between ottawa and tampa. Potentially trading Voclhy+ for Vinny if volchy extension cant be reached?
@SM, I know exactly how it works.
Buying out players saves money? Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Emery still getting paid by the sens to play for the flyers? So on top of paying him while he plays for somebody else, the team has to pay a couple of goalies to play on this team. How many players are in the same situation around the league? Can you explain to me where the money is being saved? I'm talking about real dollars coming out of somebody's pocket, not cap numbers.
Goat - you're right that the leafs and rangers have spent money needlessly in the past. The difference is those teams are not owned by individuals. Also, I'm sure that the decision to spend money on situations like that is hard to make and comes with consequences - like GMs getting fired - Sather being the exception for who knows what reason.
1:58, I would only go after him if Ladd is unavailable. Speaking of which, when is Mike Brodeur going to get a chance?!?!
No Brainer:
Play Cheech with Spezza unlil Foligno is back. LA may already have interest despite his current performance. If he doesn't improve, trade him, buy him out etc. If he does start putting in substantial numbers, LA (and others) will offer MUCH more for him, or we could keep him. This part is NOT a no brainer: it seems like the time really pulls for this guy and he may inspire work-ethic. How much money is that worth? Brains optional: The players are now playing the system despite who they are paired with so well that it allows Cloustin to juggle at will - other coaches can't keep up. Imagine San Jose trying the same thing.
Tim
the guy trading volchie for player, prospect and pick is deluded. look at what phanuef brought the flames- two decent forwards- if you look at mayers=sjorstrom, white=top prospect in aulie, it leaves dion for stagan and hagman. so why is a team gonna give a top prospect in beach, a solid top six in ladd, PLUS a first rnd pick for a dman who is older, less potential, and only one dimensional..give your head a shake, if they got ladd +pick OR prospect they wud have hit a gold mine
Kubina and kuba hae rings together in Tampa Bay
Anyone thinking that we are not a cup contender give your head a shake.
we have 12 wins in 13 games, thats 3 series wins and would put us in the final.
A team who can put consecutive wins together is more likely to succeed in the playoffs.
with the upcoming break this will give elliot and the sens the rest they need to do it again!
2sens
@anon1:06pm agree with you. SM is not a hockey fan he is just a f***in loser.cheers stephan
So with Ottawa's win last night and a Buffalo loss in a shootout... both teams are tied with 72pts... According to the NHL rule that if teams are tied with points then they look at the amount of wins. Buffalo 32 / Senators 34. Any reason why Buffalo is still ranked 1st???
Thx
when is mike brodeur gonna get another shot??? he deserves it.
We havn't been quite the same team since Karlsson has been out (i know only 2 games) but I think someone had the chirp of the week talking about how valuable his play has been since he came back up from the AHL. You can definetly see it out there, our defence scrambles in our own end and a heavy forecheck can get to them no problem most times. Karlsson can use his ellusivness and awareness to spin right away from these forecheckers and either hit the forward breaking out or even burst up ice with it himself. Thats what Ottawa was missing last year and what they were missing at the start of this year and unfortunatly right now too. A puck moving D man makes a huuuge difference on this team. Thats my 2 cents
Go Sens Go
Trading for Colby Armstrong.. okay I would to that.
There is NO WAY, NO WAY I would like the trading of Regin. He's been a good player who played well during the stretch with all the injuries, and will only get better with more experience. I don't like the idea of trading away your prospects. That's what Muckler did and look where the Sens ended up after he left... nothing in the farm system. If we could get Armstrong for SJ 2nd round pick.. I would do that.. but I think it would take more. I would however part with Lee or O'Brien to do it... but no other prospect.
As for Whitney from the Canes... he is 37 though having a good year. He would ONLY BE a rental as he would re-sign back in Carolina... so I would not give them very much for him either.
My perspective - be a true Stanley Cup contender within 1-2 years. Alfie is not getting any younger - nor are Philips, others. The moment is soon, NOT NOW. We have a solid core group and I am confident that Leclaire will get better. Karlsson, Cowen, Wiercoch, Lehner ... good players, good upside, etc. Let's continue to add to our bench strength through good drafting and solid trades (I'm a Murray fan but the trades over the last 2 years have been bad ... draft good, trades bad). Let's get rid of those who are not part of this picture - Cheechoo, Picard, Campoli, others. Depth players yes but they have to be affordable. No to the Colby Armstrongs of the world and anyone else who isn't big, strong and fast - a little Brian Burke in me. I'd rather we trade now for draft picks than say acquire a Lecavalier or other big name with a short shelf life. Thoughts?
I was sitting next to my immigrant dad and he was making lots of gasps and sound effects - really great to see him excited about the game. The phrase I said the most in that game was undoubtedly "Poor Cheechoo..." Seeing Kipper rob him three times was not a great experience. It was fun to sit in a suite next to a couple of Flames fans, though. First game of the season for me, and hopefully not the last.
Cheechoo has had time to prove he is a top 2 line guy - hes not one. He is overpaid for what he is, even if hes a locker room favorite. We need some of those millions for Volchy and/or a bit of help at the deadline. He played his head off last night, and what we saw last night should not be a regular on the top 2 lines in OTT. He doesnt skate well enough, have great vision, or much strength. IMO, his assist was a fluke. Its hard to send a good person to the minors, especially with so many rooting for him (natives and otherwise) but this is professional hockey, with a salary cap.
CHEECHOO SHINES?
He missed two for sure goals, and his assist accidentally made it to spezza's stick
1:38, you're vastly overestimating Volchenkov's value.
Volchenkov for:
Fehr (1st round pick)
WSH 1st round pick
prospect
Volchenkov for:
Ladd (1st round pick)
CHI 1st round pick
Beech (1st round pick)
In both cases, that's a better return than ATL got for Kovalchuk!
Obviously you would like those trades, they're ridiculously one-sided towards the Senators! Be real buddy.
1:32 - Kovalev's perception as a floater (which clearly Clouston and Murray DON'T share) is not related to Cheechoo's ability to finish.
Comparing the two is silly. Kovalev is always getting top 6 minutes (even if on the "third" line) because he's constantly drawing defenders, opening up ice and - especially lately - creating chances.
Great - Habs are currently beating Caps. Thanks guys, get them all pissed off before we play them.
SensChirp, i am missing your liveblogs! Its been like a week or 2! :O
lol :P
but i am looking forward to your next one (whenever that will be), Mike and Ryans blogs just arnt as awesome as yours!
So please have a liveblog soon! I know its probably hard to do one when youre out west, but do one when you come back please :)
thanks :]
When will the organization give Mike Brodeur a chance?
Anon at 5:00pm, Buffalo has 2 games in hand. They've got 72 points in 2 less games and therefore have better win %. also,
If I hear this Mike Brodeur crap again I'm going to have a fit. Brodeur won 3 in a row........ELLIOT WON 9 IN A ROW. Shut up people holy crap! He's in the AHL for a freakin reason. The team played great in front of him and he didn't lose for them. He 100% did his job and did it very well. That said...Elliot has done the same and he's stolen a few. Also...why would Chicago trade Ladd?
Anon 1:55am, relax these are just stupid trolls looking to get under your skin. Probably Leaf fans....
hehehe....
"WHEN WILL WE GIVE MIKE BRODEUR A CHANCE!!??"
In all seriousness, I do wish that he gets a decent chance, whether its with the sens or another team. He seemed like a great guy with a great attitude and he was cool as ice in nets while our team was in a downward spiral. Good luck Mike, its unfortunate that ottawa has so much goalie depth (did I just say Ottawa and goalie depth in the same sentence??? when was the last time you heard that???)
Anon 1:38pm ......SensFan56 strikes again!!!
To Anon 5:00pm
Since Buffalo has 2 games in hand -they have achieved the same # of pts. as the Sens but in fewer games, therefore, they are in first place.
@ Anon 1:55am
"Elliot has done the same and he's stolen a few."
Oh really? when did Elliot steal a game? Elliot did the same as Brodfeur except longer. he did nothing better or worst.
I like Mike Brodeur fine, but if him and his family and friends don't stop heaping his praises on here I may have to get nasty haha jk Mike its ok for you to post on here on your behalf.
My favorite posts of the day go out to WhitefordKyle and Andre, way to go fellas.
Thumbs down to SM and Goat, who seem to think Melnyk should pay 3 mill for a minor leaguer for no reason, or that TOR and NYR have good managment systems? WTF? Why would you use the two worst managed teams in the league as your examples for a defense???lmao
And also Anon 11:25am, that proposal would be filed under mortgaging the future for aging, minor upgrades. For an example of how that works out for you, please see: Toronto Maple Leafs, 2007-2009 squads.
Oh, and Tim, if they tried the same system as Clouston in SJ, Heatley would get upset and demand a trade, we already know that hahaha.
I really hope Mike Brodeur won't get a chance this season.
Remember last time it happened we were 0.5 team on a 5 games losing streak with our keepers barely making 0.800 saves...
With all respect hopefully Elliott and Leclaire won't give this chance to Mike this year.
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