It will be a homecoming of sorts for one of the Senators recent acquisitions as Matt Cullen returns to Carolina to take on his former Hurricane teammates.
Another recent addition, Andy Sutton, will make his Senators debut tonight and will wear #5. He'll be paired with rookie Erik Karlsson to start.
The Sens will be looking to get back on track after what was a lame effort on home ice against the Rangers. The team looked rusty in their first post-Olympic tilt and will want to put in a much better effort in Raleigh.
Here are the lines from the skate this morning...
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Regin-Fisher-Kovalev
Shannon-Cullen-Neil
Ruutu-Kelly-Donovan
Phillips-Volchenkov
Sutton-Karlsson
Carkner-Lee
Filip Kuba will not play tonight but could be ready for the game on Saturday. Andy Sutton will take his spot in the line up for now. Shean Donovan takes the spot of Jesse Winchester on the 4th line.
Pascal Leclaire gets the start in the Ottawa goal.
82 comments:
Can't wait to see Sutton/Karlsson
looks like a let talented Chara-wideman
Good desicion to start Leclaire. Give him a chance to prove himself.
ABOUT TIME to start Leclaire!! Elliott has been awesome for us the past 20 games, and I couldnt be happier with what he has done, but we all know that Leclaire is the guy.. Elliott makes the good solid saves, but not the spectacular ones, whereas Leclaire is the opposite.. I just think its easier to work on a goalie's "basic play" rather than teach a goalie to make "spectacular" saves..
This is it for Leclaire though. if he chokes, then Elliott gets back in there, and Leclaire is officially backup.
Good to see Donovan in there as well.. after last game, we need a sparkplug like him to get the team going. He obviously isnt the answer, but he will provide a short term fix hopefully. As for sitting Winchester, I cant recall one thing he has done in his NHL career with the SENS that makes him stand out.. to be honest, I think he has already peaked as an NHLer
GO SENS GO!!
Woo! Still think Winchester should have been dealt. Great to see Donovan back in!
Hopefully Leclaire steps up huge and plays like he did agaisnt the habs over the holidays. We need a better effort from all the boys tonight... Go SENS Go
SENSMAN
Leclaire, finally!!!
Don't get me wrong, Elliot has been strong and I don't 100% believe leclaire is the answer, but tonight will at least provide us with somewhat of an answer with this guy. We'll get to see how solid he is when he and the team is healthy and working well together. Anxious to see the performance knowing that even if he does blow it that we are still more than likely in a playoff spot.
Senschirp thanks for the update. Glad to see Donovan return to the line-up. Very glad to see Leclaire get the start. If he can come up with a big game, Clouston may decide to start him for the rest of the season and be our starter in the playoffs. Go Sens Go!!!
should be neat to see karlsson and sutton paired. think karlsson can learn a lot from the veteran d-man about playing physically and looking big and being solid in the defensive zone. Here's to a win! (hopefully cullen can score against his old team, or at least look solid. And let's see sutton nail picard =D)
It was time to start Leclaire, after that dismal showing by Elliot on Tuesday. Playing that much takes its toll on a goalie, physically and mentally.
Leclaire should be the guy the rest of the way, barring an injury of course. We need this guy warmed up and rdy for the playoffs, especially looking at our D, it wont be pretty...
Hey sens fans,
Just wanted to say I was listening to Jim Rome on the team 1200 and he was saying that during the ranger game in ottawa we were running images of canada beating usa in the olmpics during the american national anthem. I was at the game but didn't see this during the anthems. Not very classy if true, did you notice that chirp?
C-Mac
Lets just hope Carkner and Lee don't see more than 15 minutes.
I am one who thinks Winchester should've been dealt yesterday at the trade deadline.
I am thinking that at the draft or durring the summer Murray is going to trade Winchester for another young rfa who is bit of an upgrade I just don't see Jesse Winchester fitting into the Senators long term plans past this year Winchester is a rfa after this year.
I would like to see a trade like this at the draft or a during the summer.
TO:Chicago Blackhawks
Jesse Winchester
TO:Ottawa Senators
Andrew Ladd
I am glad to see Donnavan draw back into the lineup.
Also I am glad to see Leclaire get the start tonight to see if he is back in form and carry the load down the strech.
@ Kyle
Karlsson physical? he's a buck 70, thats not his style at all. He's a puck moving D that stays out of the dirty area's, hence the pairing, Sutton has no problem doing the dirty work. I just dont know how well it will work out.
ok leclaire lets see what you can do
Agreed with most here that Leclaire needs to sink or swim. If he flops and Elliott is the guy, that's okay, but I think the team stands a better chance in the playoffs if Leclaire steps up and takes his job back.
As for Winchester - don't give up on him yet guys. Sitting him is totally called for to let Dono play, but long-term Winnie will likely be a solid 3rd line center - Mike Fisher light basically. He's just going to take longer to develop than some other guys do.
so nice to come to the comment section and not read Murray rants. It was fun for a little while, but I'm glad its done.
Didn't think we'd see Donovan again - especially at the expense of Winchester. Should be interesting to see Carolina tonight....lost a lot of players in the midst of a good winning streak. Will the be fired up?
go sens.
I hate being on afternoons!!!! I dont get to watch the new look sens till Saturday.....
It's hard for a 5'11", 175 lb, D man to "look big."
FINALLY!! dono back in, winchester has to be one of the most useless players and for some reason fans like his 4 goal contribution over a period of 2 years. its been 2 games in a row where he has caused a turnover leading to a goal. sit him out and keep dono in or call up zach smith. winchester is useless, he is a very poor version of chris kelly who has no potential.
I think Picard will be exposed by the Sens tonight. I hope Alfie and Spezza continue their streaks... This is a good chance for leclaire to get some confidence, I think he will win tonight and get a chance at another win Saturday against the Leafs.. If those two are wins the he gets the net for Edmonton on Tuesday as well..
Go Sens Go
C-Mac,
I was at the game and noticed that as well. They really just played a montage of Canada's best Olympic Moments.
I thought it was pretty weird at the time. I think it was probably a mix up and the montage was supposed to run during the Canadian anthem.
Can't say for sure though...
I think the time has come to acknowledge the genius that is ALM (Andrew Ladd Man)
Despite months of ceaseless messages urging the Sens to trade anyone and everyone for him nothing happened on deadline day.
Is he disheartened, not a bit of it - the day after trade deadline day, he's back here suggesting summer moves for him.
I believe he's also trying to start a cfacebook group to persuade the NHL to allow Ladd to re-enter the draft just so ALM can begin a draft Ladd campaign.
If I was wearing a cap, I would doff it to you sir. Well done.
Let's go Dono!!!!
show em what your made of....... smash those canes!!!
C-Mac,
Yes during the US anthem they showed Olympic highlights in general (hockey one small part). I thought it was a bit backwards myself too since they didn't show anything during the Canadian anthem.
It was Canadian highlights and some other Olympic highlight in general (i.e. the woman skiier hitting the ditch). So not really anti-US (relax Romie) but still would have been better during the Canadian anthem.
Really going to be rooting for Leclaire, Sutton, Dono, and Cullen tonight. Go Sens Go!
I just mean karlsson has been more physical (trying to be) and hopefully he can be a little bit so that people dont just skate by him
About anthem montage on Rangers game.
It was not just Canada's best Olympic moments.
Petra Majdic who broke her rib and finished 3rd in cross-country was also there.
Kyle,
Not sure I'd describe EK as "physical" but I see your point - he's not shying away from contact which is important. Most times he'll pretty much avoid contact with a stick-check to free up the puck and he's very good at that (and at his size should continue to do that) but in cases where he has to take the body he will.
He's never going to remind anyone of Scott Stevens but I don't think they'll be many times where he looks "soft".
The bottom line is to get the puck - if he does it by picking a guy's pocket or by flattening him it doesn't really matter. Except that the first option will save wear-and-tear on a smallish guy like EK.
If he adds some weight before next year, he's still not going to be "physical" but he'll be able to take more contact when needed.
Frankly, you don't want your "skill" guys playing to physical all the time as it takes a ton of energy. That's why there's a fourth line to bring energy for 8-10 minutes per game - so the skill guys can pick their spots and be "fresher" when they need to use their skill.
Its a good move to pair karlsson and Sutton, it gives karlsson protection and guys will think twice before they hit him 'cause they know sutton will be there to take them out. great move!
hopefully we don't expect leclaire to be huge the first game back and ride him for a few games to make a proper evaluation on him.
Go Sens!
I'm also glad so see Leclaire back in the net but I am really excited to see Regin back with Kovie & Fish. They were our best line for a portion of the season.
Go SENS Go
I don`t think this is the one chance for Leclaire. The team is still playing Lee, and they were very sloppy last game. If the goals aren`t Leclaires fault, then I am sure he gets a second chance. But it is definatley going to be a big game for Leclaire. If he is brilliant tonight, he will jump right over top of Elliots last 20 great games.
I love Chris K`s comment on spectacular saves. That really sums up why Elliot has never completely taken the top spot from Leclaire and why alot of us were waiting for a game like the Rangers game so Leclaire would finally get a chance again. I am really pumped on this game tonight.
Really want to see Regin Shannon and Kovey stay together but I can dig Regin on the LW. I really think Regin and Kovey together is a must.
I also felt Chester should have been dealt. But there was no point in throwing him away for nothing if the trade wasn`t there. I think its obvious how much Murray cares about Toughness going into the Playoffs and also Injury Depth. These are two things that have really burned us in past years in the Offs.
Finally I am on the same page as Allen. I hate the andrew ladd guy. But god dammit do I respect him!
That last post I really thought a great comment on Chester was in the works and then BAM!!! Andrew Ladd Guy in full force. You have gone this far Andrew Ladd Guy. Don`t give up now.
Andrew Ladd Guy - you are tied with Mike Brodeur guy for my favourie on this comment board. Keep up the good fight my friend, and one day maybe, just MAYBE Andrew Ladd will be a Senator. I would suggest that you put your custom jersey order in now, but you probably already have a shiny Sens third with LADD on the back. Is it hanging above your bed? or do you wear it?
Keep it up Andrew Ladd Guy.
Sweet good to hear Leclire is starting.
I like the combo of Sutton/Kalrsson sounds like a good complimentary pairing
I like how things are looking going into the playoffs. It will now all depend on how Leclaire plays. Lines will be solid once Foligno returns:
Michalek-Spezza-Alfie
Regin-Fisher-Kovalev
Shannon-Cullen-Foligno
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil
Volchenkov-Phillips
Sutton-Karlsson
Kuba-Carkner
D may be a little slow though. That's my one fear...
hey guys, i just wanna let you know that you can see the full BM press conference on the sens website. tsn didnt cut that much off, but i know that alot of sens fans (including me) where mad that they cut him off TWICE!
anyways, im hoping for a good game tonight :)
GO SENS GO!
its andrew ladd man, not andrew ladd guy
scans much better
Hilarious Allan. Hilarious...
Frank - flip Shannon & Foligno and who have a true LWer and a true RWer.
TSN Ice Chips has Picard on our third pairing (instead of Lee).
http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11009
Nice to know the Toronto Sports Network is hard at work.
I really like Frank's lines above. Solid. Call me crazy, naive, whatever, but I'd love it if CC slid Dono up with Cullen and Shannon. Just because it would be crazy fast! I don't know how good it would be, but it could be fun to watch!
Tim
@ Frank
You like these lines going into the playoffs?
As a Sens fan I applaud your optimisme but as a hockey fan, you have to be kidding me!
Our defense hasnt changed, were going in the playoffs with no PP QB.
Our forwards havent changed, sure we got Cullen, who I think wont even make the 2nd line come playoff time.
The only thing I like is our goalies, Lclaire is the man and can steal you games in the playoffs. If not we fall on Elliot, he is great coming off the bench!!
The Andrew Ladd Man is my evil twin.
HockeyGirl: I was sorta bummed too that they cut off Murray twice.
But hey, at least James Duffy appologized to Sens fans (oooooh!) for being rude.
I think in fairness they should have interuped Burke twice also (you know, just for no apparent reason other than just to .. well .. just 'cause!)
I am hoping for a great game tonight too.
GO SENS GO!
J
I just hope that Karlsson & Sutton don't mixup a play and Sutton ends up hitting Karlsson -- that will kill him -- he's small.
Glad Donovan back too.
As for Leclaire -- he looked good in net when he came in last game. Did not have too much time to get nervous I guess.. which is a good thing.
Last game Clouston had defensive pairings all mixed up due to Kuba injury-- that cost the team.. and it did not help that the forwards were terrible in giving up the puck.
Let's hope defensively better tonight.
Nice expose JustSayin'. Christ, TSN is brutal. They're in a fine race with cbcSports for Sens knowledge futility.
am i the only one that doesn't like "rentals"...guys like sutton and cullen aren't gonna make the difference in a playoff series..if role players are gonna step up, it'll be because the team as a whole is playing well...an isolated moment of brilliance isn't going to win us a series...
if we keep our draft picks year and year, we'd also have more guys in the AHL ready to step up and wouldn't need rentals to fill out our depth....we would have 2 or 3 more zach smith's waiting if we adopted this approach long term....
Don`t hate what your saying Anon 6:02. But then you look at a team like the Pens and you realize for the last three seasons they have made quality trade deadline picks up `Rentals` that have helped then alot in their playoff runs. Two SCF appearances and one Stanley Cup.
Three years ago they got Roberts. That couldn`t help them agaisnt our increadible team. But we did nothing that deadline and come SCF everyone couldn`t stop talking about how Roberts would have brought the toughness WE needed. So it was a great Idea, but they were still a little too young.
I like the moves. Sit back, relax. Its going to be a long playoff run!
Just throwing my two cents into it here... I do like what Murray did over the course of the past few days bringing in Cullen and Sutton.
Yes they are pure rentals however when you think about it, if they don't work then thats fine, we will be in a great position come the off season. We should have the cap space available to sign Volch, and I am sure Murray will make some more moves to continually improve the team. Plus if Sutton works out then I am sure he'd resign to a low cost contract for a couple years (as he only has a few years left).
Too many Murray haters around. You people need to know that Murray is the GM and his job is to ensure the long term success of the Senators and not just the immediate future. I've said it before and I'll say it again..."In Murray we Trust".
I'd like to ask the fellow senschirpers (how'd you like that nickname Chirp?), who realistically (please all fantasy hockey GM's keep it realistic)they would like to see Murray go after, given our core players who will be around and the available cap space we would have.
And as quickly as LeClaire gets the nod he gets pulled. This has the makings of a disaster
Wow, I dont know what to say. I guess i Have to take what I said about Leclaire back. Man, he waits so long for a chance and that was quick. He looked choked. Guess we do have a new number 1.
I hope Kuba and Campoli come back soon. Karlsson is looking a bit lost out on the ice without Kuba, Carkner and Lee are useless.
I do not agree with Clouston decision to pull Leclaire. Two defensive zone mistakes, Carkner first goal, Kelly and Volchenkov second goal. Yes, I admit Elliott is very good goaltender, but I'm not convinced he can win a couple of playoff series for the team. Karlsson, Carkner and Lee look lossed on the ice this evening. Thank you
That is not what we needed with LeClaire's return. He needs to build up his confidence and as quick as that he's fighting for it. We need a win especially against the Canes but was that too quick to pull him?
I think Clouston is playing mind games with LeClaire, hope Elliot can do the job. LeClaire going to need a shrink. Hey question on NHL Center Ice any idea why I only get the Carolina feed not the Ottawa feed? It is listed on the guide but the station is blank? Oh well at least I get to watch the game.
Grossssss... 2 goals on 3 shots. I'm not watching the game but from a previous post it indicates it was defensive lapses. Guess you can't fully blame Leclaire but at the same time if he can't make a save to keep us in teh game then we sure as hell won't get far in the playoffs. It's going to take time for the new boys to gel but it looks like the same old same old in Ottawa with goaltending issues. Just saying Turco was available from Dallas and apparently we were in for Robidas... looking back now I would have loved to see a Robidas and Turco for Leclaire, Lee, and a First. Robidas has a few years left on a reasonable contract and wuoldn't have been a problem. PLus if Turco doesn't work out, well we always have Elliot to right the ship.
Leclaire is a bum. Buy him out.
Leclaire to start.
But not really.
2 goals on 5 shots!!!! go laclaire goo!!! screw all you elliott haters!!!
We need to go back to central park for a skate! Renew the magic, because we need a spark!
I'm done with Leclair. I had hoped he would start the road to greatness tonight with what should have been his last chance this season to get it right. He didn't. Let him ride the pine.
send that frenchman to the minors!!!! let elliott and broduer lead the way, enoughs enough , should call him pascal lalime!!!
I see Ottawa dressed defense for the game tonight - is their any restrictions on them being involved in the game that I don't know about?
hi guys i was just wondering how many times are we going to do this??? elliott and broduer should be our guys!!!!
Can't wait to see the excuses from the post-game show and Lee Versage. This guy (Leclaire) is going to start in the playoffs and backstop us to a Conference finals? Really?
Elliott is the man...cool as a cucumber and good positionally.
Get lost Leclaire, you're not needed or wanted in this town...
ive said it before and i'll say it again Bryan Murray really knows how to take a winning team and F*** it right up. everytime this team is winning near deadline time he feels the need to add which is ok but theres no need to take away when the chemistry is good. Hmmm Cheechoo not puttin up points but is playing pretty damn good and giving it 110 percent every game! lets send him to the minors? seems to me like we havent been the same team since. Sutton great shut down guy but did our defense really need to get slower? All I can say is the guy is dumb should be fired and as long as he is our GM we will never win ANYTHING! 1st round exit here we come thanks Murray your stupidity pays off again guess u deserve an extension.
Well this is pretty deflating. I was really looking forward for the NHL to start after the Olympics, and with our two new acquisitions, I was sure we'd pick up where we left off and keep rolling.
But after the Ranger game, and the first two periods tonight...wow...I'm just hoping we don't fall back into that rut we were earlier this year where we can't buy a goal.
We gotta win about half of our remaining games to be a lock for the playoffs. Doesn't seem like much, but if we keep showing efforts like tonight..yikes.
All 3 goals were defensive zone mistakes, suprising with the great D we have...
Carkner and Lee should just call it quits!!
I am pissed. I am pissed that there are still Leclaire apologists out there claiming he is our guy, he only needs a chance. HE'S HAD 25 CHANCES!!!
Chris K: "I just think its easier to work on a goalie's "basic play" rather than teach a goalie to make "spectacular" saves.."
ARE YOU SERIOUS??? This guy has been a pro hockey player for almost a decade (he was drafted in 01). He's 27 for God's sake. That 2nd goal was BRUTAL. Who cares if he makes spectacular saves if he's going to give up 5 softies between them.
Speaking of spectacular saves- Elliott's save on Samsonov was phenomenal. He'll never get credit for making big saves, but he makes them all the time.
I hope this ends all the start Leclaire, he's our #1 bull****. He makes me so friggin mad. We'll never be able to get rid of him. I'd rather have Emery and his bat**** antics than Leclaire. In fact, here's a list of what I'd rather see in net than leclaire.
1. Elliott
2. A stick lying across the goal line
3. A stray cat.
I'm done with this guy, I don't see ANYTHING to say that his one good year wasn't a fluke.
Consider this my chirp of the week.
2nd Round (or later) Picks in past 6 Drafts:
Paul Statsny
Ryan O'Reilly
Wayne Simmonds
Milan Lucic
James Neal
Marc Edouard-Vlasic
Mason Raymond
Kris Letang
Dave Bolland
David Booth
Alex Goligoski
Brandon Dubinsky
Alex Edler
Johan Franzen
Tyler Kennedy
Torey Mitchell
Ryan Callahan
David Krejci
Kris Versteeg
M. Grabovski
Mark Streit
Patrice Bergeron
Loui Eriksson
Shea Weber
David Backes
Joe Pavelski
Dustin Byfuglien
I am NOT complaining about the moves BM made, just saying, 2nd rounds picks are very, very important. This is a very partial list.
pg
Seems to me this should be posted in the previous post.
Ottawa had a couple second round picks last year so having none isn't a huge deal this year.
If there is someone the scouting staff likes in the second round they can make a move and trade for a second rounder.
No big deal...
Oh how I Love Bryan Murray, what an amazing GM :) he is so great, where would we be without him gosh we are so lucky!
I find it funny how quick they are to yank leclaire but not Elliott. Neither goalie is strong fundamentally. Our strongest fundamental goalie is in the minors. Elliott was shaky on the first three goals against th rangers (deep in net first 2 and bad rebound/recovery) yet no yank for him. If we want leclaire to play better he HAS TO PLAY!
I'd also take the Andrew Ladd guy over Leclaire in nets.
Not Andrew Ladd, Andrew Ladd guy.
F#$! that moosefaced bastard.
I'm furious. Garbage, absolute garbage.
Atta Boy Cullen
I'd be playing Cullen a lot more at the end of this game.
By far his best showing. Looks he's a ton more comfortable lining up in the middle than on the wing.
I'd like to see him centering Foligno and Neil once Foligno comes back.
meh
They'll get back to form. Painful to watch the last two games for sure, but Cullen broke his cherry and Sutton looked good for his first game with a new team.
A little worried about the Leclaire pull, but Elliott did look solid so if he's the man it's okay with me. Still hope Leclaire can get his game going as I think his upside is higher than Elliott's. I felt the pull was a bit quick given the time off etc but whatever.
anon @9:01
ARE YOU HIGH? ELLIOTT ISN'T FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND???
GOOD GOD PEOPLE!!! HIS GAME IS ALL POSITIONING!
they don't seem like they really want to be on the ice ??
Lee is playing much better then Cartner so he should be sending Cartner to Bingo this time. Bordor should get the call up for the next game send Laclaire down let him play his way back on the team..
volchie is playing awful...brian lee needs to be traded...kelly too...Cullen tried hard yes.. Kovie it back in find form of half ass efforts.. Alfie bad luck :(
Who else? Leclaire man... you have all that time off and this is what happens? No idea what to say about this besides, can't expect an effort like this to go far in playoffs. Next year will be better :)
Jugger...Cmon man.
I'm not saying I'm glad we lost this game, not at all.
But if we have to lose a game in March to show EVERYBODY that Elliot is our guy in April and not Pascal LALIME, then so be it.
Big game Sat Night.
Elliot better be starting, or I'll puke.
Make the call T-1000.
Don't panic fans, still first week back.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha Rizzo, you my friend deserve a medal for that chirp. Well put i agree!
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