Both teams were without some important players which resulted in a struggle to generate much in the way of quality scoring chances for most of the night. The scoreboard showed the Sens had more than 30 shots but I don't know that there were too many quality chances.
Brian Lee hasn't been talked about a whole lot heading into this year but he was one of the team's best defenceman in the back half of last season and seems to have picked up right where he left off. Lee notched a couple points and looked confident with the puck all night
Lee seems ready to solidify his spot on the team's blueline this season.
Also liked what I saw from Sergei Gonchar in his preseason debut. He never really looked comfortable in his first season in Ottawa but certainly got off on the right foot last night. Showed a lot more poise with the puck than he did on most nights last year.
First game at SBP this season and I was once again reminded why this team needs a new scoreboard. I don't have the greatest vision but I could barley see anything they were showing on there. The organization continues to play coy on the subject but I don't see how they can have an All Star game here without upgrading that screen. With that said, the in-game experience has definitely been ramped up this year.
Better music, improved food selection and a variety of in-game entertainment have all made for a better overall experience.
Sens are back in action tomorrow night when they host the Montreal Canadiens. Jason Spezza is expected to see his first action of the preseason.
- You could tell that was a big goal for Zibanejad. He was actually fairly quiet for most of the game but to get the OT winner was huge for him. It's still early but I get the sense they want him to start the year in Ottawa.
- It's interesting that Matt Carkner hasn't made it into a game yet. Would assume he plays on Friday, unless there is an injury there that they aren't discussing.
DaCosta had some sneaky hands if he had better wingers, he may stand out a little more.
Yeah it seemed like the commentator was calling someone else Prince for some of the game. He got absolutely crushed a few times, like Condra yikesss. Kept coming back though!
And I actually thought that Regin looked the best of the three.
So still no idea on who #10 was?
Seems like his shoulder is fine, he was playing physically and tying people up. But how about Foligno!
He's still only 23 years old and he continues to be solid in the dirty areas.Plus he was at least 2/2 in the faceoff circle when he filled in
Ice quality at SBP is shit.
Awesome overtime goal!! Hope we can steal some more overtime wins this season... we were horrible last year.
GO SENS GO!!
Can't wait to see Spezza in action... wonder who'll run with him?
He is clearly the Most NHL ready, let's hope he finds a way to translate that into some goals for him or his linemates.
Foligno is a horse on the puck. I think his best assets are cycling the puck down low, wearing down defenders, drawing penalties and screening the goalie. Anyone wanting to move this guy is dilusional.
Condra, he just seems to find a way to contribute every game and rarely if ever costs you. great to see him pick up where he left off last year.
Filatov looks like a stroke of genius. Marc Crawford was comparing him to Demnitra (RIP) last night saying that they both had issues with being reckless coming through the neutral zone - if they can simplify his game between the blue lines we may very well have a star on our hands.
Regin: created lots of offense and speed through the neutral zone. Not a whole lot of scoring chances himself.
Zibanejad: really came alive as the game progressed, created scoring chances for himself and maybe was doing a little too much, but it was entertaining to watch.
I'd actually like to see Regin and Zibanejad both make the team, Regin on the 2nd line and Zibby on the 3rd. I think Zibby with Greening and Condra gives us a 2a and 2b line.
I am often reminded and the I forget again about foligno's age. Very true, he's still younger than most of the new faces fighting for a spot, out-playing them and providing leadership.
And yes...that ice was horrible :(
I see him struggle with face-offs and he looks very good on the boards, with his strength and speed. I'm not sure he
s ready at all (I suggest he is not) bit, if he sticks, I'd like them to put him on the wing, similar to whar Boston did with Seguin. Thoughts?
I've also been super impressed with his interviews that I've seen this far.
The in game experience is much improved from last year. The eggrolls were fantastic. It was a great night to go to a hockey game. The lady who sang the anthems did a great job and her apparel left the crowd gasping.:)
This comment is worthless without a link to a photo! Haha.
Thanks and great outfit on her! :)
Regin looked really good, but his faceoff failure really makes me think he's better off on the wing.
That line of Regin-Foligno-C ondra looked dangerous all night. I'd be ok with that as a 3rd line if Da Costa or Zibanejad are ready.
I really liked Da Costa's game last night. He played on the PK, was decent in faceoffs and created a lot of opportunities for himself and his linemates. Long term, I think he could actually be the better player between him and Butler. For a small guy, he sure doesn't shy away from the tough areas.
Anyone just arriving???
Yes, the last 10 mins is the first time I've seen the new post all morning.
I am most excited about a first round draft pick, that most have been crapping on... no not Filatov, but Lee.
I have been praising him since he came back last year, and was one of our best d-men towards the end of the season!
I could care less about his 2 points last night, but rather his overall strong positional play, his skating, his willingness to play physical and his PK. For a big man he can really skate smoothly, and can generate speed,and if he were a 2nd round pick we would be extatic!
He is on the right track, and IMO in for a great season.
Offensively, I am very worried, I know we were missing our first line last night, but really beyond that we will struggle with our forwards.
And definetley Regin has the inside track at 2nd line centre.
Found this: "2011/09/18: Matt Carkner, whose 2010-11 campaign was cut short due to a knee injury, didn't skate on Saturday. "We just wanted to make sure we didn't put him in a position where we made it worse," coach Paul MacLean said. "Everything was positive for him and we fully expect him to skate (Sunday)." Carkner had seven points and 136 penalty minutes in 50 games last season. (Source: Ottawa Citizen)" http://forecaster.ca/hockeynews/hockey/player-pn.cgi?1953
Also, is Greening the odd man out this season or would they be sitting one of the tough guys instead?
Carriers have arrived.
This season, we will shut the critics up. We will rise from the basement in goals scored, backed by an awesome duo in net and the Stache watching from the bench... I CAN'T WAIT!!
GO SENS GO!!
She is wearing size XXL... We need someone else.
they can do that as long as we still have a shot an Nail Yakupov, keep building through the draft.
Regin is a tough player to judge. He's blessed with a lot of talent but he's just not a strong enough player on his skates and stick. I don't mind him as a temporary fix for a second line center this year. It's a rebuilding year and both Zibby and Silfverberg will be ready take over as our 2nd and 3rd line centers next season... Hopefully!
And oh yeah... How sick does Cowen look!! He's ready for the NHL no doubt.
Didn't see much of the game but from what I saw on SC Zibby said it was a lucky goal? They only showed one angle of it. I imagine he'll stay up for 9 games but go back to SEL after...
Oh and as much as some of you are drooling over Nail Yakupov, allow me to burst your bubble in the most devastating way possible... We will never be in a position to draft this guy. Everything went wrong for us last season and we still finished 5th from the bottom. Florida and Edmonton have no D and no goaltending. Calgary looks like crap and Phoenix has Mike Smith as a starting goaltender. The only way we get the 1st overall pick is if we win the lottery or trade for it. And even then we might end up taking Forsberg instead.
I'd actually like to see Regin and Zibanejad both make the team, Regin on the 2nd line and Zibby on the 3rd. I think Zibby with Greening and Condra gives us a 2a and 2b line.
How can you possibly say that a line consisting of Greening and Condra is a 2b line.... That would be the worst second line in the league!
I won't know until I try to use my lap top at home. Luckily the site has been fine on the work browser, which has made the days better.
Lauren Hart (in Philly) is great. She comes out in jeans.. she is a very good singer and very pretty to boot.. She doesn't have to dress in skimpy outfits to impress the crowd - she can actually sign to impress them.
Was at the game. Lee I thought was very good. Condra's game was good. Noticed Prince a lot last night. Gonchar looked better.
Rundblad is struggling.. but only 2 games into the NHL season is not enough time to get used to the small ice. (not counting the rookie tournament). Give him some AHL time (like Karlsson got) and I think we will see a different player. Rask also played very well last night. Is Boston setup in goal or what.
Z-bad -- what a goal. It will take time to him to adjust moreso than the Couturier's, Landeskog, etc as they are used to playing on smaller ice surfaces.
Looking forward to the game tomorrow night. Hopefully to see Spezza, Filatov & Butler.
How can you possibly say that a line consisting of Greening and Condra is a 2b line.... That would be the worst second line in the league!
-------------------------------------------
Greening did a very commendable job last season down the stretch on the top line. A lot of fans on this site.. don't give Condra a chance. He is a very smart hockey player. These 2 aren't Crosby or Malkin... but to say they are not worthy of playing on line 3 (or 2 B) is not giving them much credit. At least give them a chance before trashing.
We may in fact finish near the bottom of the league this season. But to finish in 30th place I think there are just too many things that would have to go wrong: Significant injuries to Karlsson, Spezza and Anderson; scoring woes the likes of which we have never seen; career low performances from supporting players; young players who don't pan out at all; and none of the above happening to any of the teams I mentioned earlier.
Its not going to happen.
I was stuck in it from my desktop computer this morning, but not from my iPod.
Condra fans unite.
I think any of Regin/Zibby/Da Costa will compliment both Greening and Condra and make that line energetic, exciting and most importantly, successful.
We all knew this was coming. The 67's start the regular season this Friday.
I think they are keeping Pageau for one more game.. he hasn't played yet.
Did anyone else get cut today?
Yep no more time warp for me. I'll definitely let you know if I run into it again.
Anyhow it bugs me and I think we can all agree that that is the most important thing.
Good to have hockey back on and in HD without Pierre McDouche.
here you go, off of the sens website
http://2.cdn.nhle.com/senators/images/upload/gallery/2011/09/Web/20110922FL%20BOS%20GD001_slide.jpg
I agree about them not being "2nd line players", but they're not 3rd line grinder material either, focus on shifts when Condra is out there and you'll see a bunch of smart plays happen. Both Greening and Condra might not be WOW material, but they both have tons of skill and will be putting it on display this season. Don't be surprised with injuries or trades that one of them will be in our top 6 to finish the season. Great utility players.
The reality is we don't have another defenseman in our organizational other than Karlsson that currently is capable of top pairing minutes... But you choose Lee of all players. I'd be far more comfortable with Cowen over Lee. Anyone over Lee.
Lee is a solid depth defenseman and nothing more. Why put him in a position where he's playing way over his head? He would be dominated by other teams top lines.
Try page 2. http://senators.nhl.com/v2/ext/PDFs/Training_camp_guide_web2011-12.pdf
Is this the Tyrant under a new name again?
Nice outfit, not sure what the prob is. Though she definitely has 2 sides to that face.
I agree though they're both very smart two way players who are capable to fill in top six minutes. I just think that if we're depending on them to be regulars in our top six then we're in a lot of trouble It's a good thing we're going through a rebuild.
Agreed that they shouldn't be counted as top 6 mainstays. I think we have plenty of talent coming up through our past drafts that we'll see players like Prince and Stone inserted into our top 6. I just think theyre top 6 capable.
Once this team is set in a few years with the new draft picks + current 1st round draftees.. then yes they will be 3rd line players... but as Johne says (in a later post) they are a bit more than grinders. I see Condra as a Kelly type player -- which is a 3rd line player. Greening.. not sure.. has speed, grit, hard shot and will stand in front of the net..
We will see how it plays out in about 2 - 3 yrs.
While he is nothing more than a bottom 6 player, I think he should be one of the first callups from Bingo and should be a mainstay in the NHL in a season or two.
Very true, my bad :)
Lee played on the top pairing with Phillips down the stretch last year and he looked okay. For him to come into the games after the crap Clouston put him through for the 1st 25 games to me says a lot about his character. This team was bad the 1st part of the season.. why was he not in the lineup?
He is still young and maybe taking longer to develop. Cowen will end up the better player overall.. but Lee will be a decent defenseman.
Great idea there... Cowen will be eaten alive by the media if he's on our top pairing.
You put Lee on the first D pairing for the same reason as you put Regin as the #2 center. Do you see either one in the same position next season? Of course not. But it makes no sense to plug anyone else in those spots because they will be scrutinized unfairly due to high expectations. This was not a long term sugestion to have Lee play top minutes. If he gets the big minutes next year, he'll be all the better when he's relegated to the 4-5 D role.
I guaran-damn-tee you that if Cowen gets top line minutes and is -20 or something, some fans will call for his head.
Haha, ain't that the truth!
I think Lee is a good NHLer, but he's a guy that should be playing no more than 15-17 minutes a night and he'll turn in quality minutes. If you throw him in the fire with Karlsson playing 23-25 minutes a night he will be like a fish out of water my man.
It's funny how nobody has noticed that she's sang the anthem at SBP before. But now when she wears a skimpy outfit, she's what people seem to be focussing on more than the game itself. I'll agree though that she's not bad looking.
In all seriousness this debate is probably useless. I hope to see Maclean roll all three pairings somewhat equally.
He is going to be at the top of his game all season long.
What would it take too get Nail Yakupov RW and Alex Galchenyuk C/LW on the Senators ? Next years Draft ...
I think its out of reach, but I think the only way to do that would be to trade for 1st round picks and luckily and I mean very lucky, that those picks end up being in the league's basement.
That cut down a free spot.
Cowen seems to have improved so much from when he first showed up and even last year. I think his performances so far have basically made him a certainty to be on the team from Game 1 of the regular season.
The losers in this are carkner who now appears to be #7 dman at best. I think he'll be OK with that though. The other person losing out is Rundblad who loks to be Bingo bound. I think this will benefit him in the long term, he'll still be a regular call up and will be in the line-up on permanent basis next season.
I completely agree. I'll give you two names, Chris Philips and Wade Redden. Both of them were crucified by the fans and media when they both were 20 years old. They were both wanted out of town right for the start.
Trust me there are a lot of "dumbasses" in this city.
Not sure there's much room for him though on this team. Good depth player, but might be a casualty of the numbers game for a couple years. I like him as the 2nd callup from Bingo in case of an injury though.
PSBJoyOnTheSens
Joy Lindsay
David Rundblad says he has not decided whether he will report to #BSens or return to Sweden if he doesn't make #Sens' roster out of camp.
=======================================================
If he returns to Sweden we will never again see him in a Sens uniform. He will learn nothing in Sweden to prepare him for the NHL. Maybe Karlsson will have a sit down and talk to him.
---------------------------------------------
The Sens made fools of themselves with that Spartan in the playoffs one year. Don't compound the problem with an anthem singer wearing what she did. They will be laughing stocks again.
I find that hard to believe. I think Rundblad plays in Bingo for 15 or so games and then will be a callup based on an injury or a trade. Murray is not going to lose a player like Rundblad.
I really dont see a problem in what the Singer was wearing last night at all... It was a converted Sens Jersey into dress ..Big Deal !!!
agreed...beats the ice girls other teams have, their outfits are a bit more..well...wh at's the right safe word, revealing?
good grief, if you are that worried about it, fix yourself...
eat less, move more.
they have their place...just don't think they are the right fit for hockey...will never ever disgrace a woman in a cheerleader outfit, heck, going to see the stampeders cheerleaders this weekend for touchdown atlantic lol
Be prepared for full on cheerleaders soon, something like 24 NHL teams already have them and apparently Edmonton got them as well IIRC....
I took a peep at our schedule and it doesn't look like our Sens will be making an appearance this year.
Look .. it's not about if I eat less or move more... My OPINION (and no need to criticize me) -- is this is not needed in hockey. How many other teams in the league have anthem singers who dress like that? Exactly.
But let it slide... I have my opinion... you guys have yours... so we will just let it be.
Murray will do what he can to keep Rundblad on this side of the 'ocean'. It could just be Rundblad clearly frustrated and a bit disheartened on his struggles to adapt. But he's only played 2 NHL games (albeit only pre-season). This guy will be good... but he has to have patience.. just like the team, coaches & the fans.
Perfect fit for hockey and my enjoyment
Was stuck in "Back In Business" for 4 days or so, and did not see any of the 5 new topics since today !
Hope this site stays out of trouble, in the days ahead, or at least until you install a newer version !
Rockin Robert
Really? Have you been to the SBP? lol
he actually kinda looked like a leader out there, he was playing with alot of confidence after his goal
maybe he's just more comfortable playing with younger guys???
Now a group of 7 people sitting infront/behind you who talk really loudly throughout the ENTIRE game about nothing related to hockey, that I can do without at the SBP.
Oh and Chirp I was also stuck in the time warp of only seeing Back in Business until just now, nice to see you back!
Voice of reason
Exactly, they're not there for looks alone. The ice girls here in Dallas are always interacting with the fans and starting chants/cheers
So since when does him going to Sweden mean we will never see him in a Sens uniform again? It just means he takes another year to get faster and stronger and then he tries again next year. Big deal! To say him going to Sweden means we'll never see him again is pretty drastic and quite frankly ridiculous and illogical.
Glad to have everyone back under one post!
okay I would go with that... But how many of you guys would sit there and enjoy that... not too many, I imagine. It works both ways.
But the issue is... they will never have a guy to do that.. they don't cater to bring in the female fan... and there are many.
I am a fan of hockey... I don't need all of the other 'stuff' to enjoy the game.
Alex Galchenyuk.
Is there anyway of drafting Alex Galchenyuk and Filip Forsberg?
If he is goes back to Sweden because he is having difficulty adjusting to the NHL how exactly will that help him. He already is fast and very slick. His issue is with the smaller ice & how much faster the play comes to him. To me, it seems like he is giving up. Before he agreed to go to Bingo (that's before he came over) and now possibly no?
He is already a skilled player.. he needs time to adjust.
Rundblad going to Sweden would not help his game in the NHL -- how will that make him adjust next year? He will have exactly the same issues.
To change the subject -- Shanahan dealt a 5 game suspension to Letourneau-LeBl ond for his hit in the Vancouver game -- and gave a detailed explanation as to why.
Next up is Shelley.
Question is -- what did you guys think of the hit Lee took face first into the boards last night? Is that suspensionable (if that's a word).
Would think they would have to draft twice in the top 3? That would be great.. either player works.. but both would be a quick fix for a re-build. Question is... how could they ever do it? Who in the Sens lineup (not named Alfie, Spezza, Karlsson) could you trade to get that?
99% chance that would never happen.
Nice move by the Dallas Stars to sign Modano to a one-day contract so he can officially retire a member of the Dallas Stars.
like Michael Jackson
I think that wherever he plays he will need to work on his skating and strength and as long as he gets better I couldn't care less. There's just no way you can make a statement like that saying that he won't be a Senator unless he plays in Bingo.
There is nothing wrong with his skating -- he looks pretty fast to me. I think he is basically 'stunned' (if you can use that word to describe it) that he is having difficulties adjusting to the NHL game. He was the best D in Sweden last year - so how much more can he learn there.
My point is.. if his issues are with the smaller ice surface -- then he going to Sweden does nothing to help him with that for this year or even in the future.
He should take the path of Karlsson -- about 15 games in Bingo then back to the NHL. This team is not expected to do anything this year... so there should not be too much pressure on Rundblad other than to adapt to the league.
Sandy is dead on with Rundblad following the steps of Karlsson, who went to Bingo, and then came back totally ready for staying in the NHL.
Murray will probably ask Karlsson to convince Rundblad on Bingo !!
Rockin Robert
I picture you smacking your husband in the back of the head if he looks at women in short tight skirts or low cut tops.
Nothing wrong with nice to look at singers, cheerleaders or whatever.
Certain members of the Spezza family expect Jason to be a Leaf. I don't believe it--they do.
I think these members, cannot see beyond the GTA area, and only see the Toronto Maple Leafs, like the majority of hockey fans, within a 100 mile radius of the AC Centre!
Spezza has a 7 year contract that ends in 2014 !
Source: http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=16&rid=4&tid=32204
I'm not saying Bingo isn't the best route, for all I know it could very well be. I think it is, but to say that he'll never play a game as a Senator if he goes back to Sweden is way off base. That's the point I made
Pardon?...
ludicrous.
That's The Centre Ice station.
Show me a deal that the Leafs could put up to make a fair deal.
It just can't be done.
Exactly... what do they have to package that would be good enough to get Spezza.
Not too much.
He is going nowhere unless he leaves as an FA in 2014.
The last thing Murray would do is trade Spezza to a division hated rival.
Thanks!
Pro Hockey Life, costs $100 to get the real deal stitching.
Unless you want to decimate it with vinyl.
Should have had it done when you ordered it, now you'll have to send it out for a week.
I don't give a rats ass who my husband looks at.. if I can look at those cute young things on the ice (and I don't mean the girls) then he can look at whoever he damn well pleases.
Just saying -- other teams have women singing anthems and they don't dress like that. To me -- it's fine for a bar or a concert.. not necessary at a hockey game. But I guess she did it to make it a memory for the male population and I guess she surely succeeded. Curious as to what she wears tomorrow night... unless they have someone else doing the anthem.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=589407
Winter Classic I would assume.
The only way that I could disagree with you more, is if you said that Kuba should play ahead of Lee.
Not sure where you have been lateley, but Lee was one of our best D-men at the end of the season, and is playing very well, in preseason, and that has nothing to do with the 2 points. I say he can be one of our best D, and get less than 15-20 points.
Completely agree, he is a thick boy, who can skate very well and has a good wrist shot.
Given they have Smith penciled into that role for the next year or two, I'm guessing that they will allow him to cook a bit longer in the AHL (being used as a call up in a bottom 6 role when needed )and then eventually move a body or two to make room for him.
Realistically he's probably going to better defensively than Smith but Smith seems to have the edge in overall skill and toughness.
Here is my confusion,
A sweedish rookie is struggling, and he gets demoted...threa tens to go to Sweden, and boom up he comes ( Karlsson).
An American struggles, goes up and down, sits for 30 games, comes back and earns his spot!
I respect Lee for perservering, and am getting annoyed with the Swedish threats, if you don't deserve to make the team, then bide your time, and shut up!
Foligno Seems to find his game in the pre-season - only problem is it goes missing again once the regular season starts...
Murray will do whatever is nessesary to keep Rundblad on this side of trhe Atlantic. I say send him down and hope Kuba has a decent start and then trade him to someone that loses a 3/4 defenceman for the season - by that time Rundblad will have a few NA games under his belt and have adjusted to the small surface and speed.