The Senators will dress a couple of their key veterans tonight when they play the front end of a home and home against the Montreal Canadiens.
Daniel Alfredsson will play his first game in nearly seven months when he takes the ice at SBP tonight and Jason Spezza will be making his preseason debut.
The Senators will go with a fairly strong line up in this one. Mika Zibanejad and David Rundblad will both get the night off but there is a good chance both of those guys will play in the remaining four preseason games.
Great chance for Da Costa as he will centre a line with Michalek and Alfredsson. He is one of the guys in the mix for that second line centre position and it's assumed that Michalek and Alfredsson will start the season as wingers on the second line.
Interesting fourth line for the Sens as three youngsters will get a chance to show what they can do.
- Filatov-Spezza-Butler
- Michalek-DaCosta-Alfredsson
- Condra-Smith-Hoffman
- Petersson-Pageau-Grant
- Phillips-Lee
- Kuba-Karlsson
- Wiercioch-Borowiecki
Craig Anderson is expected to play the full game with Robin Lehner dressing as the back up.
Don't know much about the players in the 4th line... but the top 3 will be fun to watch, and with Anderson in nets all night!!
GO SENS GO!
should be interesting to see how he does distributing with some legit skill. On top of that they have luxury of being insulated by Spezza playing on the top line.
Also very excited to see Filatov play on that top line. Butler must be salivating at the idea of playing with two exceptional set up men.
That top line will be fast an fun to watch IF and this is a big IFFFFF the ice quality is good tonight!
Wonder how Alfy will be back from his surgery?
I have to say, really smart move by Maclean; not dressing Zib, Rund and Cow. Both mentally and physically, this should benefit these young players. Anyone who’s ever played a high level at any sport knows that when you first make the transition, the skill increase can be overwhelming. Sometimes, taking a break from it gives your brain time to adjust, and when you come back, you noticed you’ve sort of “acclimatized” to the new skill level.
Phillips-Lee
Kuba-Karlsson
Cowen-Gonchar
Carkner
Still time for Rundblad to change that though.
good point,
they may really benefit from watching the game up top as well. Rundblad specifically might have the most to gain from just watching the game and how the plays develop on the smaller surface.
hands up if your heart just skipped a beat seeing kuba in the top 4 lol, i gotta think they swap him with gonchar.
I cannot agree more about the ice at SBP.
It looks like the ice in Anhaheim or Tampa in July!
It really hurts the finesse speedy players, b/c the puck does not sit down. It has to rank amongst the worst in the NHL. Best way to notice it is on the CBC doubleheaders on Sat nights. Watch the choppy slow pace Sens game ant he watch one of the western games... the difference in ice quality is extrordinary!
I don't see it on the guide anywhere...
I hope by October 7th he will be in a different uniform.
I couldn't agree more. I have always said the Sens are losing out on many scoring chances due to the quality of ice. I couldn't imagine that our climate here could affect the quality, you would actually think it to be the contrary.
Anyone here know the factors to creating a good ice surface? And what SBP doesn't do vs. those arenas with good ice?
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.
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, improve your game, and shut up!
I dont hear this crap from the Detroit rookies! IMO
I heard it was to be viewed on channel 426.
From the Sens website:
For those not able to make it out to Scotiabank Place for the Sens-Habs matchup, Rogers is supplying television coverage. However, because of a conflict with the Ottawa 67's home opener, the community TV channel is switching its telecast to channel 456. It's available free of charge to all Rogers digital customers ... Saturday's rematch between the teams at the Bell Centre airs on RDS only, with the Team 1200 providing the radio play-by-play.
I understand what you are saying here but no swedes have ever threatened of bolting to the Elite League once they've committed to cross the pond. Runblad even said himself that if he needs some time in the AHL he understands that the coaching staff and management know what is best for his development.
He even had an interview with Ian MEndes where he said the game here was much quicker and he has less time and space than he is used to.
Looking for a wide open game with Sens on top by 5-4 !!
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rockin Robert
thanks for the clarification,
I heard that while Karlsson was in the AHL, he had made a threat that if he was not promoted soon enough he would finish out the year in Sweden. And then heard this morning that Rundblad was make similar rumblings.
Granted Karlsson is gifted, but still needs plenty of improvement in his own end.
And Rundblad shows similar traits in his own end.
we will not win many games 6-5 this year, so we better be stronger in our own end.
Really wish they used this camp to find someone else who could play with Karlsson, because Kuba doesn't deserve the minutes that being Karlsson's partner will afford him.
Going to the game tonight. I expect a pretty back and forth game. I'll call it 5-2 for Ottawa. GO SENS GO!!!
JABS, Love the confidence in the prediction, not even knowing who MTL will dress... guess it doesn't really matter, I will be there too, and I say 4-2 Ottawa
Not too sound like "Spezzafan19"
If Murray could pull a Burke move like when burke was with the canucks that got them the Sedins ....This would franchise changing .. Id trade Spezza to get these 2 wearing the spartan
Filatov-Galchen yuk-Yakupov
Silfverberg-Zib anejad-Michalek
If those are the 3 pairings then I think you would see all three get about the same time even strength and guys like Karlsson and GOnchar getting more PP time
lets see how Filatov pans out first,
I for one have seen my fair share of Russian, Cechs, for now
Gonchar, Kuba, Kovalev, Kaigorodov, Zubov, none have worked out very well,
not to mention how they all threat to play in the KHL when things get tough, we have drafted quite a number of Russions who were wasted pics.
lets stick with the Swedes and North Americans for now,
again IMHO
Hey JABS,
I truly believe that we will see defense pairing of the
duo of Cowen - Karlsson very soon, and for the season.
Rockin Robert
"Certain members of the Spezza family expect Jason to be a Leaf. I don't believe it--they do."
http://twitter.com/TSNDaveHodge
what an odd thing to say...especiall y coming from a TSN personality.
That would be a good one to see, but probably too early in their careers. Once Gonchar is gone though I see 2 of Cowen, Karlsson and Rundblad playing together.
I think anyone on this site would love too!
Phuck no. Those 2 top lines are nothing but European bread. Plus, we all know how Russians turn out with the exception of few. They'll make their top dollar and disappear. I hear Washington wants back at least $2 M from an Alex Semin.
Plus, how the hell would we be able to pull off obtaining the projected 1st, and 5th? Spezza will be 29 by then and no team will take a guy hitting 30 for two 18 year olds. This team already lacks in Canadian players so the few that we have I'm cherishing it. Personally I'd rather have the aging by dynamic Canadian centreman than any Russian any day.
Hodge is not someone I respect as a sports reporter. Wouldn't worry too much about this.
Also, Galchenyuk is American born for anyone who doesn't know. I imagine we'll be in position to draft one of these two players, but Forsberg and Dumba would look very good in a sens jersey as well.
Who knows though, maybe Anderson and Spezza will play well enough to keep us out of the basement of the league. We shall see!
Very excited to see how those top two lines play tonight.
Wow really, it's free tonight? channel 456 is normally the Center Ice channel for Rogers. Well now I know what I'm doing tonight :)
Woooo Go Sens Go!
ie. stems from over a year ago when it looked like spezza might be walking.
Nah I think the Spezza tweet came last night. Remains to be seen whether or not the account is legit though.
No one wants to see Jason Spezza in a Toronto uniform; or any other for that matter. However, the reality is that a typical rebuild can take 3-5 years, at which time he will be close to his mid-30s. I’d love to see the Sens make the playoffs this year, but I realize it wouldn’t be a good thing for our rebuild. The last thing I want is to remain in perpetual mediocrity. I don't mind taking a gamble if it means Murray with more high draft picks.
So Hodge is just being a shit disturber then... nice.
Not worth defending Eklund. He knows which markets drive the most readership and makes a good effort to fabricate trade scenarios that would benefit those teams ... like the Leafs, LA, Philly and so on.
Go Spezz Go!
Really excited to see that top line. All 4 lines look interesting.
From what I heard on the Team 1200 this morning.. I think the Habs are going with pretty much a veteran lineup.. Price is in net. Let's hope the Sens can get to him early like Dallas did.
These Spezza rumours are just stupid. Sens are thin, in experience, down the middle. Why in hell would they trade Spezza... It would take a big return to even do so.
I'm really happy he finally got on board with this whole social media thing. I think it'll be great to hear from someone who was there when the first wrist shot was taken.
please help a sens fan out??
For Jason's sake I believe he would benefit greatly by a change of scenery. But that is my opinion only. Not his. Spezza wants to be a Senator. Some players "say" they want to remain, Spezza really does want to stay in Ottawa. This isn't Heatley. Not even close."
That's a quote from the offending article by Eklund. Honestly compared to what he usually writes that is somewhat fair. No player is untouchable if the right deal were to come along. Carter and Richards in Philly are evidence of that.
Winner has been notified!
GO SENS GO!
SC- you can delete this... I realized someone else spoke my thoughts earlier...
Those who wish to tank for 3-5 years cannot be season ticket holders, who would be investing approx $20,000 to watch their team lose most of their games. You cannot fill a building, and come last for 3-5 years, in hopes of building the perfect team. again IMHP
RUMOURS (take it for what it is worth) were that there 'issues' with Richards & Carter in the dressing room and outside the rink. Difference is.. Philly has Giroux & Briere - really good players to step in .. + Schenn.
Ottawa has no replacement for Spezza and would not likely get one in return.
Looks like NHL centre ice package is open on Bell anyway that is.
Good on you to be so diplomatic Chirp, I usually just throw outrageous insults at the guy. :)
We should look at this as a huge compliment to Spezza.
Where does the rumour come from...TO
They also were the frontrunners to land every single big name free agent (Brad Richards etc)
The laffs and their fans would love to have Spezza, b/c he is a wonderfully gifted offensive talent..OF COURSE HE IS GOING THERE! they wish... lets relish their jeolousy.
only way it would ever happen is if Spezza decided he wante to go... and like many have already stated he is not Hately
Rumours are rumours...never believe what you hear. I believe the Senators are committed to Spezza and he will not be traded anytime soon. Then again, there are always surprises but this stuff is just people trying to create a buzz. There's nothing there.
I'm really looking forward to see how Spez and Butler play tonight and if they can re-discover a bit of that lightening they had at the end of last year. Also, how will Nikita fit in there?? Alfie is so versatile, he can play with anyone and make them better. I have no concerns on the 2nd line if that's where he ends up playing.
Go Sens go!!
He would be thinking "Sens suck" but Montreal will probably continue to stuggle offensively, carry the one... all-star performance by Price? Voila! 3-0 Habs!
I love the lines we are icing tonight, drooling at the mouth to see the top 2 in action! I think the Habs will struggle offensively, but Price will have one of the "Chill, it's only pre-season" type of nights. Youthful energy and a strong puck possession game from the Sens...
I predict 4-2 Senators tonight!
My only complaint with him, is he's trying to remain young. His once dubbed 'laser beam' of a shot is no longer there and yet he keeps trying to crank it off!!
It doesn't say, normally it is not until first week of Oct they have the preview all I know is NHL channels are not in RED and I am able to create a timer for the game. Only other reason I can think of for having the NHL package is I ordered it over a few beer and have yet to remember doing so.
The game isn't even televised here in Montreal 0_o
I even checked NHL Center Ice... (on nhl.com) and its not even broadcast there either...
Gonna have to pray for a Stream for tonights game!!!
check either atdhe.me for a stream, if not, usually on hockeyboards.co m...someone posts up a stream for the rest of us to see.
gets exhausting repeating that fact
yep thanks, usually get them from hfboards... ill try your sites to check em out also... quality isn never the saw unfortunately :)
haha, well awesome!
thanks!
Lines look solid tonight for Ottawa. I found this lineup on a Montreal website just an hour ago. It's in no particular order, blame the Habs fans for that.
31 PRICE, Carey G, 35 LAWSON, Nathan G
11 GOMEZ, Scott C, 37 DUMONT, Gabriel C, 48 DESIMONE, Philip C, 59 TROTTER, Brock C, 63 ENGQVIST, Andreas C
36 AVTSIN, Alexander RW, 45 BLUNDEN, Michael RW, 46 KOSTITSYN, Andrei RWm, 72 COLE, Erik RW, 73 GALLAGHER, Brendan RW
52 DARCHE, Mathieu LW, 67 PACIORETTY, Max LW
24 HENRY, Alex D, 42 TINORDI, Jarred D, 61 DIAZ, Raphael D, 68 WEBER, Yannick D, 74 YEMELIN, Alexei D, 75 GILL, Hal D, 76 SUBBAN, P.K. D
I say 3 - 2 Ottawa. Butler will pot the 1st with Spezza getting the A.
Forwards:
Pacioretty(67) – Gomez (11)– Gallagher(73)
Cole(72) – Engqvist (63) – Kostitsyn(46)
Darche(52) – Dumont(37) – Avtsin(36)
Blunden(45) – Desimone(48) – Trotter(59)
Defense:
Subban(76) – Henry(24)
Gill(75) – Diaz(61)
Fitzgerald(TBD)– Yemelin-71
Ellis (85)– Tinordi(42)
Goalies:
Price-31
Lawson-35
You listed 8 D for Montreal there. The 6 that are playing according other sites are:
Yemelin-Weber
Gill-Diaz
Tinordi-Henry
Well said Sandy... As strange as it sounds Richards and Carter were almost expendable to Philly and like you said there were rumors that they were a problem in the dressing room.
I figure Spezza's value is in the same realm of what Philly got in return for their players but that just isn't worth it for Ottawa. Without Spezza we'd have the worst top six in The NHL. We need him. BADLY!!
LA now has an article on HB about would Spezza be good for the Kings?
Dave Hodge is getting a lot of attention from this little 'tweet'.. the twit.
When Ottawa played in Toronto and it was carried on Leafs TV, I tried justin tv and they streamed it from Leafs TV.
Good Luck
Rockin Robert
I wish spezza would stop getting paired with randoms, he is always expected to make other guys better, and never with a the true sniper he needs
t
its at 9 btw lol rather get it on the radio at 7h30 than actually watch the game at 9 XD
Will post if I find one
Well done sir
I'm having the same issue... last year they showed every single game on channel 408 at no additional charge. I'm pissed...furthe r to that, i've been on hold with them for 20 minutes
I just get a server not found error
is this working?
im just seeing highlights and crackling noises...
http://chilisports.strikehost.info
If this is your Streamer Thanks alot :)
"server not found"
I tried the link with 3 browsers, same message for all 3
I can see the game there but I just hear clicks and people talking in a room in the background. Can't find anything better so far
Let me know how what they say
Zach Smith, that's my boy.
Kuba sucks.
kuba still blows
http://www.team1200.com/listen-live/default.asp#
both combined is perfect
mute the chili listen to the 1200
his a preseason hero last year he scored a hat-trick
I guess he's a Calder Cup hero too. 20 points in 23 games. What an ignorant comment.
I have dish in the US so I do not know if it is the same for Bell Expressview.
Mitchel thanks that works nice
wasn't meant to be ignorant. I'm a zack smith fan. i was stating a fact. anything else you want to rationalize?
Thereby ignorance. Whether you intended it or not.
Just stating a fact.
Quoting Mitchell:
that time of the month huh, well i won't have a conversation with your problems. go soak your head somewhere else
I agree
Still not sure what would be best for Zibby... Another year in the SEL or playing with the Sens?
Anyways, here comes the Penalty Parade.
SHOCKING on the ice again
They started off letting everything go. Then as soon as Ottawa goes up 3-0, they start calling everything on them.
Cant believe we signed him to that 3 year deal
He is such a burden
Good for 0 points,
worst +/- ,
and a bunch of dumb penalties
I would have to agree with you. I think that line may have some issues with how it is constructed. They could use someone like Greening or Foligno out there to provide some muscle in the corners.
Filatov Spezza Foligno
OR
Butler Spezza Foligno
Butler and Filatov both have skills, but digging pucks out of the corners, fighting off dmen down low are not among them.
Butler Spezza Alfie
Michalek Anybody Filatov
GOD NO
Alfie can not be top line minutes.
Don't bring up his +/-. It's not like he's the one not scoring any goals for our team.
Aside from that one soft penalty, he's been good tonight. Only Karlsson is playing better on D.
hard to picture him as a first line player due to his hands but there is something to be said for what he brings to a skill line.
Ok. Then put Spezza on the 2nd line.
Whatever helps you sleep at night.
Late in the game they will probably load up Spezza with Alfie, Michalek or whoever is hot.
That being said, it's not going to matter much who is on line one, line two, or line three as far as minutes. It matters about finding players who compliment each other, and that can find a way to work together on a consistant basis.
Yeah because having our best player on the second line is smart...thankfu lly you aren't the coach.
Karlsson, Lee, Boroweicki are all playing better than Phillips. Lee has bailed out Phillips coming back to the puck a few times. Phillips is running around out there, and swimming with his stick like a fool (especially on the PK).
Kuba and Weircioch aren't doing any better, you are right there.
Not doing much worse though.....May as well pull a name from a hat with those three.
True dat.
Or just stop losing the puck.
It crapped out on Bell ExpressVu too.
There were a couple 3-2 games tonight. This is not one of them.
Shootout!
We're good at these, right? RIGHT???
hahahaha hillarious, sportscenter didn't even finish watching the show(Wish I had been pvring it to take a picture)
Patches and Cole scored for Montreal.
That was a pretty weird game, first half was great, second half... not so much.
Oh well, it's only preseason. Plus we're rebuilding/reto oling. Gotta remember to not get to high or too low, or else it might be a long year.
Phillips and Kuba still blow.
Not if you are able to accept that anything better than the basement is a good year this season.
I am expecting bottom 3(although prefer bottom 2 to get one of those two russian stars...much prefer Yak though)
We had a better roster on paper so major ouchy...
I wish those 5 could play 60 full minutes.
lose one pre-season game and all of a sudden all the naysayers come out with the 'I told ya so's' and the like.
1. Nobody on this site has been living under a rock for the past 12 months. We know we did poorly last year and we know that most people are predicting us to do poorly this season.
2. Boston lost on Wednesday in overtime... is it going to be a long year for them too? Hell, they probably lost one last year in overtime. And guess what? They did have a long season!
If the Sens season is so unbearably long for you, do yourself and everyone here a big favour and stop watching the games from this point onward.
uh... no.
Shannon scores twice
hope that doesn't come back to bite us in the butt
always liked Shannon...
Filatov Spezza Greening
Filatov Speeza Folingo
Filatov Spezza Regin
Oh boy.
The announcers were just terrible. I honestly believe that I could do better.
We need to waive Kuba. If Kovalev got us a 7th, Kuba is going to get us a used beer cup.
lose one pre-season game and all of a sudden all the naysayers come out with the 'I told ya so's' and the like.
1. Nobody on this site has been living under a rock for the past 12 months. We know we did poorly last year and we know that most people are predicting us to do poorly this season.
2. Boston lost on Wednesday in overtime... is it going to be a long year for them too? Hell, they probably lost one last year in overtime. And guess what? They did have a long season!
If the Sens season is so unbearably long for you, do yourself and everyone here a big favour and stop watching the games from this point onward.
Sorry to dissapoint chief, I'm here for the long haul. good comparison to Boston though, especially given they had about 3 regulars in the lineup...
point is, Sens are going to have a challenge creating offense and we are likely going to be heavily penalized all year so settle in for a bumpy ride.
The first period we saw how well we can play, we get there by regular season and all is good.
New coach new players and it seems it is expected we win every game right out of the gate.
Anderson got some good shoot out practice, same with Filatov Spezza Butler
we get more practice tonight
First: As a team, I could see actual formation between the players. Usually last year, I would only see this organization when they won.
Second: the team appears to be much faster than before. Filatov can fly!
All in all, I thought it was a very entertaining game.
Filatov - Smith - Zibanejad
Michalek - Regin - Neil
Greening - Da Costa - Condra
Daugavins - Grant - Parrish
DEFENSE PAIRINGS :
Cowen - Gonchar
Borowiecki - Rundblad
Wiercoch - Carkner
Anderson starts in goal, Auld is backup (guesstimate)
According to Sandy, Lehner is to play the whole game ??
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!
Rockin Robert
BTW, anybody know where i can watch the game tonight?
Thanks!
At least he was better than Kuba...
How about -- Greening - Spezza - Butler.. same as before and they were effective.
At least the 3 goals the Sens scored were against Price. Does he not show up in pre-season games or what? I don't think he was very good in last year's pre-season either.
The Sens came sooooo close in OT hitting that post.. And WHY was the hooking on Michalek not a penalty shot? A penalty on Pac... with 1.1 seconds to go in OT... and he gets to shoot in the shootout... Anyone else see an issue with that? Penalties carry over to OT don't they? Why don't they carry over into the shootout?
I understood, and read, that Lehner was playing the whole game tonight.
Mtl probably comes with Plek - Cammer - Subban, etc. Probably a lot of their veterans play tonight.
given the line ups;
habs 4-2
www.chilisports.strikehost.info
Not many of those in today's league for 4.3M a year
He can always get that shot away from dirty areas and drives hard to the net. I liked Dacosta's hands, he was trying a lot of soft feeds. Definitely want to see that line again!
If that was you last night thanks buuud!
Anyone managed to get to the game day post?
I agree all depends on Alfie's health but that top RW spot is always going to be his ..He is Best RW in franchise history ..
Filatov Spezza Alfredsson - Alfie could have break out
@SANDY
I think Filatov stays on first line with Spezza ..Filatov is way more complete player then butler
Cant wait too see Lehner play the full game tonight
Gotta feeling that I am stuck in last post and do not see any Game Day Post for this Saturday in Montreal ??
Must be Server Problems acting up again !
Rockin Robert
Wade Redden waived NYR now reports are he wont report AHL ..If he requests a buyout could he sign min deal and retire a Senator ??
I'm pretty sure that Redden is looking for a buyout and not to play at all.
Thanks but its not working for me.
chill sports is not working for me tonight.
Brilliant idea...that will almost ensure us a top 2 pick!
Honestly though....no chance, fans in this city become FAR too attached to players(don't live in other cities so not sure if it happens there too).
http://www.team1200.com/listen-live/listen-TEAM-StW.html
those 2=win!
i think u r bang on here!
Cowen to Da Costa, Da Costa looks bacxk at Michalek, Drops a back pass on Michalek's stick, who then let's a quick release finding the back of Price's net !
Back in the game down 2-1 !
GO SENS GO !!!!!
Rockin Robert
would love to see what he can do playing for a full season. hopefully this is a breakout year for him.
Tonight they limited Mtl to 4 shots in the 1st -- with a pretty young lineup.
Why can't this team play the 2nd & 3rd periods like they do the 1st.
Why do the Habs have horseshoes up their ass. Lucky deflection on their 1st goal..
Haven't seen the whole game... but does Rundblad seem a little more comfortable out there tonight?
Isn't Subban's brother a goalie? or is there another one as well.
Tough luck for Prince.
Sens tied the game... yeah... soon time for the Habs to start diving.
LOVE THIS NEW SENS TEAM!
GO SENS GO
Subban has 2 hockey playing brothers.
Really -- there will be 2 more of PK?
regin needs to go back to the wing.
Had a busy weekend, Mike. Apologies. Good to see the conversation continued on without me.