On paper, this game had slow start written all over it for the Senators. An afternoon start combined with the fact that MacLean's group hadn't played in four days, and it looked like a game where there might be some rust to shake off.
That certainly was not the case this afternoon as the Ottawa Senators came ready to play.
Karlsson went bank from below the goal line on Kevin Poulin and only moments later, Jason Spezza beat Poulin to give the Sens a 2-0 lead before the game was two minutes old. Montoya took over between the pipes but the change didn't seem to make a different as Karlsson scored again to give the Senators a commanding 3-0 lead through twenty.
In the second period, it was more of the same for the Sens as they controlled all aspects of the game and kept the scoring chances to a minimum. Chris Phillips ripped a one time blast on the power play for his third goal of the season giving Ottawa 4-0 lead heading into the final frame.
In the third period, the onslaught continued. Brian Lee took a feed from Erik Karlsson and beat Montoya for his first goal in 99 games. Then, with the Senators on the power play, Jason Spezza blew one past Montoya to put the Sens up six. Karlsson picked up an assist on that one too, giving him four points on the afternoon.
Craig Anderson had it pretty easy over the first forty minutes but he was tested at times during the third period. Anderson picked up his third shutout of the season, turning aside 28 shots including 18 in the third period.
With the win, Ottawa closes to within two points of the division leading Boston Bruins and give themselves a six point cushion over the 9th place Winnipeg Jets. They are just two points back of 4th place and home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Sens fans can now sit back and do a little scoreboard watching as the tenth place Washington Capitals are in Carolina later tonight. The Caps trail the Senators by seven points but have three games in hand.
Ottawa's next game comes on Wednesday night when they host Ovechkin and the Capitals.
- There is a tendency for some analysts and fans to point to the defensive game of Erik Karlsson as a reason why he should not be included in the Norris Trophy discussion but he has made tremendous strides in that part of his game. Considering the gap between him and the next highest scoring d-man, how can Karlsson not be in the running? Karlsson has 57 points on the season, 17 clear of Brian Campbell.
- With an incredible nine points from the backend this afternoon, the Sens lead the league with 150 points from the blueline. They are 14 points clear of the second place Vancouver Canucks in that category.
NHL.com usually has all the goal highlights up on the boxscore page
....
Latest headline on NHL.com:
"Karlsson tallies 4 points as Sens rout Isles, 6-0"
awesome..thank ye...off to nhl.com I go
Best hockey I've ever seen him play
moving the puck
Playing smart
using the body
nice too see Maclean put confidence in him long over due
Me likey
what would you're scenario be (leaving out returns)? For me we would trade Kuba take what we can and save Gonchar till next year's deadline where he will be more valuable as a rental with just the balance of the season on the contract. This scenario also still leaves us with 6 defenceman without having to call anyone up.
Thoughts?
The way he's helped resurrect this Sens team this season has been remarkable.
What a talent we are witnessing as fans. It is an absolute privilege.
6-0 thats what I call a win with authority.
First game I remember where Andersson had two periods off for the most part.
The team gave him this shut out.
Completely agree
I posted this in the last thread
I have been arguing the Lee sitting since last year.
Plenty of heated discussions with many fine posters on Senschirp, where I thought a trade would be best for the kid, as he was not getting any love in Ottawa
Down the stretch he was one of our best D, and we still sat him. He should have played ahead of Gonchar, Kuba and even Phillips, but he kept working and never once complained
We start the year and once again he is the odd man out, I thought for sure his agent would force their hand, but no, they kept quiet and kept working.
This kid will be in our top 4, he has earned it, can easily replace Kuba, Gonchar.
Lee has sat his last game... I certainly hope!
Somewhere, John Muckler is smiling.
Absolutely. I am much more comfortable as a fan watching this team play on the road. They're much better
Good win today boys, Keep 'er going.
Very interesting development. I've been solidly in the Keep Kuba camp based on his play with EK this year and the general sense that it looks bad on an organization to ship guys out when the team is successful. BUT...if Lee can play quality minutes with EK, it become possible. (still...don't get excited about what Kuba will bring in).
My guess is that they won't move either Kuba or Gonchar this yr because they are both playing so well. Carkner & Konopka on the other hand could be on the way out since it doesn't look like either is needed but with injuries always a possibility it could be that Murray doesn't do anything.
Personally, I would like to see him add Ruutu, if he can get him without it costing his 1st rd pick or Silfverberg, Zibanejad, Stone, Lehner or Noesen. I wonder if Rutherford would take Filatov, Butler & Petersson? Ruutu would certainly be an upgrade on Butler & could play with Turris & Alfredsson.
Can anyone explain to me what the heck did Pa Parenteau do to get 2 game misconducts and 24 penalty minutes? There's no mention of it anywhere.
I was going to say he same thing... there is no reason to take him out of the lineup to put Carkner in.... (unless he does it against Boston... but Lee can hold his own.
He is playing good.... not making too many mistakes... he deserves to be in the lineup.
Got it both times for chirping the ref Dany Leggo. Either what he said was really bad, or this ref has no tolerance...
For a guy who will be a UFA at season's end, you are sure willing to give up a king's ransom for him. I think any one of those guys plus a low pick would do it. However he is injured and will therefore be off the trade block.
CLB gets: Bernier, Hickey, Ottawa's 1st rounder, LAK 2nd (maybe substitute with 1st)
LAK gets: Nash, Kuba
OTT gets: Penner, J. Johnson
I personally don't care for the taking on of penner but I would be ultra happy with getting Johnson
(the trade may need a bit of tweaking due to cap)
(it also may need tweaking due to homer glasses lol)
but the jist would be.....
Jackets get the goalie and D that they wanted along with some picks
kings dump penners cap hit on us in order to get that scoring winger to play alongside Kopitar and alsp Kuba to replace johnson on D
so am I way off base here or in the ball park?
Butler Spezza Michalek
Raymond Turris Alfredsson
Greening Folingo Neil
Daugs Smith Condra
Cowen Karlsson
Ballard Gonchar
Phillips Lee
Kuba Carkner Kono for Ballard Raymond
Van gets muscle and rid's them of Ballard and his cap and has Kuba UFA
Ottawa gets speed and dmen that blocks shots
Move Folingo too Centre where he is a point a game player
Make that 2-0
Keep those Caps at bay
Sergie Gochar.
http://www.ottawasun.com/2012/02/19/gonchar-makes-case-to-stay-with-sens
Not saying he shouldn't win it, in fact I think in a few years he'll be a perennial Norris candidate - but this year might be too soon.
Why is everyone hoping for Washington to lose? I hope they finish 8th ahead of the Leafs for there 8th straight year out of the playoffs.
Id rather see Winnipeg push the Leafs outside the playoffs...
Get to be a general hockey fan on the side haha
Karlsson should win this year. Not a matter of bias, but his points are so astronomically beyond any other d-man and his defensive game can't really be impugned either right now. His +14 +/- is 4 less than Chara and 3 less than Weber, two big Norris candidate names thrown around. Lidstrom is +26, but his point totals weep when they see Karlsson's.
I'm not saying he will win, but I'm saying that as it stands, he should. Sadly, the 'small market' factor will work against him, plus preconceived notions about his defensive ability even though he regularly gets tasked with shutting down the oppositions top guy - and Stamkos and Tavares certainly weren't effective for their teams against us were they?
http://www.ottawasun.com/2012/02/19/gonchar-makes-case-to-stay-with-sens
What a positive dressing room that kind of attitude must provide.. I love it!
But a nomination this year will only help his chances of winning it in the near future.
Not the same club from 3 years ago. Lookin good for the Sens!
EEEEEEEYORE !
In 06/07 when they made the cup finals, the only player picked up by the Sens at the deadline was Oleg Saprykin. who??
Right now the Sens are looking every bit amazing, love the defence, goaltending and offence is scoring like they should be.
Sens would be crazy to trade away any of their depth. Injuries can happen at any time. i just pray they can all stay healthy heading into the playoffs.
Only thing I would add is maybe another forward with some experience that comes cheap.
The best way to describe most of Sens thinking is that we are playing with house money. This was planned by the organization as a rebuilding and frankly non-playoff year. As such, the Senators are only going make moves that benefit beyond the season, so no rentals, and only trading of prospects if the return is equal, ala Turris/Rundblan d. Those players like Nash and Sutter would be great, but unless we get a very good deal, the Murray's are not going trade the future.
Laffs vs devils and jets vs flyers
Normally I wouldn't want the jets and laffs winning as they are close to us in the standings, but it would give us a chance to move up a bit
I realize that we are in the midst of a rebuild but the players I mentioned are mainly coming with long term contracts to in hopes benefit our team long term. As for Sutter, I think he would be a better free agent signing than a pick up but on the other hand he would be a key addition to a playoff run/ long term building block if resigned. I just believe that our draft picks this year plus a semi dispensable player could really fetch us the player we need for today and tomorrows future. Example...1st + 2nd + 7th (conditional to resigning) 2012 + Foligno for Sutter. The possibilities of a high scoring offense and an increased defense would be phenomenal.
I'm surprised the NHL isn't already looking at this.
If you can have a Lady Byng you can sure as shit have a Bobby Orr
Great win today!
If all goes according to plan.. one of the Jets or Caps jump the Panthers and vaults from 9th to 3rd place, and the Panthers drop down to the 8th spot (due to having 1.more points than the Leafs, and 2. more games in hand), the Leafs could once again miss the playoffs!
Hurrah. Make it happen SE teams.
As I love say, "Let's give the Laughs the good ol shaft."
In my opinion, Turris' play of late is great even if he was not on the scoreboard. The second line had tons of scoring chances in the past games (ie Alfie had 2 posts yesterday and Turris had good scoring chances too). As long as they are creating scoring chances, it's all good. They will find the back of the net soon.
Remember Spezza was going through the same thing in our recent losing skid, look at him now.
What a year we're having. I love this team.
Go SENS Go
Man the Caps are....what are they? defensive...off ensive, they are really hurting, is Backstrom the main clog that makes everything work...seems so. They are lost without him!
Good for us, we got Spezza firing on all cylinders and KK65 just oozing confidence...
I agree with you Hax,
although he has been great offensively, there have been many offensive d-men that have not won it.
And agreed that his defensive game has drastically improved from last year, he is by no means a shut down D.
Having said that he truly is a hi-lite real, on his own,
But lets be careful what we wish for, if he wins the Norris, and Melnyk stating that he will be one of the best D ever, how do you expect to sign him to a long term deal that is reasonable?
Just sayin....
Well, unless Karlsson prefers money to location, which I think he doesnt. We will be able to re-sign him with the home town discount (meaning, he will sign just a bit cheaper to stay in Ottawa)
Just checking capgeek and Pittsburgh has Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Kunitz all coming to UFA in 2013-14 / 2014-15...OUCH!
That Bastard...
That Bastard...
Don't forget Jimmy O'Brien's up too
If he is 20 points ahead of the nearest competition, he cannot be ignored for Norris consideration. Back in the 80's and 90's, this award was basically handed to the leading point getter on D. that's changed but he'll get a serious look. His defensive liabilities look more and more behind him as this season progresses.
But really, who gives a shit about the Norris. Wins and playoff appearances is what really counts.
The NHL's best team, Detroit, is also the team with the most cap space available heading into the deadline. That is just mind boggling. and Scary as all hell.
Yes they are the model team everyone is trying to duplicate. Easier said than done but I think the Sens and Maclean/Murray are headed towards that model.
yeah I agree. There are so many reasons as to why Paul MacLean was a perfect hire but his knowledge of the Wings system and strategy is #1 with a bullet.
we should certainly hope so... if he listens to St. Alfie, who should be his mentor, and anyones role model, then he should think long term, but unfortunately when you bring in an agent, all of that can change.
But agreed all indications is this guy is in it for all the right reasons, and not money alone... again we hope
True he is still very young and agents can corrupt his mind!
Here is the most recent prospect update. Should be a new one coming out in the next couple days.
http://senators.nhl.com/v2/ext/PDFs/Prospect_Update-021312.pdf
I'm guessing Washington trades a first rounder (they have Colorado's as well), and Kuznetsov for Jeff Carter.
I'll call your toronto and washington and raise you an LA Kings!
Washington seems like a franchise that has given up. They just don't seem desperate like a toronto or LA. I wouldnt be surprised to see them keep their two first rounders and let this season play out. Maybe trade Semin before the deadline for a decent long term return that would help this season, if that market even exists for Semin right now.
His offensive numbers are still high(Karlsson point totals are way beyond what most dmen can do on a normal year). Remove Karlsson point totals and Weber is right up there as well, on top of him playing tough minutes, and playing a "typical" d style
Don't get me wrong, karlsson has been great defensively and in another world when it comes to Offensive, but its just not enough for him to take this award fromW eber, who si hands down the best and most intimidating Dman out there.
Why?
You don't want to go down and block one of his shots on the pp, you don't want him joining the rush, and you dont want to cut across the blue line with him out there. He alters the game on every shift
Spezza should be in the discussion for the Hart as well, he may be playing the best two way hockey of his career.
To Carolina: Filatov, Lee & Butler
To Ottawa: Ruutu
To Vancouver: Konopka
To Ottawa: 4th or 5th rd pick
If you are basing this on the TSN story I think you misread it a bit. TSN listed the teams that are most likely to be buyers or make a big splash at the deadline and listed there cap space, of which Detroit has the most. Detroit does have a good payroll but there are teams (including Ottawa) who have lowere payrolls.
Won 24, lost 20. 54.5%
Too much for a UFA who has had a mediocre career. Butler and a 3rd round pick is all I'd give up for Ruutu (maybe more if he was signed past this year). Otherwise I stick with what we got.
Not worried at all, but have you noticed his point decline coincided with Foligno being removed from the line with him and Alfie. I think he's still learning to play with Greening, but long term he's a great 2nd line C. He's still doing all the other little things that are required.
I'd even keep Butler. He's played better this stint and you can rationalize that his slump had a lot to do with getting used to a full NHL schedule (plus the Calder cup run last year). Assuming Spezza likes the guy that is - if he'd be geeked out about getting Ruutu to replace him then do it I guess.
In fact:
Lee for Ruutu - no thanks
Butler for Ruutu - no thanks
Filatov for Ruutu - no way Carolina would take that
The cost to get a Brassard is likely not worth it if he's only going to play 3rd or 4th line C. He's still being valued as a future top 6 prospect and we already have tons of 3rd/4th line players to spare.
Agreed - not to mention that he's 21 years old. Let's let him spend the next 2-3 seasons developing into a super #2C and not look to drop him to the fourth line whenever he goes a few games without scoring.
I think this is where the distinction has to be made between who is the best dman in the league and which dman is having the best season. The Norris should be based on this season only. Weber is my favorite dman in the league and definitely the best all around one there is, but the main advantage he has over Karlsson is he plays a very physical game while still putting up points.
In THIS specific season though, Karlsson has also been up against the oppositions' top players, and has vastly exceeded Weber's production. Also, Weber plays on one of the deepest teams in the league, whereas Karlsson often has to make up for the rookies and sophomores around him. And as much as I like what Anderson brings most of the time, he is no Pekka Rinne.
I think Weber is the best dman in the league, but Karlsson is easily the one having the Norris season this year!
LOL
If McPhee does nothing he's going to be fired, that's why I expect Washington to panic.
Agreed. Lindstrom is not physical and plays positional defence and I think Karlson is learning to use positional defence for his lack of size.
SPL
I guess that makes Kuba our rental for this year.
And as for Nash, I just think Murray is doing his job, every manager should have a deal they would put together to get this guy... I am sure that Murray will not be prepared to give up as much as other teams will be, so we should not expect to get Nash... IMO of course
yes it will be, but it was not easy for us last year having to give up some classy guys in Fisher and Kelly, but that is the price to pay when you are out of the playoffs, and really want to rebuild properly.
Unlike the Laffs, who for years would give up the future in prospects and picks in hopes of a quick fix.
Here's to being ahead of the Laffs rebuild! Go Sen Go!!!!
Finally! We can put this Nash-trade to Ottawa nonsense, and "Let's trade Kuba while his stocks are high" garbage to bed. Some of us are getting tired of it.
Can we get back to bashing the Laffs and Cheer on our beloved SENS like they're going to win the Cup this year?
Gotta love uncle euge
Melnyk said the club won’t overspend just to finish seventh and get eliminated in the first round.
That about tells u all u need to know about the clubs direction
So don't think Parise Suter or any of theses guys will sign here
Not sure how Melnyk saying they will not overpay for a rental and risk the future, will have any negative impact on whether Parise or Suter would want to sign here.
Parise and Suter will wanna go to a team that has a chance to win and do everything in there power to win ..that is not the Ottawa senators full rebuild keep them cheap them young and hungry according uncle euge
He means no rentals...
Is it posted anywhere? What specifically did he say about Kuba?
I'm fine with keeping him (as our rental basically) but I hope he's still taking calls for any of our UFAs.
Mendes is always good like that and without being a homer.
Thank god we have him at least to provide solid Sens coverage and insight.
There isnt a "shutdown" D in the league who has been able to stop EK from putting up numbers
therefor he is better than them..
Haha, great way to put it, case closed!
The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's top "defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position".
The voting is conducted at the end of the regular season by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, and each individual voter ranks their top five candidates on a 10–7–5–3–1 points system.
So while the description specifically says "all-round" we all know that Karlsson's reputation is being weak in his own zone (not deserved IMO).
So I think realistically he'll get in as a finalist but not win this year. Then that will start to change his reputation from "weak in his own zone" to "Norris nominee". After that, he'll be primed to win one like his hero Lidstrom.
D doesnt cover D, that is the FW's resposibility. Weber is gonna win it hands down, no contest, with EK coming in 2nd, also no contest.
Weber does it all, he doesnt just put up assists, he hits (120 to 48) he blocks shots (96 to 48) he scores on the PP (7PPG to 1) and high +- on a worst team offensively than Karlsson with no real top 3 players.
I dont think anyone is afraid to play against Karlsson, to go into the corners vs Karlsson, or to go infront of the net vs Karlsson.
As for what EK will sign for. Don't be expecting a home team discount, the kid is 21 and his agent is going to ensure he makes what he's worth.
Happy to know we can clear away all the Nash and Kuba talk. I don't see Ottawa making a move, more specifically one that will affect our current players and chemistry. I am excited for the deadline though, one of my fav times of year.
Super happy with the Sens play of late. For them to grab 9 of a possible 10 points is big. I'd read some talk about cheering for the Leafs to beat Jersey and for the other upper level teams to lose in hopes we jump them in the standings. Let's focus on staying in the running, and by that I mean staying ahead of those teams behind us such as TO, Jets and Washington. We should be cheering for Jersey tonight to keep Toronto in the L dept. Remember, we are leading those teams, but they all have games in hand, with exception to the Jets. Teams above us are exactly that, above us and also have games in hand.
And a big cheer going out to Spezza, he's rocked it the last few games. He'll nail the NHL top star this week for sure.
And, I think the voters probably realize that Weber should have won it last year...Weber is overdue to win this...
He's not the best defence in the League, he is the best offensive defenceman. And the award clearly states All-around abilities at his position and IMO Weber shows much more in other areas of the position. Karlsson is not a great defender...He's a younger Mike Green, another great offensive defenceman that will never win this award.
Don't get me wrong, he deserves it because of the season he's putting together and it's in his contract year.
Say he does win the Norris, how much more do you think he would demand from management to get him signed as opposed to being a runner up for the award? He's due a nice increase from his Entry Level regardless, but the jump from a candidate to Norris winner would be a hefty increase wouldn't you think?
The team has a lot of cap going forward but with the new CBA kicking in later this year who knows how EK's contract will affect the team going forward.
Karlsson will sign an extension before the Norris voting is done. 5 years at around $5-6M per year is my guess.
@ Tookie19,
You will eat your words in very near future, after stating that Karlsson will never win the James Norris Trophy !!
Orr won it 8 times, and Karlsson will win it more than once !!
I said Mike Green will never win, never said Karlsson but only way I see Karlsson winning it is if Weber is injured and even that you got Chara...D's that really make a difference to play against.
But is he the best overall d-man in the league?
Just like the purely shutdown defensive d-man hardly ever will win, the purely offensive d-man will also have a hard time winning the Norris as well.
It has to be the combination of solid D with offensive flare (Lidstrom, Chara) that usually win this trophy.
He still has some defensive grooming to do before he is a sure Norris winner... again IMO of course
Thats an Era long forgotten Snoopy, things are WAY different now.