For a team that had some blueline concerns coming into the season, Ottawa played a crisp and nearly error free game. Any time they did slip up, Craig Anderson was there to bail them out.
The Sens dominated the first period, feeding off the energy of a sold out Scotiabank Place. They outshot the Panthers 18-4 but could only get one past Panthers starter Jose Theodore. The lone goal came from Kyle Turris as he one timed a perfect feed from Patrick Wiercioch past a surprised and out of position Theodore.
In the second period, Florida had there chances to get back in the game but couldn't beat Anderson.
It was Turris again, finishing off a perfect pass from Latendresse, that gave the Sens the cushion they would need. From that point on, MacLean's team played near mistake free hockey.
O'Brien would score on a nifty individual effort and Silfverberg buried a perfect feed from Spezza for his first in the NHL late in the final frame.
Much like in Winnipeg on Saturday, there were plenty of players that stood out for the Sens. Oddly enough, while he didn't record a point this time around, I thought Erik Karlsson was the best defenceman for the Senators. His puck control was on another level and his play in his own end was much better than on Saturday.
The Senators now move to 2-0 on the season and will have a couple days off before heading South for back to back games against the Panthers and Lightning, starting on Thursday night.
- There were plenty of excellent moments in the home opener both on and off the ice but the highlight may have come in the form of the Paul MacLean look-a-like sitting directly behind the Ottawa bench. The camera operators were on top of it too, placing the twins on the scoreboard a few times. The reactions from Paul MacLean were priceless
- Also, hats off to the fans that tried to get the Alfie Countdown back for another season. There was clearly some rust to shake off but by the third period the chant seemed to be picking up steam and actually got a smile out of the Sens Captain as he saw himself up on the big screen. Keep it up Sens fans!
I know its only two games but im pretty sure this team is better than last years and we are not going to take a step back.
lets go sens
Site works fine for me on my Galaxy nexus. The zoom in fits the screen perfectly in portrait mode just like TSN does.
Android 4.2.1 on Chrome
GO SENS!
I live in Rockland, in which is 10-15 min from Ottawa, and they blacked it out.
I read the agreement with the NHL re. this issue, and ya, they re not following it.
Just an FYI that I contacted them and let you poor folks, like me, know what's up.
BTW, sounds like it was a great game.
Go sensgo
Regarding the iPhone format of the site, I have noticed the aforementioned problems for a while now. I hadn't been following the site much over the lockout, and had assumed someone must have pointed it out before then! It definitely doesn't auto-adjust like it used to, making it unreadable in either portait or landscape mode. It hasn't worked in so long that I assumed it was something to do with my jailbroken iPhone. Very surprised that nobody pointed this out before this point and that it's news to you 'Chirp!
Get it fixed! How else am I supposed to read the latest posts and comments while driving?? :)
I can go up and down the lineup with praise, but honestly these two wins have been a team effort, hard to just pin it on a few players individually, and that's a good thing.
Wiercioch looks like he's been a regular NHLer for a few years, his patience with the puck was impressive. I heard later that he and Turris (who are actually childhood friends) had a great chuckle about the pass play to Turris for the 1st goal during the first intermission. Good to see the early chemistry between the guys. And I have to say great game by Methot again, and big congrats to Silf on his first goal.
So all that being said, it's time to come back down from this high, to realize that we are only 2 games in. While we have chalked up 2 W's there is still some pretty stiff competition heading our way. We got a chance to see our Sens take advantage in these situations, I'm really interested to see how they compete against the big competition. Can't wait... Go Sens Go!!!
Chirp, I've also noted this problem recently. It was good when the site first changed but just recently it happened and it's frustrating. Cheers
2 wins, 8 goals and spezza didnt have to carry the offense.
with a couple of moves, this team looks like they could make some noise come playoffs especially if Silf & pw46 continue to adjust.
-faceoffs needs to improve
-add one legit top 4 D
Been very impressed with methot so far, just does the simple things well and does the simple thing whenever he can. The two bingo boys don't look out of place and I doubt WireCock sees any time in Bingo this year.
4th line is playing well and it's nice being able to give Regin time to settle into things on that line, the skill level he has also makes that line more dangerous.
Only forward that seems to have taken a step back is Colin Greening, not been much of a factor but I'm putting that down to finding his feet in a new role after being bumped down the depth chart and not getting the chances on the top 2 lines. Once he's settled down I think he'll be an effective 3rd line player.
Turris is off to a fantastic start. This kid is a pure gem and it looks like he's going to live up to all of his potential here in Ottawa. You can just tell he loves it here.
Methot has exceeded all expectations I had for him. I had no idea he was such a good skater for such a big guy. He moves the puck very well and he's the most physical defenceman we have had since Vokchenkov. What a great trade for Murray.
Silfverberg looks like he will take a few games to adjust in the NHL with new line mates and a faster game than in the minors, but he has still played fairly well and has taken care of business in the defensive zone. Great to see him get his first NHL goal last night, the first of very very many.
Karlsson is amazing, we all know that, but he's on another level than anyone else on the ice. I was watching the TSN top 50 players for this season and they had him ranked 10th or 11th. I believe e by seasons end he'll be considered a top 5 player in the world.
Oh ya and Anderson what more can ya say?!
So...onto the game....I had an un-easy feeling going into the 3rd period (even though Sens up 2-0) that Florida had something up their sleeve. I kept saying, "they can't be THAT bad" Figured Kovalev or Herberdeau or somebody had to wake up.
But nadda...20 min later the game was over and I was shocked to see Florida had 31 shots on net, as all I saw from start to finish was a Sens Domination on home ice. Im liking the energy of all 4 lines. So far not one player is standing out as "that guy" thats making mistakes or looking lazy. They are playing like a team!
Methot is plain and simple..MR Hockey! Calm, poised, smart positioning and reads the play well. And someone please tell me what was so "wrong" about that awesome hip-check he gave in the 3rd period?? 2 mins for interference!? What the hell was that? Thats a good hockey hit!
I hope hes not discouraged about throwing more hits like that in future games....I can't wait for next Sunday to see if Crosby and Malkin can handle the "air time". CRUNCH!
Cheers all!
https://twitter.com/AOsadchenko/status/293590553067655168
I don't know why but I always find it funny seeing a hockey player with a full sleeve, especially when they are babyfaces like seguin
Who's he think he is Brian McGrattan?
While it obviously still very early, it is hard to imagine the Sens have only allowed one goal this season when defense was supposed to be a weak spot. I think it really emphasises just how good a coach Maclean really is.
Best part is Spezza and Karlsson haven't even really got going yet.
So I ended up getting two Sens tuques at 50% off for a total of $22.60, and two mid-300 level tickets to next Tuesday's matchup vs Ovie and the Caps.
Needless to say my day started off great! I'm just telling you guys this so you can go take advantage of some of the free ticket giveaways they are having at the Sens stores. Sure you have to buy something but its still an awesome deal. All merchandise is 50% off.
Damn, free tickets for buying two togues? Thanks for the heads up!
I don't know if Benoit will stick around all season but if he continues to play like he did last night then he will force the Sens to continue to play him even once Lundin is healthy. Wiercioch is definitely here to stay.
I can't wait to see how that pairing plays against some better teams.
Apology accepted lol
Also I'd like to point out that I kept stating how important having Weircoch/Benoit pairing lead our 2nd pp unit was and not havign to go with Alfie or Phillips
I agree with a comment at the end of last post by Conn-Smyth
It would be a much more effective chant if there was no silly countdown. The countdown goes with the time clock and it's just funny when a whistle gets blown at 11:05 lol
It's much more effective if everyone would just start chanting Alfie at the 11 minute mark or something like that
Just my 2 cents
my 2 cents...the Alfie chant should start at 11:11, but I'll love it either way.
Winning/Losing, after the 10minute mark in the 3rd, ''fans'' start to leave.
Nope, very clean hit by ellerby and smith handled it well
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/standings/
If that was Toronto instead, they'd already be planning their parade.
10:30 on a Monday night, not many people feel like leaving the parking lot at 11:30 to get home past midnight, don't blame the fans, blame the idiot developers that couldn't build proper exits from the parking...
Why is it that the city can't set up cops at the intersections and let the lights run a little longer? They can just shut down Terry Fox for 15 - 20 minutes after the game and have a steady stream of cars going to the highway...
Anyone who has been to a Syracuse basketball game knows exactly what I'm talking about, They have police controlling all the lights after a game and they clear that area of cars pretty quickly.
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL.html
Cup Favorites!
I agree! its pretty common for police to direct traffic after major events in the states and even in Canada.
In toronto they have police directing traffic out of the ACC for hockey/bball/co ncerts so Ottawa should do the same
I don't live in the Terry Fox area, but I'm pretty certain that those who do, automatically avoid the area when its game night. so shutting it down and making police control makes sense to me. if you live in area be weary between 6-7:30 and 9:30-11:00
Defending Colton Orr saying he should never have been sent down lol, Kadri as well
and now hes bringing up Seguin and Dougie Hamilton just comic gold
Yeah I live fairly close to there and there are 2 or 3 alternate routes people can take to bypass that one area, it would be very easy and wouldn't be for long anyhow (30 mins max)..
People would complain at first, but would get used to it pretty quickly..
nothing too look into for now as he is under contract in KHL, so unless they let him go (which I doubt since there playoffs start soon) then it wouldn't be until next year
Next year we wil need help in the AHL but I don't think a 20 year russian kid who is having success in the KHL will come to NA in order to ride the bus in the AHL.
That being said if he is very good then why not bring him over at 21 and give Ceci one year in the AHL
He was Gonchar's partner in KHL this year. The guy is small and very light though, not sure we need 3 small Ds, so the report is a bit confusing.
Who would be our 3rd small def?
he wouldn't affect this year so looking to next year we have:
karlsson-methot
cowen-Weircoch
Phillips-antipin
throw in boro/lundin/gryba/ceci
Benoit is not a future dmen guy, playing great but not a core dman. thats a pretty big defensive lineup
PP:
karlsson-cowen
antikin-weircoch
PK:
Phillips-methot
cowen-ceci
The report has him possibly coming this year, if his team permits, which would make EK, Benoit and him = 3. Personally I only like 1 smallish D and EK fits that bill.
If we're talking next year, there's no room for this kid in the NHL, Cowen's return, Ceci should be well ahead of him developmentally , and Wiercioch should earn a spot this season.
Put it this way, if the KHL go and try and sign weircoch to go over there, you really think NHL/fans/Sens org would be happy?
This signing is for a 20 year old young prospect to develop, but he won't come here to develop in the AHL so its as a roster spot tryout IMO
I'd imagine thats what they are hoping but now with this new hope playoff thing where the non-playoff teams compete in a bracket style tourny, who knows
I believe KHL is done by march and we could give him an extended look similar to nashville last year with radulov
They can buy him out of his KHL contract and strike a deal with the KHL team. Also, going from KHL -> NHL is graduating to the best league, no players want to go the other way unless they're Russian and not getting icetime in NHL.
Thats not the point, the point is the transfer between contractual players similar to KHL forcing Visnovski to go back. Its a whole can of worms and believe me KHL do not view it as "graduating"
Its a two way street and should Ottawa manage to get Manitorisk(sp) to buy out his contract so he can come here, it will be a messy situation with KHL offering loads of cash to contracted players here
Lets say Semin decides to sit out in hopes of being bought out to go back to russi, you think Carolina will be happy.
Same situation, in this trasnfer policy its not considered graduating
I'm just saying it's possible. Not sure why you're going through all these other hypotheticals. We'll see what happens and really I'm not too intrigued either way. I like what we have better going forward.
I may be one of the few...I'd like to see the Sens sign Gonchar to an extension, but obviously not at 5.5mil. If we can sign him to 1 or 2 more years at 3-4mil, I'd do it. He is a good steady vet dman that will be good on the PP and anywhere from 3-6 on the depth chart.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2013/01/22/ian_mendes_paul_maclean_lookalike_doppelganger_ottawa_senators/
I can't believe I'm saying it (not a Gonchar fan), but it may be something to consider...
this small Russian makes very little sense to me, if they passed on Huskins, no way this Russian kid moves up on the depth chart ahead of Boro or Gyrba, or even Benoit for that matter.
My 2 cents
found highlights of him, had a 4point night in a 7-4 win.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WSuTOAQDVMU#!
Haha, I was telling my wife the same thing last night, she gave me quite the look because of all the times I've cursed him.
But I think as you say as a 3 - 6 option and on the PP, I think he's worth bringing back for one more year until Ceci is ready...
To Chicago for Patrick Kane+Henrik Karlsson is my guess (explains why CHI picked up Karlsson)
I think there is probably another player involved coming from Van so that there is a little more parity, in a dollars sense.
I agree with this as well. He and Big Rig can play out their contracts together on the bottom pairing, while Cowen+Weircioch are the 2nd pairing.
To be honest, having him and Phillips as a 5-6 would be nice theoretically, but at the price they'll command it's just not worth it after this year. I think Karlsson, Methot, Wiercioch, Cowen, Ceci, Phillips, and 1 of Wikstrand, Borowiecki, Gryba, Benoit, Claesson, Eckford or whoever we are able to trade for/sign UFA, should be a pretty good D going forward.
I think Gonchar if he doesn't resign here, is going back to the Pens. Either at the deadline or this summer... He probably wants to win another cup, and where else than with Geno, his BFF. Guaranteed he'd be willing to take a cut, knowing that the Pens are bonafide contenders right now. I like the guy... he still puts up decent numbers, but his price tag definitely needs to come down...
Again I wll make the argument that we have one of the best bottom 6 lines in the NHL.
D-men especially Methot, looked excellent.
On the flip side, Phillips struggled, and I cant believe that I am typing this but thank God Gonchar was there to bail him out... eating my words again, but Gonchar is no longer gon shit, he is playing very well.
Lets keep things in perspective, our D looks good against the Florida and Jets of the world, and even then Andy was amazing, in saving them when he was needed. But come against the Pens on Sunday or even the TBL on Friday will be a much tougher test,
I believe that our Management must have plenty of faith in Lundin, so once he is back, Benoit goes back down, and Boro plays spot duty.
Go Sens Go
Montreal - Price+Kaberle+? ? for Luongo? Philly? I dont see Vancouver giving him up within conference...to o risky lol and payback really will be a B***h then haha.
I think this russian kid rumor is far fetched. Murray seems to be wanting to pick or sign D-men who are Bigger and good skaters (karlsson btw is not small-6'). At 5'10", Antipin better be Scott Niedermayer reincarnated lol...not to mention all the teams in the Sens division are big now. Sabres bulked up, Habs bulked up, Toronto has grinders too and Boston was always bad.
Add this to the fact that help in Bingo is available in atleast three bodies: Gryba, Borocop and even Claesson. Once Lundin comes back we will have 7D. I say no touchy until some of the tougher games.
btw: Props to the Murrays for sticking with Patrick W. 2 pts in his first 2 NHL games...NICE.
As long as the current group stays healthy, Sens coaching with Paul MacLean will overcome any shortcomings in skill or capabilities. These guys look very well coached right now.
If we're basing it on need in nets:
Favs - Toronto, Chicago, Edmonton
Possibles - Tampa Bay, NY Islanders, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Columbus, Detroit
So it's probably going to be Pitt haha (kidding). So hard to guess though, Gillis seems to be playing games with the other gms who are interested.
fair enough
You have wonder why a RUMOUR of such move has put a few people's knickers in such a knot? Good on Murray!
Or Washington... that would make them clear SE Div favorites...
Personally I don't see the Washington angle. They have 2 great prospects battling it out right now and they sold off another #1 to Colorado not too long ago. It would lock it down back there for the next 5+ years, but those prospects have finally become NHL starter ready, so it would be weird timing.
To me it's like the Florida rumors. Sure Florida loves Luongo, but they don't NEED him. Theodore is doing more than fine for this year and Markstrom is going to likely be a sick goalie whenever they finally let him run with it.
It could happen though, I just would question a GM who takes on the ridiculous Luongo contract and didn't actually need to upgrade in nets.
I keep hearing Gillis wants to move Luongo east, but if he didn't the Oilers and Hawks would be able to put a better deal together for the goalie than the Sharks who won't part with Pavelski.
The Capitals, as I have written previously, are a possibility...a s are, I am told today, the Senators...
Why on earth would the Sens be entertaining any possible deal for Luongo. Haha! We already have 3 NHL calibre tenders. He later makes a point that it is likely simple rumours to make Toronto pay a bigger price but I couldn't even believe that Nonis would believe that.
islanders would be an option, and I think is what is being perpetuated by Gillis remarks of "we don't want to take anyone back just to buy out" - see dipietro
Luongo to islanders for okposo, 1st and prospect not names strome or reinhart
Washington? Detroit?
Maybe a three way deal with Colorado and O'Reilly in the mix?
I read that too, couldn't believe what I was reading. OFF HIS ROCKER!!! lol
You know what, I hadn't even thought of Dipietro going the other way. I just assumed Gillis meant Bryzgalov. Very interesting, would love to see Okposo on the top line in Vancouver with the Sedin twins.
Maybe its something like this:
To Ottawa:
Luongo
To Vancouver:
Zib
Greening
2nd
AND then...
To Ottawa
Patrick Kane
2nd
To Chicago
Luongo
I could see Murray pulling some magic like that... turning Bishop, Zib and Greening into Patrick Kane.
Ok, ok.... I just re-read that and realized I just became one of those rose-colored glasses posters I hate...
Ooops!
The parts you put may not be high enough/make sense, but the idea is pretty interesting. That's the only way I see Ottawa being in on a Luongo deal. Not for Kane though, don't see him moving.
I think Vancouver would rather just get Sharp or Bolland+ in a direct deal though.
Why would he get kicked out? He's just a fan.
No, he was escorted to an interview with Ian Mendes for Sportsnet.
Well I only say so because he was ushered off by what looks like security last night before the end of the game and today there is a lot of talk/rumour online and on television that he was kicked out.
...but i see darthsens911 has answered the question.
The Russian d kid is simply another prospect .... with a possibility of Bingo being in his future.
I do like the idea of a three-way .... and the trade as well! Zing! But seriously, I have a higher percentage of calling trades than Eukland does and I broke the Burke firing on this site.
Captain Lou ends up somewhere odd like ...... Washington, Colorado ..... or wait for it .... Anaheim.
http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Ottawa/ID/2328001693/
see post 52
THE INTERVIEW IS AWSOME!!!!! THE GUY IS REALLY FUNNY!
Chicago's tandem of Toews & Kane will not be moved, as Eberle & Nugent-Hopkins in Edmonton. If Luongo is moved, it'll be for a Bolland or Sharp and a pick at most.
"Paul MacClone" should attend a lot of home games - in a good luck charm sort of way.
here you go
http://espn.go.com/newyork/conversations/_/id/8869595/nino-niederreiter-seeks-traded-new-york-islanders-source-says
luongo for el nino okposo and a 2nd
No risk on trying to sign this russian kid. If all those saying the kid is too small, im glad you arent the GM of this team otherwise we wouldn't have Karlsson.
Hypothetically this russian kid is great...
Karlsson-Methot
Cowen-Russia
Phillips-WireCock/Ceci
When it becomes a logjam i.e. if Ceci became elite, you trade your D for some help up front.
Just saying
Wow, that would be quite the return for Gillis! I still think Nino can be a quality nhl player if put in the right organization.
It wouldn't be a one-way contract and I highly doubt this player would be given a chance to play in Ottawa right away so we really have nothing to lose.
Get it done Murray!
I'm still kind of stinging over missing out on Justin Shultz so picking up another gifted dman like Antipin is rumored to be can only help heal the wounds.
Broke the Burke firing on this site lol you read about it on twitter and ran as fast as you could to senschirp to tell everyone lol woooooow
Kyle Turris = awesome
Craig Anderson = amazing.
Seeing how Ottawa was 24th in goals against last season.. to only have 1 goal against in 2 games is great. Now I know they were not playing the elite teams.. but they are beating the teams they should.
Hoping for 2 road wins in Florida.. then coming back to face the best in the East in Pittsburgh. That will be a true test as to where this team stands against the best teams in the East. Then Washington and Montreal... who the Sens have difficulty beating on the best of days.
As for this Russian kid... that's pretty small for a D - even smaller than Karlsson. He will need time in the AHL. So will he go there to play for peanuts when he can play for multi-millions in the KHL?
IF this rumour is true (I have my doubts but what do I know) then I see Gonchar staying here past this season..
On to Florida -- Go Sens Go.
Why wouldn't you sed Boro Back and keep Benoit, much further along then Boro at present and is playing extremely well
Not sure if this was the case for the guy above in Rockland but as usual it will be blacked out on Sportsnet East in the Ottawa area and you need to look on Sportsnet Ontario (even if the Leafs are playing.) To make it more complicated, Rogers digital guide was showing a game matchup that didn't even exist during the Senators timeslot.