If Saturday night was any indication, it's safe to say the Battle of Ontario is officially back.
Both teams played entertaining, physical hockey and gave the sell out crowd at SBP a whole lot to cheer about. The much talked about "Take Back the Bank" initiative certainly didn't scare away the usual Leafs contingent, as there was plenty of blue and white around the building. Pretty close to a 50/50 split I'd say.
Full credit to the Sens fans that did show up though. They were as loud as they've been all season and at times were able to drown out the Leafs fans in the building.
The Senators held a 2-1 edge heading into the final period on goals by Mika Zibanejad and Erik Condra but Clarke MacArthur scored early in final frame, setting the stage for Greening's heroics late. Full credit to the line of Greening-Zibanejad-Condra as they were by far the best line for Paul MacLean last night.
Greening finished with a goal and two assist, while Condra and Zibanejad each had one and one.
Full day off for the Senators today before returning to the ice tomorrow morning. Ottawa closes out this four game home stand against the division leading Montreal Canadiens on Monday night. Should be another fun one at Scotiabank Place.
- An explanation on the video posted above. Spotted this guy leaving Scotiabank Place after the game last night and had to get a video. Really not sure what to make of it but it's safe to say that guy was heckled by fans from both teams last night.
I love this team!
Go Sens Go!
I liked Foligno and all, but Murray robbed Columbus for Methot.
COLIN GREENING FOR PRIME MINISTER
Question;
What does Pmac do when Spezza returns specific to Turris and Zibanejad? He's said that he prefers Zibby at center over the wing so does that result in Turris jumping up on the top line as a winger?
Maybe
MM Spezza Turris
Alfie Zibby Silf
3 other guys
3 other guys
Bottom 6 are very interchangeable
Wheres all those fans saying the team should tank now?? Amazing what a good coach can do for a team.
Did anyone notice Greening after he scored on the bench screaming at someone on the ice? Was it at a teammate or a Leaf and wondering what it was about? Seemed strange.
I seriously think people need to stop talking about Turris becoming a winger (either if we acquire Orielly or Zib moving up).
Turris is a centre. Plain and simple. Yes he has a sick shot but he's a natural playmaker who has played his entire life as a C. He struggled to adapt to the NHL game at first but has now clearly learned what it takes to be an NHL centreman. You don't just suddenly move him to wing. That would absolutely ruin everything about his game.
Zibanejad is great but I don't see him as a 2nd line C. There's just too much going on in that position. I think he'd be either an elite 3rd line C or a great 2nd line winger.
Point is, certain guys can make a switch from C to W or vice versa but Turris is not one of them. He is as natural of a centre as there can be. For example...would you even consider moving Spezza to the wing if we got Crosby? No it just wouldn't work
Understand what you are saying but still dont buy it. We did not draft Zib 6th overall to place him on our third line. ALthough ultimately it could end up that way if he doesn't fullfill potential. The guy is a Brendan Morrow. lol. TBH dont know if that comparison is valid but it sounded right in my head.
I agree Zibanjead is great and will be much much better down the road but he's much more versatile than Turris in terms of switching positions.
To be honest I along with many people (including his team Sweden coach among others) think he's best suited as a winger. He's got the speed and strength for it. Where as Turris plays a much more finesse style game where he needs the open ice in order to create plays. If you watch Turris, his best moments are when he comes flying through the neutral zone down the middle and dishes it off to Alfie or who ever. But when he's coming down the wing he actually kind of struggles unless the D screws up and gives him too big of a gap, but that's rare in the NHL
HMMMMM !
Based on last night a third line of
Condra-Zibby-Gr eening for the rest of this and next season might be a good thing for the still very young Zibby.
Got to get another winger for Spezza though.
Free agent signing ?
Have to agree here. We did not draft Zibby to be a 3rd line gritty center.
He's a big time player looking to make an impact every time he's on the ice. It'd be a damn shame if someone of his calibre is not playing on the top lines.
The more pressing issue is... getting a damn sniper for Spezza's/Turris .
I think if it comes down to him or Turris moving to the wing though Zibby makes a lot more sense.
I have to agree with this. For next season I would love to keep Greening-Zib-Co ndra as a 3rd line. Everyone knows you can't win games without secondary scoring and it would be difficult to find a better 3rd line in the NHL than that.
And considering that Spezza, Turris and Zib are all young, we should be set at center for the next 5-7 years this way.
Can't really argue with that and Zibby on Spezza's wing would be solid...but personally I can't get Spezza's hilight reel assist against WPG last year out of my head....which Turris scored on while playing wing....either way, you can't really go wrong.
Or maybe a 2A / 2B situation.
Coach MacLean seems to be very good at matching his talent to specific situations / opponents.
He'd still have a DD-ZS-CN wall of death to use as needed.
Dziurzynski - Smith - Neil
Sick sick sick bottom 6!!
So much speed. So much size. So much grit. And just enough scoring
Will Alfie come back?
Will we get Perry or another legit 1st liner?
Will another rookie step up like Hoffman, Stone or Noesen?
Michalek - Spezza- - Silfverberg
O'Brien - Turris - Alfredsson
Greening - Zibanejad - Condra
Dziurzynski - Smith - Neil
Daugavins, Stone, Hoffman (spares )
Would be real scary in the playoffs !!
I'm also pretty happy with Benoit as a 6/7 D-Man.
Brian Lee who ?
Maybe Murray's fondness for local boys is a pretty good idea.
I don't know Snoopy, I'm really liking the line of Silfverberg-Tur ris-Alfie. Other than Silfverberg though, I'm now sure who would fit on the top line with Spezz and Milo.
We have to remember that there are only so many players a team can carry on their roster. If guys like DD, Gryba and so on keep playing well, Murray may be forced to waive Latendresse and/or Regin.
It should be interesting to see how things play out when and if we get healthy this year.
As for Zibanejad, I agree with Zach. I think Zibanejad as 3C for the present is fine. Ultimately you hope he ends up in the top 6 but playing behind Spezza and Turris is (somewhat) similar to Staal when he was in Pitt.
If Turris works on Spezza's wing that's fine but I'm not sure if Zibanejad is a true #2C. I think he's more likley to end up 3C or a winger in the top 6. For a 6th overall I get that this is not a high ceiling but I'm not sure I'd try to force him as 2C if that's not the best slot for him.
Great to see Grening playing like a cyborg again!
Looks like Gryba did charity work
I like the idea of getting O 'Reilly. I like TUrris on Spezza's wing.
Michalek-Spezza-TUrris
Silfverberg-o'Reilly-Alfie
Greening-Zibby-Condra
Dziurzynski-JOB-Neil
I think the Avs would go for Zack Smith plus another young forward prospect plus a third rounder. Sens would be pretty dangerous come playoff time. We have so many good young forwards time for a little quantity for quality.
He is only playing center for the moment, once Spezza comes back Zibanejad will end up on one of the top two line's wing.
As someone before mentioned and other scouts have mentioned, Zibanejad is the complete package, and he was the closest thing you could have gotten in tools or skill set relative to Landeskog.
Condra-Zibby-Gr eening for the rest of this and next season might be a good thing for the still very young Zibby.
Got to get another winger for Spezza though.
Free agent signing ?
Spezza has two linemates in Silfverberg & Michalek. I hope to see Stone eventually on that 3rd line with Greening & Zibanejad. Big, strong, fast, defensively responsible & offensively could be very good.
Spezza has two linemates in Silfverberg & Michalek. I hope to see Stone eventually on that 3rd line with Greening & Zibanejad. Big, strong, fast, defensively responsible & offensively could be very good.
Also interesting how you title this thread about Greening & most hear want to talk about Zibanejad. It just goes to show you how under appreciated the grinders are in every city.
http://www.senstown.com/2013/02/clubhouse-sucks.html
boycott
Real happy to see Colin is back to his "old" self.....Keep it up!
Wow. Clubhouse (haven't been in there in a while) used to be a great place to shop. But if they're selling "Sens suck" hats then that's pretty stupid.
I hope people write letters and complain and they smarten up.
Clubhouse Sucks
I know I am a homer but I actually think that is a good stanley cup team bottom 6. But, doesnt mean our D or top 6 looks like a stanley cup team.
We need a power forward (tried with Latendresse). And as for Defense, maybe just more experience. Love the amount of cap space we have to play with. No reason to not see some long cup runs in 2-3 years time.
Is something going on at TD Bank that has kept them away?
The building was booked off a lot (30/42 days)only 8 of those nights for the bruins games. and just bad luck scheuding. had a couple of weeks where they go 3 nights without a game.
they are playing an insane amount of times in march, they only get 2days of rest once in march which they follow that rest with a back to back road games.
Nope
I sure hope not.
Hate on Crosby, Malkin and their whole organization all you want, but I really hate it when people say 'suck it up' in regards to head injuries.
The symptoms from head injuries can be, and a lot of the times are, down played or hidden, which can result in lots of problems down the road.
I really can't believe Chicago is scouting anyone at the moment, everything seems to be going their way so far, I wouldn't see why they would want to play with that chemistry? Although I guess you always have to be pushing to be better in pro sports.
Any insight on this one Chirp?
But they beat the Maple Leafs last night!!
They all have speed and will hit.. so I think McLean has found a line that really works.
You have teams checking Turris, Alfie, Silf... that leaves this 3rd line to put the puck in the net.
Tomorrow will be a tough test against the Habs. No suspension for Pacioretty. I'm sure Price will be in net.
Hey Canucks lost 8-3 to Detroit today. Lu in net..
Wow. Just wow
...true story bro
JEBUS
So many game changers in this draft
Yes Please.
That's just absurd.
The East is becoming much more balanced and teams are real close to each other...
Does anyone honestly believe the Habs/Lightning/ Leafs will make the playoffs? Or rather believe that the Rangers/Flyers/ Canes won't?
The Leafs? Nah. Even Elmira is better than that!
This is true. I've got a concussion before and it was a horrible experience. I was literally slow for a few weeks after. Could not concentrate at all and had trouble with balance and memory. It took about 2 months for me to feel normal again and be able to skate hard without worry.
Of the teams they've played so far, only Tampa and Pittsburgh felt like true challengers. When things are clicking, Sens can handle themselves versus all the others.
Boston is going to be the biggest challenge. Those games will be the true measuring stick. Philly's a big question mark and I didn't manage to see the Jersey game so I can't really comment on them yet.
Even with all the injuries and knowing that the Sens may lose some tough ones, I'm not sensing that they can't make the playoffs.
Even though they scored all 3 goals, this new line combination, is not all of a sudden our top # 1 line !!
Silfverberg - Turris - Alfredsson line is still our #1 line. For now, and until our injured players return, this will remain our # 2 line combo !!
I can see Montreal having a tough time in stopping this young trio !!
Maybe that would give him the confidence to produce, therefore leaving our other strong lines intact?
Kill the Habs!
MacLean has already said that he doesn't like Regin on the wing, so his days may be numbered...
Spezza's wing is where Regin showed his high end - playoffs two years ago (or was it three?).
Now you can say that about a lot of players but I'd rather see Murray pull something off to get Perry this summer.
Ah, that's what I was thinking as well.
Thanks for the info guys.
I'd have to agree as well, if a legit scoring winger could come in the soft spot for Regin i'm sure would heal.
I must say I think we would look pretty strong, skies the limit at this point....bring on the final year of the rebuild!
Have to agree there is lots of potential and lots of depth. Only time will tell if any of that potential actually pans out (or how many of those guys do) but it seems our cupboards are stocked.
I think with Spezza out we've got time to really see what we've got in Regin and the other young guys.
There are a ton of guys in the organization that can do what he does. In my opinion he's one of the few players that I can almost for sure say will not be returning next year.
If I were to guess I'd say that Latendresse (obviously), Regin, Daugavins, Lundin and most likely Gonchar and Bishop will not be in a Sens uni to start the 2013/2014 season.
Question : how far is Spezza again? About four weeks now right?
Add to that Grant, Noesen and Puemple and Regin (and perhaps The Daug) becomes superfluous, especially with the emergence of Zbad and O'Brien as close to everyday NHLers.
You have to imagine Condra gets a new deal and then next year, the pressure switches to Greening.
The Carolina Hurricanes are the only team that have made the Senators look completely helpless
Tbay and Pitts didn't put up a fight at all, we just played poorly..
Carolina fully outmatched us
Boston, their winning record is a result of being the most restest team in the league
Ill bet any of you boston does not make the playoffs
As I recall (and maybe Chirp will post a more complete update) he was expected back with about a week or maybe two left in the regular season. Which puts him about 6 weeks away still?
On PMac - yeah, he's the Adams winner if the vote were today I think.
#Sens morning skate is underway. Ben Bishop is in the starters end.
Hard to argue with it after playing well on Saturday. Have to assume Lehner gets a game this week no matter what though.
I'll take that bet...
I'm also gonna say Bishop tonight, lehner vs the bruins (unless bishop stands on his head tonight)
on a better note:
GAME! DAY! GAME! DAY! GAME DAY!
GAMEDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wanna see my sens play again! :)
Commander Tom, for their 36 and 31 "thumbs up" on this topic !!
LOL!!! What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Stop drinking the koolaid for a second, take off the rose coloured glasses, and read what you just wrote.
Unless they have a MONUMENTAL collapse, no way are the Bruins missing the playoffs.
i liked grant's game against the leafs, getting a little better and more confident i felt.
what methot and smith did to kadri is still putting a smile on my face hahaha
It's great to see such adversity and continuing to go toe to toe with teams seems to be something of strength for the Sens right now. I had said it last week, if we can score at least 2 goals in a game, with the way our Goalies and defense are playing, the odds are more and more in our favour to snag points. This is true even in games we don't deserve to be winning. But this is what the Sens need to keep doing.
I would like to see the talk about line changes dropped. At this point, 3rd lines are 1st lines, and 2nd lines are 4th. It doesn't really matter because MacLean is putting who he thinks is needed on any given night, and that puts the Sens in a position of power.
Ottawa figured that out at the end of last season
Rask will fall off and Boston is going to be awful in march
I've got 3 bets so far, anyone want to name the stakes?
When they officially cancelled the Winter Classic knowing there wasn't going to be an HBO 24/7 Road to the WC was super disappointing. I love getting that brief insiders perspective of what an NHL team is really like. Plus having the Leafs on it would have been good for quite a few laughs.
The Habs have something like it on their site this year, the only downside is that it's about the habs...
while that would be amazing for the sens, it would mean a team like the leafs or the canadiens squeaking into the playoffs and for me i would take the evil of boston in the playoffs than overhyped media darlings like the habs or leafs.
Smith is generally regarded around the league as one of the toughest centers to play against right now. MacLean constantly sings his praises.
I know he's not scoring and that would be nice, but when we're the best team in the league in GAA that means your shutdown center is doing a great job.