On Saturday afternoon, the Ottawa Senators failed to pick up a point for the first time in seven games as they fell 2-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers.
No time for the Sens to dwell on that loss though as they are right back in action this afternoon when they visit the New York Islanders for a 3:00 PM start. This afternoon marks the second of three games between the two teams this season. Ottawa scored a 3-1 victory over the Islanders at Scotiabank Place on February 19.
On Saturday, the Senators certainly had their chances to come away with a point against a high flying Philadelphia team.
Ben Bishop was strong in goal and gave his team a chance heading into the third. Penalty troubles were the Sens undoing in the third though as they spent far too much time killing off penalties rather than chasing the equalizer. With that said, I 100% endorse Alfie's decision to go after Rinaldo after a questionable hit on Phillips. That guy had been running around all afternoon so good on Alfie for stepping in when he did.
You can bet Head Coach Paul MacLean had a couple words for his team about team toughness though, considering that incident.
The good news is Ottawa has an opportunity to get right back on the horse against an Islanders team that has struggled as of late. New York is in the middle of a seven game homestand and have dropped the first three, getting outscored 13-7 along the way. Their defence and goaltending have been questionable and may be exactly what a sputtering Sens offence needs to get back on track.
No morning skate for the Sens so we'll have to wait until around 1:00 PM for line up notes from the Coach. Obviously Mike Lundin is not available to the Senators after a dirty hit by Zolnierczyk in yesterday's game. His spot will be taken by Andre Benoit.
No word on a starting goalie but this certainly looks like a good opportunity to get Robin Lehner back in the net. We'll see what MacLean decides shortly.
This afternoon's game available on Sportsnet and the radio at Team 1200.
GO SENS GO!
Quick thought about the hit. It was charging but not suspendable imho. Lundin shouldn't have been there with his head down. I imagine he'll dump the puck next time.
Didn't need another reason to love Alfie but there you go. Will be going to the church of Alfie again at 0300 today.
Hope Turris and Smith can knock in a few, they've earned it.
But lets keep things real, and Turris is not as great at we had hoped coming into this season. Not sure if he is injured, but right now Regin is better as #!
Also Phillips... oh boy, I fear that all the good he has done with the Sens, will be tarnished if he does not change his game.
He should be ashamed of himself for that display of cowardness.
Do not be mistaken, that was a message sent by our captain, and I love him for it, but at 41, your top offensive threat, to have to stand up, while Phillips the big galut, gets his face bitch slapped by Fedetenko, was beyond embarrassing.
I admire all of what Phillips has done for the team and the community, but please go out in style Big Rig! not ala Redden
As for him being a coward? Yesterday he had his knees and head slammed in the boards and as he was getting up he was swarmed... Also why drop the gloves that late in the game down by a goal, try and draw a penalty and move on. I like/love that alfredsson stuck out for his team after a dirty hit Alfredsson but maybe he should have stuck up for phillips without his stick up... As our best scoring threat we dont need him being kicked out.
All in all phillips still has a lot to give, he is still great on the penatly kill and an is a solid leader. Not to mention if we get to the playoffs thats where he really shines.
Didn't get a chance to watch the game, I was out and about all afternoon, but tuned in from a local pub and saw the 1st goal. Caught highlights of the rest on NHL game Center on my Droid, but wouldn't you know it, nothing about the Alfie hit was shown. I read all the comments but couldn't get more info. I hope they have more on sports center today, I'll have to look.
I said it before, NYI are the one team that worries me everytime, as they can come from nowhere and dominate teams. Sens have to play the same as always and if so, we shold be ok.
Go Sens Go!!
The problems the Sens are having right now, and with the big guns on this team being out with injuries it's understandable, but they need to learn to put the puck in the net again. The goal scoring constipation is going to be a problem moving forward if we are only going to win games based on our goaltending alone.
I think you meant #2 instead of #3.
Cowen in lieu of Methot!!
Lol, yup. My bad, still thinking about Methot's first goal as a Sens, I guess.
boy, is that a telling typo.
Laugh of the morning. Gracias!
I think you meant failing to get a point for the first time in the last 7 games.
I think the comments re: Phillips are warranted and justified. This is a veteran guy, who wears an 'A' and has often said "I want a young guy to try and earn my spot"... well he's not far from that happening.
Sens had a chance to pick up a tough guy on waivers, maybe it's time to consider that option (i.e. trade) or replace someone in the line-up with Kramer.
I don't just mean a tough guy plug but a guy that can play too. I.e. not a liability.
That's why you never see him dropping the gloves.
It's not so much as he should fight, it's more like, he should play better, period.
Really? thats like telling Ray Lewis not to use his right arm to tackle... instead of retiring... sorry but this is professional sports, getting millions of dollars, Big Rig has had a great career, even Gretzky knew when to retire...
the past 3 years, everyone who has played with Phillips has looked bad.
Great guy...Great career... I want to keep it that way...IMO only
I can't recall if that eye injury was Phillips of Fisher - but it was definitely one of them and I am pretty you're right that it's Phillips.
He's basically been told that he could lose his sight if he were to get punched in the face. And yes a puck to the face would do it too but that's a little less likely than a fist if you drop the gloves right?
Don't understand the Phillips venom on here lately. People need to find a new whipping boy with Spezza hurt I guess.
He's a solid 5/6 guy and everyone knows that he's still a top shutdown guy in the playoffs - he finds another gear every single time. He's on my team until he retires.
to all the grammar police out there,and no Apostle I do not think you are one of them, so not directed at you,
I am sorry if some offend with improper grammar or misspelling of words, but some of us do not have the luxury of spending as much time as others on here. I like to read, get the points of the comments, and throw my 2 cents... obviously I have a little more time right now... in between hockey and dance :)
Go Sens Go!!!
I noticed he had identical giveaways in the last two games. He picked up the puck deep in the defensive zone, and as he went to skate behind the net he would chip the puck off the end boards behind him where the supporting forward should have been.
Unfortunately for Phillips the forward wasn't there and it ended up leading to a turnover on both occasions. Anyone who has been to a Sens practice or to the open training camp this year would know as well as I do that this was a play that the Sens use and practice on a consistent basis. It's not Chris' fault the forward wasn't there to support him.
I defend all of them as much as I can,
but at this point, Phillips has lost what he used to bring... he was never the fastest skater, and has slowed down, he is slow to get to the puck, he used to be a beast battling for the puck, now he is a heavier Gonchar, and does not have the offensive capabilities of a Gonchar
All things being equal he is behind Benoit Wiercioch, Gyrba, and Boro on pure talent, on our depth chart.
Richardson knew when it was time, so did Jason Smith... it is now Big Rigs turn, sorry if it is harsh but that is my opinion... obviously others disagree, and I hope I am wrong and I eat my words when he is the second to raise the Stanley cup for Ottawa
Thanks for clearly outlining the problem. Phillips (of course) doesn't bring what he used to. He's past his prime and nobody would argue that.
BUT I will say that he's still reliable and come playoff time we'll be glad we have him.
Fair enough Hax... again I hope you are right, I am wrong, and he lifts the cup for us! I would gladly be wrong for that :)
NJ places Butler on Waivers.
Poor BB
wonder if he comes overseas in the event they are eliminated.
Or that our "shut down" center gets crapped all day long as well. Very good point.
The Senators have not heard from the NHL regarding supplemental discipline (fine or suspension) for Daniel Alfredsson. He'll play today
Ian Mendes @ian_mendes
MacLean says Lehner will start in goal. Andre Benoit comes back in for Lundin.
Of course he will! Shanahan was like "Meeh, it's Danny Alfie, fuck it."
Worst case scenario we get healthy and we try to send him through waivers to help Binghamton for the playoffs. Or he gets picked up off of waiver when we try to send him down.
That ship has sailed. The BSens will have Stone and Hoffman back for their playoff push. And if we get Michalek back, they will have Dizzy as well.
If the team's charter flight goes from Philly to (probably) Laguardia and the player is injured, does he stick with the team and travel as best he can or do they ship him off to Ottawa somehow or to his home? It must be a bitch to fly with a concussion...
Do they leave him in Philly (alone) and send his wife to get him? Just curious...
I`m not 100% certain on this but I don`t think you`re even allowed to fly with a concussion. At least not a major concussion.
I think we are one elite forward away from being a contender.
Our defence is solid as they have shown this year, maybe not the puck moving but defensively they have been solid, and should be even better when karlsson and cowen return.
If Perry doesn't re-sign with the ducks I fully expect murray to give him a nice offer to play along side of spezza.
Silfverberg-Spezza-Perry
Michalek-Turris-Alfie
Greening-Zibby-Regin(?)
Condra-Smith-Neil
Karlsson-Methot
Cowen-Weircioch
Phillips-Gryba
Anderson
Lehner/Bishop
Sorry about the lines, Looking at the roster its almost that we will have to many forwards fighting for NHL Jobs. I know there are many different line combos we would go with.
I still don't think he was given a fair chance but it had to do with his work ethic for sure.
Have the Sens, just completely given up on him? I know they still own his NHL right.
If Bishop keeps up his impressive play, he quickly moves to 1st round pick territory. I'd be happy with a first for Bishop any day.
Regin's not coming back bro. Now we're not GM's right? But there's almost no way in hell he'll be back. Too many prospects gonna fight for jobs and can easily bump any current guys. I see Smith & Regin easily being replaced with Stone & Hoffman.
Should be a great finish!
He became the odd man out when regin came back. Has been a healthy scratch ever since.
Glad to see Benoit back in the lineup
Let's get a W boys!!!
GSG
Surgery has always been on the table but they were hoping it would get to a point where he could play through it. Sounds like he had a good couple days and may return next week.
Ottawa getting Perry won't happen - Leafs also have a Perry connection.
They will offer him a Parise contract - Ottawa won't.
Next shiny new toy please.
Hawks tie it at 1-1 with 2:00 to go
Yes! Woowwwww what a game!
Parise contracts don't exist anymore. There is a maximum term length and a maximum salary variance from year to year. Those contracts are over with
OK Captain Nitpicker
a "Parise Like contract" - 2013 max length + 2013 max salary
Point is Murray knows we need a star and he's willing to take on a massive contract if its for said star. He made that clear when trying to acquire Nash at 7.8 per. And the Nash situation included us loosing Lehner, Zibanejad, Foligno and a 1st.
Really think he won't try to get Perry if its just him having to pay somewhere around 8million per without giving up assets??
http://atdee.net/60616/watch-ottawa-senators-vs-new-york-islanders
Phenominal quality thanks
Yeah geez... have they clinched their playoff spot yet? I'd think in the next few games cuz damn, they have 40+ pts?
And we have our first roster move suggestion of the afternoon 13 minutes into the game! Should be a fun day :)
They just aren't able to create good chances in the offensive zone. When they do, it almost seems lucky.
Yes I know we're missing our best players...yah yah but its still frustrating. Almost every goal we've scored the past 5 or so games has been a lucky bounce (Dziurzynski's clapper, Methot's clapper, O'Brien's lucky bounce etc....all lucky and shouldn't have gone in)
Still love this team but its getting pretty frustrating watching them not being able to play any sort of offensive hockey
Yeah fuck! I'm almost ready to do the line combinations for next year in a few minutes!
Hey Senschirp I'm no expert, but making a mockery of posts on your blog isn't the best way to increase your traffic.. Just sayin!
He's right though. I wouldn't bench Smithy at the expense of Da Costa; but he does bring more offense to the table.
Nothing wrong with the comment
Haha oh come on now. A playful jab. I happen to like Da Costa!
Let me know when it stops snowing,
The Fairweather Fan
Rant #2: I really dislike hockey metrics, but take a look at Travis Yost's Feb 27th blog on HB for proof of Smith's tough minutes. Defensive zone starts, tough quality of competition while towing a positive shot differential... (Sarcasm) but no no, you're right; the guy should also be lighting the lamp like he's Ben Franklin.
As long as we get the W, what's the problem? It's not like we're going to be a defensive-minde d team for the rest of the existence of the organization.
Eric Gryba has been a liability on the blueline over the past 3 games. His play in his own end isn't very good
5 games since their last win that is.
Sorry man meant to thumbs up you, sausage fingers got the better of me on the iPhone.
Completely agree though, I liked what boro brought to the table. He reminds me of volchy.
EIGHT NHL GAMES LOL!! "The dude is a liability, he can't play in the NHL".
Dude, give him a full season. You do realize Karl was sent down to the A after a few games in his first season with us right? Gryba has 100+ AHL games under his belt, and even that is a different league than the NHL.
25 more games in the NHL won't teach him how to skate and hit.
I never said he can't play in the NHL. I just said he's been a liability over the past several games, and if you watched any of them I'm right.
I'm not giving up hope on him or anything. Just saying I'd like to see Boro back.
That's it man.
And comparing Karlsson to Gryba is just unfair lol. Karlsson is one of the best hockey players I have ever seen.
I agree, although I was a big fan of Carkner.
I think Gryba should use his body a lot more personally. He's a big guy and could be laying some more big hits.
I think Da Costa actually brings more than any of the call ups (Grant/Dziurzyn ski) out there right now. No room for him when the team is healthy but with Spezza/Michalek /Karlsson out they need somebody who is more offensive minded.
boom
This is what my thinking was when you ripped me apart :p. you get a pass on this one haha!
Doesn't mean I'd take Smith out though. But ya, I liked what I saw from Da Costa while he was up.
Funny you say that. He only registered two hits.
I think that since we paid a second for him and it has caused a bit of a log jam with getting Lehner up in the bigs where he belongs the appropriate price would have to be an increase on what we gave up to get him so a first IMO needs to be the start of a conversation.
Just because he's a rookie, doesn't mean we can't criticize. Also, usually a rookie actually gets worse after 10 or so games. They tend to get off their high of being re-called and finally making it to the NHL. It eventually becomes that grind and the lack of consistency really becomes obvious.
This is why I say we should switch things up. Rotate a couple players. Maybe give DaCosta another chance, soon Stone will be ready, and Boro also deserves a shot.
Very well put, sir. That's a +1
Thing about gryba is that he hasn't come up and played against the 3rd-4th liners like most call-ups to at first. He is bring thrown into the fire and forced to learn the hard way against the best players. Give him a break
I see what you're saying, but playing against top 6 talent shouldn't be the reason for blatant give aways to other team.
Don't get me wrong I'm still a fan, I'm just saying I'd like to see a little switch up and have Boro in for a game and see how he does. That's it! lol
Yeah, you're right, Mika's been pretty much invisible this month. Should we ship him out since it looks like he's a bust? And yet, we gave Da Costa 22 games last year, he only produced 5 pts? This year, 9 games, also did very little.
Not sure why people think one player is going to make an impact like Karl/Spezza.
I think Mika's been great
I don't think anyone is saying that they expect Spezza or Karlsson type production. DaCosta played that many games last year because he was our only option (aka why Murray went out and acquired Turris and DaCosta was sent down)
When he was up this year, DaCosta was very productive. He created the most chances out of anyone on our team. Sure the stat sheet wasn't great but he at least created offence which right now is just not happening with this team
MIKA ZIBANEJAD. EAT CROW. WOO. 1-1 Sens.
The situation is what it is and there's nothing I can do about it but enjoy the ride as much as possible
We should be pushing Turris to step it up.
It's been discussed here that he's forever going to be a 2C, but he's right now, our No.1C, and he should run with it. He needs to show leadership and management that they were right in picking him up from PHX.
I'm not sure if he realizes that his line mates are 1.) a 40 yr old Alfie, and 2.) a rookie in Silf...
We should be pushing Turris to step it up.
It's been discussed here that he's forever going to be a 2C, but he's right now, our No.1C, and he should run with it. He needs to show leadership and management that they were right in picking him up from PHX.
I'm not sure if he realizes that his line mates are 1.) a 40 yr old Alfie, and 2.) a rookie in Silf...
I agree. Biggest reason why we aren't putting up enough goals. If he would have gotten just 1 or 2 points these past few games, we wouldn't have had to go to shoot-outs or maybe won yesterday.
He actually isn't even creating offence. Seems to be giving the puck away a lot. Last year he was circling the the offensive zone with Alfie on a consistent basis. Just isn't happening right now
lol
Maybe he's playing injured because he has only 2 pts in the past 10 games, and nothing in the past 7 games. He does lead the team in pts with 12, but when Greening/Alfie/ Injured Karl-Milan have the same amount of pts or close, there's a problem.
Eh?
Ridiculous lol, pretty sure everyone in the league knows the bias refs have against us...
i think the sens defense is getting away from what made them successful during the 5 game win streak. giving up way tooo many shots and just buckling under pressure too many times.
sens need to simplify in general because thats what was winning them games.
feel BM should have tried to sign Jason Arnott, useful guy on what is right now a playoff bound team.
Damn, was on the NHL boxscore page and I thought it had Neil with 7 shots but it was the hit column lol.
Pretty sure a team tried to sign him and he failed his medical
Yeah - but a great way to improve the QUALITY of the posts ...
Just sayin !
yea NYR did but now he is travelling on the road with the St. Louis Blues.....so
i dont know - just throwing it out there. i feel the guys on the team right now are really giving it their all and are getting frustrated by the lack of finish on the scoreboard which really is more a result of circumstance than anything they are not doing. people here are harping on Turris and Smith, i dont know how you can pick on them when they are doing everything but potting one.
February 21st.
Skating with St. Louis right now. No contract though.
Don't get me wrong if they keep getting points so be it, but you'd think they would get lucky even and score TWO goals? haha
IMO, If silfverberg was playing with spezza like he was supposed to be, he would have a lot more open ice to use that lethal shot of his. and score more.
I was thinking the same thing so I dont think you will draw to much ire.
Think he's learned everything he can down there. Needs to adjust to NHL game now.
A little but it's not too blatant. No huge cause for complaint.
Seriously the guy is not NHL ready. I understand we have limited options but I can't name one good thing the guy does.
Not that im defending him, but how was that gryba's fault?
In what league do you stop pressing the attacker and park your 6'4" ass in front of the goalie? Not the show
Are we finally going to put one in on the pp.
I'll Gladly eat my words on that one.. sorry folks lol
Weirdcroch ties it!
He is my first sens star today lol.
The puck took a lucky bounce off the boards right onto grabners stick who was coming off the bench.. Mind you he could have done a better job trying to block it
It was the right call...
Haha did you just reply to yourself?
Pittsburgh?
Even if the sens are still getting points, its fun watching the sens score 3-5 goals a game. And its fun watching guys like karlsson skate and Cowen hit. Spezza opens more ice for his linemates, Michalek can score when hes with spezza, Latandresse.. well, not really sure what to say about him..
With a .950SV%.....
I wonder how long his undefeated in regulation streak will go.
hopefully longer than chicagos
Timetable for Spezza and Latendresse.
Heard rumours Spezza may be back end of this month?
Bryan Murray said mid april
Silverburg needs to learn more shoot out moves, thats three times high glove, beat the last two goalies but if you know what is coming.
I would like to see Dacosta back for sure but to suggest Smith sits is laughable.
next game.
Go Sens Go
I'm tempted to suggest that we should consider trading Anderson in order to have at least one first line player on our team. It's hard to watch when we don't have a single player on the team who can be called upon to score regularly. On that note, Zin keeps looking better and better. One day he will be a heck of an offensive threat.
All the respect in the world to Alfredsson, but he's old. He's now a great 2nd / 3rd line player. You can see how he relies more on grinding now and he plays for physically because he doesn't quite have that step in his stride anymore.
All in all Ottawa played hard and they didn't give up. But, if they are struggling to control the game against teams like the Islanders, then they probably have no business making it to the playoffs.
Next year I can seen Patrick Wiercioch replacing Gonchar, and pairing up with Cowen. Wiercioch's offensive instinct is really solid, he did get his first goal today, but he could have created 2-3 more goals today on the pp.