Give the Sens credit though as they battled the top team in the East for 65 minutes and continued to find a way to stay in hockey games despite a severely depleted line up.
The Habs opened the scoring in this one as Lars Eller outworked Patrick Wiercioch out front and jammed one past Lehner. The Sens would bounce back on the power play though. Mika Zibanejad ripped a shot that beat Price high on the blocker side. It was the 6th goal of the season for Zibanejad (tying him for the team lead) and his fifth in ten games.
In the second, it looked like the officials had put the whistles away, as the two teams took runs at each other all over the ice. Then a seemingly harmless bump by Mark Stone was deemed worthy of an interference call. Brendan Gallagher scored with the man advantage to restore the one goal lead for the Habs.
An Eric Gryba penalty late in the second led to another Habs power play goal as a PK Subban point shot deflected off Chris Phillips and past Robin Lehner.
It should come as no surprise but facing a 3-1 deficit in one of the toughest buildings in the NHL, the Sens refused to quit.
Daniel Alfredsson scored one of my favourite goals of the season late in the third period, as he picked the short side corner on Carey Price in the dying seconds of the middle frame. What made the goal so awesome was the fact that Alfie was the only guy on the ice that knew the puck went in. Watching him convince his teammates he has scored was pretty hilarious.
Early in the third, Patrick Wiercioch broke into the Montreal zone, cut to the middle of the ice and beat Carey Price through the five hole to tie the game at 3-3. A highlight reel goal by a defenceman that has been playing with a ton of confidence lately.
Robin Lehner held the fort the rest of the way, securing the single point.
In the shootout, Galchenyuk and Eller scored for the Canadiens while Jakob Silfverberg was the long goal scorer for the Senators. Robin Lehner is good at a lot of things but the skills competition shootout is not one of them.
The Senators are next in action on Saturday afternoon when they visit the Buffalo Sabres. Puck drop is just after 3:00 PM.
- Mark Stone played just 5:51 tonight and is really having trouble making much of an impact in limited minutes on the 4th line. Would not be surprised if he is return to Binghamton once Matt Kassian arrives.
- Prior to the game, Bob McKenzie tweeted that the Ottawa Senators are close to signing WHL free agent defenceman Troy Rutkowski. Rutkowski is in his fifth season with the Portland WinterHawks, racking up an impressive 61 points in 69 games. Scouting report says he's an offence first defenceman with a great shot.
- There was also talk before the game that injured forward Jason Spezza may have suffered a bit of a setback in the post-surgery rehab process. Initially Spezza was believed to be a couple weeks away from a return but Renaud Lavoie from RDS is suggesting it could be another four weeks. That would mean Spezza would return for the last 6-8 games of the season.
Both Benoit and Wiercioch under 14 minutes too. It's more about the pairing he's on, as tonight MacLean really favoured the top four. Before that he was playing with Methot. Being the only right handed shot helps too.
I don't know about that. Seems like it could be really disrespectful towards him considering that he was one of the reasons we were in the shootout.
And Bishop was one of the key reasons we also got to the shootouts... only difference is that his huge frame was a big plus and got us the extra point.
Oh well, what's done is done. We cant possibly lose to the lowly Sabres and Jets this weekend, so Im looking forward to those games.
I recognize that the Sens are on a tight budget, however if that wasn't an issue, what would you offer up for Briere?
Flyers are going to be out of the picture shortly, what a player to add heading into the playoffs...we certainly have the cap space.
I know we're heavily injured.
I know we're in a 'rebuild'.
But can we please spend some money on some talent so that we can get through the neutral zone without dumping the puck or CONSTANTLY failing to complete a pass?
Why are we bottom-5 in salary in the league? Come on Melnyk...
I dunno, like I said, something just irked me tonight, but I don't feel like spending $120 on a ticket like I had planned to anymore.
And perhaps Alfie should go fourth or fifth in the SO next time?
Please try to understand my frustration before thumbing me down. Thanks
GO PESKY SENS GO
Good luck!
These rookies don't come into the NHL and instantly are NHL capable D. It takes time and mistakes and years before they are truly NHL capable D. We have to live with the mistakes.
This inexperienced team is somehow hanging in the playoff picture getting points here and there.
I can't find where I first read it.. but I believe the NHL record is 12 straight 1 goal games..
Nice to see them come back from a 2 goal deficit to get a point.
But can they keep this up.. If Spezza comes back with only 6-8 games left in the season and the Sens fall out.. it won't be enough time for them to go on a run.
Anderson will come back. You can't rely on Michalek anymore this season..
They have a long road trip at the beginning of April for 7 games (2 wks). That will determine if they make it in or not..
What's not to like about this guy?? Yeah, he isn't great at shootouts but he is young and he'll get better. He has secured at least one point in every start, can't ask for much more than that.
I think it is Bishops turn now though. I think this is a good situation for PMac to use the ol' play till you lose rotation system.
I agree that Gryba is starting to show signs he's a rookie but hopefully he'll bounce back. Wiercioch has to be considered one of the too-few good stories of the year.
Lehner was supposed to be great in the shootout in the AHL wasn't he? He looks really small and lacking in confidence on shootout attempts which is so opposite to how he is in regular play.
Taking a point from each of the two best Eastern teams (one by win percentage, one by points) is actually pretty impressive considering all the players we're missing.
And Alife: "That's a f'n goal". All I can say about Alfie is "That's a f'n hockey player!"
And remember that Briere's contract was front loaded. So actual dollars for next year and the year after are relatively low. Though that just likely raises the asking price.
Not sure what I'd offer but I'd kick tires for sure.
There are a few available that will not require a high return; Whitney, Montador, Leopold, Visnovsky, Regher, Aucoin and Smid among them.
Also remember that they looked into it last year too. Front loaded deal is key.
I don't know about that. It seems disrespectful to the Lehner (who earned that point in the 3rd). I don't think playing those games are a great thing for his confidence either. And, most of all, Lehner is the goaltender of tomorrow; so he has to get better! I think it's best to let him compete.
http://flyersfaithful.com/2013/02/12/troy-rutkowski-a-poor-mans-justin-schultz/
That said. Time to give up on Alfie and Turris in the SO. They got nothing....try anyone else but enough w them. Love to see MZ go, maybe even Lats. But the book is out on Alfie for sure and Turris isn't clutch very often.
Kudos on the comeback though
Agreed
That's not bad at all.
Sure it's AHL shooters but still - I think he's capable of being great in shootouts. He just seems to lack confidence right now (in shootouts).
Mika yes. Lats - not so sure.
Next shootout I'd be tempted to go with Silfverberg, Zibanejad and Daugavins.
Daugavins will bring in Messi for the shootout next time.
Agree on this comment. I think he is thinking too hard on the shots and only leaving one option open for the save. He is just a little jumpy from all the quick Silfverberg wrist shots in practice
Seconded. Also bringing a super cold Bishop at that stage of the game is not a recipe for success. Sure, he may have a better shootout record but each of those came after a 65 minute warm-up.
Solid link - thanks.
A key item to me is that Rutkowski is also Team Captain.
Caoch MacLean's type of player methinks.
this kid is so fun to watch.
“I want to be on a Canadian stamp,” Alfredsson said, with a smile.
Haha the blog, man! Read the blog!
He does seem strong, doesn't lose a lot of battles. But when he wins them, he just gives the puck away again.
What's weird for me is Maclean's praise of him. Is he just trying to build Gryba's confidence? Probably, right?
I'm also one who thinks its time to sit Alfie on the shootout, no disrespect to him, some players thrive on it, others don't, and he just doesn't get it done. He always either shoots or does the ol' forehand backhand move...pretty predictable. I'd give Lats a go at it for sure, he's got good hands for a big man and speed isn't a factor in the SO. lol
Gryba is likely gonna be moved. I don't see where he fits in w this team long term. Gryba, bishop , da costa and a 2nd for Jbo.
First off Lehner made 42 saves in a game where the Sens would have been blown out of the water if it wasn't for him. 3 pp's in a row and I remember at least 2 or 3 great saves. Sure he has had a tough time in the shootouts but without him they don't get the point.
Gryba has played 10+ games in the NHL and the Coach of the Year is playing him 20+ minutes a game. Case Closed. The guy is going to be a top 4 d-man in this league and probably as early as next season in Ottawa. Live with the mistakes now and the benefits in the near future will be tremendous for the Sens.
I seem to remember a d-man who was sent down to the minors in his first year and fans were saying what a waste of a pick the Murray's made. A few years later that d-man won a Norris!
he is a rookie yes, will make rookie mistakes etc. but make rookie mistakes at 12-15 minutes a night, not 22. I am surprised this experiment has lasted this long. I would much rather Benoit took some of those minutes, more defensively sound, better first pass, more offensive upside.
http://www.senschirp.ca/chirped/item/935-the-shootout-dilemma-nhl-created-a-monster
Lehner is young and he's still learning to play at the NHL level. Give the kid a break. If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have walked away with yet another point. He does need to work on closing up the five-hole. Other than that, he's been beyond solid for us. I'm not going to crap on him in the shootout. It's a ridiculous gimmick in my opinion...but the only way he is going to learn is by going through the motions. He'll adjust and he'll win them for us.
The same goes for the likes of Gryba as well. Some stupid penalties and some stupid brain fart passes, but he's been extremely impressive overall. These learning bumps are what makes or breaks players...and the fact that we're doing this well with so many kids is amazing.
Keep it going!!! GO SENS!
This kid is learning the NHL the hardest way possible and will be a beast for us for the coming years. In fact, he's Phillips 2.0. Stronger and meaner.
We are in good shape for the coming years with Karlsson-Methot , Cowan-Wiercioch , Gryba-Borocop-Ceci
As for Lenher, it's not good news for the league as he is getting mad at himself and when he feels this way, he gets better.
Go SENS Go
There is something to be said for this team, it's different this year. While we are continually underestimated, much like last year, the results (regardless of outcome) are much more rewarding. Maybe it's because we don't have the likes of EK, Spezza, Anderson, Michalek, Cowen.. am I missing anyone?
There are some inexperienced plays each game, due to the amount of rookies we have. But there are also some great plays and highlight reel action, by these same rookies, who we are getting the pleasure of watching grow before our eyes.
While we aren't being treated to the most electrifying NHL stars, we are lucky enough to watch 60 minutes of full out compete each game, which I'll take any day over a great 20 minute come back 3rd period.
Keep up the solid effort boys!!
This weekend is going to be huge for the Sens though. Back to back games against Buffalo and then Winnipeg. If the Sens pick up all 4 points then they will be a pretty safe bet to make the playoffs.
LMAO. I think it's a good sign that people just come here and post questions though. Means people think this site is a resource for answers. But yeah, first step might be to read the blog. Or use ctrl-F.
THIS
Gryba has absolutley struggled recently but playing big minutes against some tough teams that's kinda expected. Nearly every single player we can dress right now is playing over their head due to all the injuries. They're going to look bad sometimes but I trust MacLean to ensure they're developing properly still and not getting ruined. So focusing on the positive and keeping the kid's chin up is probably a good idea no?
Drafted by Colorado 137th overall 2010, been in the WHL ever since. I can't understand why they have not sent him to the AHL to season his game, or was that the expectation for next season? He hasn't suffered an injuries to set him back, he looks to have played almost every game each season. So what's the deal, I can only assume the Ave's didn't see him as a fit for the team.
Either way, he'll be a solid addition to Bingo if signed. With his play along side Ceci next year, they'll more than likely end up being top pairing.
I have to say, I'm very impressed with the Sens scouting, they seem to find these great players.
THIS. the 4 points against both Wpg and Buffalo. I think its completely doable based on the record to-date, however, both of those teams have been winning some games.
I like the fight and peskiness to take it to OT, but the sens are missing the killer instinct all of a sudden when the momentum swings their way. last night, after Wiercioch's goal, sens should have gone and reeled off some dominating shifts. instead they got pinned repeatedly by Mtl and i have to say Mtl was given too much liberty. SENS NEED TO TAKE THE KILL SHOT WHEN ITS THERE.
on lehner, w.e is messing his shootout abilities, needs tobe fixed, asap.
Also loved MacLean's response "he's the reason we got a point....it's a process and he's going through it"
Every so often I wonder how Clouston would have handled this team this year. I wake up screaming.
Sens - 2 wins, 1 reg loss, 1 S/O loss
Mtl - 2 wins, 1 reg loss, 1 S/O loss
both teams holding the home fort.
sens played all mtl games without spezza. I think three games without Karlsson and MM9.
That means we are playing a lot of games against teams in playoff positions.
Wot? No Sundin stamp? You must be joking! Someone please tell Laff Nashun so that they can rectify this ASAP!
Briere would help us secure a playoff spot in the second half and he's an absolute beast in the playoffs.
until Spezza is back, Briere would fill the #1 ctr spot giving Turris more sheltered minutes. playoffs you'd be rolling
spezza
briere
turris
smith
that's pretty solid!
The first goal was mentioned in the blog as being created by Eller outworking Wiercoch but if you watch the video it's Daugivins behind the net who gets beat 1 on 1 by the habs player with a spin move and walks right out front of the net.
Overall though I'm happy with 2 out of 4 pts against the top 2 teams in the east.
I read the Avs opted not to qualify him after they drafted him and he went back into the 2011 draft and was passed over altogether. All signs point to this being a good signing that could turn out to be tremendous.
So many thumbs down...
I agree. I think he's been dreadful to watch.
I crap my pants every time he handles the puck in just own end. Doesn't look comfortable at all.
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=35&id=219660&navid=nhl:topheads
and who exactly would you guys rather play? sens are already maxing out their D, Phillips, Gonchar and Methot all played more minutes with Gonchar at a whopping 30 minutes for a 38yr old. Also, sens are on a road trip and with the change disadvantage, you will notice gryba being out on the wrong pair sometimes too - not good for a rookie. he was caught with PW46 a few times yesterday.
The kid is good offensively, physical, and can drop the gloves if needed. Also has an awesome shot from the point. Great pickup.
Thank you.
Our rookies have been over-performing all year so I get why when they actually look like rookies it's a bit of a shock. But let's remember that if everyone was healthy Gryba (for one) would still be "developing" in Bingo.
Great job by Hax on this one... obviously my suggestion is better, but congrats to Hax on a quality post.
That has to be a record. -31 and counting. He's gonna challenge Bill Mikkelson's record...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Mikkelson
Nobody said he wasnt any good, I think most people agree he's a 3C and he is putting up 3C numbers.
9pts in 21 games = 18pts in 41 games = 36pts in 82 games...Nothing special there. Those are 3C numbers.
3 of his 6 goals have with the advantage. so he only has three 5 on 5 goals in 21 games.
I would like to see him in the top 6 eventually but I dont think he will make it there, with the guys we have there already and the potentially better offensive prospect we have in the farm.
He's doing good at 3C, leave him there.
Briere-Spezza-Silfverberg
Michalek-Turris-Alfie
Condra-Smith-Zibby
Greening-JOB-Neil
extra Daug
Traded/Injured: Regin, Latandress
I don't know about you but I thumbed down for his under utilisation of the return key.
BTW, we are not supposed to be where we are in the standing and if we manage to plays for .500 for the next 21 games, we will be in the playoffs.
Why don't we just enjoy the ride and live with the highs and lows.
We are 1 pts better the cup pretender Maple Laughs.
on home ice he is a +2, on the road, he is a -8. he has played 8 road games too, so thats basically a goal/game on the road.
And Gryba needs one for admiring his pass a little too long lol
But can we please spend some money on some talent so that we can get through the neutral zone without dumping the puck or CONSTANTLY failing to complete a pass?
Can't find a clip, but one of Phillips' 4 giveaways last night comes to mind: a breakout pass tape-to-tape... to a MTL forward streaking in on Lehner. Yikes.
Not to rag on the guy/team, but the Sens do commit some bad turnovers. Didn't we have a #65 who used to move the puck for us?
Exiting the defensive zone is this team's Achilles tendon...
yes Benoit is better offensively, but i think the sens are trying to shut down the other team's offense more than drive their own offense because of the situation we are in. Benoit gives up a lot of size compared to Gryba in that regard.
lol the ironies and the cliches
Benoit is also better defensively than Gryba.
He was drafted 6th overall by a GM and scouting staff that have an amazing eye for amateur talent. He's big, strong, fast, defensively responsible, physical, goes to the dirty areas of the ice, and has a pretty sick shot.
Mika Zibanejad projects to be much more than a 3rd line center, but he's doing an outstanding job producing as one right now, in his first full season of pro hockey, as a 19 y/o, playing for an injury depleted team.
Agreed
And your boy Yakupov has 13 points in 26 games which equates to 41 points in 82 games - nothing special there...
Now is when you call me an idiot...I'll wait for it.
the signing wasn't official, was it? I heard it was something BM was looking into.
"Congrats to @TRutter2 on signing with the Senators. Great leader and even better person. #muchdeserved"
Is it a done deal?
I don't know why people on here keep trying to defend the notion that Zibby is anything more than a 3C. Tookie has clearly stated that he's not. It's not an opinion, it's Tookie fact. Stop wasting your time and our time by arguing with him.
yes..... sarcasm...
I was under the impression that it was a done deal last night? The guys on the team1200 during the pre-game show last night were making it sound like it was official.
Yup. Seems like a done deal.
If Ottawa makes a move, odds are it'll be with a team who we've dealt with before, or whom BM has a good relationship. Or with a team that's been linked to a rebuild mode.
Ottawa would be going after a goal scorer who fits a budget, I'd expect we'll try to sneak in and snag a 20+ goal scorer who's not been linked to trade rumours. It always seems to be the case.
The one team who's name pops up is Calgary. If I was looking at the Flames, I'd target Curtis Glencross. At 2.55M the next two years, 20+ goals the last two years and 9 already this year, (great on the PP) he'd fit very well in our top 6 going forward.
However, I would say Gryba is playing real minutes against the TOP lines. I would think that +- is not going to be good when you are playing top lines and your team is struggling for goals. Phillips had MORE giveaways last light. Saw the highlights and the - that Gryba got is because Wiercioch lost his check. I like his play, albeit, not mistake free.
Would you trade Zibby straight up for Wayne Simmonds?
Or were you implying we need to get Volchie back?
Is Tookie Fact the same sort of thing as Hammer Time?
Why would I, your stats are correct. Everyone knows Yakupov has a MUCH higher ceiling than Zib.
I was talking about the Coyotes Player of the Game belt!!
What are you talking about Simmonds and Volchie?
*CORRECTED* Ooops didnt know the link wouldnt be specific...
And yes I would trade Zib for Simmonds straight up in a heartbeat! Philly wouldnt tho...
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=35&id=219676&cmpid=embed-share-video
I think since Bobby Mac tweet it was "close" most people assumed it would get done. But seems officially done now. Great signing. I wonder if this will lead to a contract getting moved out for a pick or a 2-for-1 deal or something since Murray loves to sign him some NCAA guys.
I've wanted Briere here for a while now
Gotta agree with you here, I think Glencross would be the perfect type of player to fit in with us and would get you the most bang for your buck, compared to bringing in Iginla...(We could still get Perry in FA)
Case closed. Well then.
I think Cowen's rookie year looked better than Gryba this year.
I'm also not sure the development rate of Karlsson has much to with a discussion of the potential development of Gryba.
Gryba is likely facing tougher competition than those two though.
Ideally, phillips would play under 12 minutes a night and Gryba would already be back in A after getting a healthy taste.
PW is making mistakes but he'd be the one I'd choose to break in this year
Simmonds (20pts) for Richards straight up is likely fairly even but when you add in Schenn (19pts) .... c'mon
same can likely be said for the Carter (19 pts) trade where they got Voracek (31pts) and Couterier (7pts)
I guess when you win a cup though, it evens out.
Yeah I'm sure that really hurt them when it popped into their heads during their cup winning celebrations.
Well, in that case... YES!!!
i dont know LA did get a cup out of the deal and the flyers are still trying to put the pieces together
In a few years, the results will show why you don't really know much about hockey player by not looking at the players more microscopically , rather relying on offensive ceiling and stats. I bet if Landeskog never ended up playing in the OHL you would not have been so high on him; thinking that his small production in the SEL projects him to be just a third line winger.
I also bet using your stats logic, you would never have guessed that James Neal would become a 40 goal scorer even though his offensive ceiling at the time of the trade did not look too high.
This is the reason why there are scouts to evaluate and project players like Zibanejad and not you(who thinks Zibanejad will never break the top 6 barrier).
Matt Kassian on the ice today wearing #28. Lundin skating in a regular spot and Durzinski skating in non contact gray jersey
Ottawa Senators @NHL_Sens
News Release: #Sens sign defenceman Troy Rutkowski to a three-year contract: http://ottsens.com/10LT1K8
Ottawa Senators @NHL_Sens
News Release: Senators reassign forward Mark Stone to Binghamton (AHL): http://ottsens.com/ZCGvua
Yeah - the "we shoulda drafted Couturier" backbiters seem to have moved on.
MZ's progress was slowed by crappy coaching in Sweden last year / first full season on N.A. big ice / 1 or 2 concussions.
His recent progress has been very encouraging.
The guy with the Viking Warrior personality ?
He's probably doing it right now.
Seems like the right call... better to have him getting top minutes in Bingo that few or no minutes up here. Like how big he plays and think he will be back for more in the next few years.
I guess that means MK draws in right away...
LOL - didn't know that The "Mikkelson Line" was hockey's equivalent of baseball's "Mendoza Line"
Philly got the better end of the deal, nobody say LA going after Carter and snagging him after the fact. So you can't really count how that all played out.
Quoting 01011000110001011100:
For sure, he will be solid once he conquers that and tightens up on them weak blue line 5-hole goals lol.
I wont get into an argument with someone who didnt know about James Neal' ceiling in Dallas, lol....it would be totally redundant.
Yes, to Alcatraz' delight.
Does that mean Lundin is available back for this weekend?
Couturier benefitted from playing a strong team in Philly last year, plain and simple.
I know a lot of people on here last here made the point, which is now showing its full truth, that had Philly drafted Z-Bad and Ottawa Couturier we would have been saying "Oh, man we should have drafted Zibby."
Ottawa drafted Zibanejad for a reason and he is proving that he is going to be a strong top 6 player for us for years to come. Let MacLean and this organization groom him for a little while longer and he is going to be something special (not to say Couturier won't be either).
In Murray We Trust.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/544189_10151488378217332_103624176_n.jpg
nope, one way at 575K
Nope, a one-way contract with $575,000 2012-13 cap hit.
EDIT: Damn you Back checker lol.
Well done sir... well done...
Yah so I would assume that you are saying that you knew that a guy who never scored more than 30 goals in junior or in the AHL would become a 40 goal scorer. The thing I'm saying is that before he got traded to a the Penguins, I'm sure he was a nobody to you. Saying that you knew Neal's ceiling, that means you must have assumed that Neal being a 27 goal scorer a year before the trade, would benefit from playing with Malkin.
Because that is exactly how you just evaluated Neal's offensive ceiling right now I believe.
Remember a guy named Cheechoo? He played for us in 2009 and scored a measely 5 goals. Yet a few years earlier he scored 56 goals with Joe Thornton feeding him like a baby.
My point is sometimes a players "big breakout" isn't really what it seems. I could probably score 20 goals if I was playing with Crosby and Malkin.
I really doubt they have any plans for him to go from the WHL to the NHL. He is an overage player in junior hockey playing against 16 yr olds. I would hope that he is able to dominate, if you think he's going to move right into the NHL next year you're crazy. If he was that good he would already be here.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=418169
philly made the wrong gamble and now they are screwed. they should really never have let richards and carter go. proven top 6 production cannot be just replaced by a rookie or rookies. some of us sens fans complain about that all the time when they say zbad is not producing lol (hypocrisy at its best). Philly gave the two up for Bryz and now are stuck at a nasty place. The makeup of their team and its hopes hinged on Pronger, and with him out their defense and style of play is super exposed. talk about too much wheeling and dealing and not learning.
Philly is the true definition of a few tweeks too many.