The Sens are off tonight but are back in action tomorrow when they visit the Calgary Flames for a 9:00 PM start. In the meantime, we have the latest contribution from Tom, where he takes a look at the Sens season to date.
Jekyll & Hyde
So here we are. A healthy 18 games into the season. At this point, the majority of the fan base would usually be able to tell you what kind of team the 2011-2012 Ottawa Senators are going to be. Except for one major issue - The Sens are ridiculously confusing.
A little less than a quarter of the way through the season, if a stranger were to come up to you and ask “What kind of team does Ottawa have this year?” what would you say back? You’d probably just start stuttering uncontrollably and the person would walk away.
As of the morning of November 15th Ottawa sits only 6 points out of first place in the Eastern Conference. But look a little closer and you will see that the Sens are also only 6 points out of dead last in the East as well. Thanks a lot, Sens. You guys are really making things difficult.
Ottawa has truly become the epitome of a Jekyll and Hyde team. They have been absolutely dominant at times, the best example of which was a 6 game winning streak that saw the Sens climb to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but they have also been borderline horrific in embarrassing loses as the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers (7-2) and the Colorado Avalanche (7-1) and have gone on losing streaks of 3 and 5 games.
So which is it, Sens? Are you good, or bad? In my opinion there are two ways to answer the question of “Who are the 2011-2012 Ottawa Senators?”
You could say that the Sens are a lousy team in the first year of a major rebuild that got hot for a few games and aren’t truly in contention for the playoffs. You could say that teams are playing down to the Sens and aren’t truly taking them as seriously as they should, allowing Ottawa to stay in games they have no business of being in (I’m looking at you New York Rangers). They are a team who make costly turn overs behind their own blue line, can’t play defence consistently for more than 5 minutes, and get mediocre goaltending.
Or you could say that the Sens are a team working together to prove people wrong. They’re a team that’s pissed of that every hockey magazine and media outlet has pegged them to finish last in the NHL by a wide margin. You could say that they are a young group of guys lead by a core group of veterans who have all bought into a system hand delivered by one of the best new coaches in the NHL. You could say they are working towards the big picture and taking the bumps in the road in stride. They are a team who has one of the best power plays in the NHL, score goals at a torrential rate, and are a team that never gives up even when they are down by 4 goals in the 3rd period.
But really, I’d say the Sens are a team who are a young up and coming team, with a group of good goal scorers, and an excellent power play who are predisposed to making costly turnover at inopportune times which lead to them having to fight and claw their way to every victory or loss.
This might worry some of the fan base who are fearing a middle of the pack finish. Finishing 9th in the east would be pretty detrimental to the rebuilding program that Bryan Murray and his staff have committed to, but finishing 8th in the East would be something no one would have predicted and would undoubtedly be a welcome turn of events in a season in which no one gave Ottawa a chance.
It seems like the Sens are their own worst enemies. They do exactly what it takes to win, while also doing exactly what it takes to lose. Unfortunately for their passionate fans – they do these things at the exact same time.
Let me know in the comments section how you would describe the 2011-2012 Senators to a stranger on the street, or let me know on twitter @TomSENS
This is a very young team & let's not forget that we already have a number of very good prospects coming in the next few yrs who will certainly help this team take the next step towards a cup run. If they make the playoffs great, but if they don't they add to the stock pile of prospects & assets to improve the team when they need to most, when they are ready for a playoff run.
I've put in my votes for Alfie and the rest. Let's hope that they make the all-star team.
As the season wears on, the good teams will hit their stride and take their rightful place at the top. (See Boston and Vancouver as an example).
The younger rebuilding teams will sucumb to fatigue and injuries.
realistically, I could see the Sens edging out NYI, Jets and Columbus putting them in the 4th spot with a slight chance at winning the lottery.
You wont hear me complaining about wins and I'll be ecstatic if they make the playoffs but I think were a bottom 5 team.
I agree 100%
Here's to us crushing the Flamers tomorrow too. F-U cowtown - you suck.
Peluso
I almost replied back to one of your posts last week, regarding Buffalo, I believe? I'm detecting a pattern with your posts - have you considered Anger Management? You seem to hate alot of cities and people...
Yep, that works too. Gonchar is on the ballot though so I included his name. 14th among all defenceman in points with 11.
thanks for responding now. Your current reply reminds me of a move I do with girls I date. It goes like this : "Hey baby, I almost bought you flowers last week, but I didn't"
Listen here - I'm not offended that you are offended. I'm here to provide some insight into why we shouldn't like the other team(s). I like to draw passion about why we rule, and and why "they" suck. I usually get positive feedback. If you don't like it, skip to the next one, and quote the next guy.
I'm Mike Peluso - the original battler on this team (see my stats on hockeydb.com.), so I'm not here to P*ssyfoot around topics.
As for anger management - I've already gone. One class I realized the instructor was a Habs fan, so I jersey'd him and gave him two shiners.
Thanks for your feedback, and for being a fan.
-Peluso
Go Sens Go!
But looking at it now, I really like the dan boyle nomination in place of gonchar just because of the Ottawa connection for him
As an aside, buddy who said NHL must really want Alfie in the game for putting him first must not realize that the names are listed alphabetically lol
While I love Ottawa hosting the All Star, I want my votes to reflect who I think deserve it. Don't get me wrong, Alfie, Spezza, 9MM and Karlsson were on that ballot. But I included Letang and Rinne. Letang has really shown he's a top talent on D and Rinne just plays lights out night in and night out. If Lehner comes even close to matching the play of Rinne, we'll be cheering this kid on for years to come. I wish Ottawa would have been more involved in the Fins when it came to scouting, Rinne was picked 8th round while Ottawa grabbed Jeff Glass in the 4th, blah!! Anyway, that's how the cookie crumbles sometimes.
In regards to Brassard, I agree with the posters who say he has upside, especially as a 2C in a rebuild situation. His point totals have increased each year, but his place in the depth chart hasn't. This isn't always a players fault, it's often team management or coaching. I'd be ok with Lee being traded, he'll finally get the ice time he deserves.
I think Spezza, Michalek and Karlsson definitely deserve the All-Star game the way they are playing. Alfie will likely make it as well given his standing on this team. Not sold on Gonchar and Anderson though.
originally a little harsh, but this was funny
this is exactly what I had expected.
Exciting fun hockey, lots of effort, plenty of mistakes especially in our own end.
Surprises,
DaCosta Greening - better than I expected
Z Smith - really strong 3rd liner
Our young D - will be Norris Trophy candidates one day
Our Veteran D - should be put to pasture
Butler - shocked at what little he has done
Anderson- will be better and will steal some games
MacLean- perfect for Ottawa, and will lead us to a SC championship.
but for this year, it is pretty much as I expected, and still may squeak into the playoffs
Good answer.
He is signed for the next 3 years at way too high of a cap hit. Why would we take ice time away from DaCosta and or Zibanejad next year?If you get a legit 2C player that either has potential to be our guyin the future, or a already developed 2C player that will stick around for many years then ya I'm down. I don't want an average player who may or may not improve taking away ice time from highly touted prospects or ones with extreme potential
If Murray is getting him becuade he has a plan in place to trade away guys like Kuba or Gonchar for picks and needs salary in return then ya sure.
But there's just something about Brassard that worries me. I don't want a guy just for the sake of getting him for this year and next. We should be concentrating on high level prospects and or ready made superstars to play with Spezza if we don't finish in the lottery
Brassard IS a high level prospect. Not every prospect reaches their potential in the first 3 years in the league. The kid is only 24 and would fit well in the rebuild. Not only that, Zibanejad can move to the wing, and Da Costa could as well or could be used as trade bait if needed.
scan the league and let me know what their cap hits are for 2C. now factor in a 45point 17 goal campaign last year, local boy who can create and play well defensively (think vermette but more offense upside maybe less defense)
its a great cap hit for a 24 year old.
in terms of space, I've always been a big believer in never changing the position of your top draft choice, regardless if he sucks on the draw do not move Zib t the wing. he is our top prospect, keep where he is natural. If we are to acquire brassard move da costa to the wing...since we aren't too invested in him in terms of development.
To clarify, you'd put Zibanejad as the 4th line C next year then? Spezza - Brassard - Smith - Zibanejad?
I would go spezza-zib/brassard-zib/brassard-smith
By no mean should we be handing zib the 2C job yet, if brassard earns it give it to him, and slot Zib 3rd. Smith could realistically play 10-12m a night as 4th line C, being our 1 number 1 PK guy
given a 60 minute allocation for our C why not:
Spezza-20m
brassard-15m
Zibs-15m
smith-10m
michalek-spezza-greening
alfie-Zib/Brass-foligno
da costa-zib/brass-silfverberg
condra-smith-neil
Ah ok, I think Smith has shown he's a really good 3rd line C and I would not cut his minutes personally, but I could see a year for Zibanjad to just get used to the grind in a lesser role. I guess a lot depends on if Alfie is still here or not, without Alfie, I could easily see a need for him on the wing should we get Brassard.
They have a lot of developing to do and make mistakes.
They have heart and never quit drive and thats why they are going to win a lot of games and have a chance to squeak into a playoff spot.
Depends how developed they are once they reach playoffs as to how far they go from there.
thats the way I see them.
The only way I want a lottery pick is if we trade for one.
As for Heatley... those bonehead Leaf fans in Toronto are encouring people to vote Heatley into the All-Star game to piss off Sens fans... no matter... he wouldn't come anyway -- so they would be wasting their efforts. They also want them to vote in Hossa... nothing wrong there... I really like Hossa.
As for the Sens... a young re-building team that will have it's ups and downs... which is to be expected.
Heatley at the ASG would be priceless, if anything for the simple fact michalek will be there with double the points and goals
Rundblad - Cowen seem to have already formed some chemistry, so that would leave the options between Phillips, Gonchar, Weircioch (ya right), Lee, Gryba and Borowiecki? Do you think there's anyone in that group that can line up with him, or will this force Cowen to be his partner instead?
I'm assuming Carkner is gone after this year too, or re-signed as the 7th guy on D.
We have a few legit guys who could go...Alfie because he deserves one last time and at home would be great(not sure anyone else around the league would agree at this stage though) Karlsson because he has stepped up his offensive game this season, and frankly the all-star game isn't somewhere to showcase defensive defensemen. Othere than that it is really a stretch
Yeah I agree, it was a mockery when the game was in Montreal, when they voted in players that shouldn't be there...
EDIT: Sorry I want to take my comment back! it's really only Anderson that doesn't deserve it at all.. The rest are all close to the leaders...
How about Spezza? He's tied for 14th in points in the league and easily the MVP so far on this team. Michalek's even 22nd in the league in points. I get calling Anderson and Gonchar a stretch, but the core 4 are not.
backdoorpass of HFBoards fame is throwing some cold water on the Sens/Jackets rumours that popped up over the weekend. Seems to suggest that there is no deal imminent right now.
I have not heard anything new since the weekend. Still just told that the teams have had discussions.
Ah ok, that makes more sense. IF Michalek can keep this up through Dec I think he'd deserve to be there, but then again if this voting was about who deserves it, it would be very different. Since it's not, I just had fun with it ... looks like Lehner is actually getting a lot of votes.
Chirp do you get the sense that these discussions are a lot like the ones BM had at this time last year, in the sense that they're just laying the groundwork for deals closer to the trade deadline? Or did you get the feeling it might be something more imminent if it were to happen?
Said it in the original post but I did not get the sense that anything was imminent. Just that there had been some contact. You could very well be right re: laying groundwork for later in the year.
Sounds good, thanks!
If they decide to blow things up I'll bet Nash gets traded to a contender. There's no way he sticks around for a rebuild.
IMO, this team is playing above its' ability but that's ok since we're in a rebuild. A top 3 pick will be great
Spezza is 20th in the league in points, has played a huge part in the success of Michalek and Karlsson and has taken more face offs than anyone in the NHL.
Definitely deserves a vote.
And on the point of Karlsson ... he deserves more credit than you're giving him. He creates most of the offensive chances for the forwards. Saying Spezza plays "a huge part" in his success is so incorrect.
Well all three of them were putting up points during the winning streak and I definitely wasn't taking away anything from Karlsson. Just saying that if you can justify a vote for Karlsson/Michal ek than surely the only guy who has more points than those two also deserves a vote.
Yea cuz im the first and only to question Spezza's work ethic and toughness. I guarantee you that im one of the only ppl here that has watched every minute of every game this season, even in 7-2 losses. So why dont you go join Leafs nation and their clown coach who have proclaimed Phaneuf as the Norris winner.
Btw just in case you missed the last 7 games:
Spezza 2A
Anderson 1A
Im basing my votes on the fact that 9MM is SECOND OVERALL in goals and Karlsson is second in the league in assist as a DEFENESMAN. 20th in points is no slouch but I cant vote him over guys like Eriksson, Benn, Giroux, Vanek, Seguin, etc
Yea cuz im the first and only to question Spezza's work ethic and toughness. I guarantee you that im one of the only ppl here that has watched every minute of every game this season, even in 7-2 losses. So why dont you go join Leafs nation and their clown coach who have proclaimed Phaneuf as the Norris winner.
you are not even close to being the first to question spezza. In fact you seem like one of the many embarrassing excuse for a sens fan that are so quick to turn on spezza when things are going wrong. where did this spezza bashing go when we were on the win streak? I am a little confused how you defend karlsson and michalek (and i agree they both shoud be there) with their leading in goals or assist, but someone who is better than both of these players in total points is not worthy? if goals and assists are so important, than why are they not just as important together? Id like to hear your thoughts.
To answer your question: 1. goals are harder to get than assists, therefore second in goals is more of an achievment than having more total points. 2. Its harder to get points from a defensive position than an offensive one.
I hope this was a simple enough explanation for you...
i want Brassard, he'd be so fun to watch if he were playing for ottawa. with all the young talent the sens has, i think he would be a pretty good fit for ottawa
because rundblad's pass to greening is easier than scoring on an open cage
Vote and support your team period, at least thats how I see it
Plus I watch these Sens players 82 games a year, I don't need to see them in an ASG, especially if it's at the expense of more deserving players.
I did however vote for Alfie because this will be his last chance to play in an ASG and it would be special for him to play in front of all of his biggest fans. I voted for Karlsson too, no explanation needed there :)
Patty Kane-Giroux-Alfie
Karlsson - Letang
Fleury
I considered voting in Elliott lol
Again, I'm not bashing him, I'm happy to have him on my team, but he needs to get his act together because in the last handful of games or so, he's been setting a pretty bad example on the ice for the younger guys on the team.
Finally someone with a brain! Looks like me and AlfieforMayor11 have been watching the same games. What games have you been watching ANDREASDACKELL?
This is why I have said before ,that he is not an "elite"
player, but rather a great or better than average player.
sensarmy is more frustrated with Spezza, because he feels that Spezza is underachieving in past few games .
He has to get rolling again, and he will !!
The whole team has struggled the last 6 games (outside of Saturday in TO.)
I understand you Chirp, and he is the next leader, so he is used to get the heat from the fans !
We know Spezza is capable of playing a solid 3 zone game, we've seen him play smart hockey, but in the last handful of games there's no denying that he's really strayed away from what made him so great in the second part of last season and in the early parts of this year.
He needs to get back to playing that way, we all know he's capable of it. Actually, the way he's played lately has lead me to believe that perhaps he's playing through a fairly irritating injury.
The point is, he needs to play like the new and improved Spezza that we saw in the second half of last season, and not the old bone-headed Spezza.
I'll support the guy through thick and thin, but I have no problem calling out a player who isn't playing to their fullest.
This is why I hate fan voting and have never done so or ever will...
(...and I recognize those who are stuffing the ballot box full of Sens for no other reason than they're Sens are no better...)
Thats the responsibility you assume when you ask for the big bucks. Its the same for every team in every sport. Who gets the blame when the Caps dont win the cup? O.V. Who gets the blame when Vancouver doesnt win the cup? Luongo. etc.
P.S. I only said he didnt deserve to be an allstar, didnt put the blame solely on him for the losing streak
I agree with you and AFM (and others) about Spezza. I mentioned, a couple weeks ago, that I didn't think he was an elte center. Not many people on this site agreed with me. My problem with Spezza, specifically, is that he has no sense of time or place. He makes the same dangle at our blue line as he does at the other teams blue line. He makes the same high-risk move when we're trying to protect a one goal lead, late in the third, as he does when we're down by a couple. In a nutshell, I question his hockey sense.
I know I will get plenty of disagreement, and I'm sure (and I hope) most be more well thought out than "all you Spezza haters can lick my balls"...
If you can't come up with anything more intelligent than that, I suggest you ask for help at recess.
Fan voting is ludicrous. I think Project mayhem is pretty funny. Well done to whoever thought it up.
Personally, I think having Heatley at the ASG and him getting booed every time he touches the puck would be hilarious.
not trying to start anything but just saying.
That comment is for floridasensfan btw
To all the readers and posters, I firmly believe that the NHL, should go back to the system they had, for years and years.
This "fan voting" has become a total sham, and hilarious farce ! No Sportscasters or writers allowed !
Voting should only be done by General Managers and Head Coaches , and only one vote each, period !
Exactly!
Some people have no sense of humour.
Hope the Sens can beat the Flames tonight. Should be a good tilt.
fair enough, guess I am a Sens fan first, hockey fan second, I only watch other teams when we are playing them.
Hey FloridaSensFan,
Greatest rebuttal ever seen on this site !!
What....the fuck......
You're an embarrassment.
You people that think it's 'only fair to vote in the other teams'.... when we've only got 1 Sens player at the ASG because all those wanks in TO and MTL and BOS do their project MayHem crap, you'll feel like a donkey for not voting our guys in. a real, effin donkey...
as for not liking Michalek, and not voting for him because he's ONLY played well THIS year? really? Did you just say that being 2nd in goals this year, and being on OUR team isn't enough for you? ok, well half of Toronto is voting for Heatley 30 times a day....*give your head a shake*
If the whole process is a joke, why not embrace the joke.
You must have been away on a business trip ??
I do not disagree with your personal comment just above ,
but once again it's your opinion, and I hope you are not attacked by Sens supporters !
Fans should not vote, as it is a total joke !!
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2011/11/14/mendes_anderson/
After seeing all that talent, no way I could put even Spezza or Michalek infront of these.
Kane
Giroux
Pominville
Letang
Karlsson
Vokoun
Nuff said!
This "buzz" about Turis, Brassard et al is pretty ludicrous given that we aren't a quarter of the way into the schedule yet. If it comes to deadline week and we are in 7th in the East or something, I can swallow Murray justifying a move for help at 2C and maybe make a little noise in the playoffs. Until then however, bolstering our team to maybe finish 10th in the East instead of 12th... that would be stupid.
Free ourselves of Kuba or give Lee a chance to play on another club, but don't approach this as making a splash to immediately improve the club. It's not time yet.
I agree, imo I dont think we will be a playoff team so making a move to help at 2C would only squash our chances at getting more picks, as surely we would have to give some up for those young guys. I can see Kuba and Lee leaving at the deadline for picks.
Stick to the plan, rebuild with picks and let the young guys we do have grow.
for the other critics who just have a weird definition of the word elite, i say: more that a point per game average is pretty darn elite(regular season and playoffs)! by most peoples definition eric stall, rick nash, zach parise, vincent lacavelier, and jarome iginla(the list goes on) are ELITE players. but spezza is clearly scoring more than all of them this year. BTW what is your def of elite??
this reminds me of a few years ago when alfie was getting masacred by everyone for being the reason we never succeeded in the playoffs. and a lot of thought he could be traded.
Well , we have a "new and soft-spoken" Tookie on the SensChirp website !!
Welcome aboard !!
Was a good weekend! Vegas does that to ya!
I would prefer:
-if he was able to hit
-if he was a better judge of when to try to dangle or not
-if he scored everygame and clearly showed that "unstoppable will to win" every game
-if he was more responsible defensively
-if he didn't turn the puck over so often
BUT! its not a perfect world! spezza isn't gonna be sidney crosby or gretzky. he has his flaws. i'm not gonna lie i would rather have a hand ful of other players at center to be honest. but i would take him over 95 percent of the centers out there.
he is elite. his record shows it.
Spezza is a great player, def top 10 centres in the league.
Please make sure you actually read people's comments before questioning them.
Chara will get in anyway (actually I voted for him). Heatley won't show even if he is voted in... can you imagine him spending about 4 days in Ottawa? Hossa, Havlat.. I have no problem with them... BUT vote in your Sens... (I could not vote for Gonchar over Chara) or Anderson over Lehtinon...
Maybe Leaf fans should be looking at voting their own players in -- rather than ones Ottawa (they assume) does not want to see?
I think Spezza's more in the 10-15 range.
Just wanted to point something out RE "If Spezza were able to hit" ...
Don't tell me bullshit like this when a guy like Nathan Gerbe (shortest player in the NHL) has 20 hits and Spezza, who ppl forget is 6 foot smthg, has 8 hits. It comes down to how much you want it. If you make 7 mill, you better lead by example and at least make an effort. No one expects him to be a Lucic and destroy other players, but at least let them know you're there!
Also can add to your list "I prefer if he would battle on the boards"