When Milan Michalek buried his 15th with under nine minutes to play, it looked like the Sens were in good shape. But the Dallas Stars refused to quit and were able to score a couple of quick ones with some hard work shifts that had the Sens running around in their own end.
Ottawa played a decent road game and did a nice job limiting the number of chances until giving up 19 shots in the final frame. It was an ugly game but the Sens likely deserved a better fate. Michalek and Alfredsson both had great chances to tie this one in the dying seconds but Raycroft made a couple of big stops to preserve the win for Dallas.
Filip Kuba has played some important minutes for the Ottawa Senators this year so his absence was obviously a big one. Brian Lee took his spot in the line up but Kuba's minutes were shared throughout the six blueliners and in the end it may have been those extra minutes that cost the Sens.
Erik Karlsson (23:51) and Chris Phillips (24:47) got caught on a long shift with the game tied at two and Eric Nystrom was able to fire one past Craig Anderson that would go down at the GWG.
The good news is Jared Cowen seemed to thrive in an elevated role. He finished the game with 22:21, +2, five hits and an assist. Cowen has played third pairing minutes all season but he looked like a player that is ready to handle some increased responsibility.
The Senators are next in action on Saturday when they close out the three game road trip against a struggling Washington Capitals team. The Caps fell on home ice at the hands of Crosby and the Pens and are now 0-2 under new head coach Dale Hunter.
- Allan Walsh, agent of Jackets forward Derick Brassard, released a statement tonight and it's pretty clear that Brassard's time in Columbus is running out. The Sens have been interested in Brassard for quite some time but I've been told that right now anyway, the contract is an issue. We'll see if anything changes on that front tomorrow.
Filatov seems to be on the cusp. To me, he's a guy with game breaking potential. He has the ability to turn nothing into something and If he can take that next step, he's going to be a very exciting player to have on the roster. patience....
This is pee wee goaltending rule 1.
Z-man should have started a big brawl with Ott after that late hit and taken him out of the game.
Anderson is an average starting goaltender. He is a legitimate number one but he isn't great. I don't think he's one of the top 20 goalies in the league. He's the best goalie we've had here in a long time, but with that said I think people need to limit their expectations of him. He's not an all-star calibre player so don't expect all-star calibre results.
i agree with you on that its just tough for us fans to not be optimistic expecting him to pull more games like he did last year for us... Consistently, he hasnt stood on his head once this year for us for a full game
On Dallas' game tying goal, Condra allowed Ribiero far too much time and space instead of being aggressive and challenging him. You can't give a player with Ribiero's playmaking abilities that much respect to make something happen. Rundblad and Lee could have done more to prevent that play from happening as well.
The game winning goal was just unfortunate. Dallas pinned Karlsson and Phillips in deep on a very long shift and they were obviously both gassed.
It was brutal, and ruined alot of flow to the game. I wonder if it's always that bad?
Ya, I don't think it was a bad game either. You win some, you lose some (Sens have come back on teams like that too). We're still sitting in the 8th playoff spot, and one game over .500 after 25 games. I'll take it, as it's much better than I thought they'd be in at this point, before the season started.
Teams really competiting hard, which is good to see, and can only bode well going forward. I missed the solid work ethic that was missing for a while with this team.
Craig Anderson is 5-2 in has last 7 games, and the Senators opponants consistantly get over 30 shots a game against him. He made 39 saves against the Jets, and we won. He made 34 against Carolina, and we won. Edmonton he only made 22, easy win. Calgary he made 38, and kept us in the game, we won. Then lets not forget he made 31 against the Leafs, including 16 in the 3rd, and we beat them 5-2.
Craig Anderson is doing fine, and he's only getting better as the season goes on. We're only at game 25.
Anderson made at least two spectabcular saves in the first two periods to keep the sens in the game, he should not be blamed for this loss. while his numbers arent impressive and he has thrown out the odd stinker, he has given the sens a chance to win most nights he has played.
Phillips to EDM for Gagner or Barker.
To blame Anderson, really? The difference in net was that Anderson made his big saves in the first and Raycroft in the third.
Ice was shit which didn't help matters.
The one stand-out player last night - Cowen! What a game by him last night!!
Spezza was starting to revert to his old self again with the strange passes.... but then there were flashes of his brilliance!
My biggest issue with the Sens last night was trying to force the puck through seams as oppose to the simple play...
Tough loss... but not a concerning none.
GO SENS GO!
And is it just me, or did Spezza lead the game with most giveaways/turn overs yet again? His knuckle head passes really make me just want to flip the god damn table sometimes.
i think the karlsson phillips pair may not be appropriate considering the way they were running around in the 3rd. i think out of all the d-men on the team, chris phillips' game takes the worst hit after a partner change.
lets get back at it tomorrow. the caps are down and lets keep them down.
Thought Anderson played quite a solid game actually; the last goal was a weak one, but regardless, he made 3 or 4 great saves to keep it tied. He has not been what I expected either, but was not the reason we lost last night.
I really had a bad feeling about last night's game, so I think they made out pretty good..
He's developing some bad habits, seems to be guessing far too often and is giving up on plays. I am no goalie expert but I hope Rick Wamsley talks to him about getting back to basics.
But I think Karlsson gave up on the play well before Anderson and there seemed to be a lot of time given to Nystrom to skate up and take the shot.
I'm 100% with you. Ever see him fight in the corner for a puck?
I was against the Phillips re-signing (especially the 3rd year) but I understand why it happened. However people calling for him to be traded need to get their head out of the clouds and realise it isn't going to happen. If he was going to be playing for another team it would have happened by now. Phillips will retire a senator. Even if Murray wanted to trade him (which he doesn't), Phillips would have to agree to a move (which he won't) because he has NMC until 2014.
Phillips has had a rough 2 years but is playing better. His value to the team isn't limited to on ice activity. His job is to mentor the younger dmen and provide a veteran presence and he's doing an OK job there.
A bit more realism is required from some fans, I'd like to trade Foiligno for Crosby but it ain't happening. Nor is moving Phillips.
Karlsson isn't going to win the Norris whilst he is as defensively unsound as he is.
But we didn't draft him to be a defensive powerhouse, we drafted him to be a PMD and that's exactly what he is. We should stop expecting him to be something he isn't.
What's off is our defence and the goalie is trying to compensate too much to make a save, when our defense is better he can focus on his positioning and play textbook, until then he's roaming around just like our d. I actully feel bad for the guy i thougt he's been playing well and keeping us in games
Quoting SensChirp:
THIS! Holy crap the rebounds he gives up are insane, against better teams those are going in, he comes out to cut the angle so far then kicks it out into the middle and is about 3 feet outside the blue paint, no way he comes back fast enough to stop anything. His consistancy is an issue, even if he is stopping 30+ shots a night...
On that note, does anyone know what's going on with his eye? Has he always had that? Birth mark maybe, or is it new. Looks painfull and irritating.
Wow thank you very much, someone with some sense...
His linemates have included at one point or another spezza/greening /filatov/butler /alfie/foligno and yet he has still managed to put himself ONE freaking goal behind stamkos and kessle unbelievable
Hats off to him, and his ability to carry our offense on his back. Yes Spezza is our key cog and remove him we are done, but Michalek has finished everything Spezza/Alfie have started and that is something this team desperately needs
The personal issues were connected to the fact that his wife gave birth. I don't think we need to worry that it's an attitude thing or that he is unhappy in Ottawa or anything like that.
Karlsson rundblad
Gonchar cowen
Philips lee
It looks like a stye, and yes, they are very painful and annoying! I've had a few in my time...
Gotta love Canadian fans haha (not targetting you)
Our scrutiny on players is soo bad we notice if a goalie has a new stye through his mask!
I bet you Phoenix fans wouldn't even notice if SMith changes his pads!
Anderson had his helmet off while on the bench for the extra man and they did a close up. Ottawa fans watch games. Unlike in phoenix...
oh C'mon sens army...really?
can you imagine where we would be this year with Leclair or Gerber behind the pipes.
we were losing games with 20 shots on net last year with back breaking goals! We are in a playoff spot when no one, except me :), thought it possible.
He made some spectacular saves last night and kept us in the game.
Bottom line I am not changing the chanel when they enter our zone anymore.
Perhaps its that, perhaps its not. Fact is we don't know whats really going on in his head so I'm not going to pretend to make it my business or speculate reasons for a player "not looking themself". He just seemed to have a little jump and a skip last season, but this year even when the Sens are winning he doesn't have that same "oomph".
I see flashes of his skill when he plays, but overall he doesn't seem to have an edge that would be their if perhaps his mind was completley on the game. TOTALLY just an opinion, but he seems a bit "off" to me.
Guilty as charged I guess. Btw...did anyone else notice that Smith switched from Blue Gatorade to Red during the game last night? Is this a sign of something?
(tongue in cheek...)
Agreed. And like I said, he has played well but there are some bad habits that I've noticed lately that I did not see there before. And for the record, you would be hard pressed to find a Sens fan with a more optimistic outlook than I haha
He really wants to be there and he has been uessing a little bit too much.
In the end I really can't complain much about it, because for once we know game in game out who will be in net and that alone makes it soooooo much easier on our team to play. Last time we had this was when Emery ripped the job from Gerber and we went on a huge run into the SCF. players play differently knowing who will be in net. if he can let in less than 3 goals a game we have a fighting chance
And we wonder why the call Ottawa the goaltending graveyard!
we almost matched their shots last night, and did anyone notice that the Stars were in our end a lot more then we were in their end.
Difference is where the shots come from, and how the D reacts to those shots and gets out of their end.
Anderson makes save after save from very difficult spots on the ice, and the Sens cannot react and get out of our own zone. Repeatedly we are scrambling b/c Philips/Gonchar /Karlsson (I love him but D wise he hurts)/ Rundblad cannot beat their man to the puck or off the boards and they keep possession of the puck until Anderson freezes it or it is in the net.
Anderson is doing his part with a sub par Defensive players.
I am not sure what more we want from a goaltending perspective... IMO of course
Your right, he hasn't nessessarily had to play "lights out for us" so far this year. The Sens have been getting alot of scoring this year and its making a difference.
I like the idea of giving Cowen more big time minutes. A guy like that will develop faster in that situation becauss he's pyscially mature enough. But I think they're playing it right with Runblad right now limiting his time.
With kuba's play we'll have a buyer by the deadline and our d would stack up more like this... with Runblad getting special teams play when he draws in
Karlsson/Phillip
Gonchar/Cowen
Carkner/(Lee/Runblad)
Food for thought....who does Neil replace when hes back in line-up?
I see a rotation of zenon and winnie and condra and butler
When neil draws in i see him playing with smith and daug then a butler-winnie/z enon-condra line
EEEEEEYORE !
and EEYORE Junior ?
Have been talking about this for awhile. Since Nov. 13 in fact :) The Sens have an interest but money is a problem. CBJ will have to take a contract back.
you are extremely intelligent. well done.
to ignore Karlsson's defensive liabilities is just as ridiculous as ignoring the fact that he is an outstanding PMD.He's improved dramatically from last year but anyone who considers himself a defensive powerhouse is just not watching the games.
the point of my post which, despite your attempt to ignore it, is pretty clear - we shouldn't expect Karlsson to be something he isn't. In the same way we shouldn't expect Cowen to put up 50 points. Karlsson is one of the best in the league at what he does and we should leave him being that.
I don't think he's a suitable Norris candidate because he isn't the complete/all round package in the way that Lidstrom, Chara and Keith (the three previous winners are). For the same reason Mike Green isn't going to win the Norris nor is somebody who is 'just" a shut down guy.
man, where I have been then...oh yeah in NB...in the middle of nowhere lol. Carkner or Lee then going back...no Foligno...he is off limits.
I don't think he's a suitable Norris candidate because he isn't the complete/all round package in the way that Lidstrom, Chara and Keith (the three previous winners are). For the same reason Mike Green isn't going to win the Norris nor is somebody who is 'just" a shut down guy.
Boom roasted
Echo that sentiment. How many Norris trophies has Gonchar won? Now how many cups has we won and cup finals has he been to? Exactly. Players play different roles, and you create a team out of it. Come playoff time when we are a threat I am pretty sure Karlsson will be used in a role that will maximize his skills (ie not putting him out against crosby/ovechkin )
Just imagine that this kid is 20 years old, and years ahead of where Chara was at the same age.
Did you see him pinch in on the penalty kill knowing that Condra was coming out of the box. He knocked his man to the ground took the puck and fed Condra on the break...freakin brilliant!
He will be a future Chara/Pronger I love this kid.
When Neil comes back he works with Winnie and Butler.
You do not break the Condra/Smith/Da ug line.
And finally...again Kuba is making me eat my words, and I thank him for that, but please give Lee a few games and some faith he can and will be better than Kuba given the chance.
Is this the only thing you know how to say? I don't think I've ever seen you post anything other than this... He is making very valid points..
x2
All valid points.
Spezza was passing to where his linemates were supposed to be moving to a lot as well, and his linemates were just standing still. He had other turnovers too, but there was no chemistry on his line last night, it's not all his fault!
I guess I'm back to giving up on Lee. He showed some nice flashes last year, and here and there this year, but he just doesn't have enough to keep a spot in this rebuild.
Who are you referring to as leaving the organization? Lee just hasn't panned ou, be it before or after our "bad" signings
Gonchar is the only dman playing for us that was a signing, and everyone praised this move after our game 6 loss to the pens. Kuba was signed that year I believe at the deadline? that was considered a great deal at the time.
So again I ask, who is leaving at the end of the year?
It was not that bad. I thought it was a very exciting game despite that last period flurry by Dallas.
I don't think they have given up on Lee at all or else they would have moved out for something already. I think it's the opposite - until something better comes along, he's penciled in as top 4 after the old guys are gone.
Not letting Cowen get some point time would be a bad idea.
His defensive play is getting better, but there's still so much room for improvement. I don't think he'll ever win it because he's a natural PMD/High Offense player and those guys just don't win the Norris.
The only UFA dmen we have are Carkner and Kuba, so I'm not sure who you think even has a choice to leave in our prospect pool?
Kuba(possibly) or Lee maybe wiercoch added
and a 2nd rounder
for brassard and a 6th or something
this kid is in one of the toughest situations, and still performs admirably and without complaint.
He is a first rounder who has been dicked around for 3 years.
There is a first rounder in Columbus who has been sat a few games, and his agent, on his behalf is screaming bloody murder.
Yet Lee still wants to succeed here in Ottawa.
I cannot fathom how hard, not just physically, but mentally challenging, coming in and out, sitting for weeks at a time, cannot be easy from a timing persective but even more from a confidence perspective.
I continue to say that this kid will one day be a very steady top 4 D,
I just hope it is with us!
Why more likely? Situation has not changed. Ottawa likes him but they need CBJ to take money back. I would assume CBJ is looking for young players and picks, not a contract.
I dunno if I like getting rid of Kuba right now...he may be worth more to us at trade deadline in terms of trade...but then be, if we are in playoff spot...we might not be trading away any assets, might not be adding any either, just standing pat, which I hope that's not the case..if Murray gets a call on Kuba at deadline...move him....Lee or Weircioch + would be a good starting ground for a deal...change of scenery type of scenario.
Now of course who knows what the real story is and maybe the guy is as noble and dedicated as the next player - but if my agent was saying stuff like that I'd fire him for making me look like a Heatley/Yashin- type.
Well said Hax,
Really do we not have enough experiments already on this team? Brassard would have to get in line after Filatov, Butler, Daugavins, Regin, DaCosta have all had their fair shot.
I see nothing that warrants Brassard ahead of any of them yet, so why give anything up for another experiment?
I still believe that one of them will take charge at some point
With his contract, they'd almost have to sweeten the deal with a pick. Columbus is up against the cap and bleeding $$$. They need to get rid of his contract. No way it happens but I'd do:
Brassard, 2nd
for
Regin, Obrien or wirecock, and a 3rd
I would think he means more likely because Brassard's agent is putting public pressure on the GM to make a move asap.
Spezza
Brassard
Regin
Smith
I remember a couple of years ago before he got hurt to start the season he rattled off 20 odd points early and was leading the league(Brassard ) in scoring. The guy is a serious talent. He's from Gatineau too that's a bonus. It might be Carkner + Winnie + a pick I think. Columbus needs some grit , they r too soft. These 2 guys have that. Good trade for both teams. Kramer will be here in a couple of years for the Sens to help in the fisticuffs.
Columbus can't do anything with prospects. Even Nash would be a better star if he had been brought up in another system. I don't think you can draw anything about the player's attitude from this situation, none of the players there are doing well or enjoying much progress or success.
That Daug-Smith-Cond ra line has been lights out in recent games. All 3 are pretty good penalty killers.
Personally -- I see Konopka come out for Neil.
i think you are confusing need with want Chirp.
Yeah -- like Derek Smith going to Calgary this past year. He played really well down the strech last year.. I wish the Sens could have kept him along with Kinrade. I think they would both have done well in Ottawa this season.
Derek Smith is/was a perfectly servicable player but he was never going to be part of the long term solution here in Ottawa. He would be something like 11th or 12th on our depth chart.
He's doing pretty decent in Calgary this year..
He's doing pretty decent in Calgary this year..
Exactly my point, I'm sure he would have done a similar servicable job here but we already have 8 dmen with the big club (i'm counting Carkner) and you would have to assume that WireCock, Gryba and Borowiecki would be people we would want to be playing more than him if we get injuries
we have a bunch of OK in our second level D prospects so Smith and Benoit (who also played well last year) are expendable. It's not like we let a Chara walk away for nothing again.
Have you seen their depth chart and their prospect cupboard?
Trade Phillips (3.08mil) For Brassard (3.2Mil)