The Chicago Blackhawks continue to be the Jekyll and Hyde team of the NHL.
At times they look like Stanley Cup Contenders while at others they are losing nine straight and looking like a team that could fall right out of the Western Conference playoff picture. On Wednesday, Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane looked dominant against a hapless Leafs defence. Ottawa will have to be at their best against those two tonight.
Ray Emery, who took over for Corey Crawford the other night, will get the start for Chicago.
It will be the first time Emery has played a game in Ottawa since leaving the Nation’s Capital after the 2007-2008 season. Emery was a larger than life personality during his time here and was between the pipes during Ottawa’s run to the finals. He deserves to be cheered by the fans at SBP tonight.
For Ottawa, Robin Lehner will make his third straight start. After a shutout in Boston the other night, the first of his NHL career, Lehner’s popularity has skyrocketed the last couple days. He’ll have to be sharp against a dynamic Hawks offence.
No changes expected to the Ottawa line up which means Kaspars Daugavins is likely the odd man out up front.
Michalek-Spezza-Butler
Greening-Turris-Alfredsson
Foligno-O'Brien-Neil
Konopka-Smith-Condra
Kuba- Karlsson
Phillips-Gilroy
Cowen-Gonchar
- Craig Anderson spoke to the media yesterday and indicated that while he has been skating this week, there is still no time frame for his return. It certainly doesn't sound like he'll be back any time soon. Anderson was reluctant to discuss the details of how the injury occurred.
He was a hell of a character, I did like him, wonder if others feel the same!
I feel for Anderson, I too would be reluctant to share my embarrasing moments with the media, I mean who the hell cuts themselves preparing food?
I'm still mad at emery for acting like a douche when he was here, but he took us to the finals and am forever grateful for that.
Karlsson and spezza with 3 points each tonight.
GO SENSSS GO
Go Lehner and GO SENS GOOOOOOOO
I guess we'll see Tookie now come and disgust us with his poor remarks on how emery is gonna beat us and blahblahblah ... get a life !!!
I think he should get a warm welcome. He helped the team all the way to the SCF, and he was "kicked out" of the organization, didn't ask to leave.
I know the figures thrown around a month or two ago were apx. 5.5 mill but he's become one of the most dominant players in the game today and he really does have the ability to control the pace not just offensively but even in his own end when he skates the puck out of trouble, curls back from trouble etc. I've noticed recently that once he has possession of the puck he gets a tremendous amount of respect from the opposition.
what is he worth now?
Respect to Alex Auld who, always the professional, is handling everything pretty well.
Its easy to say get him signed, but dont you think KArlsson and his agent want to hold back a bit to get more $$$, I mean, its a business to him aswell. Management might want to sign him early but Karlsson's camp dont want that. Its a process that takes time...
He will be a Sen but for what he is really worth and that will be upwards to 7-8 Million (Lidstrom, Weber money)
Especially since Karlsson and his agent can always play the "one of the best defencemen ever" trump card that Eugene Melnyk was kind enough to provide...
I figure he will sign at 6.5 Mil. There is no way they give him more than what Spezza is getting...
I don't see him making that money. If he was smart he would ride out a 6 million contract until he's UFA eligible, then cash in. By that time, a high end player might be worth $10 million a year.
Still expecting the boys to step it up though. Hopefully Spezza and Alfie still remember how to score on him. I think Lehner will be lights out once again, but with all the offensive skill on the Blackhawks it should still be a tough battle.
4-2 for the Sens ... Condra probably needs the empty netter this game.
GO SENS GO!!!
Somebody mentioned that there had been talk about only giving Karlsson a 3 year deal so he remains a RFA at the end of it. If that is the case then we'd have to pony up at least 6 million a season.
It gives both the Sens and Karlsson options, but if Karlsson does that he and his team are going to want a massive pay day in 3 years time.
I can remember getting hooted and jeered when I suggested earlier in the season that Karlsson could get (and was worth) Doughty money, but I don't think I'm far off the mark.
Karlsson is the future of this franchise, he walks into a letter on his jersey when Alfie retires (A not C to start) and along with Spezza will be the most visible players for marketing and media and outside hockey work.
He's going to get some serious money and I think the Sens should be the team giving it him.
I think signing him for anything less than 6 represents outstanding business for the Sens but I don't think that happens.
No discussions yet apparently. Likely want to avoid having it become a distraction with the team in the thick of a playoff race.
I will cheer Emery in the warm-ups for sure. He was a huge part of our team a few years ago and has battled some problems (hip surgery, etc) and has won! The guy has a great story and we were fortunate to be a part of it along his career.
Go Sens Go... and light up Emery tonight!
Any word on any NCAA signings by Murray or if he is even interested in anyone.
I expect Lehngis Khan will be in top form tonight and should have a good game. I think it's hard to believe he'll be tested more than he was against Boston after 3 periods, but I think Chicago will be pumped up for this game, trying to rattle the young goalie early. It's up to Lehner to show just how cold the ice in his veins are when under pressure. Honestly, I don't know how you could put any more pressure on top of what this kid is feeling already, it's a true testament to his character.
Chicago is without Toews tonight, expect a few extra shifts from the 3rd and 4th lines trying to spark something, which they did against Toronto. I think we have a great 3rd and 4th line matchup so we should be eble to control the intensity and tempo of the game.
If our leaders continue to be our leaders, meaning Spezza and Karlsson have the type of game they've been having, we should be able to create plenty of offense. What amazes me about this team are the players we have which are capable of changing the tide of a game if either Spezza or EK have a slow start, look for Alfie or Michalek to pick up the slack.
Can't wait for puck drop, beer in hand. Wish I could attend in person with ya's, but like a few in my position, I couldn't get a sitter. Go Sens Go!!!
It gets better than this my friend! BLOW it up and start over again? Too late! At the deadline Burke had offers for FOUR of his players where the return was a first round pick! Who knows these were likely mid-to-late first rounders but still!
They could have declined the first rounder for Schenn and traded the other players. Thus without moving young futures like Kadri or Schenn and without touching "cornerstone" players like Kessel or Phaneuf they still could have had a total of FOUR first round pick next draft!
Not only that but trading roster players like Grabovski (who may not even resign there) would have helped them "tank" their own first rounder, probably into a top 3 overall pick!
Instead Burkie decides to stay the course, confident his team can squeak into the playoffs and maybe even "Bring the Noize" with them! Then again this is coming form the guy who season after season tells dumbass Leafs fans that they are a playoff contender and that Wilson is a good coach. How could he possibly throw in the towel on deadline day right?
So yeah.. BOOOM... days later it sinks in "oh shit we really suck and should retool this rebuild!" Glad they didn't realize that a few days ago, they really could have done some damage on draft day!
Happy times in Senators land! Suck it Leaf fans!
I asked this yesterday, apparently not much interest. Tougher to bring NCAA guys here when we don't have the roster spots on the big club.
He's going to get that no matter what, why not be it now. His agent will make damn sure he gets paid like he's supposed to.
6.5 to 7 Mil seems about right.
Would it not be in Karlsson's best interest to wait until the Norris trophy is awarded? If he wins that, he can ask for pretty much anything.
Thanks for this Chirp, appreciate it, I owe ya a beer!
I had this talk with a Friend of mine, he's SO upset that Burke stayed course. Right now, Leaf nation is divided. More than half want Burke, Wilson and half the team gone for a rebuild. But you'll still hear a few who say it's Wilson's fault, hail Burke. Personally, if you take over a team and they don't make the playoffs once during your tenure, something is wrong.
Yes but he will have pressure from Management to wait THAT long...IF his agent controls him this might happen.
the thought of Emery squaring off with Lehner entered my mind as well and I quickly pushed it out. The only good that would come out of that is a major lesson in humility for Lehner. Emery is a trained boxer and would destroy Lehner...
What a steamy coincidence! I'm just about to go drop a Mike Bauer as well!
Still stand by what I said, he's going to get upwards of 6M/YR for sure. It just depends on how long he will sign for.
Looking forward to see my favourite goaltender back in the O. Aside from being asked to leave the city.. he's also been on a long road back from that hip problem of is. Hope we win, and put together a solid, closely contested match-up. Would be nice to go to a SO too.. Lehner vs Emery in the SO. Make it happen!
yah right chirp, you wait for me to spend time on a post, then you start a new one... while I sit there hitting refresh and talking to myself... Kinda like talking to my wife...makes me feel right at home :)
You talk to your wife?
I would say 2 good seasons...
The funniest thing about the Laff's is that due to the contract status of 90% of their players, they are going to have the exact same line up next year. They're screwed!
;-{
-35 last year? I know he is a 21 year old phenom. However we can all admit that despite the fact he has the potential to be one of the most dynamic offensive defenceman of all time, he will always gave short comings in his own zone. I'm not even saying he can't be a very solid defenceman however he will never be good at killing penalties because he will never be able to clear the front of the net.
The whole team was in the minus, haha, he still had a pretty good year, 45pts for a 2nd year D on a terrible team is a very decent output.
Plus not sure you've noticed but Karlsson is not known for his defensive skills, +- doesnt factor in here, its a team stat.
This is hockey. Bullying is allowed.
I actually think the Kessel trade looks worse now because they would have been able to drafe Seguin, let's say for arguments sake Hamilton and this year they will most likely finish with the 10-14th pick in the draft, without Kessel they may have been drafting 5-10 again this year!
Yeah but with Seguin and Hamilton they might be higher in the standings too. You never know.
And really who cares what the Leafs do, only thing I would consider is trying to get player that want out of there, maybe give them our scrap like Da Costa, Hoffman, Regin, for lets see, Kessel, Lupul, Gardiner, Grabovski, haha!
I don't know, Emery was pretty solid in those playoffs... I remember me and a buddy used to joke that Emery would usually give up a goal in the first 5 minutes of the game, but then was lights out the rest of the way...
I seem to remember that happening more often than not...
Ya you are right, that could have happened. But i'd like to think not just for arguments sake. Plus if they had Seguin they would have most likely been a team that was looking for 1st rd picks and could have picked up 2-3 this year and last year at the deadline to rebuild like the Sens are doing.
no that person (forget her name) talks to me and I never remember a thing she said!
For me it would depend on what team made the offer.
I know if I was Buffalo I would have let Edmonton sign Vanek and taken the 4 1st rounders.
I would do a Vanek for Eberle, Pajarvii, Hall and RNH. (although admittedly they may not have finished where they did if the got Vanek. You get the point)
He is one of the main reasons we reached the finals, if you can't admit that to yourself you need a lot of help!
Wow that would be a major decision, holy crap I dont know what I would do, I would firslty, punch a whole through the wall, call the other GM and swear at him, then call Karlsson and offer free swedish meatballs for life. Call the other GM again and swear some more. Finish the night with my buddies Jack, Johnny and Morgan...
yeah for sure. Emery hardly sucked. His ego might have hurt him and he learned a harsh lesson. But he deserves a tonne of credit for making his way back to the NHL.
Now that's the Mike Bauer! Really funny stuff.
I did re-hab along side Emery in the fall of 2010 and speaking to him now and then, it just re-confirmed my views on him. Really nice guy, who attained to much to quickly.
Remember.... The Dominator acted as his mentor.
Hope Lehner & Sugar Ray both have great games tonight, with the Sens taking the win.
You take the four first round picks. A contract like that could handcuff an organization for a decade. That being said, Murray will have him signed by July 1st. Karlson wants to stay in Ottawa, and with Alfie as his mentor, he will sign a fair contract and be a part of our Stanley Cup winning team.
Take a look at Washington and I'll bet they wish they could have a mulligan on Ovechkin's contract.
he came up big in every round.
I remember fondly, after suffering through one bad goalie after another (Gerber) in comes this kid full of confidence, even cockiness, that reminded me of Patrick Roy. No not that he had the same skill, but certainly all the attitude, and that confidence flowed throught to the rest of a very talented team.
I too will cheer Emery, I kind of blame management for not dealing with it internally, and making it so public.
Yes, he had issues, he was late again for practice... sit him say he is out for personal reasons, get it fixed...
But as most of us agree, Murray is doing a great job, and in Murray we trust!
You say it like its easy, I assure you it wouldnt be. It would probably be a bargain down the road if you think about it, sure 9Mil is expensive now but in the next few years, its going to be the asking price for anything close to a superstar. And in 5-6 years from now when he is locked up at 9m and superstars are making 12-14Mil, you'll be happy you did sign him.
It really depends who the team is obviously, but with Karlsson on their side, the picks would likely be late first rounders...not worth it IMO.
I'm not worried about it. No other teams respect Karlsson enough to make an offer like that ... yet.
Hahaha - Tookie is like a gumball .... Hard on the outside and a softy in the middle. I think we've seen the birth of Tookie2.0
And for the record, Yes, I'd match the offer sheet. Karlsson is a once in a bluemoon player.
Although it is true, he actually wasn't kicked out of town because of simple poor play. The guy was a massive head ache. As soon as he got his big pay day, he didn't care about hockey at all. His life revolved around partying. His bigger than life attitude got him in to trouble on a routinely basis.
On the cover this may seem like just a attitude problem but it really wasn't. This guy was shoving hundreds of dollars of cocaine up his nose, along with buying the entire bar drinks all night, every night. Him showing up to practice late wasn't an "alarm clock problem" it was a "too much drugs last night problem". Ray Emery literally lived in the market.
He earned a huge opportunity with his great play in the playoffs and then pissed it all away. He had achieved what millions of kids dream of but yet his lifestyle was too important.
Don't get me wrong what he went through with his injury/recovery was nothing short of insane determination. I'm not sure about his addiction problems of today but I'm guessing you can't go through the recovery path he did while being addicted to cocaine. I sure hope he fixed that part of his life.
As for cheering...well I don't think one good year makes him deserve it. He cost the team over 10million dollars and about 2 years of hell while we should have been contending for the cup. We had the best line in the NHL but because our idiot goalie couldn't get his nose out of the big pile of yayo we couldn't win a damn thing
If it was Columbus or the Leafs, I would take the picks. Either way that's 4 lottery picks guaranteed.
Holy shit, did you just wake me up to a reality, that I was overlooking!
That is right, another team ( with more money than brains ie Rangers or worse the Laffs ) could make him a rediculous offer only to handcuff the Sens.
And if they did it to a Vanek, then for sure you know that Karlsson will get serious offers.
I can see Burke doing this only to piss off the Sens, force the $$$ up, even though he has no intention on signing him.
PM and BM sit Karlsson out for the rest of the year... say he has a serious back injury that may affect the rest of his career :)
Yes those are the exceptions
Good point. Looks like having Gonchar around has helped Karlsson as well.
It wan't the 'sugar' that destroyed Emery in Ottawa it was his injury, coach, other goalie aka Martin Garbage, lack of proper re-hab time and a front office that should have shown him more respect/ loyalty.
And as per the coke issues.... do you know how many of the Sens roster players had their faces in the icing sugar? More than you'd think.
At this point in the rebuild I would probably match it. 4 more first rounders, spread over several years would really delay our current plan to the point that we could end up wasting Spezza's prime. Especially with all the young guys on entry level contracts we have currently and coming into the team in the next 2 years. I think it can be offset in that way, team salary cap wise.
I really don't think though, that even if he gets to unsigned RFA status on July 1st, that Karlsson would do anything like this. I really feel like he loves Ottawa and the chance to succeed on Alfie's team. Probably a bit of wishful thinking in there, but as cocky as he is, he's still pretty classy.
He was a huge factor in getting us to the finals and since he's left he's had a hard time, battled through some awful medical problems, became a Masterton finalist.
An interesting player in Senators history, welcome back to O-Town Ray! I still hope we chase you out of your net tonight. ;)
ALOT.
No it's probably not more than I'd think.
The dfference is they all showed up to practice. Worked/played hard. Emery did neither. I don't recall Mcgratton or even Redden for that matter missing practices or meetings or waking up late and having to speed to the airport in their ostentatious vehicles only to get pulled over.
Take redden for example. He's probably spent millions on coke(just look at how big his nostrils are lol). The differrence is, he's still a family guy who cares about other things in life as well. Plus when an opportunity came(aka contract year with new team) he played well enough to earn yet another massive contract. I personally applaud him for being able to keep his life in check while being addicted to coke on a 6million per year salary. I really don't think many people in this world could do that
How quickly are the Senators replacing the REd Wings as Swedens favourite NHL team?
Lehner - the second coming of King Henrik
Alfie - a GOD who delivered Olympic Gold
Karlsson - the second coming of Nick Lidstrom (ok, well, maybe)
Zibby - Delivers first WJC Gold in 30+ years
and who knows what Silverberg can bring.
There is no I in team. What if the cap goes down? What if he suffers a career threatening injury? How do you pay your other players less than market value to stay under the cap and not let them walk? There are so many unknowns that I would rather risk paying him more in four or five years than take such a huge risk. Karlson knows he has a good thing going in Ottawa and won't want to screw up his chance of being a champion.
Want to know why we didn't win a damn thing? It's because those were some real close games .
G1: 3-2 L
G2: 1-0 L
G3: 5-3 W (We won)
G4: 3-2 L
G5: 6-2 L
Can't take anything away from the Ducks bro, the Sens tried hard- and we made it to the finals. Emery had a 1.95 GAA through 15 GP (3 SO if you've forgotten). His job is to keep the team in the games, it's the rest of the team that's supposed to score.
I personally don't follow the contracts they have, or know who's up for UFA or RFA, but I do know they suck.
All seriousness, does Burke remain the GM after this year? Loyal Leaf fans are saying he did the best he could with what he had when he arrived. Burke went on a spree and changed the core, which you cannot deny was major, look at the 4 lines and not one player was originally with that team before he arrived. This was Burkes rebuild within a rebuild method. Ending up with guys like Phil Kessel, Dion Phaneuf, John-Michael Liles, Mike Komisarek, Tyler Bozak, Tim Connolly, Joffrey Lupul, Clarke MacArthur, Matthew Lombardi, David Steckel, Mike Brown, Colby Armstrong, Jonas Gustavsson. I mean, he obviously worked his tail off changing the face of the team, but it makes you wonder where the failure comes from?
Its funny, it seems that Sens fan would rather draft swedes then any other countrymen. Damm Alfie he is slowly taking over Ottawa with his fellow countrymen... oh well as long as they come with those swedish women/meatballs /ikea
Yup agreed...
Anytime a goalie has a GAA under 2, he can't be blamed...
The blame is solely on Ray Emery. But Gain you have to applaud his desire/effort to get back to the NHL. I just hope the. Money doesn't get to him again
You mean, The team carried Emery to the finals?
He can go back to sniffing his white power.
Clearly...
He did play great thats why he earned a 3 year 3+mill contract. But his issues did not start until after that year. He hadn't gotten his big contract until that offseason. That's when his world went on a downward spiral.
Our team that year lacked depth and secondary scoring. We relied heavily on our top line then, and after Heatley left this city, he exposed that. We FINALLY have 4 lines rolling, and it feels great.
Absolutely yes, and it will be for Pittsburgh. Crosby is still young enough that even if he has to take another year or two to fully recover, he could still return and have 10+ more years in the NHL.
His main issues started when they signed Gerber and called him the #1 right after Emery brought us all the way to the cup finals. Management made that mistake, and Emery handled it poorly. Both parties are at fault, and both parties reacted in a way that is understandable, but not necessarily excusable.
Actually we really don't have 4 lines rolling. If you mean "4 lines playing"? Well yes you'd be right. But the latest wins we've has has been all 1st line. Yes turris and Alfie create chances but they sure as he'll aren't scoring consistently. When can you remember zack smith, greening, condra butler lighting the lamp? The coach has the 3rd and 4th lines playing a good role and therefore keeping them somewhat effective. However, I think we'll only be TRULY rolling 4 lines once we add Zibanejad on the 2nd and Silverberg on the 3rd. Then we'll hopefully have 3 good scoring lines and a 4th that grinds the shit out of the other team while chipping in the odd snipe
Dude its nice to be positive but Crosby is now severly injury prone and will never go on to play 10+ more years without major problems.
Agreed. As much as I hate the little whinny bitch, he is an unbelievable hockey player. He was on an absolute tear when he got hurt. Sad to see him gone for so long
I sure as heck hope that the sens get a deal done before something like this could ever happen...that would be a scary situation to be in...we all remember what happened after we kept kept Redden and let Chara walk...
I rarely agree with you Tookie (even though I hardly post comments)...I would defintely want to punch the GM, freak out and then have lots to drink! Here's hoping it doesn't come to that!
Tonight I hope the fans cheer Emery, he brought us to the cup...he didn't choke when we got there, was not the reason why we didn't win.
Sens win tonight! Usual suspects shine!
LOL. Had to read this a couple times to see if there was a hidden message somewhere. Nope....just a good old fashioned funny post. Props tooks!
Wierdest thing, I too have the same buddies, and plan to visit all of them tonight while watching the game at home. Depending on the result of the game, there may be swedish meatballs and swearing involved as well though.
Come on Tookie, none of us know, Crosby doesn't even know yet. It's good to speculate and have opinions but to make a blatant statement like that as if it is fact - that's just BS.
Frankly while I hate the Penguins and I love to hate Crosby as an NHL figure, it sure is sad for him, his team and the entire league + fans to not have him playing.
I would guess we will not see him again this year, they ought to take it nice and slow with him because if he does come back, and shortly thereafter suffers ANOTHER setback? Then that would look really troubling for his future in hockey.
Get better Sid so I can start making fun of you as a spoiled whiner again!
Those are some stats many forget about. The Sens were the 2nd hightest scoring team in the league that year behind Buffalo, and both teams had an amazing +66 Goal differential, with Ottawa having the better goals against. When it came to playoffs, the first 3 rounds Alfredsson, Heatley and Spezza combined for 23 goals. When we faced the Ducks our top line was shut down, they had 1 high scoring game and won it, the remainder were so close but they couldn't compete. You cannot blame Emery for that.
Too hard to tell. If the neck injury, and not actual concussions are the source of the problem it's really not as bleak as some think. I think a Mario Lemieux style career is his worst case scenario right now.
This isn't about being positive though. You have to stop thinking I look at everything with rose colored glasses. If it makes you feel better though, you can file it away with my other predictions like the Sens making the playoffs, Cowen making the team ...
But you do, you didnt predict the Sens were gonna make the playoffs because of the talent they had on the team, if so you should be on the panel. You predicted the Sens would make the team because your a rose coloured goggles fan and just wanted to go against the grain.
Sadly, I think he's become a Lindros 2.0
The funny thing is, it seems OV almost needs Crosby playing to keep his fire burning. Doesn't everyone need a nemesis?
Fair to say that walking around in Sweden with a Sens jersey on would get you alot of attention. Lots of Swedish names attached to our organization. Most recently, especially that Zibby OT winner to win WJC gold. That's fresh on their heads.
Hmmm....Swedish roadie anyone? Bring your Sens colours. Leave your wives at home.
Hope I'm wrong, he's a talented kid who deserved better!
Emery was solid other than you could say he choked a couple of games.
Always liked Emery.
Chicago is like us they can come back from a deficit, should be a good game.
Anderson played great for us but I hope he is out until he has recovered, I don't want to see him come back half healed when we have Lehner Bishop holding down the fort.
I am not real crazy about a goalie that is not 100% in net.
I am 100% for him taking back over the reins when he is 100%
Want to see another Lehner win tonight.
Fuck you and the horse you rode in on. I completely predicted it based on talent, same with Cowen and same with others. You have to be the most useless human being out there.
Ha! You think it was a coincidence that they built the biggest IKEA in North America here in Ottawa.. ;P
Good point!
I don't think your remembering it right. Gerber was already part of the team when we made that trip to the finals. Emery had wrist surgery after that Stanley Cup run we had and Gerber started the year for us in 07-08. It's not like they chose Gerber to be our starter over a healthy Emery.
LOL!
Yes, but they didn't nominate Gerber the #1 until after, which is when it started going downhill. Yes, Emery had the wrist injury, but that's where the problem lies. Most teams would not name someone else their #1 just because the guy who brought them to the show got injured. I think it was handled badly, just my opinion, not expecting everyone to agree.
Shinnimin has had a very hot February, stats-wise, but on the whole Stone has had a better season. With his size, Shinnimin could be good if he has wheels; otherwise, he might just be another overage junior who burned it up just to become an ECHL/AHL vet.
Alright, you had me confused with the Gerber situation, so I looked it up. Here is what my friend Wiki says:
On July 1, 2006, Gerber signed as a free agent with the Ottawa Senators. He struggled throughout the season and was replaced as starting goaltender by Ray Emery. That season, Emery led the Senators to their first appearance in the Stanley Cup finals, where they would lose to Gerber's former team, the Anaheim Ducks. It was Gerber's third appearance in the Stanley Cup finals in five years. Gerber began the 2007–08 season as the Senators' starter when Emery was sidelined after off-season wrist surgery. His play was inconsistent and Emery resumed the starting job once he was healthy again. However, after the team suffered a rapid decline in the standings and head coach John Paddock was fired and replaced by general manager Bryan Murray, Murray declared Gerber as the starting goaltender for the remainder of the season. Gerber entered the 2008–09 season in that role, but his uneven play continued and he was eventually supplanted by the newly signed Alex Auld. On January 22, 2009, Gerber was placed on waivers after having been sent down to the Senators American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Binghamton Senators.[
"Pick" as in Craig "Ice Pick" Anderson (And we still love the guy.) should be back for the playoffs. But the "Rock" as in Robin "Rock Star" Lehner, after another stellar (my projection) performance tonight will need a legit nick name. So put your guys back on it or Robin will be informed that you are not a fan yet!
;-{
Foligno-O'Brien-Neil
Nothing against O'Brien, he's stepped up nice, but maybe he could be used better on the wing. Just throwing ideas out, anyone?
If you're looking to speak to Chirp, you may not get an answer. Considering how early the bus is leaving from Locals, I would assume he's already arrived and started sucking back the pints. ;)
I wish!
Soon though :)
I think we can all agree that if we can get those bottom lines clicking and get some goals from guys that were scoring earlier in the season (Foligno, Smith, Condra...etc), AND also keep the production we have been getting lately from our Top guys....then this could be a scary team in the playoffs.
We can only hope. Momentum going into playoffs can really do damage!
http://skreened.com/refusehockey/lehnsanity
And I sent your wife that link three days ago. Sorry, that sounded bad haha
Anybody ordered one yet??
That said I think he has been mentored by Alfie and hopefully Aflie's team first mentality has been a part of what he picked up living with him.
I hope they will get him signed to a reasonable contract, and like many was laughing at the idea of it being 6-7 million earlier but unfortunately for us now with the tear he's been on as of late and if he can keep it up for the rest of the season that is exactly the range he is in now. Likely going to go the route of Crosby and get 6.5/yr for #65.
The only question is for how long should he be signed at that rate from the teams point of view. (Which, by the way, is the only way a fan should look at a player's salary since less is better as it allows more quality players)
You think that there are sens fans out there who DIDN'T know that Emery had a partying problem?
WHL/AHl/NHL.
Was just thinking what do we do with this kid
I ordered one yesterday. Much better than a shoddy alternative floating around out there that has the same #lehsanity but without the ;). This also seems better quality and color options than the alternative, although this baby here you are actually ordering from the USA.
No but before everyone agrees to give this guy a king's welcome, they should consider the damage he did to the reputation of the team. He was by no means a role model for young Senator fans and was a constand hindrance for our police force.
But I'm not going to stand up and cheer for him the way I did when Redden and Fisher came back.
He's not in their league.
I, for one, prefer to have a short mEmery...
To: "Jim.flaherty
CC: "John.baird
Subject: Proposed Tax Legislation
Dear Minister Jim Flaherty,
I understand that the Province of Ontario has asked the federal government to consider amending tax legislation that will eliminate deductions for corporations that purchase seats and corporate suites to sporting events.
I am an individual and fan of the Ottawa Senators and a number of other sport teams in our community. These teams are an important and vibrant part of our community and they deserve to be treated like other businesses, organizations and industries. To single them out in an act of legislation that would adversely affect their business is unfair, unreasonable and un-Canadian.
The Ottawa Senators not only provide great entertainment for our community they are also very active in our community, are good corporate citizens and pay significant municipal, provincial and federal taxes. We don’t want to lose them!
We strongly urge the federal government to reject this proposal from the provincial government. Instead, we urge all levels of government to focus on other ways to reduce their expenses and increase their revenues for the benefits of their tax payers.
Please do the right thing and reject this proposal.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your city, ON]
Agreed... there are not too many drafted players that jump immediately to the NHL from the CHL... just the elite... but then again... Stone has had amazing seasons.. but he needs to get his skating better. Good on him to work hard in the offseason last summer in Ottawa and will this summer as well to improve it... That shows me a lot of drive in a young player... I like that..
Glad the league is giving him lots of exposure, he deserves it.. truly a break out year.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/eric-duhatschek/viewing-erik-karlsson-through-the-paul-coffey-prism/article2356778/
Agreed.... I'm going to the game also and that's what I'll do... nothing like I did for Fish -- (with tears in my eyes..)
Attitude front that they throw down tonight?? Holllyy crappp
And something on a positive note I heard on the Team 1200 this afternoon.
Steve Lloyd wrote to Bill Daly and asked him if the NHL would revisit the Ontario Government using NHL for betting (ProLine) if tax write off (ie: #Sens tix) is revoked.
Bill Daly's answer more or less -- "fair to say that (NHL) would view any such change very negatively, and as an unnecessary and unfriendly act"
So it appears the NHL is pretty upset with the Ontario Liberals... I wonder how much pressure that would put on the Feds to keep status quo... How about no more new NHL teams in Canada.... Maybe they do 'threaten' the Ont Gov't that they will not be able to use NHL games to bet on... that's a cash cow in way of revenue...
I feel somewhat better regarding this whole situation after reading this.
But I'm still a little cloudy on if this is purely for Ontario -- or since the Libs asked the Feds to help.. does this apply to all of Canada. I've seen both sides... so still somewhat confused.
That's enough of rehashing that...
Onto the game... Go Sens...
I say he will be just fine.
I say Sens 4 - 1 tonight.
That's a good one. Chirp, hope you don't mind posting a link to senstown, but in the whole nick name thing I found this to be pretty cool.
http://www.senstown.com/2012/03/lehnsurance.html
For those that were asking. I double checked with #NHL & was told Ben Bishop is indeed waiver exempt next season. 47 #NHL gms left
Michalek-Spezza-Stone
Silfevrburg-Turris-Alfie
Foligno-DaCosta-Zibby
Greening-Smith-Neil
Condra
I think that lineup could beat the LAughs again next year and all their 30 goal scorers - what do you think Tooks.
I think Zibanejad aint gonna want to play for us if he's 3rd line...
Stone needs to improve his skating, its not like he was dominating as a 16/17 year old, he's 18-19, he needs time in the AHL. To see how he does vs players his size and strength.
for those Chirper going, have a great freakin time, and make us proud...
Peluso and Vial, if you are going try to stay out of the box... and be nice to Sandy!
and RUSHRLZ bring you secratary Lulu with you, but keep her away from Peluso and Vial :)
Have a great time and GO SENS GO!!!!
Hope Lehner gets another shut-out and keeps getting them at least till after then.
;)
Maybe we'll have a west-enders meetup one of these weeks.
Should be a dandy of a game though, and I'm happy enough to be at home watching her tonight!
It was a short ride didn't get much info lol.
Haha! Are you serious? Very brash of you.
Yeah the org hasn't said much but my quasi-insider guy, and I'm sure Chirp would attest as well, that the plan is the get Big Ben up here and play a couple of games soon.
Guess Auld will hold down the fort in Bingo.
I would imagine they send Lehner back down since he has a two-way.
Care to clarify Chirp?
I think I'd still send Lehner down to be the #1 in Bingo once Anderson's back - unless that doesn't happen until we're just about ready to start the playoffs. In which case go with Anderson/Lehner the rest of the way and into the playoffs.
http://castalba.tv/channel/5615
U kiddin im at home watching HD I don't miss just that my bro is workin and I assured Him senschirp would def come through with one
???
???
16 saves already for Lehner? I need a stream.......lo l
Thanks
Darth u still need one? I can run it through the ps3 cam if u want..
Well I agree with the Mark Stone part but not the rest...
Cowen and Gonchar are fucking pathetic together you think Mac would learn with those two.
The stream is pretty brutal quality can't even see the puck...How would you do that?
Turris shouldn't be playing against Kane he just can't contain him.
Cowen and Gonchar need to be split up they're downright garbage. Cowen's minutes need to be reduced drastically too.
that is supposed to be a joke, right?
is it just me, or are the refs being particularly tough on the Sens tonight?? gonchar barely hooked sharp on the breakaway, philips barely touched the hawks player coming into the zone, ditto for gilroy's stick on the tripping call...ugh!!!
Burkie must be trying to save his job!!!
Icing on the cake
Life is good!
Yeah, we've seen the movie but they have to play much, much better than period 1 and 2. Lehner is first star for the Sens. I agree though that they have done it before and let's watch them do it again. Pour a drink and hang tough!
Assholes
p.s i think knopka saved that goal for the hawks, it might have gone in.
Like Brian Lee?
His name was Brian Lee
probably would have hit that open net, too.
I hope for his sake we regret that trade(hope what's his name is solid too...but hope Lee becomes amonster)
Let's at least get a point out of this.
Other than the usual suspects aka our first line, the rest is total garbage tonight.
Lehner is the man.
The line matches were horribly lop-sided.
Cowen's minutes weren't managed. Turris was poor.
On the other hand, Robin Lenher is a fucking beast.
Hopefully they get their act together Sunday in Florida.
Like I said before, Mac didn't do a good job managing the lines in this one. Just as Mike Johnson said, and he was right, Kyle Turris couldn't keep up with Kane for the life of him. Spezza should have been against that top line.
Gonchar and Cowen offering up breakaways like giving out candy on Halloween. I can't see how those two can possible be matched up together any more- they're down right horrid defensively. Either split them up, or teach Cowen Russian because those two are dreadful defensively together.
Gilroy- missed an open net. Actually miss Brian Lee in this one :(
As for Robin Lehner, he's ready for the NHL.
Mac was outcoached, though. Quen must have been lickin his chops knowing Kane would skate circles around Kyle Turris.
He's getting alot of ice time with Ottawa and has not been producing like a second line center for a long time, even during the sens hot streak he was not producing. The last legit goal he scored was after all star break against Boston since then we've played Boston another 2 times.
Today was probably his worst game yet. Turris was ranked number 1 N.A Skater during his draft year, and Kane drafted the same year as him showed him how to play and handle a puck unfortunately.
Also Greening has got to stop playing on his Wing, I personally think Foligno and Alfredsson click best with Turris.
I'm sure you guys got to be missing Lee today. After seeing Lee play near the end of last year, and recently I was hoping he would stay with the organization. I was disappointed with the trade. Guess what he has 2 assists with Tampa bay currently against the Rangers.
He's getting alot of ice time with Ottawa and has not been producing like a second line center for a long time, even during the sens current hot streak he was not producing. The last legit goal he scored was after all star break against Boston since then we've played Boston another 2 times.
Today was probably his worst game yet. Turris was ranked number 1 N.A Skater during his draft year, and Kane drafted the same year as him showed him how to play and handle a puck unfortunately.
Also Greening has got to stop playing on his Wing, I personally think Foligno and Alfredsson click best with Turris.
I'm sure you guys got to be missing Lee today. After seeing Lee play near the end of last year, and recently; I was hoping he would stay with the organization. I was disappointed with the trade. Guess what he has 2 assists with Tampa bay currently against the Rangers.
Chicago's 2nd goal was clearly a missed interference call by the refs. take that away and the game ends as a tie... which it should have been because Chicago really didn't do anything special
Exact same rosters, replay that game 10 times and Ottawa wins 8
In the pre game Shawn Simpson gave us a quick baffle gab aside about Ben Bishop's deal and how many games he has to play this year @ the NHL level. He mentioned 17? Simpson also mentioned how he and Robin's father don't think Lehner is mature enough yet. See if you can get one of your bird dogs to get us some clarification. Robin and I would be very appreciative.
;) says Robin!
Robin is a girls name
and stop talking like that. you're nobody, just like me and everyone else who post's here. Don't pretend to be somebody. we know it isnt true
Anyways, hope we kick some Floridinian ass on Sunday to get our confidence back, and get back to our winning ways.
GO SENS GO! #Lehnsanity
PS: I honestly think foligno and smith just need to sit out a few games. This guys are playing like garbage, and if we want to make some noise in the playoffs this season we need our best two bottom six forwards to STEP IT UP!
They left the kid out to dry a lot of the game.
The more I see Hossa... the more I hate Muckler.. what a stupid trade...
Nice to see Emery succeed after that bad injury.
On to Florida and Tampa.. praying for wins... Question.. does Bishop come up -- who goes down.
Your name sakes are triathletes...a rchitects...men of renown...you, sir, are a trusted SensChirp Bird Dog now go and seek out Shawn Simpson, for you own peace of mind!
missing a lot of what seems like easy goals.
Lehner was great other than a few bad rebounds but he stopped them as well.
It would have been a blow out if Lehner was not on his game, like 6-1, just saying.
Next Game
Thanks to Local Heroes and SensChirp.
We'll get 'em next time.
Follow the money!
Shawn Simpson says Ben is on the way.
They don't want to pay Robin yet he is to be strung out!
@ Canucnik,
Maybe the New York Times were right, about you being a "Secret Agent" ??
Both you and Mike Bauer, need to go on the Leafs Board,
and leave hockey discussions on SensChirp to true Senators
supporters !!
B) it was one game, this Chicago team has good nights and bad nights same as we do. while it's true that Emery saved the shots that were thrown at him, most of them were right at his bread basket, not exactly highlight reel stuff.
Ultimately, Chicago may or may not be contenders this year, personally I don't think they match up well against Vancouver or Nashville. Sens clearly are not competing for the cup nor do we expect them to so chill out....
If my memory is right, the Sens said they would insert Bishop in some games, and whoever plays the best,between Lehner and Bishop, would become the backup to Craig Anderson, when Anderson returns to action !!
We can't win them all though. Some nights the offense is going to just dry up like it did last night.
On the other end, Kane and Hossa were dominant. I'm always going to miss Hossa. He's such a great all-round player. Damn you Muckler! If you never traded Hossa we could possibly still have him and Chara.
Did I mention that Lehner is a BEAST. I'd love to see Bishop, but the crease belongs to Robin right now.
We need scoring on the 3rd line - DaCosta please. Move Smith to 4th line center. He's really looking slow.
Michalek-Spezza-Butler
Greening-Turris-Alfie
Foligno-DaCosta-Neil
O'Brien-Smith-Condra
Lets go.
Apparently Carlyle & Lupul don't get along...
Do you know if big Ben will join the team this weekend?
Gonna have to mend some fences, right away !!
The other positive, Robin Lehner is the real deal. I honestly think he's an NHL calibre goalie.
We'll get it back tomorrow vs. Florida.
Or
Michalek-Spezza-DaCosta
Butler-Turris-Alfredsson
Greening-Foligno-O'Brien
Neil-Smith-Condra
Kuba-Karlsson
Gonchar-Gilroy
Philips-Cowen
Anderson
Lehner-Bishop
The 1st two lines will be on fire and the last two will be defencive
And for the defence, kuba Karlsson, Gilroy and gonchar for a line completely offencive and cowen and Philips two guys that are defencive so what I'm saying is the first lines will be offencive and depth will be defencive. And for the goalies Andy as our starter and lehner and bishop will rotate for the no.2 spot
What the team needs are for the secondary guys to step up like they did the first half of the season. Where the hell as Zack Smith gone? This guy was flyin' for the first 40 games. We have what it takes to make some noise in the playoffs with the guys that we have. Guys just need to step up and take the pressure off of the 3 guys that have been doing all the scoring- Spezza, Karl, and Michalek.
Foligno, Greening, Smithy, Turris gotta get it goin
Another key take-away for me is that they lost not because of talent, but because they didn't work as hard as they normally do. Come playoff time(which is as much of a lock as it is for NJD, Pits, Philly), they could do some damage with a strong work ethic.
What a ride this rebuild is!
Coming out of college they played about 30 games a season...
Is fatigue becoming a factor? It shouldn't.. they have been given breaks...
Sens can't afford for them to play the rest of the season like they have been.
Do you know if ben bishop will join the team this weekend?
Rask went down with an injury. Had to lunge to stop a deflected shot and grabbed his leg immediately.
Had to be helped off -- couldn't put any weight on his left leg.
The commentators during the intermission said the #1 goalie for the Bruins farm team is out with a wrist injury..
If Rask is hurt long term.... it's Thomas the rest of the way.
Murray waive Auld... Boston needs a backup.
I was thinking the same thing about being able to lose last nights game. We can't win all of our games and last nights loss was as strategically lucky as they come.
Not only do we lose against some decent opposition. But we kept the game (score) tight and although we were outplayed a bit, we didn't give up.
Secondly, it allows the Sens to get the feel of being a 'real' hockey team. So far this season its either been lose 5 in a row or win 5. with our next game against florida, we could lose 1, then win 1... something that has been rare this season
Sandy, i wouldn't waive auld, too many teams need a goalie right now and we don't need to help them out. I'd rather have auld sit in the pressbox. We've paid 80%+ of his contract paying him to sit is worth it rather giving another team a backup plan.
Canucnik was not a double naught "spy" just a minor official, a bureaucrat...bu t he did wear #11 and the captain's "C" for Ottawa before Alfie came along...I am a loyal SENs fan and have represented Ottawa in about four different sports, if you count golf.
Do you really think Auld would make a difference in the net? I don't think the Bruins would even play him unless they are guaranteed their spot at #2 near the end of the regular season...
They have Thomas... if they don't have Rask and their top goaltender in the AHL for some time.. they need a backup... They will go looking for some team to waive one.. just so they have a warm body on the bench if Thomas gets hurt...
They may be desperate...
One issue the B's have is 15 games in 28 days coming up... all the load will be on Thomas. Will this wear him out going into the playoff drive.. if Rask is out longterm?
i believe Auld would be a good fit on many good teams, to name a few detroit,boston, chicago,nashvil le,washington,f lorida,tampa and the list could go on where the team would scoop auld off waivers. Auld is a decent goalie when he plays on a good defensive team.
FREEBIRD !