The Ottawa Senators threw everything they could at Henrik Lundqvist.
In Game 3, both teams tightened up defensively and both goalies stood on their heads but it was the Rangers that came out on top. Brian Boyle converted a lucky bounce to give New York a hard fought 1-0 win at Scotiabank Place.
As the number eight seed, the Sens knew they were going to have to outwork the Rangers to upset the best team in the East. And in Game 3, Ottawa did exactly that. They out hit, out shot, and out hustled the New York Rangers but just couldn't find a way to beat Lundqvist.
The Sens threw 39 shots at the leading Vezina candidate and he stopped each and every one of them.
At the other end of the ice, Anderson was not tested quite as much but still stood on his head at times, making a number of highlight reel saves in the second period that kept the Senators in the hockey game.
In the hours leading up to Game 3, the Sens got some bad news as Daniel Alfredsson, who had taken the morning skate earlier in the day, was taken out of the line up. His status for Game 4 is still up in the air but if I'm a betting man, I would assume he is in the line up.
Bobby Butler did an admirable job stepping in to a top six role and actually led the Sens with five shots on goal.
Getting shutout on home ice always sucks but it's important the Sens don't let it get to them. A bounce here, a bounce there, and this could have been a completely different hockey game.
And even though the home side couldn't give them a goal to cheer about, full credit to the fans last night. From 10 minutes before puck drop, right through to the final horn, this was as electric an atmosphere as I've ever experienced at Scotiabank Place. And as the game moved on, you could see that the players were feeding off the energy of the crowd. Fans need to bring that same level of intensity to Game 4 to help the Sens even the series.
The Sens will practice at noon today at Scotiabank Place. Will post updates from that as they become available.
on another topic...any one know when the brynas game is today?
The Foligno-Turris- Butler line was buzzing all night. Foligno continues to impress me in these playoffs. Butler was all over the puck. Turris is very good, but I can't help but look ahead to when he will hit his prime. He's going to be one hell of a hockey player.
I thought Zack Smith played his best game in a long time. Condra, Winnie, Konopka, Greening, O'Brien were all good as well.
Michalek was invisible and Spezza was horrible. I'm not questioning Spezza's effort level one bit. He played hard, just not smart. I think he's just playing the game too much in his head and not simplifying things. He needs to start shooting more like he was in the regular season instead of trying to do too much.
We really need Spezza to step it up in game 4. We need to start to see the Jason Spezza who has become one of the best players in the world, and not this guy we've seen in the first three games of the playoffs.
I thought the Cowen-Gonchar pairing had their best game of the series. I'm really impressed with how Cowen is handling his first taste of the NHL playoffs. Just like Turris, when Cowen fills out a bit more and hits his prime, he's going to be one hell of a player.
Phillips and Gilroy were pretty good. Phillips has been very dependable all series long and Gilroy has been solid in both game 1 and 3.
So that leaves Kuba. What a shitty hockey player. So slow. So Soft. So dumb. I can't wait to see this guy leave Ottawa.
I really really hope we sit Kuba in game 4 and bring in Carkner. Fuck you Kuba.
Some people have given Turris some slack too...I have a feeling when all is said and done he will be in a similar position as Spezza...a good setup Guy with decent goal scoring ability ...and hopefully someone like Michalek or better on his second line wing...or move Zibby over to the wing as I don't see him centering a third line
You know the atmosphere is good when you can clearly hear the chants on the broadcast and that was the case last night. I remember hearing the Alfie chant in either the 2nd or the 3rd and it was really impressive how loud it sounded.
It's tough because the Sens played so well, and dominated a large portion of what I saw, to find faults in their game. If they can keep this tempo up I have no doubt we'll be able to even it up at SBP tomorrow evening.
what has been horrible about Kuba? he hasn't been a stud, but I've seen way worse plays out of Gilroy and Gonchar. Andersson was every bit as good as Lundqvist last night and I really feel that losing a top 6 forward was the difference in us being on the scoreboard and them on the scoreboard. Now it is do or die hockey imo. Alfie needs to suit up for Game 4 as well as Zibby.
No one else could even hold on to the puck long enough to make a mistake.
I've been watching spezza his whole career, he plays sloppy like that when he feels there is no other options. I mean, if his only pass is one where there is a player inbetween, at some point someone has to get open.
You gotta be pretty blind at this point to think line 1 has any chemistry whatsoever. Guys like spezza and karlsson cant do it all the time, and when they try failure is the result
So take a look around before you start dogging a point a game playoff guy. He is part of the reason why we are in the playoffs to begin with, it is time for some other guys to step up and take the pressure off Karlsson and Spez.
As previously posted... the Rangers played admirably. Hard to take anything away from them. It was also Boyle that scored. Same guy who's been on a bit of a streak.
I've said it before, but Milan, Turris, and Spezza need to step it up. Spezza's penalties and as usual, blind passes, sent me through the roof. Milan seems to have disappeared... Turris is still finding his groove. Give him another year or two, and he will be real good. For another night, our bottom six was once again better than our top 6. Those guys are really impressive and showing how badly they want a spot in the line up next year.
This is hands down what we must do. No more filling the 1st line wingers with random (bottom 6 at best) underachievers
No more expecting miracles from spezza, They keep tossing duds on his line hoping he will bump their play up a level
Judging by the way we played over the last 80+ minutes, I think it's fair to say that the team has figured out the Rangers (other than Hank, of course). We're starting to open up the ice, we're playing a "clean physical" game, and we're fore-checking and back-checking like mad. Andy is playing incredibly well (can't fault him AT ALL for last night).
Even though we lost I think we still have the momentum going in to tomorrow night's game. Put Alfie back in to the mix (Oh, GOD I hope he's back tomorrow) and keep up this same effort and I think we can tie this shizzah up again.
GO SENS GO!
SPL
I'll agree with you there. Amazing on the PK too. Turris and Michalek could turn into a heck of a second line. Now back to a point that I always harp on, maximizing the potential of Spezza, he has to have top line talent to be that 100+ point player we know he can be and its amazing when you think of what he put up this season with Greening/Michal ek for most of the season. I don't know what it would take to get Nash, but given Spezza and his Olympic/nationa l team history, that's a gamble worth looking at, Nash and Spezza would be ending their careers around the same time. Given our recent trade history with Columbus, I'd say that what I'm talking about isn't too far fetched.
and damn you Tcharger, this is the playoffs, why you got me thinking about the postseason?
Pretty close competition
Tied for 74th. Yikes.
I can go on about the players who did well, you all know who they are. But I'd like to comment on Spezza. He is showing that sign of trying to do too much. That move where he did his thing, controlling the puck right around the crease and out in front, where he should have take the shot, but opt'd to pass. That angers me. When Spezza is confident in himself, he takes those shots like he did in the regular season. I have a feeling being played so tight and given so little space, it's getting to him. You can see the frustration coming out when he took the 3 penalties, he's just trying to do too much. Can you blame him though, he just wants to win.
Finally, the Rangers play the same defensive system in every situation. On exiting the defensive end and entering our zone, they make a quick play up the ice with some speed and then drop it back in the middle to another player skating through with pace. They did this about 10 times last night and we just didn't have a solution for it. Also, on our chip in plays, which we did WAY too much. The Rangers and quick to get it, cycle it up the boards and just when our players are coming in to attempt to keep the puck in the zone, the Ranger's D turn their back, protect the puck, then do a quick outlet pass into the middle of the ice to a circling forward, who takes it and moves up ice again. We need to be driving in quick on that player who's circling, and nail him as he's turning with the puck, cause about 5 times I've noticed whomever it was, wasn't even looking up.
We need game 4, play like champs. Go Sens Go!!!
What's wrong with Kuba you ask? I don't even know where to begin. He's our slowest player. He seems to have a difficult time making or receiving a hard tape-to-tape pass. My grandmother can shoot the puck with more velocity than he can. His reluctance to use his 6'5'', 225 lbs frame in any way, by willingly blocking a shot or playing the body. His inability to keep the puck in the offensive zone baffles me.
He's been horrible in the playoffs. I was at the game last night and he was the only player during the pre-game introductions on the big screen to receive boos from the fans. I just can't stand the guy. No heart, no emotion, no strength, no speed, no anything. He flat-out sucks.
God I hate Lundqvist more and more...
I also loved how Andy looked around after he made the save on the Callahan breakaway. clearly just trying to see if any rangers are around so he can play the puck, but i kind of thought it was his way of saying "that's all you've got?"
Top line players rarely become available for trade, and when they do, they cost a kings ransom. Just look at what Columbus' asking price was for Nash from the Rangers:
Dubinsky, either McDonagh or Del Zotto, either Stepan or Hagelin, Chris Kreider, and a 1st round pick
That's 5 significant pieces for Rick Nash. Obviously the asking price is going to have to go down, but it will still be way too high for Ottawa.
That leaves us with the possibility of signing Parise, but the chances of that happening are slim.
SPL is right, we are almost forced to dump and chase in every situation due to the way the Rangers protect the line. And looking at how Tort's has them waiting for the dump now, it's quickly picked up by the Rangers D and cycled out. We didn't win more than half of those attempts so we need to try a new strategy in game 4. While we are driving in, we just aren't winning as many board battles as we need too. I'd like to see them try to solve those issues I mentioned in my previous post, with the way they leave their defensive zone.
While playing the dump can be affective, when your doing it against a top Defensive team, the odds are not normally in your favour and it leaves you with hard angle scoring chances, just look at EK's goal in the last game, from behind the net. Looking at NHL.com and the Ice Tracker, take a look at where all the shots came from. You'll see Ottawa has double or more from the outside, than they do from close quarters. HL had to face maybe 10 quality scoring chances in close out of the 40 shots he faced. While Andy saved about 14 close quality scoring chances or more. The shot count was in Ottawa's favour, but NY had more actual quality scoring chances. This is often the case with Ottawa, where they out shoot a team by a large margin, but normally the quality changes are much less.
Or drafting one...figure out who we like best in the drafts during our rebuild and trade/move up or down and do absolutely everythimg in our power to get said player.
We are in a rebuild and the playoffs this year are a bonus...I know personally my expectations for next season don't necassarily include making the playoffs again.
without alfredsson, we need a clutch guy. WE HAVE ONE!
we are made up of mostly ahl and 3-4 line players but we do have top end talent like spezza,turris, michalek on the front.
WE HAVE THIS PLAYER who's MR.Clutch
yes he's inexperienced, but he has some serious credentials
Here it comes. We need to bring in Mark Stone!
he's not going to panic, he's played in big games before, just finished playoff hockey. scored 100+ points 2 seasons in a row, has nhl size. Great for winning battles along the boards and a sniper in the slot.
I'm not saying put him on th first line! but with points totals that rival only the elite young guns stone has scored just like RNH, Taylor hall, tyler seguin,jordan eberle, nearly doubled that nail guy who's nhl ready! am i missing something? the kid was going to be the MVP if canada had just moved on into the finals.
you can't say he's not better than atleast one of our players who are 3-4 line talent when he pretty much is an elite prospect. play him on the 2nd, or 3rd or 4th line i dont care but put him on the pp either 1st or 2nd it doesnt matter. Besides silverberg STONE has the most points out of any of our prospects. PLAY HIM!!!
end of rant.
He can't skate well enough yet. He'd never be able to keep up with NHL playoff speed.
I am a die hard Sens fan. Have been since their franchise year when I would go to games at Landsdowne with my dad. That being said, just because I'm not as loud as you, as obnoxious as you and as drunk as you, doesn't make me any less of a fan than you.
In fact, if you think you're a fan because you're going up to NY fans and picking fights because they're supporting their team, then you shouldn't even be there. You're a disgrace to this team and to this city.
My entire section got into a brawl last night because of one moron who wouldn't keep his mouth shut. Telling people to suck his dick and calling us faggots because we weren't agreeing with him picking fights with people. There are children and elderly around and you're acting like a total douchebag.
If that's the kind of "Fan" you are, then you're nothing but a joke and a disgrace to the organization and your city. The Sens don't need idiots like you.
I hope he gets dummied like he did last night and is banned from ever returning to the rink because he made an entire section of loyal Sens fans want to leave in the middle of a playoff game. You're a joke and so is your friend who runs around suckering people.
There's my rant. If you're a fan, of any team, support them, cheer for them. But don't pick fights with other fans for doing the same thing.
Go Sens Go! We're going to take this series starting Wednesday.
-Sens fan for life.
Yes... let's bring in the young kid who most likely does not know the system, is not a strong skater yet, is not used to NHL pace, and playing against a truly elite team... and throw him into an NHL playoff game...
Aside from that, PM wants our young players to use this as a building block for next year... because he is assuming these same players will be here next year. What is the likely hood of us even having immediate room for Stone? There are other players in the system we will give a chance to first such as Jakob Silfverburg and Mika.
stone is a big body, won't get pushed around. even if we just mainly used him on one of the pp units.
if pronger can still play in the nhl with his speed as a dman, stone can definately play as a winger!
Silfverberg isn't available yet, zibby is injured or sick and i would put stone ahead of zibby when it comes to putting up points.
and stopped trying to kill each other.
Both Lundqvist and Anderson made amazing saves !!
MacLean needs to go back to line combinations, that got the Sens into the Stanley Cup Playoffs in remaining games.
Hope Alfredsson shakes the concussion symptoms, and plays
in crucial Game 4.
Greening - Spezza - Michalek
Foilgno - Turris - Alfredsson
BELIEVE IT !!!!!!!!!
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!
The guy skated fine during the season and world juniors
The reason Zibanejad Stone wont play is cause Murray doesnt want them too
That player is going to be Silfverberg. He will be sniper on Spezza's wing we've been waiting for, but he may not make it in time for this round. As for next year, Stone and Zibanejad should both have a good shot at top 6 as well. We have the skill coming, it's just not here for this season.
Exactly. Stone isn't playing because it would burn a year and he'd be jumping into a system he hasn't learned yet in the middle of a big playoff series, same with Zibanejad.
We knew our problem this year would be offense, let's not get too upset with the fact we're right where we expected. If the sens want to win this series and this year they have to just out hustle every game and get the dirty goals.
I'm very happy with the effort and games I've seen so far this series and no matter the results I am very proud and happy with how our boys have played.
GO SENS GO!!!
P.S. I was in a TO bar this past Sat cheering on that Sens win. Nothing like celebrating a Sens playoff win in golfnation!!!
Bring in carkner and a forward with size..
@ Sensation,
You just systematically "shutdown " Fail4Nail, who is
simply too anxious to throw in raw rookies, into the NHL
Stanley Cup Playoffs !!
today..not sure what time...I did have a site where I could track via live scoreboard (not stream), but did not book mark it here at work as streams do not work well.
today at 1pm i believe...
i usually just watch the live scoreboard
http://www.flashscore.com./hockey/sweden/
awesome, lets hope he wins!
http://www.livescore.com/hockey/
today at 1pm eastern time (our time)
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/sport/ice-hockey.html
Im not anxious to throw in "RAW" rookies I truely believe in Silfverberg Zibanejad and Stone were put in and given time to practise with the team they could step in ...And with there talent and skill sets could play very will vs rangers ...
Silvferberg ... hands down is NHL ready
Stone .... has size and skill and would cause fits and problems for rangers
Zibanejad ...size grit speed and finish
I just wanna win and Id rather have top end guys out there
But if Murray wants too wait thats his decision
The only *knock* on the Sens that is legitimate that I will address is Spezza. He is simply trying to do too much, and with Alfie out last night I'm sure he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. That's now a knock on the guy simply a fact and I'd expect him to adjust well for tomorrow and the gods willing we'll see DA-11 back in the fold.
Other than that I would only add that we need to be a bit more aggressive in the Rangers zone and shoot more often instead of pass/pass/pass/ pass/lose the puck.
Each game this series we have got stronger and stronger. A testament to the team leadership and the coaching. I expect that trend to continue and for our younger players to get even better and more confident tomorrow.
Yeah it sucks to be shut out at home, all it takes is one goalie to absolutely stand on their head and that is what happens. Anderson played amazing for us as well. This is playoff hockey people, outside of the outrageous Pens/Flyers series scoring has been hard to come by all over the place, just ask Washington or Vancouver.
Stick to the plan, keep the same system for tomorrow, maybe shoot 10% more often instead of jostling passes so much at the blueline and we should be talking series split by this time on Thursday.
Go Sens!
The Good
- huge Kudos to the Fans! We all showed up in playoff game form, and it was a thrill to feel the excitement in that arean, and yes the players drew off of that
-Andy, if we give him 2 goals we can win any game
-Karlsson he is a magician especially live, and he is only 21!
-PK was again very strong
The Bad
-MM9 just seems lost, everyone looks pumped out there but him...looks slow, but worse, no passion, and does not seem to care... very disappointing
-unlike what most are saying Spezza is one of the best playmakers in the NHL, but is clearly frustrated with his linemates, and is really trying to do it all himself
-Gonchar... sorry have to say Gonshit period!!!
again please can anyone tell me what value does he bring, he is not physical, cant play defence, and is our PP specialist... right now weh have no PP and he is a big reason for that.
WE will get them in Game 4
Go Sens Go!!!
Too many giveaways. Too many poor decisions (some passes where he should have shot and some deking when he should have dumped). He absolutely, positively needs to be better. Him and Karlsson run our offence and we both to kick some ass if we want to beat Lundqvist and the Rangers.
Keep it going on Wednesday!
We WILL win game 4.
Go Sens Go!!!!!!!!!
Hey Jakester...the jerk store called and they're running out of you!
http://www.sylartv.net/
Quoting jakester:
I went to the Supermarket and there was Jason Spezza's picture on all the Milk Cartons. Has anyone seen him lately.
Hey Jakester...the jerk store called and they're running out of you!
Quote
WHY bother you're their all time BEST SELLER!
Yeah, Gonchar was pretty bad. You can see all the Rangers targeted him with hits. What's funny was he was supposed to mentor EK but in just one year, EK has surpassed him...
SPL
Hahaha...Touché!
P.S. I slept with your wife.
Well he had sex with your wife!
Quoting jakester:
FlickerFlash 2012-04-17 11:26
Quoting jakester:
I went to the Supermarket and there was Jason Spezza's picture on all the Milk Cartons. Has anyone seen him lately.
Hey Jakester...the jerk store called and they're running out of you!
Quote
WHY bother you're their all time BEST SELLER!
Well he had sex with your wife!
Quote
MY WIFE - she's been in a Coma
I think it's a valid question to ask ourselves.
Spezza for Yakupov+ TOOKIE? lol
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Foligno-Turris-Butler
I thought our second line played great last night but something needs to give for our first line!
Really? Your are actually the worst. Anyways, I don't think you saw this in the previous thread but this comment from me was directed to you...
I don't understand all the Spezza hating??? If not for him we wouldn't be in the playoff in the first place. Also, who do you think the Rangers main focus are when defending, Spezza and Karlsson the only "real" offensively gifted players on the team. Also who's that idiot alfie lover (not saying aflie is a bad player by any means)saying that Spezza is not captain material cause he never accomplished anything in the playoffs? As much as I love Aflie as a captain and player, WTF has he ever done in the playoffs, but yet every Ottawa fan stand by him no matter what? I just don't get this double standard bullshit.
I guess you missed out the hip check he layed out on one of the Rangers during a Ranger break out lol.
Don't even go there. It's not happening. No chance. It won't even cross Murray's mind.
You would want to trade Spezza if we lose this series? We're the 16th ranked team playing the 2nd ranked team. We weren't even expected to make the playoffs and the fact we did make it is in large part due to the outstanding season Spezza had.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Should-Sens-Break-Out-the-Silfver/1/43888
oh my GODDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDD SHUT UP! sorry i didnt mean to sound like a jerk, but MAN this is getting old
Im not sure what my view is...in one sense I would love to win this series, on the other hand I kinda feel as though it would be a slap in the face to all the guys that played here all season and fought through 82+ games by the time he got here. Not sure if it would or not, but may cause some animosity among the players and potential teammates for many more seasons.
I think it only becomes a real question if they infact win today and he is able to somehow get here prior to game 4.
He's waiting for Michalek to give a shit! Michalek has been behind the play and not finding open space all series. Spezza really seems like he's on a line with no chemistry right now. It might be time to drop Michalek down and bring Alfie or someone else up with him.
How True
at some point our so called master, should become the student, EK certainly can teach Gonchar a few things about defense!!!
Ian Mendes@ian_men desReply
Paul MacLean says there is no update on Alfredsson. "Nothing's changed."
Yup 1 hip check in 2 years = 10 million dollars
I see your math, but it does not equate to me!
PS I am sure we did not sign him for his hip checks
Pretty crazy chanting and singing and clapping eh?
Apparently I am a total noob haaha
Have to agree here, MM9 has the size and the speed, and he get into those dirty areas in front of Lundy to cause some chaos. Yes Lundy had a good game, but truth is we make it easy on him. One time Konopka got into his kitchen in the third and Lundy lost it.
This should be happening right from the start, and we must break throught that wall they put up in front of him.
Launch the shots and keep on the assult, everything at the net, and follow up with sticks, bodies, and then the goals!
MM9 we need you to lead the way here!!!
SENs in Six!
We have a lot to be proud of last night, and a lot to be excited about in the future. Look at our young lineup and look how we took it to the Rangers last night. Best team in the East my ass. If it weren't for the Rangers' goaltending last night, the score could have easily gone the other way. The Sens showed a lot of immaturity with missed open net opportunities due to delays in overthinking. That will only get better with experience.
Spezza needs to do what he does best, and that's not overthinking and trying to overplay the puck. Get it on net and go after the rebound. That goes for Foligno as well. He was figureskating circles around the Rangers last night, but needs to get the puck on net. The only negatives on the team that I saw out of the entire game was the soft and weak play of Gilroy. He needs to sit for a while. His play is too risky and deflating. The team also needs to be a lot more physical like they were in Game 2.
And all the naysayers with Anderson...the guy was unbelievable last night.
Great game despite the loss. Win or lose, this team is unbelievably exciting to watch.
Are you new to cheering for the Sens? This has been going on since he wore number 39... LOL
I had a guy sitting in front of me at the game yesterday who kept repeating "I have no clue how Spezza is an NHL player" He must of said that at least 10 times...
Yup he had no clue how the 4th leading scorer of the league was in the NHL.. Boggles my mind how people in this city think sometimes..
yesterday was my first PO game and im still left speechless.. i cant even describe the atmosphere! one can only imagine what a deciding game or a later round game is like.
amazing to be in a huge crowd of other die hard sens fans. found it pretty funny how the age group of the building changes from families and senior citizen in the regular season down to late teen/younger adults.
shout out to the guy that sat beside me, he built a model of the stanley cup, and inside of it, he snuck in 8 tall boys.
Well said, and again Kudos to the greatest hockey fans in the NHL... a goal would have brought down the house last night, we will save it for tomorrow!
http://www.oleoletv.com/watch/live/stream/online/free/tv/video/channel/feed/link/broadcast/vivo/gratis/p2p/4/april/17/2012/18/172/v-397245/skeleftea-vs-brynas.html
Hey Moe, great job on keeping us posted all year on our prospects and especially the ones in the SEL,
thanks and keep it up!
x2
1-1
x3!
another great example showing jarnkrok and silfverberg's great chemistry.
Your (Alfie Update ) on the above topic does not show.
To see it , you have to click on Home, top left corner and it is there!
Guess on Wednesday afternoon we should know if Alfie
will be in the lineup.
Call me superstitious, but the team is at least 0-3 since the fans have started the chant. I've read posts of people refusing to wear their Sens gear because the team lost while they were wearing it. I'm just saying it may be time to put the Alfie chant on hiatus for awhile...aftera ll, it is a team effort out there.
Just saying....
Cool stat. Does anyone else notice that one of the camera angles seems to be some guy skating around with a camera? That's kinda cool
@ HankHunter,
Maybe we should change the chant to Spezza! Spezza! Spezza!
to get him scoring again !
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!
Oh right Alfie has done nothing. He only scored the OT winner of Game 5 in the ECF, sending the Sens to the cup finals for the first time. He also had 14G-8A-22PTS in 20 GP during that cup run, and a lot of those goals were clutch.
But yeah you're right, he's done nothing in the playoffs....
NOTE: In the 3 playoff games Alfie has missed, the Sens lost all 3. Put that into perspective.
LOL. There's no way that FlickerFlash actually watches Sens playoff hockey. Wolf in Sheep's clothing :) No way
40 GP - 19G - 22A - 41 PTS - Above 1.00PPG
But yeah, I mean, compared to Spezza, he's done NOTHING....Clow n shoes comments like that make me sad...
I'm not taking anything away from Spezza either, but to say Alfie hasn't done shit is just plain wrong....
All you had to do was immediately complain to an usher. He should not have been allowed to act like that. They warn him once and if he does it again.. out he goes. I've had that behind me a couple of years ago. After the warning -- one bad word and out he went. It's the alcohol.. makes some of these little punks stupid.
So true...I just wish those Sens loving assholes would fill the arena when the Leafs came to town...Might actually make me want to go one of those games!
All I'm saying is what has he done more than Spezza in relation to the playoffs. I was commenting towards Jakesters stupid remarks. You took what said out of context. Jakester was saying spezza couldn't be a captain cause he never did anything/won in the playoff unlike alfie...so I asked what has he done more than Spezza in the playoffs...I don't see a cup ring on his finger do you?
3 games in the playoffs (which Spezza and Karlsson are the only reasons we're there)and 3 mediocre games from Spezza and all of a sudden the spezza sucks, and trade spezza talk starts up again. We had good year without this nonsense and I'm just annoyed that it has started again, and even more annoyed that when I comes down to Alfie and Spezza there's always a double standard. Both haven't won the stanley cup, both have had great seasons point wise, both make many mistakes, both have had great post seasons and bad ones...except only one gets shit on constantly!
I agree with you, people should NOT be trying to run Spezza out of town again. If he wasn't on this team we'd be hanging out with the Habs and Leafs this year instead of talking about the playoffs....
Spezza was 4th in points in the league this year. I don't care if he's Captain or not, but no one can deny we will not pick up a better #1 Center than him!!!
Also,there have been a few season where Alfie has gotten that same teratment. The cup run season during the first round people were slamming him, and he just repsonded by putting points up. Hopefully Spezza can do the same...
OK I feel better.
A young team with a lot of NHL playoff inexperience in the lineup against the #1 team in the league.
The Rangers were NOT the best team on the ice last night... They won because of Lundquist.. it's as simple as that.
Anderson stood on his head last night. The Rangers won because of a fucking lucky bounce..... off the boards, off the net, right onto the coward's stick then behind Anderson.
I'm very proud of the way the Sens played. They missed Alfie... but they gave it everything they had.. the just couldn't score. Just keep shooting the puck. They know how good Lundquist is and they seem to be looking for the perfect shot. As for Spezza -- he is trying to do too much. Trying to overthink the game. Take a deep breath Spezza... just get back to the way you played all season.
Both Spezza & Michalek are being closely covered by Girardi & McDonough.... Hopefully putting Alfie on the other wing may get someone free to the net.
How about that Karlsson defensive play on the 2 on 1 -- and they say he can't play defense...
Before the game we saw Andre Petersson, Robin Lehner & two others -- can't tell who they were -- coming into SBP. We told Robin -- kind of tacky but -- we loved him and he said I know -- I love you guys too... meaning Sens fans. Made my night meeting up with him.
I can't believe the bickering about this team from last night's game. They are 2-3 yrs ahead of where anyone thought they would be... and it will only get better.
This team is one we can be very proud of.. and it pisses me off with this complaining... get behind the team...
Onto game 4 -- and pray Alfie is playing
Like I said earlier...Micha lek is not a top line player, he may be a decent enough stop gap for it but I think he will excel on the second line facing less stiff competition.
glad you see why i have been talking about this guy all year
Actually I'd say Alfie got that treatment until that cup run... I remember for a few years, there was a divide in sens land about trading Alfie...
Has never performed???? I'm pretty sure he was 1 of 3 guys that led them to the finals...actual ly nevermind that was all alfie right? Spezza had no points in those playoff.
Completely agree which is why I find it stupid that ppl are doing the exact same thing now to Spezza. I thought this was finally going to stop after this season...guess not.
There is still a lot of contact in this game on the larger surface
It is Brynas 100 year anniversary and Silfverburg was aksed to wear #100 this season to celebrate that fact. Normally he wears #33
So much for dubbing him "The Great One +1".
LOL
or game 7 on saturday in Skelleftea
I can't stand the people that bash Spezza when he hits a cold streak. He's our #1 centre and the best playmaker on the team by far; it’s not like we can’t swap him out for Da Costa and expect to compete.
People love to rag on players when they have off games; last time I checked Spezza’s only 28 years old – how would you handle leading your team through the playoffs at 28?
What was that? Something about consecutive men’s league titles? Yep, that sure does qualify you to trash one of the top NHL talents in the game.
The regular season is a marathon, so excuse me if I forgive our next captain for being tired after CARRYING US ON HIS BACK!
Who here thinks they can handle the pressure of being the #1 go-to-guy on an NHL team during a playoff run?
I now live in Toronto, and am thankful to have grown up in Ottawa. I have seen firsthand how the media and fans can railroad a player’s career, either through criticism or unreal expectations. Give the guy a break.
He's gonna come out and have a 3PTS night tomorrow and everyone will be back on his bandwagon!
Sick of the negativity!
Go sens Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Game 4 is fuckin' OURS!!!!!!!!!
Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Foligno-Turris-Butler
Greening-Smith-Neil
butler was just jaw-dropping good compared to this past regular season.
i am hoping milo gets moved to the 2nd line so he doesnt have to deal with girardi and mcdonagh, hes been the most invisible of all the top 6 guys.
I know that Gryba and Boro can play better defensive hockey and can chip in the offense as well. Not likely they will get a chance and less likely that both will sign with the Sens on their next contract.I just don't see room for more than one of them in the future.
Totally agree and I don't get people who are baffled that you can be a fan (even a very loud fan like myself) without swearing your head off or being obnoxious.
Had a similar experience as one drunk guy in our section (thankfully behind me) was standing THE ENTIRE GAME and yelling at the Rangers to suck his dick and saying "nice try" every time they touched the puck. Why someone didn't get the usher to call security I have no idea.
It's one thing to be a bit too in to it and drop the odd f-bomb or rude comment. That can be accepted as just being passionate, but some people are way over the line and it makes the not-so-loud people LESS inclined to be loud. However if you're loud and not an a$$hole then the quiet people will join in.
Sigh.
Agreed, thing is, these really aren't fans...They are like the morons in Vancouver that rioted.
Could also have been that Torts didn't really worry about Butler too much so he had a bit more room and simply took advantage of it.
Spezza on the other hand had 2 or 3 guys draped over him all game. He absolutely was guilty of trying to do too much on his own (especially early in the game) so I'm not making excuses. I think he tried too hard to take the team on his back with Alfie out. He needs to learn that he can't do it all himself - and I think he started figuring that out later in the game.
If Alfie's out again for game 4 I expect a better game from Spezza (and Karlsson who also seemed to be trying too hard a few times).
BTW - If anyone saw last night's game and STILL doesn't think Karlsson deserves the Norris they're insane. Sadly, he still might not win it given that not all the voters actually will have given him a fair shake - and playoffs aren't supposed to count of course.
I'm going to be some fucking bitter if he goes out like this
You're not alone. The minute he was hit I had the same thought.
Really, if it's a concussion then it could be the end of his career. It's at least his second and I really don't think there's such thing as a "mild" concussion.
If he can't play again this spring (or even if he can) I'm sure this is near the top of the list for "retire" when he's making his decision this summer.
RETIRE
------
More time with family
Don't want to risk another concussion turning me into a mush-head
Wear and tear and the grind of traveling etc
PLAY
----
I have another year on the contract I signed
I love hockey and our team should be fun to play on
The fans love me
I'm still pretty damn good
There's more I can teach Spezza and others before I hand the team over to them
Good chance of another playoff run - maybe a really good one
Couldn't agree more!
By the way see how tookie is almost dead last in the hockey pool. Guy really doesn't know shit about hockey.
So true... Butler looked really good for most of the game, and 9MM is struggling to find open ice.
Go SENS and GO SNES - great system...
For the record, I don't the way 9MM, Spezza and Alfie play together... they lack chemistry, or something. Was there a time where that line clicked, or has it always been so-so?
The Sens need guys to get the puck out of their end... But then again... they also need size to handle coward...
Update -- 67's losing 1-0 early in the 1st period.
@ A11fie,
Last year and this year, that line combination was tried
many, many times, and never had chemistry. I do not have
a clue why it tanked all the time.
However , on the Power Play, with Alfredsson on left point
and Karlsson on the other side, Spezza at centre, Michalek
on RW and Foligno on LW, it worked on and off.
Sens worked on this at practice this morning, and it simply has to start producing in Game 4. Should Alfie not play, insert Turris.
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!
As for Spezza, while it's frustrating as hell to see him struggle, I think his main problem is a lack of confidence. I think a "Spezza Spezza" chant would work wonders for him next game. Would be great if this site could help make it happen.
Agree with inserting turris, seems like everytime turris and spezza r on the ice at the same time something big happens, we saw twice last night, 1st one spezza tried to pass to turris but should have shot, 2nd was the crazy save where lunny robbed turris on the pass from spezza. We also saw it during the season a few times with 1 big one being obv the awesome pass spezza made vs winnipeg, i think even if were not on the PP and its do or die at the end of the game maclean should put them together!
And who also you wouldnt be able to chirp right now bcuz u wouldnt be watching the senators in the playoffs.
Hey everybody I am the new troll in town ;) What do you think of my username pretty damn clever its just like a fucking nursery rhyme hahahahahahahah ahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahah ahahahahahahaha h ahahahahahahaha haaa I think I just shit my pants!
Just watched an interview with Torres...what a piece of shit. Apparently Hossa is released and "ok"
1) Alfie is able to come back tonight.
2) They leave the Foligno/Turris/ Butler line alone
3) They put Alfie with Spezza
4) Andy plays lights out for us
That is all...
Apparently and according to the Ottawa Sun, Carkner is paired with Cowen for tonite's game
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!
No decision has been made on whether or not Carkner plays. We'll find out at the morning skate.
Super happy the 67's came back and took that series, they have a great chance to win it all this year. Fingers crossed going into the conference final. :)
Was reading up on Bingo, lost the last game against the Admirals. Can you believe the Admirals extend their win streak to 27 games? WTF?? Hoffman and Puempel scored, McKenna took the L in net. Makes me wonder why Lehner didn't start. So with Bingo not advancing, do you think Ottawa will bring Lehner up to watch?
I don't expect Alfie to play tonight. I don't think he's going to get pressure to do so, we played a great game Monday and I think they'll do it again in his honor. I'd much rather see him get 100% and be back next year, than come back early and get hurt again, which could potentially end his career. I love the playoffs, but I love Alfie being part of this team more.
I have a feeling we split the series 2 - 2 tonight. Big game, can't wait. Go Sens Go!!!
"Dare to Dream" - Jason Spezza.
1st - Will Daniel play? This comment is a double question, because both Ottawa and Vancouver are each looking to have their respective star player back on the ice for game 4 tonight. Who do you think, if any, will return tonight? With Sedin getting being out longer and having more rest, I'd think he would be the better bet, but Alfie is known for his Wolverine style quick healing ability. I think it's a coin toss.
2nd - Double sweep tonight? Can Philly and LA do the unthinkable tonight? Most of the Hockey Experts picked Pittsburgh and Vancouver as the two teams to meet in the Stanley Cup Final. Wouldn't it be something if BOTH of them were handed a 4th straight lose? I did predict LA to win, but I don't think anyone picked Philly over Pittsburg. As much as I'll be watching and Cheering on Ottawa, those two games are MASSIVE!!!
3rd - How busy will Shanahan be tonight? With all the suspensions and fines we've seen in the 1st round to date, including the hit on Hossa last night. What do you think Shanahan will have to review after tonight and what game do you think holds the biggest chance of it happening? After the game Monday with Ottawa and the Rangers, I'd say probably not them, unless Carkner is in the lineup. So my money would be on Pitts/Philly.
1) Congrats to Shane Prince and the 67's for winning their game 7 last night. That was an incredible game to watch.
2) Jean-Gabriel Pageau and his Chicoutimi team also won their game 7 in the QMJHL
3) That Raffi Torres hit was late, a charge, and a direct hit to the head. He's a repeat offender, in fact he's done it a million times. I hope Shanahan comes down extremely hard on the guy. Hopefully Hossa is okay but I don't think we'll see him back in the first round.
I hope Carkner is back in the line-up. I have no problems with his game at all. He is solid defensively, can make a good first pass and has a hell of a shot. and... with him in the lineup, Sens players will feel like they gained 25 pounds.
Go SENS Go
alfie on the ice?
How is this throwing in the towel or just about making money? Mika was also injured and may not be ready to suit up. Hoffman is skating just like many other rookies did in the morning skate for game 3 and didn't suit up for the game. Relax and support whomever the team dresses in tonights game.
Hahahaa relax man it's the morning skate not the actual game. Hoffman won't be playing tonight. Butler will take Alfie's place again I'm sure.
Mika also has a concussion FYI.
It has already been said that Butler will be game 4 if Alfie doesn't return, so unless someone else can't lace them up, it's the only way they'll change the lineup. Well, the forwards... hard to say what they'll do about Carkner/Gilroy. I'd say go with the guy who brought the energy on Saturday!
How is this throwing in the towel or just about making money? Mika was also injured and may not be ready to suit up. Hoffman is skating just like many other rookies did in the morning skate for game 3 and didn't suit up for the game. Relax and support whomever the team dresses in tonights
Mika has the flu or had lol .... making money part is if u play mika u have to pay .....sens arent willing to do that ..uncle euge said on toronto radio that he is happy we made the playoffs but the best part is that all home games are profit makes you think he would wont more right so why arent they adding high end talent ...no injury reports have come out about any of are guys.....its about burning years and paying contracts and sens arent willig to do that ...thats a joke to fans that shell out the cash and afans watch there team
I wanna win as much as the next guy but if your not going to give the guys help after we just lost are Captian for the series its a fu©king joke !!!
Stop with this Mika has a concussion shit he doesnt have a concussion ...That straight from Mikas mouth
Greening is back on line 1, Winchester on line 4 with O'Brien and Konopka and Butler is with Turris and Foligno. Neil is with Smith and Condra.
I hate to say it but we may be getting a preview, a bit early for my liking, of life without Alfie.
Go sens!
I agree he's having a tough time, without Alfie on the ice it all falls on Spezza. But you have to consider he is 1 of the two prime targets that NY are hovering around. EK is the other. Every team knows that when you keep close on those two, you break down our offense. It's not rocket science, it's just how it is. Last game with Richards was proof of that, more so in our own end, but also in theirs. Think back to our 7 game slide in the regular season, same thing happened.
If I have a beef to make about a player, it's Michalek. I normally try my best not to talk trash about our players, but he has been a ghost in these playoffs. You don't see him, you never hear his name by the announcers being part of the play. Either he's being very shifty or he's not part of the action at all, I'd go with the latter.
In 3 games, Michalek has 1 assist, 4 shots total. True, Spezza only has 1 assist, but he's got 9 shots. Greening is our other 1st line guy who's been invisible to a degree, no points and 4 shots. This goes back to our top line getting gobbled up by the top Defensive unit, which is the case. But at home, with last change, we should have more opportunity to free them up.
If you added Alfie to that top line (especially the Alfie of a few years ago) then Michalek or even Greening are not so bad - sort of a bulldog to clear some space and also be able to get a dirty goal here and there.
Spezza finished 4th while playing with muckers and now that it's playoff time he's simply not able to get anything out of those muckers. Watch his shifts - the other team gives Michalek and Greening/Winche ster lots of space and focus on Spezza.
Having said that, Spezza definitely is trying to do too much - especially game 3 with Alfie out. Understandable I guess, even noble, but he simply needs to play his game and let other guys step up and help him.
I like the idea of giving him a few shifts with Turris on his wing if possible. Like after a TV timeout or something when they're both rested etc. He needs someone out there that can bring a bit more to the table.
Next year maybe that guy is Silfverberg or Petersson. Stone gets mentioned a lot but he's another bulldog type guy IMO. He can totally play on line 1 (just like Michalek) but you need another dangler/finishe r on the other wing.
Why the thumbs down? Kuba had a bad game, and so did Gonchar... I don't know why Gilroy, who played well in Game 3, needs to come out of the line over two guys that have failed to show they want to play. Sit one of the two for Game 4 and I guarantee they’ll start playing better.
I’d take out Gonchar over Kuba – I think that Kuba had a bad game, whereas Gonchar looks like he’s happy with mailing it in…
Just my opinion
Also, Great name Sir; I tried to copy, but gave up and settled after a few minutes... it's hard work trying to think of clever monikers!
Luongo was done after game 1, he probably shouldn't have played game 2. The fans and media are eating him up right now and his confidence couldn't be lower. Basically, Schneider was being considered the starter down the stretch if Luongo showed any fault, which he did. I wouldn't be surprised if you see a major trade in the offseason with Luongo leaving town. Schneider is the future of Vancouver, everyone knew it.
Great... so 3 shots from our snipper. I'm happy with Spezza shooting, but he shouldn't have more shots than 9mm.
I think he's learning as much this playoff series as some of the younger players are and down the road when we're further into the rebuild it should pay off.
Still think Sens can win this series in 6. A decent bounce at any point in game 3 and we could have won that one. Play the same way tonight (maybe a little better in our own end) and we can win tonight. Then it's suddenly a 3 game series where anything can happen.
Agreed but doesn't he have an absolutely rediculous contract that will make a trade really tough to pull off?
I know I'll hear it for this one, but I think Hitchcock wins, especially if they beat SJ...
Sens taking 8th in the East, or STL taking 2nd in the West with a 42-14-10 record under Hitchcock; I'm sorry, but Hitch gets it.
To that I say: Brian Campbell, Mike Richards, and Jeff Carter :)
I don't think many would argue. MacLean has done a great job but that doesn't mean other coaches aren't more deserving of the Adams (even Torts maybe).
I suupose but isn't Luongo the epitome of horrible(on my phone not easy to check)
Yup, I agree completely!
Richards and Carter had stupid long contracts as well. Not DiPietro stupid, but just as bad.
Luongo has proven what Nabokov has proven, regular season is nothing compared to playoffs.