McElhinney Starts in Carolina

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Another Playoff Moment

Something I learned at a young age, is that if you approach playoffs with the "Cup or bust" mentality, you'll completely miss the real beauty of this magical time of year.

Playoffs are all about those "moments". Those where were you when, kind of moments. The ones that stick with you for days, weeks, even years to come. And as Ottawa Senators fans, we have been pretty spoiled the last couple of seasons.

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Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:12

McElhinney Starts in Carolina

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The Ottawa Senators continue their role as playoff spoilers tonight when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes in what has to be described as a must-win game for the home side.

Curtis McElhinney gets the start in goal and recalled defenceman Patrick Wiercioch makes his NHL debut.

The Hurricanes come into tonight's action as the 9th place team in the Eastern Conference trailing the 8th place Sabres by just three points for the final playoff spot. With the Leafs, Devils and Thrashers all pushing hard behind them, the Canes can't afford a loss to the league's 28th ranked team.

Just the one line up change for the Sens tonight as rookie defenceman Patrick Wiercioch makes his first appearance as a Senators. Wiercioch has been much better of late in Bingo and should see some power play time in Gonchar's absence tonight.

Will post the line combos shortly.

Curtis McElhinney gets the start in goal. The newly signed Craig Anderson is again healthy enough to play but there is no need for the team to rush him. For McElhinney, the recent stretch has been a terrific chance to audition for the back up role next season.

Murray has indicated he will pursue a free agent to fill that role.

Milan Michalek is ahead of schedule but will not play tonight. He is with the team on the road trip though and could play before the Sens return home on Friday night.

For scoreboard watchers here are some games to keep an eye on this evening.

FLA@NYR, NYI@TBL, EDM@NSH, CBJ@COL

Last modified on Tuesday, 22 March 2011 11:27

More in this category: « Craig Anderson Signs 4 Yr/$12.75 mil Sens Fall in Carolina »

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+2 #1 SlickRick 2011-03-22 11:30

Any way we can loan Sergei Gonchar to the KHL for $11 million?

+2 #2 Hax 2011-03-22 11:30

Go Panthers (in OT please).
Go Islanders
Go Edmonton
Go Colorado

Go Sens, but if we should lose to Carolina and hurt Tarana's playoff chances, we will forgive you.

-2 #3 SlickRick 2011-03-22 11:31

I think you forgot about daylight savings there Chirp.

+1 #4 SuperLogan 2011-03-22 11:31

I'm glad they are resting Anderson adequately. Hopefully he can return to the form we have so quickly grown accustomed to.

Hope McElhinney plays like he has been too - As much as it sucks to see the draft position suffer, I couldn't be happier with watching the team WIN some games!

My optimism for next year continues to grow.

-3 #5 Johne 2011-03-22 11:33

I'm confused as to why Murray indicates he is looking elsewhere than McElhinney for the #2 role. I think we all agree that McElhinney is nowhere near the answer for a starting goalie, but I think he's proven that he is a more than capable backup and leaves alot of room between the skills of Anderson and his #2, making Anderson a clear #1. McElhinney's biggest knock is his last name, maybe Murray wants to go with something simpler, like Smith.

+2 #6 SensChirp 2011-03-22 11:34

Yea I don't think pursuing a free agent means that he won't consider McElhinney. It just means that they will be in the market for a back up goalie.

-2 #7 SensChirp 2011-03-22 11:35

And yea I noticed that time issue as well. Kind of assumed that was going to update automatically but clearly that is not the case.

-3 #8 Spartycat 2011-03-22 11:38

Anyone hear about the Sens signing Hamilton?

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/wacey_hamilton

The signing date shows the 16 but I have not heard a thing.

-2 #9 gauts26 2011-03-22 11:39

Nice to see Wiercioch rewarded. Chirp do you think if he is nhl ready they might try to dangle him for a trade in the off season to bring in a foward to fill in that top six.
Maybe Wiercioch+2nd = top6.

Or are we going to try and trade an older player.

Karlsson
Rundblad
Cowen
Gonchar
Phillips
Lee
Carkner or Wiercoch if ready

Trade Kuba
Best case scenerio.

As for McElhinney, looking great so far, he doesnt seem to bad as a back up. prob pretty cheap.

or we can go after one of these guys.

-patrick lalime haha
-alex auld
-jose theodore
-josh harding
-brian boucher
-henrick karlsson

-2 #10 SensChirp 2011-03-22 11:39

Quoting Spartycat:

Anyone hear about the Sens signing Hamilton?

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/wacey_hamilton

The signing date shows the 16 but I have not heard a thing.

Yep this was mentioned in the past. Solid acquisition and a guy the organization is apparently quite high on.

Hoping to get him into some games in Bingo at some point I believe.

-1 #11 gauts26 2011-03-22 11:41

they signed him a long time ago. 2 weeks ago, prob

-1 #12 Andy Sutton 2011-03-22 11:41

Quoting Spartycat:

Anyone hear about the Sens signing Hamilton?

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/wacey_hamilton

The signing date shows the 16 but I have not heard a thing.

That was announced last week I believe.

-1 #13 Spartycat 2011-03-22 11:41

Quoting SensChirp:

Quoting Spartycat:
Anyone hear about the Sens signing Hamilton?

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/wacey_hamilton

The signing date shows the 16 but I have not heard a thing.

Yep this was mentioned in the past. Solid acquisition and a guy the organization is apparently quite high on.

Hoping to get him into some games in Bingo at some point I believe.

Sweet, thanks for the answer!

0 #14 Joe Bob 2011-03-22 11:49

Not quite sure what to think of the game tonight. The Sens have been playing inspired hockey as of late but I can't see the Canes losing this one. Look for a big game from Ward and Stall. I have a feeling McIrish's rebound control will cost the team tonight. I also have a feeling Wiercioch will be unnoticeable.

The good thing about hoping the Sens will lose for draft purposes is that when they win, I'm equally happy. We'll finish bottom 5 anyway, lets just enjoy some inspired hockey from the kids.

-3 #15 Johne 2011-03-22 11:57

Gonchars recent mishaps are going to make him really hard to trade come this offseason. I guess having Cowen or Rundblad watching from the pressbox every couple of games isn't the worst thing that could happen, look at what it did for Stamkos.

I still think Carkner is a goner. Kuba's improved play of late might make him movable as well.

-1 #16 PraiseAlfie84 2011-03-22 12:01

I'm sorry, but I'm rooting for the Canes tonight for 2 reasons:

1. We're 9 games away from the end, let's try to stay in the top 3 for the draft!

2. I despise the Leafs, so any team ahead of them right now trying to battle for 8th spot needs to keep winning.

Other than that....GO SENS GO!

-2 #17 SensFanInMTL 2011-03-22 12:04

McElhinney is a solid back up from what he's done so far. He knows his role as being a back up and a good one at that. All we need from him a good amount of wins say, around the 12-15 wins a year and hopefully Anderson being the clear starter can get us the other 30 wins we need to secure a spot for next year. I'd definitely re-sign him at least a 1 year contract going in to next year.

-1 #18 landeskog16 2011-03-22 12:16

sign mcelhinney to 1 year 800,000, 2 way contract

-4 #19 Tookie 2011-03-22 12:23

Im with PA84, we need loses, we need to stay in the top 3, otherwise this year was a waste!!

We need to get Larsson, Landeskog or RNH.

Go Canes!

-3 #20 Joe Bob 2011-03-22 12:27

Quoting landeskog16:

sign mcelhinney to 1 year 800,000, 2 way contract

Couldn't agree more. Signing mcelhinney is one less thing Murray has to deal with in the off season. He is getting old and I'm sure he has a hard time juggling multiple tasks.

-2 #21 Canuck Abroad 2011-03-22 12:31

Quoting SensChirp:

Yea I don't think pursuing a free agent means that he won't consider McElhinney. It just means that they will be in the market for a back up goalie.

Technically Murray wouldn't be lying if he signed McElhinney as technically McBackup is a UFA come July 1st. I remember reading somewhere that he said a veteran FA though... ???

-1 #22 SensChirp 2011-03-22 12:45

Line combos from Scott MacArthur

Greening-Spezza-Butler
Condra-Shannon-Svatos
Foligno-Smith-Neil
Wick-Winchester-Lessard

-1 #23 SensChirp 2011-03-22 12:45

Defence Pairings

Phillips-Lee
Hale-Karlsson
Kuba-Wiercioch

0 #24 akr71 2011-03-22 13:15

Quoting SensChirp:

Yea I don't think pursuing a free agent means that he won't consider McElhinney. It just means that they will be in the market for a back up goalie.

and that Lehner will be in Bingo so he can develope.

-2 #25 SlickRick 2011-03-22 13:51

I guess Yost doesn't listen to Scott MacCarthur:

Greening-Spezza-Butler
Foligno-Smith-Neil
Condra-Shannon-Svatos
Wick-Winchester-Lessard

Phillips-Lee
Kuba-Karlsson
Hale-Wiercioch

I smell a domestic...

-2 #26 SensChirp 2011-03-22 13:54

Just had a look at his post and he has the same lines does he not?

-1 #27 Sandy 2011-03-22 14:10

Just saw on TSN that Couturier is one of the 3 finalists for QMJHL MVP this season -- along with Huberdeau.

Do you think the Sens might change their mind on Couturier?

0 #28 meadowdog 2011-03-22 14:15

I'm not expecting much from Wiercioch. He's still not very strong and is likely at least one more year away from being a viable NHLer. He left college early and is still only 20 years old so he may yet turn out to be pretty good. I would expect him to have an expanded role in Binghamton next year and hopefully his frame will fill out a bit.

-2 #29 SensChirp 2011-03-22 14:19

Quoting Sandy:

Just saw on TSN that Couturier is one of the 3 finalists for QMJHL MVP this season -- along with Huberdeau.

Do you think the Sens might change their mind on Couturier?

The assessment on Couturier was based on one particular scouting trip apparently. I'm sure the team wouldn't be disappointed to end up with him.

-2 #30 SlickRick 2011-03-22 14:20

Quoting SensChirp:

Just had a look at his post and he has the same lines does he not?

Pretty much. I think he had Hale/Kuba flipped which doesn't really matter at all (AT ALL) I was just being a doucher! Forgiverness prease

0 #31 SensChirp 2011-03-22 14:20

On Huberdeau I have heard some Martin Havlat comparisons. He would be a fantastic player to grab with that second 1st rounder, although it would likely require trading up.

-2 #32 Bingo Blaster 2011-03-22 14:26

Good to see a youngster get called up, but Wiercioch? I hope they don't play Weircioch too much on 5 on 5 or PK play. It could shatter his confidence. He is very soft at this point, usually falls on his hits, is always out of position.He will be ok on the PP. There are other players in Bingo much more deserving but remember.. high draft pick under Murray= special treatment.

-1 #33 meadowdog 2011-03-22 14:35

I'm not so sure that we should even try to move up in the draft. After the first half dozen or so picks the draft becomes quite the crap shoot. I think I'd rather use all our picks in the hopes of striking gold with a player who hasn't quite blossomed yet. That second round can yield some real gems...... Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron, P.K. Subban, Paul Statsny, Louie Eriksson, Duncan Keith, Mike Cammalleri,.... well you get the idea.

-2 #34 TheTyrantWee 2011-03-22 15:23

@Meadow

In general teams only try to move up in the draft if there is a player the organizations scouts are very high on. Lets say the Sens board ranks X player 8th and the 12th overall pick is about to occur without him yet being selected. That's when a general manager has to trust his scouting staff and pull the trigger if possible. Similar to what happened with Karlsson when we traded up a couple spots to get him. Well worth it.

-2 #35 PickMathieuChouinardTwice 2011-03-22 15:40

About the back-up goalie, Murray should at least consider having Brust as the back-up goalie next year. He is having a tremendous season with Bingo and he deserves a chance to play in the NHL. He has been playing in the AHL for years posting good SV% numbers and he's 27 now.

This is nothing against McElhinney because he has been solid. But at least consider Brust.

-2 #36 krod84 2011-03-22 15:44

sign this guy already!

0 #37 TrueSensFan 2011-03-22 16:01

Bingo Blaster, Murray said a little while back a few others were going to get chances to be called up. Wiercioch being one of them and Gryba, being the others he spoke about specifically.

The Sens have a great opportunity to be able to call these guys up and not only see how they do in NHL situations but it gives them a taste of the big show and could be that extra little push for them to improve and get stronger etc.

So why not Wiercioch? is the question.

Besides it makes perfect sense to callup Wiercioch now and Gryba in time for the final 3... Toronto, Philly and Montreal. Hope he crushes a few LOL

+1 #38 The Chef 2011-03-22 16:16

Nothing wrong with giving Wiercioch a game or two.

-2 #39 Rizzo 2011-03-22 16:38

I don't know if anyone else saw this, but ESPN is saying that the Sens may consider adding draft picks to a Kuba trade in the offseason to sweeten the pot and increase cap flexibility.

Is 17mil really not enough cap space? Tell me this is absolutely bogus.

0 #40 Sir Alfie 2011-03-22 16:45

Hopefully Weircioch will work out. Imagine him shutting down with Cowan and having Rundblad and Karlsson man the PP.

0 #41 Sens Saint .... the former #1 fan of Spezzafan19! 2011-03-22 17:01

@Rizzo,

That info sounds more like some Eklund yap then anything else. ESPN has no idea what 'The Brian' will pull off this off-season. He may be getting older, but he still has some magic left in him.

As per our back up goalie situation , I think McElhinney is getting a fair audition. At this point there's no need to sign him. Once the season is finished, I'm sure there will be a conversation.

-1 #42 PWL 2011-03-22 17:09

Quoting Rizzo:

I don't know if anyone else saw this, but ESPN is saying that the Sens may consider adding draft picks to a Kuba trade in the offseason to sweeten the pot and increase cap flexibility.

Is 17mil really not enough cap space? Tell me this is absolutely bogus.

I have a hard time trusting espn when it comes to hockey. I mean last year they predicted detroit finishing 1st in the west and chicago in 3rd which of course is impossible being that they're in the same div.

hopefully if this is true it's just a 6th rounder or something. God kuba is some kind of useless if the only way we can convince other teams to take a chance on him is if we throw in some draft picks.

+2 #43 jakester 2011-03-22 17:20

Huberdeau in the prospects game was the best player. He has size just needs to fill it out. If we can get Landeskog and Huberdeau(by trading up) we'll be in great shape. Mcelhinney really seems to have a strong glove hand he has made a few grabs that have really impressed me. + he'll know his role. Also, you have to think by nabbing one of the two french prospects(Coutu rier or Huberdeau)it can only help the Sens draw on the Quebec side of the border. Seeing that the Habs have few real good french prospects.

0 #44 SensChirp 2011-03-22 17:26

Chris Neil will get an A tonight for the injured Sergei Gonchar.

-1 #45 landeskog16 2011-03-22 17:28

hoping for a 6 -5 loss tonight

-1 #46 Dorkiewicz 2011-03-22 18:09

Anyone have a working stream? ATDHE has had a lot missing lately. MyP2P also.

-1 #47 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-03-22 18:10

anybody got a working stream?

for some reason the ottawa games are always last the get loaded up.

-1 #48 Sens97 2011-03-22 18:12

Darn ATDHE leaving us out of town sens fans with no way to watch the game!

-1 #49 SensChirp 2011-03-22 18:13

Sorry fellas. Not aware of one but hopefully one of the readers can help you out.

-1 #50 SensChirp 2011-03-22 18:14

Real solid hit there by Hale. Sens take a penalty away from the play though.

-1 #51 Captain Alfie 2011-03-22 18:16

FML need a stream

-1 #52 Sens97 2011-03-22 18:16

Until then, we can relive the glory days of pre televised sens games with some good ol team 1200

-1 #53 SensChirp 2011-03-22 18:18

I seem to remember someone posting a blogspot link that was specific for Sens streams. Can't remember what it was though.

0 #54 Dorkiewicz 2011-03-22 18:20

Quoting Sens97:

Until then, we can relive the glory days of pre televised sens games with some good ol team 1200

Schriver is bad - I don't know how else to say it. He actually lessens my enjoyment... don't get me started on Gord Wilson... ugh.

My kindgom for a stream!

-2 #55 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-03-22 18:21

UGGGHH SERIOUSLY CHIRP?!

I GOTTTAA KNNNOOOW IITTT

0 #56 SensChirp 2011-03-22 18:22

Spezza flying again and Greening is there to bury the rebound. Ottawa strikes first.

-2 #57 Kumar, S 2011-03-22 18:23

McElhinney is an ideal back-up for Sens. For sure, will be cheap and probably, we can sign him a year (preferrably 2 way contract).

Greening scores...what an effort by Jason.

-1 #58 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-03-22 18:24

Is Spezza tearing it up or what.

The guy's been over a point a game since his return on a roster like ours, and doesn't get talked about.

Sad.

0 #59 SensChirp 2011-03-22 18:24

Quoting jasonontheoldsenschirp:

Is Spezza tearing it up or what.

The guy's been over a point a game since his return on a roster like ours, and doesn't get talked about.

Sad.

Thats not true. Eklund talks about him all the time.

0 #60 Dorkiewicz 2011-03-22 18:25

Quoting SensChirp:

I seem to remember someone posting a blogspot link that was specific for Sens streams. Can't remember what it was though.

That's just cruel! Heh heh

-1 #61 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-03-22 18:26

Chirp

My bad. Almost forgot about that guy aha!

-1 #62 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-03-22 18:28

my question is why is it that all the other games have stream feeds, but almost all the time, the sens games either takes a while to get loaded up, or doesn't get up at all!

-1 #63 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-03-22 18:29

and for the record i use

http://www.livescorehunter.tv/hockey-live-streaming-video.html

-1 #64 Dorkiewicz 2011-03-22 18:35

I guess the copyright crackdown, coupled with the popularity/mark et in Ottawa means streams are less readily available.

It only got bad recently though.

-1 #65 SensChirp 2011-03-22 18:36

Reader just sent me this link to Craig Anderson's new pads. Check 'em out...

http://ingoalmag.com/gear/craig-andersons-ottawa-senators-sher-wood-gear/

+1 #66 Kumar, S 2011-03-22 19:01

Dont much care about the end results, but will like to see Canes winning, while Sabers winning also will put some dent in Leafs chances.

0 #67 Johne 2011-03-22 19:26

hahahha im loving neil's latest offensive surge, guys gotta have at least 10 shots on net in his last couple of games.

0 #68 NickG 2011-03-22 19:37

I think the only thing worse than watching Kuba miss every shot from the point, is having to LISTEN to him miss every shot from the point.

God, I need a stream. LOL.

-1 #69 Johne 2011-03-22 19:41

Quoting NickG:

I think the only thing worse than watching Kuba miss every shot from the point, is having to LISTEN to him miss every shot from the point.

God, I need a stream. LOL.

trust me, its better listening.

-1 #70 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-03-22 20:00

just curious fellas... how many of you are not from the ottawa area?

like if you are, the game's on your local cable network, no?

I didn't realize how many Sens fans there were beyond the O-Town border. Where I live it's Leaf mania

-1 #71 Sens97 2011-03-22 20:10

Sadly for my hockey watching abilities, I moved to Toronto recently

-1 #72 NickG 2011-03-22 20:14

I get nothing but Flames, Oilers, and Canucks. Leafs on CBC. Habs on TSN. Sens on nothing, ever.

-1 #73 Peter Sidørkiewicz 2011-03-22 20:22

Colin Greening = Radek Bonk 2.0

-1 #74 Zira1 2011-03-22 20:22

Move down near me (Zihuatanejo). Bikini beach all day and NHL, including Sens all night. Oh yeah..and a side order of rum punch. When the Sens are not playing sometimes a string bikini will follow you home too. Not bad!!!

-1 #75 Sens97 2011-03-22 20:25

For those who can see whats going on, how has Wiercioch been?

-1 #76 Rizzo 2011-03-22 20:26

Quoting jasonontheoldsenschirp:

just curious fellas... how many of you are not from the ottawa area?

like if you are, the game's on your local cable network, no?

I didn't realize how many Sens fans there were beyond the O-Town border. Where I live it's Leaf mania

Although from Ottawa, I may be the only sens fan in a 100 mile radius of where I live now... in Galax, Virginia. Look it up. Not going to get much better either, as I'm moving to Winston Salem North Carolina.

Thank God for Senschirp and Center Ice!!

-1 #77 SensChirp 2011-03-22 20:28

Quoting Sens97:

For those who can see whats going on, how has Wiercioch been?

Not great. Been a rough night for him and Kuba.

-1 #78 John Q. Spartan 2011-03-22 20:31

I don't care what anyone says...

David Hale is a good dman. This guy deserves a job in the NHL. If not in Ottawa, then somewhere.

0 #79 Cherub of Sens Justice 2011-03-22 20:56

Lee has been a quiet but pleasant surprise over the second half of the season imo. Never really figured him for a shutdown D-man with his skill set when he was drafted, but he has looked very good in the role with Phillips. Considering he's still so young and with all of our other D prospects coming up, we are loaded to the gills. It will be interesting to see how the Sens break camp with D next year, especially with the pairings.

+1 #80 John Q. Spartan 2011-03-22 21:11

Quoting jakester:

Huberdeau in the prospects game was the best player.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was the best player at the prospects game, it wasn't even close.

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