Round 2 of The Search

Sunday, 31 July 2011 10:40

Round 2 of The Search

Comments (65)

Thanks to everyone for being patient the last couple of days.

Like many of you, I was able to get away for the long weekend and could not access the site while away at a cottage. Have a little bit of time today though and wanted to let everyone know what I have planned for Round 2 of The Search.

Based on popular demand, the writers from Day 2, Day 4 and Day 5 will be moving on to Round 2 of the competition. In this round, contestants will be provided with a particular topic and will submit an article based on that subject.

Rather than have all three of the contestants write on the same subject, I think we will have each write something a little different. So that's where the readers come in. In the comment section below, I want you to provide some ideas for an article. I will sort through the best ones and assign those to one of the three finalists.

Because I understand that not everyone can submit an article immediately, we will post the entries as they are submitted. Hope to have a winner picked out by the end of next week!

So let's hear it folks...What would you like to see our finalists write about??

Had a brief conversation with a contact about the scoreboard scoop that broke a couple days ago. It was suggested to me that if the scorbeoard is indeed a done deal, it's news to a lot of people. They have been working hard to get something in place for next season but there is still some work to do.

When I asked for details about the options they are looking at, I was told to expect something similar to the one in Pittsburgh.

As I've mentioned, the team wants to have the new scoreboard ready to go in time for the NHL All Star Game in late January.

More in this category: « New Scoreboard Coming- Day 5 of The Search Heritage Jersey Update- Round 2 Topics »

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+8 #1 Luke McQueen 2011-07-31 10:15

How about whether Alfie is a Hall of Famer or not?

+1 #2 C-Mac 2011-07-31 10:26

I know it's been done to death but our goaltending history is always a good read. my opinion:

1) Lalime was never good enough, he was a beneficiary of a fantastic defence and ALWAYS let in the softy, not just in game 7.

2) Is Anderson really the "Andswer"? He was traded for Elliott for a reason. He wasn't that good last year. He like many SENS had a good year when not many teams took us seriously.

3) Hasek screwed some of our best seasons to win the cup.

C-Mac

+1 #3 T K 2011-07-31 10:31

Hmmm why does the Pittsburgh billboard feature an image of Joe Corvo in his Sens jersey?

(...not a proposed topic, just random musing...)

+4 #4 SensChirp 2011-07-31 10:34

Quoting T K:

Hmmm why does the Pittsburgh billboard feature an image of Joe Corvo in his Sens jersey?

(...not a proposed topic, just random musing...)

Believe that is Matt Cullen. Picked that picture because it had a Sens player on it haha.

+2 #5 Andrews Theory 2011-07-31 10:35

[quote name="C-Mac"]I know it's been done to death but our goaltending history

I was thinking the same thing...but lets take it one step futher, why have we never been able to develop a goalie internally? we have had success at every other position. do other teams draft more goalies than us historically, do they draft them sooner?

I believe we wasted two first rounders on chouinard but other than that I think lehner may have been the next highest pick at goalie...

+1 #6 Stan.Neckar 2011-07-31 10:36

Quoting T K:

Hmmm why does the Pittsburgh billboard feature an image of Joe Corvo in his Sens jersey?

(...not a proposed topic, just random musing...)

It's Matt Cullen in the 2010 playoffs.

+2 #7 Andrews Theory 2011-07-31 10:39

another possibility is an article on players most missed, who would have had the biggest impact had they remained a Sen.

Demitra, Hossa, Havlat, Chara, Laich

-3 #8 Andrews Theory 2011-07-31 10:44

I would also love to see an article on how the sens fair againstt other teams in the east specific to icing a team comprised of home grown talent.

ie... current roster for the Sens is mainly players drafted by the Sens except

gonchar, kuba, filatov, anderson.

I believe the leafs are the opposite.. they drafted schenn, kadri and reimer

-1 #9 Andrews Theory 2011-07-31 10:50

Quoting Luke McQueen:

How about whether Alfie is a Hall of Famer or not?

definitely a great article. my feeling is that he wont be a hall of famer. if we had won the cup in 07 then I'd say yes but otherwise probably not.

it is such an elite club that you really need to do something extraordinary. think of all the amazing players that have never and will never be inducted... unless they implement a policy whereby all the nhl teams are represented, I think they will pass over Alfie.

0 #10 T K 2011-07-31 10:59

Quoting SensChirp:

Quoting T K:
Hmmm why does the Pittsburgh billboard feature an image of Joe Corvo in his Sens jersey?

(...not a proposed topic, just random musing...)

Believe that is Matt Cullen. Picked that picture because it had a Sens player on it haha.

Had forgotten about him...

+1 #11 Jyt 2011-07-31 10:59

Funny that the scoreboard picture would have Matt Cullen and the Senators in it.

I don't have an idea for judging, since I really don't have much to say (offseasons are boring, yeah yeah) and I can't think of much to read about to be honest.

Is it fair that they all get different topics? If they all have the same topic, wouldn't it be easier to judge which one was better?

Either way, interested to see how this turns out. Good luck to all of them!

+2 #12 Hax 2011-07-31 11:13

Would suggest that the articles be at least similar in theme to help compare, but for suggestions:

Sens Calder candidates over the next few years.
MacLean's biggest challenges for 2011/12.
A breakdown on the changes in Bingo from last year to this year.

Or maybe have all three pick one Sens player and do an article on them - how they got to the NHL, what this season will likely bring, where they're headed.

0 #13 Donny 2011-07-31 11:30

Good suggestions Hax!

0 #14 T K 2011-07-31 11:35

Here's a topic:

Was Matt Cullen another Clouston Casualty? Were there others (aside from Voldemort 15)?

+1 #15 senskarlsson57 2011-07-31 11:37

How about give each of them a stud prospect that is up and coming, and let them write about there chance of making it in the bigs, previous success, there chances of winning the calder, etc.... That way they will be writing about different things so its not boring, but also making it easy to compare them :)

-1 #16 sben 2011-07-31 11:38

what the heck is that if we were in 2009 id say maybe but we are in 2011

+1 #17 DenisVial 2011-07-31 11:50

My idea would be each writer's blueprint for the future. The Fan960 in Calgary had a great contest where hardcore fans wrote their top to bottom, approach to managing the Flames. It included player development, coaching techniques, drafting philosophy, even Marketing the team. The winning submissions were read on air by the writer's and it was interesting to hear the different ideas people had with regards to all aspects of running an NHL franchise. It might be difficult in this forum if you limit the length though.

+2 #18 Sandy 2011-07-31 12:20

How about the writer's opinions on what has to change in the next CBA and why? If they feel a lockout/strike can be averted. And the CBA's affect on the Sens going into 2012/13 -- especially in way of any UFA signings.

+2 #19 Frenchie 2011-07-31 14:33

How about an article on the best and worst trade in Sens history with an in-depth analysis on the players (or draft pick) involved.

+1 #20 FBP 2011-07-31 15:25

How about a comparison of the Sens 2011-2012 schedule to the 2011-2012 schedule of other teams around the league?

It'd require a bit of research and provide ample opportunity to assert some writing personality.

+7 #21 FBP 2011-07-31 15:46

How about we get the final three drunk and they duke it out.

0 #22 stevrock 2011-07-31 15:52

How about topics that show the writers actually know hockey?

Give them the topic of making one blockbuster trade they would make that would improve the squad this year.

Must be a fair deal, and more realistic than an NHL11 BAGM deal.

+2 #23 TheFutureIsSwede 2011-07-31 16:00

I want to read an article about when the writer truly expects the senators to be back in the playoff's and be a
contender again.

It's a subject a lot of fans have a strong opinion about and could be a tough subject to get the right reaction out of the readers.

It can either show how truly knowledgeable the writer is about the senators, they're situation and the game in general; Or it could expose their illogical views prompting the majority of the readers to see that the writer doesn't really know what's really going on with their team.

In a way I see it as the ultimate hit or miss subject that could win them the competition or crush their hopes and dreams. Deep down, we all want them to win the cup next year, but when will they actually be at a point to do it?

+1 #24 meadowdog 2011-07-31 16:40

You could have the three contestants project what the team will look like in 2014-2015. What areas do they feel most need to be addessed in the next few drafts. Should we build entirely through the draft or are there certain players we should target in free agency.

+2 #25 Blake Ryan 2011-07-31 16:41

I said it the other day but ill say it again:

I would be really interested in reading an article on Alfredsson and his expected production this year, citing other players who were in similar situations (IE impact/star players that got hurt in their late 30's and were attempting another season)

I know its almost blasphomy around here to say anything bad about our cap'n, but it would be very interesting (for me at least) to see how objective the contributors would be...i think either way it would generate a ton of discussion

0 #26 Sandy 2011-07-31 16:55

Quoting meadowdog:

You could have the three contestants project what the team will look like in 2014-2015. What areas do they feel most need to be addessed in the next few drafts. Should we build entirely through the draft or are there certain players we should target in free agency.

Now that is a real interesting idea...

-2 #27 2014cupRun 2011-07-31 17:32

What if we kept chara over redden?

0 #28 Luke McQueen 2011-07-31 18:37

Quoting Andrews Theory:

Quoting Luke McQueen:
How about whether Alfie is a Hall of Famer or not?

definitely a great article. my feeling is that he wont be a hall of famer. if we had won the cup in 07 then I'd say yes but otherwise probably not.

it is such an elite club that you really need to do something extraordinary. think of all the amazing players that have never and will never be inducted... unless they implement a policy whereby all the nhl teams are represented, I think they will pass over Alfie.

I might have to agree. It would have to be a relatively "bad" year for him to even have a shot at the Hall but his list of accomplishments in international play and the fact that he is the Senators leader in just about every major statistical category outside of PIMs, I think he deserves mention (I might be a little biased though). I would love to argue the pro side of that debate with a leafs' fan.

-1 #29 sben 2011-07-31 19:47

I wonder when ottawa is releasing their new jersey does any one know?

-1 #30 sben 2011-07-31 19:52

I really think that the worst and best trade in ottawa's history were is a good one also some one mentioned what trade they would do for ottawa (would be marked on realisticness how good it would be for ottawa and how well the article was written)

+1 #31 Senator Stanley 2011-07-31 20:53

Chirp,
I would love to see a piece on how the last CBA, with the arrival of the salary cap, screwed Ottawa more than any other team in the NHL. Chara, Havlat....I don't want say much more as I would rather read your answer.
New CBA coming up?

0 #32 Ottsen 2011-07-31 21:24

It will be interesting to see the author's analysis of the competitiveness of the Senators next season in comparison with other teams:
1. Comparison of the attacking line and special teams.
2. Comparison of protective lines.
3. Comparison of the goalie teams.
4. The strongest part of the current composition of the Senators and their further development.
5. Most of the weaknesses of the current senators, and the possibility of gain.
6. Assumptions about the know-how of the new coaching staff Senators.
7. The general conclusion about the likely outcome of the season, chances of getting into the playoffs.

+1 #33 Sensational Sens Fan 2011-07-31 21:45

How about an article comparing Ottawa's rebuild and young talent to some of that of other teams, like Florida, Edmonton, or NY Islanders?

0 #34 Augur 2011-07-31 22:39

when do Sens tickets go on sale?

+2 #35 DarcyLoewen 2011-07-31 23:00

I'd like one of the writers to take a look at recent organizations that have won the Calder Cup and examine what (if any) co-relation there was to success for the NHL team. Did the prospects benefit from additional play-off experience?, did some prospects out-perform expectations by playing with championship teams?, Were the teams made up of older pro's and the kids didn't have any meaningful contribution? I'd want them to take a look since the Lock-Out and examine Top Prospects who met or failed to meet their potential, as well as unheralded players that came out of nowhere to make an impact at the NHL level.

0 #36 osens9 2011-07-31 23:20

Off topic, but I was camping and my buddy brought his friends with him one which was David Dzuryninski(sp? ). The kid can smoke and drink like no other. Also I'm 6'4 220 and the kid was still a beast compared to me.

+1 #37 sprucesens 2011-08-01 02:05

As my first official post, i'd like to say hi to all and go sens go! As for something to write about. Being that it is a sens oriented site and not all of the NHL, maybe an article on the rebirth of the senators organization, with highlights of successes and failures, past, present and future. Not just GM trades/signings , but drafting, coaches, development and the like.

Hindsight is 20/20, so it will be tough to have an unbiased opinion knowing the future, about draft busts, poor signings and hirings. And maybe finish up with a "direction you would go with team"

0 #38 sprucesens 2011-08-01 02:13

We all hope the sens will win this year, Obviously with a whole new team, finishing near the bottom is more likely, and with question marks all over the ice, what point is there in debating it. And I for one would love an in-depth history of the Senators, Might even spark some new passion for the team. I was barely around for when the NHL returned to Ottawa, but have been a fan ever since. And I live in Edmonton. My 2cents

0 #39 Hogan 2011-08-01 06:56

Quoting Blake Ryan:

I said it the other day but ill say it again:

I would be really interested in reading an article on Alfredsson and his expected production this year, citing other players who were in similar situations (IE impact/star players that got hurt in their late 30's and were attempting another season)

I know its almost blasphomy around here to say anything bad about our cap'n, but it would be very interesting (for me at least) to see how objective the contributors would be...i think either way it would generate a ton of discussion

I like this idea Chirp and would definitely like to see
them write a piece about his future

Also if anyone has to live in the GTA like me, the 2011 NHL Rookie Tournament is in Oshawa in Sept and tickets are on sale now. Good chance to see some of these developing players. Should be a great roster this year!

-3 #40 sben 2011-08-01 07:19

when does ottawa release their third jersey because I really want to see it so if any one knows post it please

0 #41 novascotian 2011-08-01 08:04

Darcy's Idea is fantastic. That would be one of the best reads of the bunch. I also like the fact that it is factual. A topic on Alfredsson in my opinion would just be a waste of a topic and could really hurt one of the contestants. Say somebody got the calder cup champions in the past and comparisons and somebody got how do you think alfredsson is going to do this year. They are a tad bit different and if people do not like the prediction on Alfredsson there is know way they are going to beat a well written factual blog. Also a prediction by these people on Alfredsson is almost irrelevant because there are really 3 options. He's injures are going to get the best of him and he will have to end his tremendous career to some, he is able to play through some minor pains and aches but his production suffers, or the surgery was a success and he has no or little pain and he comes back and puts up respectable numbers in a the 60-75 point range.

-3 #42 sben 2011-08-01 08:26

when does ottawa release their third jersey because I really want to see it so if any one knows post it please please

+1 #43 Hogan 2011-08-01 10:17

Quoting novascotian:

Also a prediction by these people on Alfredsson is almost irrelevant because there are really 3 options. He's injures are going to get the best of him and he will have to end his tremendous career to some, he is able to play through some minor pains and aches but his production suffers, or the surgery was a success and he has no or little pain and he comes back and puts up respectable numbers in a the 60-75 point range.

Mmmm kind of.

But I would rather see an opinion piece rather then the authors telling me about the Hershey Bears or the Bulldogs. I don't care who made the show from those teams because the reality is most don't.
I'm not putting down his idea, i'm just saying i'd prefer a reflection piece on Alfie and his ups and downs, i.e. was he always your ideal captain, when he made his mark, the era he represents, etc.

I know if I wrote my thoughts on him they wouldn't all be positive.

-10 #44 sben 2011-08-01 11:09

why is everyone ignoring me tell me PLEASE ANSWER MY QUESTION SOMEONE PLEASE my question is when will ottawa be releasing their new third jersey because I really want to see it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! by the way I also gave a proper comment if people are wondering its comment # 30

+1 #45 Johne 2011-08-01 11:21

@sben

if someone doesn't reply or answer a question its probably cause THEY DONT FRIGGIN KNOW.

+1 #46 Johne 2011-08-01 11:25

It's going to be so hard to get rid of Kuba or Gonchar, was just looking at list of remaining UFAs and how the heck will we get rid of anyone with McCabe, Compoli and Hannan still all available. I think Carkner or Kuba get waived to make room for Rundblad and Cowen. Would suck for both of them. Kuba would likely be on the same path as Souray and Carkner worked really hard to get to the NHL, but either way, its a business and IMO both don't need to be preventing a player like Cowen or Rundblad from making a team better.

0 #47 m410 2011-08-01 11:34

It would be interesting to see a blog on the next steps... We know that we are heading into another rebuild year. So, what does Murray do, if by February the team is:

1. Headed for another bottom 10 finish.
2. On the cusp of making the playoffs.
3. Surprisingly in a playoff position.

Keeping in mind, that we don't want to sacrifice the future of the club, and we need to continue to rebuild the team, what does the GM do in each of those scenarios..... Obviously the most challenging of the scenarios is option 3. The temptation to make trades and make a run is great, but is it the right decision?

Just a suggestion of the next round of the competition!

Cheers.

0 #48 George 2011-08-01 11:36

Good Point Johne

I would get rid of Kuba as well...

0 #49 Johne 2011-08-01 11:38

@m410

I really don't see us being 'buyers' any time soon unless there is a player that is young and fits into Murray's plans for the future. If we get any playoff 'help' I think it will come from Bingo.

-2 #50 Johne 2011-08-01 11:41

I for one would like to see a blog on the topic of '101 ways to murder Filip Kuba to make room for Rundblad and Cowen'.

0 #51 Sandy 2011-08-01 12:40

Quoting Johne:

It's going to be so hard to get rid of Kuba or Gonchar, was just looking at list of remaining UFAs and how the heck will we get rid of anyone with McCabe, Compoli and Hannan still all available. I think Carkner or Kuba get waived to make room for Rundblad and Cowen. Would suck for both of them. Kuba would likely be on the same path as Souray and Carkner worked really hard to get to the NHL, but either way, its a business and IMO both don't need to be preventing a player like Cowen or Rundblad from making a team better.

Was reading a comment on GM Hockey mentioning that the Sens only have 3 LH D -- Phillips, Kuba and Cowen. Gonchar is LH but prefers the right side. All of the rest of RH D. So if you get rid of Kuba you have a void.. which would have to be filled by a young player. Putting a young player in that position would not be wise...
How can you get rid of Kuba... and have someone play the LH side?

+1 #52 NotwinninforMacKinnon 2011-08-01 12:44

I like picking up Colin White for exp and place Kuba on waivers use Lee as 7th man ..Carkner could be used on the 4th line with Neil and Zono

Gonchar Rundblad
White Karlsson
Philly Cowen

Lee 7th man

-2 #53 NotwinninforMacKinnon 2011-08-01 12:54

N. Filatov - J. Spezza - M. Michalek
B.Comeau -M. Zibby - D. Alfredsson
Folingo - Z. Smith - B. Butler
Greening - Z. Konopka - C. Neil

Regin+Kuba for BLAKE COMEAU

0 #54 Hax 2011-08-01 14:13

Quoting Johne:

It's going to be so hard to get rid of Kuba or Gonchar, was just looking at list of remaining UFAs and how the heck will we get rid of anyone with McCabe, Compoli and Hannan still all available. I think Carkner or Kuba get waived to make room for Rundblad and Cowen. Would suck for both of them. Kuba would likely be on the same path as Souray and Carkner worked really hard to get to the NHL, but either way, its a business and IMO both don't need to be preventing a player like Cowen or Rundblad from making a team better.

Or they can carry 2 extra D. Giving Rundblad or Cowen some games in Bingo as they see fit. Not ideal but totally possible. Carkner could dress on the 4th line if they want to as well.

+3 #55 Hax 2011-08-01 14:15

@ the secret third jersey society.

A reminder that we're not supposed to tell sben anything about it. Remember your vow of silence!

0 #56 Sandy 2011-08-01 14:19

Quoting Tank Race:

N. Filatov - J. Spezza - M. Michalek
B.Comeau -M. Zibby - D. Alfredsson
Folingo - Z. Smith - B. Butler
Greening - Z. Konopka - C. Neil

Regin+Kuba for BLAKE COMEAU

You forgot Condra (why does everyone do that?). He will be in the lineup.

0 #57 NotwinninforMacKinnon 2011-08-01 15:37

@Sandy

I like Condra but making the least amount of money on this team makes him easy target as well as if u bring another top 6 talent player guys like winnie regin condra etc get pumped ...

I

+3 #58 SlickRick 2011-08-01 16:47

Totally out of left field but....
just looked at the schedule and couldn't help but notice that all 6 times we play the Leafs are the 2nd game of a back-to-back... .only 1 is a back to back for them.
wankers

0 #59 Sandy 2011-08-01 17:34

Quoting Tank Race:

@Sandy

I like Condra but making the least amount of money on this team makes him easy target as well as if u bring another top 6 talent player guys like winnie regin condra etc get pumped ...

I

I can't see Murray trading for another top 6 player. He will let the team go as it is this year... next year.. maybe. The Sens aren't going for a Cup run this year.. so unless they can trade Gonchar/Kuba and take a forward as a salary dump.. then I just don't see Murray bringing anyone else in.

What do you do in 2012/13 with Silfverberg & Zibby if you have another player brought in this year... Makes no sense going forward... unless a 1 yr contract.

Condra is a good defensive forward and he played well down the stretch... he's a smart hockey player.
Just because he makes a low salary does not automatically make him a nothing player.

+3 #60 Sandy 2011-08-01 17:37

Quoting SlickRick:

Totally out of left field but....
just looked at the schedule and couldn't help but notice that all 6 times we play the Leafs are the 2nd game of a back-to-back....only 1 is a back to back for them.
wankers

Yes... a lot of us noticed that. I guess the league wants the Leafs to win the battle of Ontario. It's hard to understand that a computer program could come up with that wacky schedule. Ol' Burkie has friends in high places. LOL

0 #61 SensChirp 2011-08-01 18:26

Thanks for some awesome suggestions! Will contact the three finalists tonight with their assigned topics and then let everyone know the three articles planned for Round 2.

Hope everyone had a great long weekend!

0 #62 Floridasensfan 2011-08-01 21:17

Quoting Johne:

@m410

I really don't see us being 'buyers' any time soon unless there is a player that is young and fits into Murray's plans for the future. If we get any playoff 'help' I think it will come from Bingo.

or the SEL

0 #63 Hax 2011-08-01 21:30

Quoting Tank Race:

@Sandy
I like Condra but making the least amount of money on this team makes him easy target as well as if u bring another top 6 talent player guys like winnie regin condra etc get pumped ...

So because he's the cheapest guy you want to get rid of him?

That's the biggest downside of summer - bored fans can't just sit tight, they always want to keep trading and signing.

-1 #64 NotwinninforMacKinnon 2011-08-01 22:24

@hax

Never said I want him gone i just forgot him in the line up and sandy reminded me..All im saying if its possible to get another top 6 without trading your top 6 or for 1st or 2nd rd pick you will always end up losing bottom 6 talent ...

0 #65 NotwinninforMacKinnon 2011-08-01 23:06

@Sandy

Sometimes I wonder if people realize the talent level of the prospects that we have coming in next couple years will be scary and really going to make you think twice about some of the talent that we have keeping there seats warm till they get here ..you dont pass on young top 6 talent for fillers... that haven't even played a full season in the NHL yet and are already getting 1 way deals ...

Zibby makes the team this year let Aflie put him under his wing like he did for Karlsson..

Next year 2012/2013 ... Silver Surfer and are top 5 pick will be added to are roster

Question is 2013/2014 ..Puempel Noesen and 1st rd pick hopefully and another top 5 pick to the roster

Why not try to steal away young top 6 talent this year its still a rebulid right ..so lets get as much top 6 talent we can !! highly skilled Senators with sandpaper

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