Heading into camp, the battle for the second line centre position figures to be one of the most intriguing storylines.
Just two games into the Sens Rookie camp and you can see that the battle is already under way. Stephane Da Costa scored three times in the middle frame and was one of the best players on the ice this afternoon. One of his competitors for the second line pivot position will be Mika Zibanejad and he also looked quite good in this one.
The first round pick had a goal and two assists and made the play of the game on his first period assist to Andre Petersson.
Obviously you don't want to put too much into this Rookie games but it's nice to see guys like Da Costa and Zibanejad excelling on this stage. Both guys are going to make things very interesting in the main camp.
This was also my first chance to watch David Rundblad and I was very impressed. There are definitely going to be some growing pains on the defensive end but he is an unbelievably talented and confident player. It's still very early but he looks like a guy that's ready to play at the NHL level
Also liked what I saw from Jared Cowen this afternoon. He's always going to be a guy that is known for what he can do in his own end of the rink but he's looked quite comfortable and confident handling the puck and didn't hesitate to jump into the play when the opportunity presented itself.
Which players impressed you this afternoon?
If this is the case...I'll head out to a bar tonight and ask them to tune into Rogers 22 at 9pm. Dooleys is good for that...so is Local Heroes.
Thanks for any info folks. Cheers!
Petterson
Cowick
Noesen
Zibanejad
Cowen
Rundblad
mostly the names that came up today and that I saw things that I liked about them..
On a side note: Anyone know when Fanfest is this year? Will there be open practices like last year?
dont have the channel so cant really tell if its true tho..
Thanks!
It's showing on my channel 22 in Ottawa.
it's definitely going to be interesting to see what Murray does to make some room here.
It's great to see some legit competition for jobs on the big club this year. Maybe complacency was the true sens killer?
it's far too early to tell but clearly there are 2 fwds and 2 defenders that may force Murrays hand.
Lehner had the day off... He will play against the Leafs... who beat the Pens tonight 5 - 1.
Should be good game.... Please beat those bloody Leafs.
The Leafs should be tough, but I still fully expect our boys to beat them. I mean, its not like they have Tyler Seguin, Jared Knight and Doug Hamilton or anything.
The way I see it playing out is this:
For the first 9 games...
Butler- Spezza- Filatov
Alfredsson- Regin- Michalek
Greening- Zibanejad- Condra
Foligno- Konopka- Neil
Extra: DaCosta, Smith, Winchester
After 9 games, Zibby will be sent back to Sweden and DaCosta will slide into the 3rd line centre spot. Smith's only shot at being a regular is if Foligno is traded or Regin has a poor camp. Winchester is kinda doomed at this point.
Pretty sure that Zach Smith is locked into the long term future of this team as a gritty bottom 6 centre.
In fact, I think that it was because of Smith that Kelly was deemed expendable.
Rundblad is extremely talented, however I personally wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. He definitely needs to improve defensively. Zibanejad is extremely creative, however his defensive game is also a little lackluster.
I would like to point out that this day, September 11th, two games into the prospects tournament, the knives are out for rundblad.
You do realize this is a rookie tournament?
It was interesting when the commenators were talking about his line as the international ppl line (Petersson -SWE, Zibenajed - SWE, Prince - USA, Rundblad - SWE, and Da Costa - FRA).
Game 2 was much different, more scrambling and boardwork and our D didn't seem to be as confident with Machovsky between the pipes in tight situations. Da Costa was a star, that kid will fight hard for a spot this year in training camp. There was a lot of guys making some impressive plays but kudo's goes out to Cowen and Rundblad who look to have build some chemistry early in the tournament.
Looking forward to Ottawa vs Toronto for all the marbles as both are holding a 2 and 0 record. I expect Lehner to have another solid performance. Go Sens Go!!!
I agree with Prince, he was a beast on the ice, always made his presence known. It's unfortunate he hit so many posts. I figure he'll be back in a 67's uniform this year but he is someone to keep an eye on going forward.
While DaCosta did score the hatty, he was perfectly set up by a trio of Swedes each time for the slappers. Can’t wait for Sept 21st!!!!
Cowen is a beast, there is 0 chance he is not in the NHL this year. Rundblad looks nice, but I think he will be more of an all-around player. I don't think his offense matches what Karlsson brings. Gryba is awesome, he just can't hit the net even when wide open at the hash marks. He's a good depth player, not sure he'll get a chance to be a regular for the Sens because of our depth there.
I was really impressed with Zibanejad. I know he's a C, but I would really like to see him flying down the wing with Spezza and Alfie. His game sense and stick handling was as advertised. If Locke was even half the player Da Costa is he'd be in the NHL. This french kid is just plain creative. Not sure his size can stick at C in the NHL, but he may become a poor man's St. Louis or better.
Cowick & Petersson could push this year, I like the skill both players have. Though they probably top out as 3rd line or 2B type players in the NHL. Prince could have honestly come out of that game as the hero if he wasn't so unlucky. I think I counted 3 posts where the goalie was down and out. He'll be 1 of the steals of the draft, and could be a darkhorse in camp.
Not at all a fan of our goalie last night, so Lehner in Bingo this year may be as much for the team's sake as it is for Lehner, maybe even more.
Looking forward to Tuesday! GO SENS GO!
Filatov Spezza Michalek
Petersson Zibanejad Alfredsson
Regin Folingo Butler
Smith Konopka Neil
Extra Greening Condra ..both can be switched with Konopka during the year
Add Winnie on the waiver wire
i'm really liking what i see from Petersson and Zibanejad they are fun to watch they read off each so well id enjoy watching that all season long and add in hungry alfie that line could be dangerous...
They have Lehner and nothing else after him. I realize he is setup to be the #1 in Ottawa for the future.. but you would like to think the Sens would have someone else in their stable of prospects.
Zibby & Petersson seem to have pretty good chemistry..
If I was Regin, Foligno & Winchester... I would really start getting concerned with my position on the Sens for the next year or so.... All 3 had better come to camp ready to fight for their spots... these young kids are coming...
Maybe not this year.. but for sure in 2012...
Also read (not sure what accuracy I put into this) on Hockeybuzz (yeah I know) a report by a Nashville blogger that New Jersey is nearing bankruptcy? That really surprised me... but then.. they are paying out a lot of salary and don't have the fans in attendance.. So is it really surprising? Comments?
I heard Pierre Dorion on the radio yesterday, and he said Petersson is a long-shot to make the team. It sounds like they want him to learn the defensive part of the game before they would consider him ready. I agree, however, that there should be a few vets looking over their shoulders...
Why Geez "third line"...Why does Butler have to be on the 1st line? Is it because he can only be affective playing with Spezza ?
I have thought about this myself with Ottawa's goalie situation. Lehner is our standout, but who's the young up and comer behind him making him work harder? I know, Lehner is young so why worry? Considering this is a rebuild we have what most would say, at least 2 more years of quality drafting. I would expect Ottawa will use 1 of these upcoming picks in the next 2 years towards a Goalie. But, unlike all the other positions out there Goalies are becoming more and more available on the free agent market than they ever had before, but it does pay to bring them through the system the old fashion way.
Very very small chance that DaCosta, Petersson or Zibanejad make the team. They may have has SOME offensive presence in the rookie tournament, but would get demolished against NHL players.
Zibanejad in the last goal against (Chicagos game) looked like a terrible pylon. If you can, go back and watch that play, he looks ridiculously out there.
9 times out of 10 the player with the one way contract gets the spot. Money rules.
Cowen has the best chance, Rundblad will spend 50% or more of his time in the AHL.
!) they play the same way, so the talent is there
2) 50pts in 55 games (need i say more) and it was against men
3)Karlson spent time in the A to get used to the rink, and to the size of the men..is Rundblad small too? no he's not. all he will need is time to adjust to the speed, and he will be be in the NHL full time UNLIKE karlsson who needed to beef up.
Slightly off topic, but all the talk of the young guns has got me thinking of potential Calder nominations.
I have a question (two part question) for the more superior hockey geeks than myself:
1) Has any franchise ever won back to back Calder trophies? Meaning a standout rookie wins it in the first year, and the second year a new rookie (same team obvi) wins it again?
That being said,
2) Have two (or more I suppose) players on the same team ever been in the running for a calder at the same time, same year?
I know I'm totally getting a head of myself by thinking about our kids winning some hardware, but the offseason is soooooooo boring.
Thanks all, happy Monday!
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calder_Memorial_Trophy#Winners
1966–67 Orr, BobbyBobby Orr Boston Bruins D 18
1967–68 Sanderson, DerekDerek Sanderson Boston Bruins C 21
1- http://statshockey.homestead.com/calder.html It looks like the Bruins in 67 & 68 were the last to have the Calder rookie winner in back to back years.
2- No idea where to find that one. I'm guessing you mean in top 3 of the nominees, right?
Like the questions though, would be interesting to know the answer to #2. Also don't forget, if Lehner stays in Bingo this year he has the chance to be the 1st ever repeat Calder Cup MVP.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Rookies+Costa+Zibanejad+battle+coveted+Senators+spot/5385555/story.html?cid=megadrop_story
Yeah, I saw that too - thought it was a bit strange because Brian Murray made a point of saying that Zibanejad didn't neccessarily need to make the team as a 2nd line center, he just needed to be in the top 12 forwards. Tim Murray seems to be saying something different, at least, it sounds that way to me...
Shane Prince really impressed, with his speed and nose for the net, I think in total he hit 4 or 5 posts, which could have easily been goals.
But Noeson, Grant, Cowick, DaCosta, Zibby,
these guys will be pushing the vets very hard for spots, not to mention others like Hoffman, O'Brien, Condra, Greening Smith.
Like I have been saying for quite some time, this will be the best camp the Sens have had in a very long time, there will be some surprises, and guys like Foligno, Regin, Winchester, Kuba and Gonchar had better come ready to battle, because these boys can play, and even play some of those vets out of their comfort spots!!!
It will not be enough to simply play hard, you had better find a way to produce, or you days will be numbered
I think the Murrays have him here to get a first sniff at the NHL, build his confidence and make sure he shows up bigger and hungrier next year with another season's worth of SEL polish on his game.
I think Tim is just saying it's top 9 forwards because 4th line duty would be a waste for his development. I think Tim just further specified the general comment Brian made.
I'd be amazed to see more than 1 forward prospect make the team this year, there just isn't room and 1 way contracts get priority. Then on D you'll have Cowen and MAYBE Rundblad. Lehner will push to backup tender, but beyond that there won't be much actual change in the roster after camp.
I really don't think there's any room for Winchester anymore. And Foligno's spot is not in jeopardy, I can guarantee that!
Really don't want to see Zibs in Ottawa this year. He still needs work and we have the time to develop him properly.
I do agree with your comments, but for the first time in a long time, I really feel that many of these youngsters will outplay the vets, as they are better them some of them. Winchester is a plugger, but lacks finish, someone like Grant, or Cowick can do the same thing, but pop in a few goals. The same goes for Regin and Foligno, they have the effort but they better start to finish, b/c guys like DaCosta, Zibby, Prince, will show up and surprise some people.
Even more so on the D, right now I am saying that Cowen, Rundblad, Boroweicki (sp)and even Gyr ba are all playing better than Kuba, and I will not stomach another year of Kuba, when these players are better, and more capable. No?
Filatov - Spezza - Butler
Michalek - Regin - Alfredsson
Foligno - Smith - Condra
Greening - Konopka - Neil
spare - Winchester
first call up - DaCosta
Michalek-Regin-Alfie
Foligno-DaCosta-Condra (Greening)
Smith-Kanopka-Neil
spare Winchester,Greening/Condra
but mark my words there will be a trade or two before, or just after the season starts, to make room for those who impress the most at camp.
Syl Apps Senior (winner) / Gordie Drillon (runnerup) - both Leafs - 1937
I think we need to consider the combination of the difference in skill level between what you're seeing in this rookie tournament and what you'll see in the NHL, as well as the business side of the NHL. Foligno would dominate this tournament too, just like he does in preseason, if he were in it now. He is still a really quality 3rd line player if that's the worst thing he is. Gryba could outperform Kuba in camp, but he still won't be on the Sens, that's the business part of it. Hopefully Kuba and 1 of Regin or Winchester get traded or waived, but the Murray's don't often give talent away for nothing and there are a lot of 1 way contracts as is. They almost always get priority come roster time.
Nice work, is there a website with all the nominees?
I hear you and you make a very valid point about the calibre, but again I see some of these kids really producing in camp and putting the pressure on the vets. I still believe that Foligno will be a solid 2/3rd lline player, and believe that Regin will bounce back, but for the first time we will have these kids that will push the vets.
As for Kuba, if he continues like he did last year, he will be waived or bought out. Fans will be livid if they have to pay to watch him, when we would all rather see Rundblad Gyrba, Boroweicki, even Weircoch ahead of a overpaid bum!
I for one could not stomach it
This is a re-build. This team is not competing for the Stanley Cup this season.
Would it be so bad to have both Rundblad & Cowen on D and DaCosta & Zibby in the lineup with Smith, Greening, Condra & Butler? That would give them this year to develop.. and you never know how they will do. It's risky... but again.. it's a re-build.
Would it be so bad to finish near or in the lottery pick next year? Would Filip Forsberg put us that much closer.. along with Silfverberg in 2012? I think Forsberg is the safer pick.. and he is climbing in the draft rankings.. he is a LW also I believe.
If Murray can get a few more draft picks this season.. with the deep draft in 2012... that would go a long way to really adding talented depth to the organization.
Ya I'm with you on Kuba, just remember the buyout period has already passed, so either we waive him, keep him or trade him.
I think the pressure will be put on this year, but most of the change on the roster won't happen until next year when Petersson, Zibanejad, Silverberg, maybe Prince and others are truly ready to make the jump and have nothing left to learn in the AHL or Europe.
Regin, Winchester, Kuba, maybe Lee and even Carkner can all be let go at the end of the year when their contracts are up if they do not improve. And hard to say if there's a long term plan that involves Konopka as our 4th line C, but he's only on a 1yr contract too. Da Costa's contract is up after this year as well, which makes me think he'll at least get 15-30 games in the NHL this year to see if he warrants a raise or not.
I agree that it wouldn't be so bad, it's just the business end does not leave the room for so many of them to make the team. We have to be realistic, and when the GM or assistant GM say only 1 forward at most can make it, I'd tend to believe it.
If our NHL roster was bare like in Florida or Winnipeg I think more of them could make the team this year, but the Sens do have good depth already.
The only thing is these 'kids' will face full grown men in there late 20s/early 30s for 82 games this year. Don't think other NHL teams will take it easy (in hitting terms) on the Sens because we are rebuilding - injuries happen. Rushing young prospects into the NHL isn't always the best way to develop them.
Rather than see everyone you mentioned make the team out of training camp we'll see them at some point as call-ups, with the exception of zibby for obvious reasons.
quote]
That's why we have Kenopka, Neil, Carkner and Smith. They're going to make the kids feel comfortable out there...
Chirp, it'd be awesome if you could maybe add a quick note onto your next main topic/post. Thanks!
Yea, I will include something about it tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder.
Xbox I would assume?
the guy had back surgery then broke his leg people.
he is far more reliable than cowen, wiercoch, or gryba right now
its easy and fun to get excited about the young guys but just remember kuba averages 30-35 points per year and is decent at both ends of the ice and is a proven nhl defencemen.
the other three mentioned are not.
i think alot of you will be eating your words
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvJ3NJu5_Yg
GREAT, that goal was on AULD.
Chirp, you have to get this fixed...
Yea there seems to be a couple rogue comments there before you log in. Not the friendliest comments either haha.
Doing my best to get this sorted out. There is an overhaul coming so we just have to do our best with this current format until we can make the switch to something a little more simple.
Appreciate your patience.
CLEARLY I work for the Sens. Giving out prizes to readers? Must be an employee of the team.