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Sunday, 20 November 2011 11:32

Game Day- Sens Seek West Coast Sweep

After impressive road efforts in Calgary and Edmonton, the Ottawa Senators will be looking to complete the rare Western Canada sweep when they visit the defending Western Conference Champs.

The Vancouver Canucks come into this one with a 9-9-1 record and are on the outside looking in playoff picture out West.

The Canucks have been extremely underwhelming in the early going but are certainly not a team to be taken lightly.  Daniel and Henrik Sedin can break a game open on their own and both find themselves in the top 15 in league scoring coming into this one.

The problem for Vancouver has been the inconsistent play of Roberto Luongo.  In 13 starts, Luongo has posted a 2.97 GAA and an ugly .896 SV%.  With Luongo fighting a little bit of an injury, it should come as no surprise that the Canucks will turn to back-up Cory Schneider in this one.

Ottawa is not expected to make any changes to the line up which means rookie defenceman David Rundblad will once again watch from the press box.  I understand that it's tough to mess with a winning line up but Rundblad needs to be playing games.  Would not be surprised to see him end up in Binghamton for a bit once Matt Carkner is healthy enough to return.

Here is how the Sens should line up...

Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Foligno-DaCosta-Alfredsson
Daugavins-Smith-Condra
Konopka-Winchester-Butler

Kuba-Karlsson
Phillips-Gonchar
Cowen-Lee

Don't be surprised to see MacLean shuffle the pairings on the back end a little bit depending on the situation.

If Ottawa can turn in an effort like we saw against the Flames and Oilers, they should give the Canucks all they can handle.  Top priority for Paul MacLean's group will be staying out of the box.  The Canucks boast the NHL's number one power play and will bury you if given the chance.  And while Ottawa's PK has been better as of late, best not to tempt fate against the Canucks.

The Sens have four days off after this one and would love to close out the Western swing on a high note. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 9:00 PM on SportsNet and TVA.  Keep an eye on the comment section for a stream.

Last modified on Sunday, 20 November 2011 14:51

Comments   Jump to Last Post

 
0 #1 Prophet Alfie 2011-11-20 11:34
GO SENS GO
PRAISE THE PROPHET DANIEL ALFREDSSON
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-3 #2 sben 2011-11-20 11:56
LET RUNDBLAD REPLACE LEE!!!!!!! Lee is automatically garbage all he does is give away power plays and Rundblad can get excperienceand let Rundblad get his first goal.
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-1 #3 AlfieforMayor11 2011-11-20 11:59
Yeah Rundblad needs to be playing. I suspect the he's back in again after the next loss. I hate Vancouver probably more than any other team in the league so I'm hoping we smash them. I wish we had Neiler for this one.
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-2 #4 AlfieforMayor11 2011-11-20 12:06
I don't think they can win this one if they play anything like they did against Edmonton and Calgary.

The win against Edmonton was not that impressive to be honest. We totalled 16 shots in that game. If it wasn't for Anderson standing on his head early, that game would have been over in the first 10 minutes. Khabibulin let in some weak ones too.

Looking at the win against Calgary, Anderson stood on his head again, making 38 saves on 39 shots. Even look at the Leafs game last weekend, we were outplayed for a very big part of that game, being out-shot 33-24.

The point is, if it wasn't for Anderson we wouldn't have won any of those 3 games.

The team needs to do more to support him if they plan on beating Vancouver.
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0 #5 stevrock 2011-11-20 12:13
Quoting AlfieforMayor11:
I don't think they can win this one if they play anything like they did against Edmonton and Calgary.

The win against Edmonton was not that impressive to be honest. We totalled 16 shots in that game. If it wasn't for Anderson standing on his head early, that game would have been over in the first 10 minutes. Khabibulin let in some weak ones too.

Looking at the win against Calgary, Anderson stood on his head again, making 38 saves on 39 shots. Even look at the Leafs game last weekend, we were outplayed for a very big part of that game, being out-shot 33-24.

The point is, if it wasn't for Anderson we wouldn't have won any of those 3 games.

The team needs to do more to support him if they plan on beating Vancouver.


Shot totals are way too vague for basing a team's overall performance.
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+2 #6 SNOOPY SENIOR 2011-11-20 12:15
Quoting AlfieforMayor11:
I don't think they can win this one if they play anything like they did against Edmonton and Calgary.

The win against Edmonton was not that impressive to be honest. We totalled 16 shots in that game. If it wasn't for Anderson standing on his head early, that game would have been over in the first 10 minutes. Khabibulin let in some weak ones too.



The point is, if it wasn't for Anderson we wouldn't have won any of those 3 games.

The team needs to do more to support him if they plan on beating Vancouver.


Agree with you on why we won, but still even though Anderson bailed us here and there , we did play good enough
to defeat all the 3 teams we faced.

Butler finally scored, and our 3-4 line players also won us a game.
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0 #7 AlfieforMayor11 2011-11-20 12:18
Quoting stevrock:


Shot totals are way too vague for basing a team's overall performance.


Yeah you're right, and I think in the Calgary game the shot totals were probably not a good representation of our overall game.

The Leafs game however I thought we played a very lackluster first two periods, and in the third Toronto's goaltending stunk up the place like they have been since Reimer got injured.

Same with the Edmonton game, I was not at all impressed on how we played. Goaltending was again the difference.

All I'm saying is that we should be happy with the wins in those games, but we shouldn't really be happy about the way the team performed overall.

We need a much better effort if we want to beat a stacked team like Vancouver. They may be struggling early on, but the Canucks are a dangerous team any time they hit the ice.
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+2 #8 Sandy 2011-11-20 13:04
Sens are in tough tonight. They have not won in Vancouver since the 2003/04 season. They have also never swept the Cdn western road trip.

With Luongo injured... the only option is Schneider.

Let's hope the Sens come out competing hard and get a couple of early goals.

Also Mr. Konopka... his name is Maxim Lapierre.... smash him... I can't stand that little punk.
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+2 #9 sj21 2011-11-20 13:21
Lee is playing in order to try and raise his trade value. No teams will have any interest in a guy who is sitting in the press box....

We will need to move a D man soon as Carkner will be back soon
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0 #10 Canucnik 2011-11-20 13:31
Sandy:

Lapierre gets a pass...it's another Tranna type ZEBRA MGMT game, Ottawa 67 PPs, Van 86 PPs...Ottawa 87PKs, Van 77PKs. These guys are just like Tranna (a 58 minute advantage in twenty games) and the numbers get worse @home with the Home Call. They have never forgiven the Silver Seven for the shellacking they gave the Vancouver Millionaires a hundred years ago.

Note: We were lucky to win 10 years ago it was a fluke!
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-2 #11 Sandy 2011-11-20 13:48
Quoting Canucnik:
Sandy:

Lapierre gets a pass...it's another Tranna type ZEBRA MGMT game, Ottawa 67 PPs, Van 86 PPs...Ottawa 87PKs, Van 77PKs. These guys are just like Tranna (a 58 minute advantage in twenty games) and the numbers get worse @home with the Home Call. They have never forgiven the Silver Seven for the shellacking they gave the Vancouver Millionaires a hundred years ago.

Note: We were lucky to win 10 years ago it was a fluke!


Sorry Lapierre NEVER gets a pass from me. I hated him in Mtl and still hate him in Vancouver. He is a gutless punk..
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+2 #12 simple jack 2011-11-20 15:01
Anderson must be getting some good sleep during this road trip, he's playing like the Craig Anderson we signed.
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+2 #13 DrSens 2011-11-20 15:07
This may be yesterdays topic.... but I still find this filatov thing is out of hand. The kid is logical in wanting to make some serious money in the KHL. Its hard to pass up millions of dollars now than to wait months before getting a chance. He would also be treated as a rock star in the KHL. That being said, I dont believe the kid is going anywhere, the media always blows things out of proportion. He will get a chance very soon as long as he keeps playng well in the A. Daugavins is sent back down and Filatov is called up for his shot.

I also agree that a Filatov, Foligno, Alfie line would be the best scenario for this kid.


On a great note, Prince has a 4 point game so far in the second period so far... 2 goals and 2 assists... Love our prospects.
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-3 #14 Phoenix 2011-11-20 15:11
I am really looking forward to this one. It will give Murray, Mclean and the Sens organization a good idea where they are in the rebuild. Rundbald does need to be sent down to get playing time even before Carkner comes back but one has to wonder if Murray has got something up his sleeve. Could a Lee and Filatov deal be in the works. I'd hate to see Lee go but something has to give. But Filatov, It was a low risk high reward trade initially but I wasn't a fan. Actually never been a fan of this kid. Not sold on Turris either but if he is the best option to get a 2nd line center, might as well give it a try. Can't be any worse than filatov.
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+1 #15 AlfieforMayor11 2011-11-20 15:23
Not Senators news but Crosby is making his return tomorrow against the Islanders. This is a great thing for hockey.
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+2 #16 Sandy 2011-11-20 15:41
Quoting AlfieforMayor11:
Not Senators news but Crosby is making his return tomorrow against the Islanders. This is a great thing for hockey.


I like to see him back... but could he have not waited one more week?
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+1 #17 Sandy 2011-11-20 15:43
I hope the Sens wait until Bingo is playing more consistent hockey before sending anyone down.

Kleinendorst said it was not a situation right now for young players to develop. They are still struggling...
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0 #18 AlfieforMayor11 2011-11-20 15:43
Quoting Sandy:
Quoting AlfieforMayor11:
Not Senators news but Crosby is making his return tomorrow against the Islanders. This is a great thing for hockey.


I like to see him back... but could he have not waited one more week?


Oh no! I forgot we play them next lol I just hope he can stay healthy. Before he got concussed, no one could compare to him. He was hands down, by far the best player in the world.
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0 #19 SNOOPY SENIOR 2011-11-20 17:17
Quoting DrSens:
This may be yesterdays topic.... but I still find this filatov thing is out of hand. The kid is logical in wanting to make some serious money in the KHL. Its hard to pass up millions of dollars now than to wait months before getting a chance. He would also be treated as a rock star in the KHL. That being said, I dont believe the kid is going anywhere, the media always blows things out of proportion.

I also agree that a Filatov, Foligno, Alfie line would be the best scenario for this kid.


On a great note, Prince has a 4 point game so far in the second period so far... 2 goals and 2 assists... Love our prospects.



Would love to see Filatov - Foligno - Alfredsson once Filatov does get called up !

Might also see Michal;ek - Spezza - Butler , if Butler earns it by strong play !
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0 #20 stevrock 2011-11-20 18:39
Quoting SNOOPY SENIOR:
Would love to see Filatov - Foligno - Alfredsson once Filatov does get called up !

Might also see Michal;ek - Spezza - Butler , if Butler earns it by strong play !


All lines are producing, not really a good time to shake up the lines.
However, that second line is essentially what I envision when Filatov does get called up.
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+1 #21 sensarmy 2011-11-20 19:08
CROSBY :)

Watch him win the scoring title.
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-2 #22 Rundbladfan 2011-11-20 19:21
I I think a Filatov - Regin - Alfie Line would be sick. I want Ottawa to win tonight so bad but a little piece of me wants to lose so MacLean will put in Rundblad. Rundblad should be playing. Lee, Phillips, Kuba, Gonchar are all garbage.

-Jason P.
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+1 #23 sensarmy 2011-11-20 19:34
Quoting Rundbladfan:
I I think a Filatov - Regin - Alfie Line would be sick. I want Ottawa to win tonight so bad but a little piece of me wants to lose so MacLean will put in Rundblad. Rundblad should be playing. Lee, Phillips, Kuba, Gonchar are all garbage.

-Jason P.


Phillips is garbage? LOL I think you're watching the wrong games
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0 #24 stevrock 2011-11-20 19:37
Quoting sensarmy:
Quoting Rundbladfan:
I I think a Filatov - Regin - Alfie Line would be sick. I want Ottawa to win tonight so bad but a little piece of me wants to lose so MacLean will put in Rundblad. Rundblad should be playing. Lee, Phillips, Kuba, Gonchar are all garbage.

-Jason P.


Phillips is garbage? LOL I think you're watching the wrong games


Agreed, since the start of the season the defencemen have picked up their socks for the most part.
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0 #25 Rundbladfan 2011-11-20 19:38
Phillips hasn't been as bad as the other three but I still don't like that resign.
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0 #26 IcySurfas 2011-11-20 19:49
Karlsson did a pre-game interview, you can see it on TSN site. The guy looks and sounds really sick. Keep on eye on his game tonight if he doesn't look 100%. I hope Im wrong..
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0 #27 SensChirp 2011-11-20 20:34
Alex Auld getting the surprise start for Ottawa. No word on what the issue is with Anderson.
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0 #28 SensChirp 2011-11-20 20:44
Anderson had a stiff neck after the AM skate. Not believed to be a serious injury.
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0 #29 sensfan19 2011-11-20 21:03
stream?
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0 #30 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-11-20 21:04
Auld's in net?

Yep, we're screwed.
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0 #31 sensfan19 2011-11-20 21:08
found one...
http://www.firstrowsports.tv/watch/93508/1/watch-vancouver-canucks-vs-ottawa-senators.html
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0 #32 Karl Erikson 2011-11-20 21:24
Here's another stream:

http://atdhenet.tv/41428/watch-ottawa-vs-vancouver
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+2 #33 AlfieforMayor11 2011-11-20 21:31
I never thought it would be possible for me to dislike a team any more than the Leafs but Vancouver is sure making a strong case for themselves. They're such a bunch of shitheads.
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+1 #34 moneymike 2011-11-20 21:35
Quoting AlfieforMayor11:
I never thought it would be possible for me to dislike a team any more than the Leafs but Vancouver is sure making a strong case for themselves. They're such a bunch of shitheads.


Yes, I agree. And Winchester with the moves!
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0 #35 hedpucker 2011-11-20 21:59
just tunin in thanx streamer ,what did I miss ?
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0 #36 SNOOPY SENIOR 2011-11-20 22:07
Both goalies faced 8 shots, and no goals scored
after end of first period .

GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!
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0 #37 Sicilian 2011-11-20 22:08
After watching that replay, Burrows opens that door on purpose. He might have some explaining to do
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+1 #38 MattZ 2011-11-20 22:30
what was that horse shit? daugavins gets boarded and the powerplay STARTS OUT SIDE OF THE DAMN ZONE? WE HAVE TROUBLE GETTING IN THE ZONE BUT WHAT THE HELL, WHY WAS IT OUTSIDE THE FRIGGEN ZONE? We basically had 38 seconds of powerplay because of the refs
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0 #39 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-11-20 22:34
Excellent hockey by the Sens there
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0 #40 Sicilian 2011-11-20 22:34
If a D comes into the scuffle, the play comes out of the zone, which is what Phillips did
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0 #41 MacK 2011-11-20 22:36
Quoting jasonontheoldsenschirp:
Auld's in net?

Yep, we're screwed.

Take that back...Auld is playing brilliant! :)
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-1 #42 hamany 2011-11-20 22:39
were getting OWNED!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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+1 #43 Dillan 2011-11-20 22:40
If EK65 is sick like he apperently is he should be in the press box because he is making stupid play after stupid play on the pp.
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+1 #44 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-11-20 22:41
Quoting SensibleMac:
Quoting jasonontheoldsenschirp:
Auld's in net?

Yep, we're screwed.

Take that back...Auld is playing brilliant! :)


I do! Quite surprised.
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0 #45 hamany 2011-11-20 22:41
Quoting Dillan:
If EK65 is sick like he apperently is he should be in the press box because he is making stupid play after stupid play on the pp.

THATS TRUE
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0 #46 Sicilian 2011-11-20 22:42
Yah, our pp has been so bad, we should just take a minor if we get a penalty call
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+1 #47 Lambchops 2011-11-20 22:46
Karlsson is playing the worst I've ever seen him play.
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0 #48 MacK 2011-11-20 22:48
Quoting hamany:
HERE GOES A LOSING STREAK.............................................

I really hope I'm wrong but I did predict we would lose to the Canucks and the Pens. So far I'm 4for4 on this road trip. But, I REALLY want to be wrong tonight! GO SENS GO!!!
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0 #49 MacK 2011-11-20 22:50
Quoting Sicilian:
Yah, our pp has been so bad, we should just take a minor if we get a penalty call

Notice that on the PP, we haven't been getting shots or putting on any pressure but then as soon as the PP is over, we start to dominate.
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+2 #50 AlfieforMayor11 2011-11-20 23:06
Yesssssssssssss !!!!!!!! Beauty pass Mr Spezza.
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0 #51 MacK 2011-11-20 23:06
YES!!!! GREENING WITH THE TAP IN REDIRECT!!!!
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0 #52 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-11-20 23:06
COLIN.
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0 #53 hamany 2011-11-20 23:09
GOALLLLLLLLL!
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0 #54 Sicilian 2011-11-20 23:11
Quoting SensibleMac:
Quoting Sicilian:
Yah, our pp has been so bad, we should just take a minor if we get a penalty call

Notice that on the PP, we haven't been getting shots or putting on any pressure but then as soon as the PP is over, we start to dominate.


Amen
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+1 #55 MacK 2011-11-20 23:11
Quoting hamany:
GOALLLLLLLLL!

"HERE GOES A LOSING STREAK............................................."?????
Let's hope not!!! GO SENS GO!
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+1 #56 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-11-20 23:18
Milan, you're such a snipe, WHY WOULD YOU GO BACK HAND.
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+2 #57 AlfieforMayor11 2011-11-20 23:18
Both Schneider and Auld are playing fantastic.
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0 #58 MacK 2011-11-20 23:21
Quoting AlfieforMayor11:
Both Schneider and Auld are playing fantastic.

*echo echo*
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+2 #59 Sicilian 2011-11-20 23:21
I wish Luongo was in net. he hee
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+1 #60 MacK 2011-11-20 23:35
OH MAN!!! 2 seconds to go and Karlsson missed the net!
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0 #61 AlfieforMayor11 2011-11-20 23:40
NO!! We played such a good third period :( good effort tonight though, mostly in the second half of the game. Man do I ever hate the Canucks.
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+1 #62 jasonontheoldsenschirp 2011-11-20 23:41
Well earned point. Schneider was great. That was a good game.
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-1 #63 MacK 2011-11-20 23:41
Good game guys....Can't fault Auld on either goal.
I guess I'm 5 for 5 in predictions this road trip...bummer.
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0 #64 NotwinninforM­acKinnon 2011-11-20 23:42
King K did have his best game but was a solid effort ..solid trip out west
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0 #65 MacK 2011-11-20 23:48
What a shame, Auld totally deserved the 'W' tonight.
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0 #66 Mr. Anderson 2011-11-20 23:56
Anytime you can pull 5 of a possible 6 points against the 3 western Canadian teams I think you can't possibly be upset with that. On a side note where has tookie we will only win 2 games on this road trip gone? Not that I miss the guy but you think he'd have the courage to take his medicine. Sure he'll be back once were on another losing streak.
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0 #67 MacK 2011-11-21 00:03
Quoting Mr. Anderson:
Anytime you can pull 5 of a possible 6 points against the 3 western Canadian teams I think you can't possibly be upset with that. On a side note where has tookie we will only win 2 games on this road trip gone? Not that I miss the guy but you think he'd have the courage to take his medicine. Sure he'll be back once were on another losing streak.

Tookie said we'd only beat the leafs...
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