It has been well documented but the month of December will go a long way towards deciding the Sens fortunes this year. They play 9 of the next 13 on home ice and will welcome a number of tough opponents.
That starts tonight with the Bolts in town.
Tampa has struggled at times this year and are out to a disappointing 11-12-2 start which includes three straight losses coming into this one. With that said, Tampa is still a team with a ton of firepower that will provide a tough test for Craig Anderson and the Sens. Tonight’s game features two of the league’s leading goal scores in Steven Stamkos and Milan Michalek, who have each scored 16 times this season.
The fact that Stamkos is there should come as no surprise but the blistering start by Milan Michalek has certainly turned some heads. The biggest difference for Michalek has been his health. He is finally playing at 100% and seems to be skating better than he ever has. Michalek has been a key cog in the Sens surprising offence so far this season.
Despite the overtime loss in Washington on Saturday night, Paul MacLean will go with the same combinations.
That means that Nikita Filatov will once again be the odd man out. This has been talked about to no end but I really don’t understand MacLean’s reluctance to play the kid. Saw some good signs from him since being called up and it will do nothing for his confidence to have him watching from the press box. Have to wonder how much longer he sticks around.
Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Greening-Spezza-Butler
Michalek-Foligno-Alfredsson
Daugavins-Smith-Condra
Konopka-Winchester-Neil
Phillips-Gonchar
Cowen-Karlsson
Rundblad-Lee
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM tonight and there are still plenty of tickets so contact Mike McCarthy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are looking to buy some. A reminder that the Sens will be collecting toys for Toy Mountain before tonight’s game so if you can, bring a toy with you to help the cause.
The game is available on Sportsnet and RDS.
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In just three days, it will be time to begin the "Hunt 4 Chirp" contest. Be sure to follow @SensChirp and @Wisers_Ottawa on Twitter for clues. We'll be giving away two pairs of tickets in the 100 Level Wisers Box for the January game against the Jets.
Did I mention the food and adult-beverages are free in there?
Hopefully we bounce back from a close lost against Washington. I think Karlsson and friends will be able to defeat the Tampa Trap. I just hope our defense is up to stop Tampa's firepower.
I also agree that butler is currently getting his golden oppertunity, its time to sink or swim bobby.
I agree there must be more to the Filatov situation, we need to give him a legit shot not a few games here or there and be done with it. Give him 10 games in the top 6 no matter how he plays and evaluate what u do with him form there.
as for today's game I hope Tampa's defense is ready for our fire power!
at his best, to continue on line with Greening and Spezza.
His stellar performance of a few games ago, when he scored 2 goals, must motivate him to perform at his highest level,
in order to move forward and eliminate the challenge of Nikita Filatov.
No doubt in my mind, that should he not respond with strong commitment and effective results, Coach MacLean will insert
Filatov for some games .
Hope he is ready for this challenge as of tonite !!
Was being called a healthy but I suppose it's possible that injury may still be bugging him.
He gets traded to Ottawa who then say "we will give you a shot on top 6, so please stay"
Since...
17gp 2g 4a for butler
9gp 0g 1a for Filatov
**Both Butler's goals came in 1 game
This is where aggrevation sets in. I'm sure Filatov would have been more than happy to go to Russia, but Murray told him to stay (which obviously he wants to play in NHL. remember this is a kid who promised the Sudbury Wolves that after his import draft he would play there if he didn't make Colombus. Instead Colombus rushed him inbetween NHl and AHL Syracuse for the whole year.)
He wants the shot, but he just wants certainty at this point
Butler on the other hand has taken the 4th line demotion in stride and in the last few games has really stepped up his play all over the ice. Nice to see him get rewarded by getting some time back with Spezza.
Should be another fun game tonight. Anderson will need to bring the A game he's been missing most of the year. I look for a hard fought 4-3 Sens win.
GO SENS GO!!!
Filitov spezza michalek
Greening regin alfredson
Condra smith butler
Winchester knopka neil
Karlson rundblad
Cowen gonchar
Philips lee
* Keep karlsson rundblad together, they might make mistakes but they are both great skaters and could recover from a mis play quickly. I see them as a future top pairing why delay it when they can learn from each other now while there's not much pressure/expect ations from the team this year.
Cheers, go sens!
Nice twist of my quote...and I agree lol, they shut the critics up pretty fast. All you heard from TSN before the season started was: "I don't know where Ottawa's offence will come from" and "Ottawa will struggle to score". WOW!!! Did that blow up in their face...but then apparently we're suppose to be in last place by now.
And good point Eagle about the broken nose. I don't see Filatov as one of those "tough" type players (such as Alfie) who could easily play with a broken nose. Maybe they are giving Butler his chance while Filatov's nose gets a little better. Which I have no problem with, Butler is another talented young struggling player that deserves a chance on the 1st line.
I trust maclean, but the question most Sens fans have who watch regularly and without further knowledge aside from games, why does Butler get the benefit of the doubt to bust his ass on the 4th line, when Filatov only gets practice time to show he fits in the NHL. Butler stats wise(which is why we gave him a 1way contract) has done nothing this year
I agree 100% with this analysis. There are a number of skills that coaches, managers and scouts consider when judging the quality of a player. We tend to focus on the obvious ones: skating, shooting, checking, positional play, etc. Niki's got most of these. There's one that we, as fans, seem to underestimate.. .. that's courage. It takes cojones to play in the NHL... everyone likes to think they have them... not everyone does. Filatov does not. Daigle didn't. DaCosta needs to grow some too. Once Niki-boy mans-up, he'll get his chance. If he doesn't... he can ply his trade with the other steers in the K.
And on what basis is this coming from???? He played the next night after his broken nose. From all accounts (aside from NHL ice chips) Filatov has been deemed healthy scratch not injury
And excited to see Cowen and Karlsson paired up. Hopefully they will get some top line billing over Phillips and Gonchar as the season progresses. These guys are our future top pair in my eyes.
I think you stated the biggest point, most fans only watch the games. The staff sees Filatov and Butler a lot more, on top of the fact Butler is more willing to put in a 4th line type of effort then Filatov is able to at this point. Filatov has 0 value dressing up if he's not in top 6. Also, Butler earned the chance first, unless u forget we had him here 1st and he's proven to have NHL value. He's further along his development path then Filatov is. Too many expect all big time prospects to be NHL ready within the first year or two from being drafted, when several can take 5 or more years. Filatov will be a late bloomer.
You dont have foligno who has been one of the most consistant guys all year
The line and team balance for a game is a lot more involved then who can score vs fight. For all the knocks on Konopka's skill level, he's a solid checker and grinder, that can get some cycle going and put some pressure on the opposition. That's what several teams want out of their 4th line, especially when their top 2 lines aren't too physical.
I want in the guessing game too!! :)
I'll go out on a limb and say something a little crazy, like 5-2 (I'm just not sure for whom yet, as it depends on who decides to show up haha). But since I'm bias...I'll call it in the Sens favour, they'll want to avenge their loss to the Caps ;)
Wow, I can't believe you don't get this. He's being treated by the Sens the same way they do all their prospects. Teach, learn, perform, get more ice time. That's all there is to it. No mismanagement! Every time I read a statement like this it makes me think sens fans don't get player development. BM and PM have proven they are willing to keep a bit bigger of a roster to give those prospects NHL practice time and some game time ... which they don't even have to do, instead of flat out sending them to the AHL.
I heard the Sens were practicing their breakout against the 3-2 trap. Here's to hoping it won't be a boring game tonight. Go Sens Go!
I agree 100% except for Butler. He signed as FA, had a great breakout last year, and has stunk since Training Camp. He is one dimensional, and 4th line duty is worthless for him.
I have no problem if Butler plays #1 line but it has to be earned, and I'm sorry practicing hard shouldn't earn him a spot next to Spezz. If thats the case why not give it to Corey Locke. From all I hear he is a great "pro" I want stats and I want production. Be it from Filatov or Butler. As far as I'm concerned neither has scored with Spezza yet which is troublesome to say the least
I'm sorry but greening, butler, filatov, condra alongside Spezza is getting sickening. Sure michalek alfie and foligno play well together, but I really believe Murray needs to stop looking for a 2LC.
Our most important need is a capable winger for Spezza. He is turning into Nash right now. Give him an NHl player with NHL experience that knows how to find gaps and holes for Spezza to hit him
If Winchester, konopka & Butler can all score from the 4th line why can't the more skilled Filatov score? Because he is a perimeter player & floater who needs to be set up to be effective. He just can't seem to do much himself & so far has proven to be very ineffective at the NHL level & not just here but in Columbus too. If he isn't scoring what's the point of putting him into the lineup, let guys who work hard on every shift play, they deserve it more for their hard work. My guess is he is gone after this yr or sooner.
Such a factless statement. Butler has scored in 1 game, and has assisted in 4 others.for a total of 5 games worth of production. Filatov has 1 game with production on half the games played.
at the very least switch them every other game and may the best man win. DO it for the next twenty games and the winner gets to keep that spot for the remaining 35-40 games.
If Butler were russian he'd be getting critized for playing for a contract and then floating once he got it.
i agree with you, i think in almost every case they have handled player development almost perfectly. however, i don't think they have with filatov. you say they preach "teach, learn, perform, etc" which is fine, but there are some guys who get serious playing time, who have done NOTHING to deserve it, such as butler and to a lesser extent condra. filatov has EASILY been as good as them, in limited ice time, yet he's never given a fair chance to play. he played well the last game, much better than the guys i mentioned, yet he draws out, and they stay in.
And as for a comment that said KK65 with DR7...It looks like PM is a big fan of having a stay-at-home dman paired with a Puck moving Dman. This of course means that Phillips, Cowen and Lee are like the stay at home mom's while KK65, DR7 and Gonchar go out and make the bacon.
Haha...Wonder what they would look like in a "Leave it to Beaver" type photoshop pic. Doubt Phillips et al would see the humour :)
He's accomplished a failed wrap around and a fractured nose in 9 games. If he has something to show, show it all ready or enjoy the view from the box
Effort and commitment to the system isn't judged in points. Butler has stepped up his game the last few, not through point production but rather his all around game shift in and shift out. Let's not forget he was playing through an injury to start the year, and appeared to have some difficulty as well learning the new system. The coach has given others a chance with Spezza and now sees that Butler deserves another shot.
I agree that Spezza deserves a more premiere winger that can match and complement his skills, but until we get one of those the coach will keep plugging whoever earns it most. Filatov though slightly improved from earlier this year, just has so far left to go.
I think you're stuck on the stats too much. Condra has done more then either, he's not a scorer or playmaker though, but he plays the system really well, and is a good 3rd line player.
Filatov got chances with Spezza that have not been allowed to Butler so far. He did practically nothing and not only that Spezza played worse because he was always trying to set him up in opportunities he could excel in. Can't force chemistry, let Butler get his chance and in a couple games if he stinks the next guy will get his ... may even be Filatov again. But it's not delaying or impeding his development and we aren't holding back from giving him something he's earned here.
you sir are wrong about Condra. I'm not in love with the guy like some here are but he works hard every game and is an integral part of a PK group that has been superb for us.
Butts is thinking way too much he's got to "Sync" up with Jason early. Stay deep with the other guys in the offensive zone. A goal would go a long way tonight.
Most others, like say a Da Costa, take their demotions to the AHl in stride, but because Filatov has an even "better personal option" of the KHL, it just complicates the situation further. Can't hate him for rating the NHL > KHL > AHL, but also don't lose hope that if he goes to the KHL that he could return in a year or two.
Karlsson seems like he is on the ice the whole game, hope he pots another tonight.
I hope we win, a shut out would be nice, been a while since we had one. (unlikely a shut out)
4-2 Ottawa
My wife just won some tickets for tonight's showdown... section 116 row K... See you there!!
GO SENS GO!
PS We need a golden 'stache' statue out front!
Oh I don't know... Craig Anderson and him pretty stole that Calgary game for us. All the while on the 4th line. I'd say that's "something".
Butler hasn't been that hot, that's for sure. That's why he's been playing on the 4th line. But he has done much more for this team than Filatov ever has/will (how we all quickly forget).
Filatov was in the minors, and issued a veiled threat to return to Russia unless he got called up. I'm pretty sure Paul McLean is old school and doesn't reward that type of attitude, nor do I think his teammates do either.
He gets called up, and promptly gets 3 games on the first line (one he got hurt 5 shifts in). He averaged 15 minutes, and 1 shot on net in the two game he fully played.
I don't understand the love and agony people are showing for a player that doesn't deserve it. Filatov is getting the exact treatment he deserves...
which is to say NOT SPECIAL TREATMENT
Or of course maybe they just want to see Butler succeed for the same fact of his 1 way contract.
Greening Spezza Michalek
Filatov Brassard Alfredsson
Folingo Smith Neil
Daugs -Winchester/ Z- Condra
Karlsson Cowen
Kuba-gonchar
Philips- Rundblad
I think its more media/fan speculation more than anything.
I really want to see him play. The frustrating part as a fan for me and not seeing Filatov play is that we picked this guy up with the intention to let him loose on the ice and see what he can do.
Now we have him and sit. We are rebuilding, so what is there to lose with letting him lace up for a few games? Wouldn't it be easier on everyone to let him play 20 games, then either ship or keep?
Unless, as several people have mentioned, we are placing certain people on display for the scouts to do some window shopping.
Either way... no team in the NHL has a full team that produces.... so why should we be different with ours?
GO SENS GO! Lightning doesn't strike in the winter!
Good 'ol NHL.com... what about Michalek?
on Line 1 with Greening and Spezza, why not try Peter Regin
at the Right Wing position ??
Foligno can still be our 2c, and continue playing with Michalek and Alfredsson.
This would give us 2 solid lines with scoring power !
Filatov and Butler could play either 3rd or 4th line,
and this back and forth sesaw with them would be solved !
The PS3 EASHL team "Chirpers" now has three members and we played our first game the other day and had a great come from behind win.
Anyone else wanting to join the club feel free to search the club and join.
Cheers
Well, I would suggest that since they can't say "another" with MM9 that it's sort of fair that they focus on Stamkos. Besides, let MM9 fly under the radar a bit longer. Half the time he scores it seems like the other team forgot he was out there or that he really is THAT fast.
GO SENS GO
I'd be interested but I'm not familiar with any of the online features of EANHL12. Normally just play gm mode or be a pro. How do I find this?
I would love to see one of these soon to be called plugs in filatov and butler step up and take the job. Butler is playing like he is on a one way deal and filatov is playing like he is on a two way deal. Simply put. One is playing to play with no fear aside of 4th line demotion thenotherbis playin in fear of being sent down
We offer edmonton lee, wiercroitch and a 3rd or maybe filatov
They gain 2 young d and a possible top9 forward or pick.
We get sweder
I was responding to people saying that Butler "has done NOTHING for us". The Calgary game is evidence of ONE MORE THING than Filatov has done for us this year, not to mention Butler had some modest success last year too.
But alot of you want to annoint Filatov to 1st line status despite doing absolutely nothing to deserve it, except being drafted high. I suggest you take the rose-coloured glasses off.
Has Bobby Butler been awesome? No, certainly not. Should Butler be on the first line? No, probably not. But why on this green Earth should it be Filatov that gets GIFTED THE SPOT.
Earn the spot, word hard, and keep quiet. This is my advice to Mr. Filatov if he ever wants to be a full-time player in the NHL.
You can add foligno too, with the young talent we have coming in next year foligno will be a 4th liner, better trade him now while he's playing well and has some value.
Go to EA sports hockey league on the main menu then click join club and it will give you a search clubs option and type in Chirpers.
or add me as a friend and i will send u an invite... psn name is darthsens911
I really don't understand the Foligno hate that goes on hear. If you watch the games you'd see he's a force on the ice. He also LEAD the whole team (yeah, more than Karlsson or Spezza) in points in November. He's the one guy besides Neil who goes hard to the net and plays gritty. I, for one, would like to see us keep him as long as he keeps playing like this.
I agree.. Hard hitting diggers. Can never have enough of them.
I would love Paajarvi. The question is, would Edmonton be so ready to trade him? I wouldn't if I were them, especially for that package.
Please list all the GMs in the NHL who are looking for an injured, unproven center; an over-priced, fragile, under-performin g PMD and another unproven who hasn't played regularly in the NHL despite being a first rounder.
....
THAT'S why these guys have not been traded. Not to mention that at least Regin and Lee could still prove valuable to us - definitely more valuable than anything another GM would be willing to offer today.
Our grinders are michalek,greening,smith,daugivins,neil,winchester,foligno,condra
We have lots of guys like foligno in our system, to me he's overated. I like foligno but i believe if he's still here next year he'll be a fourth liner.we have some elite grinders who can dish and score,foligno gets huge chances and should be scoring 25-30 goals but he doesn't finish.
On a postive note mclean seems to be working with him and helping his game we'll see where he sits at the end of this season.
Your "Simple Jack" username is quite fitting.
Let's recap what I've learned from some of you recently:
Anderson isn't playing well, Filatov should always be on the first line, Greening should never be on the first line, Foligno is a 4th liner, Butler has done NOTHING for us this year and Filatov would, Phillips is actually fine, we need to find a team willing to take Lee, Kuba and/or Regin for a 2nd line Center, and now... Michalek is a grinder.
My head hurts.
I don't see the problem with having Foligno on our 3rd or fourth line. It just indicates the quality that the team has up front if someone like him gets pushed back to the 3rd/4th line. Just like when Fisher was in the bottom 6. Wasn't a knock on him just that we had such a good team that's where he fit in.
If Bobby Lou becomes available, GM BM had better get any and all packages ready for it. We have been dreaming of a number 1 of his status for the entire organizations existence.
I know, I know.. Lehner's up and coming but wouldn't it be a dream to have that combo!
I agree and disagree... Luongo is an absolutely great goalie and I for one would love to have him.
The fans here however are very fickle and he could become a goat if he shi ts the bed like he has so far this season. But he usually only has shorts stints of bad play when they do come.
Such a day that the Sens are so stacked, that Foligno is playing on the 4th line, is years away. What you are saying is obviously true, but that's not what Mr. Simple Jack was saying.
I know it seems like Nick Foligno has been here forever, but may I point out he just turned 24.
.
You are off your rocker!
When Foligno ends up on the 3rd line it's because we're ready to contend and finally have actual elite scorers for the top 6. Even then, he might be a playmaker or grinder on the 2nd line since he still has some touch.
Foligno is better than every other grinder you mentioned by quite a bit, aside from Michalek who is not a grinder and maybe Greening. And even then, it's obvious Foligno has more playmaking skills than Greening.
There's a difference between a sniper and a playmaker, you keep wanting Foligno to be a sniper, which he is not!
Perfect, I'll check that out. Thanks!
So unless another GM can blow Murrays socks off with a deal involving Foligno (which wont happen), he wont be going anywhere anytime soon...
I was drinking and somewhat distracted. Horrible start but was an entertaining game.
A lot of guys have talent but can't translate it into the NHL. Although underachieving, I like Butler's upside better.
This will be Filatov's last year in the NHL for sure.
Not good enough.
Bobby's gonna light the lamp tonight.
GO SENS GO
http://atdhenet.tv/41727/watch-tampa-bay-lightning-vs-ottawa-senators
Wide open in the slot, and opts to pass :(
LOL
Ya, he looked fine indeed.
It's either one extreme or another for every player on this team. Btw regarding filatov I want it known that by no means do I want us to gift him 1st line duties. Let himself playself up to there in the same manner as butler. Let him work through flaws and get accustomed to the system. Hive him benefit of doubt once in a while. It is a new team. Butler has played so many games with the sens and bingo players he should have chemistry by now the same way it is obvious smith vondra and daug have
Why should Butler sit out in order to let Filatov prove himself by working through flaws and getting accustomed to the system?
Butler was on a two-way contract last year, did he cry when he spent time in the AHL. Did he threaten to take drastic action? No, he shut his mouth, and put in the time.
If Filatov doesn't want to do the same, and still doesn't produce, he can spend time in the pressbox. You don't gift time to a whiny player.
Pretty simple to understand.
Sens need to keep shooting the damn puck. If you put it to the net eventually it'll go in!
GO SENS GOOOO
What? No love for the Daugs?
Says the village idiot chanting fail for nail. Nice name u call yourself a sens fan?
Na.
Such a fun team to watch.
But yeah definitely a much more entertaining season to watch even if the end result is the same as last
NHL proposed 4 conferences for next season as opposed to two!
We would have both Florida AND Tampa in our conference.
GO SENS GO!!!
Yeah I know lol. I wish Detroit would be in the East though. Damn.
way to go sens, Zack Smith WOW
Did you ride the shortbus to school? WTF is "fail for nail'" your sex life?
Nice too see Aflie rip one !!
I guess Filatov will draw back in Butler was benched last 7 mins ...
and rip one he did.
And z.smith , he has as many goals as heater and he gets half the toi that Heatley gets, LOL...man is that trade starting to look good!
Anyways, great win tonight...GO SENS GO!
not a chance....
zack smith = honeybadger