The Caps have played once since Saturday's overtime win and fell 5-4 at the hands of the surprising Florida Panthers. Washington sits two points back of Ottawa in the Eastern Conference standings.
No changes are expected to the line up that rallied for a 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night. That means Nikita Filatov will once again be watching from the press box. I understand the reluctance to tinker with a winning line up but I really thought we would see Filatov back in the mix tonight after a few inconsistent efforts from Bobby Butler.
On defence, MacLean is expected to start with the same pairings, which means we’ll once again see a hefty dose of Erik Karlsson and Jared Cowen. With the Sens having the benefit of last change, expect that pair to see a lot of Alex Ovechkin this evening.
The Sens announced this morning that they have placed Filip Kuba on the IR with a shoulder injury. He is expected to be sidelined for the next month. Meanwhile, Matt Carkner will rejoin the team in New Jersey tomorrow night but is not expected to play.
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 just after 7:00 PM tonight with plenty of tickets still available. What better way to spend a Wednesday night than down at Scotiabank Place. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are looking for tickets.
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REMINDER- Tomorrow is the Hunt4Chirp Contest. Throughout the day, @SensChirp and @Wisers_Ottawa will be posting clues to our hiding spot on Twitter. Then, beginning at 6:00 PM, you’ll have to hunt us down! The first two people to find us will receive a pair of tickets in the free food, food booze, 100 Level Wisers Box for the Jets/Sens game in January. Must be legal drinking age to participate!
Oh thanks for the heads up!! I would have been late.
On the Sens website called SensTalk, there is some confusion regarding the status of Semin.
The Ottawa Citizen lists the injured, and there are 5 players not in the lineup. Semin shows as shoulder questionable.
Some say he is a healthy scratch and has been for a few games.
Could you clarify the status of Semin for tonite's game ??
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for winning and a cup run this year... but realistically it's not going to happen.
Butler better get a goal tonight and hope Michalek can get a hat trick to wipe Kessel's face off NHL's scoring leader's page.
GO SENS GO!
I think Lee has already proved that he is capable of playing D at the NHL level.
I haven't seen much from Filatov that shows me he has as much talent as everybody says he has though.
I think both are being mishandled at this point though.
He will play tonight and likely on a line with Backstrom and Ovechkin.
He will play tonight and likely on a line with Backstrom and Ovechkin.[/quote
Thanks for your clarification]
Yes Go Butler you deserve it more then Filatov.Butler has been getting better every game.
In the last 5 games #sens Butler has only 5 shots on goal, 3 of those 5 games he went shotless. And hes still on the top line? #PutInFilatov
I've decided I'm all in favor of playing Butler tonight and tomorrow against Jersey
He has had his shot and is getting it some more. If he doesn't produce, and by produce I dont' means core, I want sustained pressure, I want scoring opportunities, I want something, anything!
Then once these games are done, Maclean will have to go with Filatov for the same length of time tos ee what he has. If he does exactly like Butler then looks like regin/foligno can go there. if not then look elsewher. Of course the hope si that one of butitov can come through
He has approx 14, 14, and 9 mins in his last 3 games. Not huge minutes, but definitely enough to try and show something. It does takes time to rekindle chemistry, and his play has definitely improved since the start of the year, but it's not at the level warranting 1st line duty for much longer.
I like the idea of giving him these next 2 games and then giving Filatov another audition.
Realistically though, forget 2nd line C, we need a top 3 winger in a trade as none of these kids seem ready, and Spezza deserves better!
Should be a fun game tonight. The reunited super trio of Washington will likely create some problems, but as long as we can keep them in check and to 1 goal as a unit we should have a good chance to win the game.
4-2 for Ottawa. GO SENS GO!!!
Johne,
I agree with Alcatraz in giving Butler a string of games ,just like they did with Da Costa.
If after 7-10 games , no progression is seen, then bring Filatov for the same nuber of games.
If they both cant cut it, slide in Regin on RW.
This has to come to a conclusion by early in 2012 !
I agree! And I've said it before, Spezza needs real NHL talent for once. God love him but we give everyone with talent and experience to Alfie lol.. Spezza can't keep making fringe talent into NHLers. We are putting our own cap on his abilities as a result
This is Lee's chance to prove his worth to the organization. He's shown that he's a NHL calibre player but he also needs to demonstrate that he can be a top 4 guy and not just another spare part.
On the plus side I love how Foligno has looked at center. He's done a great job so far between MM9 and Alfie and I hope he stays in that spot when Regin gets back. Foligno's on pace for 24 goals and 51 pts this season... Finally the breakout year we've all been waiting for.
I WILL be watching.
I agree completely, only if everyone else on the team has been producing and not be given a free ride! (I'm loooking at you butler) If Maclean treated eveyrone equally then ya Filatov does not deserve to be there
But everyone knows Filatov has oodles more skill than Butler, but he just hasn't been given a fair shake
Because he makes 60k in the AHL and a million bucks in the NHL. That's why. If we sent him down, he'd bolt to the KHL.
Wow...Sign of the times...I could have sworn this said "concussion by early in 2012"
Well - that solves the too many D-Men problem.
AND Kuba's value at the trade deadline just dropped a lot.
"Is just a nu start phor me, end I'm just heppy to be ere."
I'd also be open to rotating that wing open to several players with the notion of 'get on the scoresheet and you play again'. Sort of the same issue we had with goalies 'you win, you're in.'
If anything people saw his value and will still reach for him, now we can showcase Carkner and Lee inflating their values for deadline day deals hahah
I am curious to hear the thoughts of those that get to games regularily.
Thanks
Filatov is 21 years old career stats: 53gp 6g 8a
Yeah I guess Filatov is the better player!?!
The reason why Butler is getting a shot ahead of Filatov is the fact that he's older, therefore we need to make a decision sooner we are still a few years away from having to decide what to do with Filatov.
Regardless I think both of these players will not be with us when we are competing for Lord Stanley cause honestly you don't win a cup with 1 dimensional players like that!
Interesting, by chance did you see which D was on the ice at the same time?
With Karlsson out there and I knew that and I'm Spezza, you know I want to be in a position to transition easily. We make too much fuss about TBay trap, but every team clogs the neutral zone (see NHL.com feature on Dan Boyle)
Is Spezza is cheating and its Phillips?Cowen out there, then that has to stop cause you know hes not getting a breakout pass crisply
We can't on the one hand say how good this organization is at developing young players & how good our coaching staff is & then on the other hand say Filatov is not getting a fair shake here. Why would he be treated any differently? Now it's Maclean`s fault? I thought he was a good coach?
I see Butler throw hits, finish his checks, score a couple of goals, make scoring chances & setups. I don't see any of that from Filatov. I see a guy skating around not hitting anyone & waiting for something to happen for him, he's mostly invisible. IMO he doesn't work for it, so he doesn't deserve it.
The Coaches (plural) have Butts so D contious he is not staying on the Offence long enough and so as "Cy" is the designated defensive specialist on that line Jason gets left all alone and no one gets any shots.
Too bad about the "China Doll" so predictable...n ot his fault too brital! And he is immoveable!
I'd do the Condra to First Line for Neil to 3rd switch.
Semin is the guy to watch tonight but he should draw our "older" pair.
Anyone have Bell and know if the Sens and Caps game will be on one of these channels tonight, or am I stuck with TSN.
I just want this over with, pick a player or play them both? Here is a fun option, sit Kenopka, move greening to a 3b line of greening-winche ster-neil and then have a 1st line of:
Butler-Spezza-Filatov
Dog eat dog world
Butler played five games on the second line (Oct 13 - Nov 1 - Nov 4 - Nov 5 - Nov 9 )
and three games on the first line (Nov 29 - Dec 3 - Dec 5) recording 9 shots and earning 2 assists.
Filatov played four games on the first line (Oct 7 - Oct 8 - Nov 27 - Dec 1)
recording 3 shots and 1 assist.
Filatov has been judged on two " two game stretches " as a top 6 forward while Butler had both a five game and another four game stretch (adding tonight's game).
Neither one of them as shown that he can perform on one of the top two lines but seeing those stats I would say that these players are not receiveing equal treatment.
Judging one player on five games and the other one on two games is suprising to say the least.
Tsn is advertising live stream and blog for the sens game tonight, tsn.ca/nhl
I didn't notice which defensmen were on, but either way it was blatently obvious he was in no way in position to make a defensive play in the slot let alone help his defensmen out in the corners or behind the net.
Butler for this season ATOI 11:23 to Filatov's 9:49
I'm a fan of Butler's, he is a pure goal scorer that this team needs, but outside of Butler's breakout game in Calgary, he hasn't done much to show me that he should be playing on the top line.
Filatov on the other hand hasn't exactly shown me that he should be on the top line either, but he should be getting equal minutes to Butler. Neither of them play well defensively, so take that completely out of the equation.
Nothing, but what has Butler done to deserve more ice time than Filatov?
Butler has played more NHL games this season than Filatov too. I think they BOTH need to step their game up and prove that they belong, but letting things be 'status quo' with Butler isn't the way I'd motivate either player.
Butler was one of our best players in the 2nd half last year, that's why he's getting a shot robotics what he's got ahead of Filatov!
How is Spezza cheating on the attack if he's normally the one carrying the puck up ice, end to end! Not sure what you were looking at.
Dam iPhone auto correct... What I meant to say was Butler was one of our best player in the 2nd half last year which is why he's getting more of a shot ahead of Filatov
Butler was injured to start the year, he's just rounding into form now. As a Sens fan you should know what Butler has done that Filatov has not, it's obvious in the games they've played.
Also, sophomore slump is not uncommon after the increased workload and travel and such. Give Butler some time and he'll remind you why we liked him last year. Filatov has NEVER done anything in the NHL to this point aside from the hat trick in his 6th game, which was years ago.
We traded for Filatov cause he's got great skill and we need skill but skill will take you only so far without hard work
Because we are rebuilding and at some point in the future Filatov has the potential to be an all-star caliber player. All prospects come with risk/reward, in this case the risk was a measly 3rd round pick and the reward could be huge ... just stop expecting it to happen right away!
The problem with Filatov is not his play, is not management's decision to sit him, it's FANS' expectations that he would become a 1st line sniper right away, just because we traded for him! Leave some time for this kid to ride his learning curve already and let's end this debate.
YES!! It was the fans that put such high expectations on the guy. I remember when we acquired him and also during training camp a lot of posters around here were predicting 50-60+ point production of out Filatov.
anyway, what else should we be discussing?
I'd like to see Carkner return to the lineup for the Bruins game next week, just in case...
Thats why guys like Daug and Greening are getting more ice time. So dn't use last year use only this year.
I think both BUtler and Filatov have skill and they bothh have a purpose in this league
Again why not try butler-spezza-f ilatov one game? maybe the only two disappointments to the team this year can bring the best out of each other
I agree to an extent but for me, expectations isnt the right word, more like high hopes.
One expectation I did have was that he would be playing.
but whatever, I'm not doubting Maclean. I just really hope Butler starts scoring like he did last year, or at least trying.
Sorry, but that 1st line made me laugh. Expectation = Hope fyi.
expectation [ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən]
n
1. the act or state of expecting or the state of being expected
2. (usually plural) something looked forward to, whether feared or hoped for
3. an attitude of expectancy or hope; anticipation
Why would you want to put Spezza with our two worst players?
Expectation = Hope? I don't think so...
I may HOPE that the Receptionist has a change of heart and wants to have mindless sex with me, but my EXPECTATIONS are that this will never happen...see the difference?
is that not what we have done for the past 3 years?? Anyone who is struggling or we project to be top 6 player, hey put them with spezza! he must make them a good player
Ideally I think Spezza should be with michalek and greening
then have a regin-foligno-a lfie line when regin is healthy
I was just thinking that myself. I was wondering where Regin would fit in when he returns, and I think the best fit for him is on the wing with Foligno and Alfie. Regin and Foligno have shown to have good chemistry together in the past.
It would also be nice to have our best goal scorer back with Spezza. The Greening-Spezza -MM9 line was tearing it up.
Read #2 & #3 in the definition. Also search for synonyms, they will show up for each other.
Its normal to give a kid that is product of your own program a better shot than a kid from another program.
Butler's time is running out tho and Filatov, IF he can wait will get his shot.
Why a Senator lays a heavy hit, the fans should shout BOOM!
That. would. be. AWESOME!
Yeah, they were bound to struggle at one point but hell, put them back together.
Spezza is playing with ______, give the man some help!
Yeah the straight definition doesn't work here... I can hope for things to happen but don't expect them to...
Wow! A new low for Tookie... referring to our own players as "retards". They may not be true top 6 forwards, but if you really hate this team that much, get the f&*k off this site.
BOOM!
Hehe...
That is at the crust of my frustration,
we and I include Filatov, were sold on a rebuild with a shortage of top 6 players.
Filatov already promising to go to the KHL if not in the NHL was promised a fair shot.
I would like an explanation as to why he has not received that shot.
Poor Spezza has been stuck with young unproven NHL players for way too long. If you want to try out Butler with him, then keep Michalek on his line.
Right now we do not have a first line, only a 2-4 lines.
How can it hurt to give Spezza another creative player?
Or I repeat the question... why trade for him in the first place?
@Sensation...I expect Butler to shit the bed tonight but I really, really hope I am wrong.
Oops sorry, did I offend you Blue? Seems so.
I really hope this thread ends soon, but I expect it will continue ad-nauseam.
ad nauseam [æd 'n??z??æm -s?-]
adv
to a disgusting extent
Putting aside the word fair because that is subjective.
An answer to your question would be, because in the minds of Bryan Murray and Paul MacLean he has not shown enough at training camp, in the games that he has had with Ottawa, in practice and in Bingo to warrant being played ahead of the likes of people like Bobby Butler, Kaspars Daugavins and Colin Greening (amongst others).
Playing Filatov alongside Spezza is still sticking him with somebody young and unproven.
Your next question, we traded for Filatov to give a shot should he earn it. As yet he hasn't.
Hell, while were at it throw in Carkner and Regin on the 1st line, the more the merrier it seems!
Yeah I really dont know what they had in mind when trading for him. Did they expect he would come in and light it up. Did they want to groom him into an overall good player. Did they just want him as a spare?
Either way right now it seems he's just an extra body filling spots where needed.
What everyone expected to happen in pre-season has finally happened, Kuba is out. I do think Kuba has played beyond expectations this year, which isn't hard considering how low they were. He has gained some trade value. I'd give more than a bag of pucks, maybe throw in a few sticks as well. I'm just happy to see Lee finally get a chance.
No big trade rumours, anyone, anyone???
But that would leave Neil/Winchester /Konopka/Butler /Filatov all fighting for the 4th line...
If they send Daugs back down (based on contract not play) then I guess that would open a spot with Smith/Condra... but Neil would be the best option there I would think. That would be a fun line to watch
who (new player) has shown anything to be on the top 3
why always Butler
and how has Butler earned it?
we are getting from youngsters Cowen/Karlsson
Tide is changing lol
Colin Greening - he has less NHL experience than both Butler and Filatov.
No chemistry with Butler
No chemistry with Filatov
No chemistry with MM9
No chemistry with ......
It's impossible to have chemistry with the guy when he keeps coughing up the puck to the other team.
At what point do you start thinking that the problem may be with the center ?
I can see your point, but right now Spezza is really carrying two new guys... granted Greening looked good when Michalek was there, but putting another new guy (Butler/Filatov ) is really hurting all of them.
I know that McLean is big on deserving it, but the reality is some player simply play better than they practice.
All I am saying is that if we traded for him, in hopes he could play top 6, give him some top 6 minutes, before we lose him like we did many other of our Russian hopefuls
Kaigarodov
Nikolin
Lyamin etc.
And also when I seen him at the WJC he was by far one of the best players, and I don't think that they lose this overnight.
excellent point!!!!
That is the best handle on here by far!!!
"Laces out!"
I agree that at the moment neither of them have done much to warrant top 6 minutes but if one of them gets a first try at the job it should be Butler based on production so far.
The last 2 games they both played (not counting the injury) Filatov and Butler had basically the same ice time. This season Butler has 6pts in 18, Filatov 1 in 9. Butler has 1 pt every 34 minutes, Filatov 1 in 85.Butler has spent most of this season on the 3rd and 4th lines. It's not like Butler has been given all the opportunities under the sun.
There must be something that NF is doing that the coaches don't like. I don't want players rewarded for being whining little bitches who blackmail the team whilst producing NOTHING. I want hard work and buying into the team ethic to be rewarded.
About 72% of MM9's goals and 80% of his points have come with Spezza as his Centreman. The same can be said with Butler and Greening. Here is some advise for you and the rest of that retarded Anti-Spezza Cult. Spezza is a bonafide Number 1 Centre and those don't grow on trees.
No chemistry with MM9? Did you watch the first 15 games? They were arguably our best 2 forwards when they played together. McLean split them up to help develop a 2nd line.
I think Greening does better when he plays with Spezza & MM9 than with Spezza & Butler/Filatov since he doesn't neeed to do as much. With Butler/Filatov it seems like Greening is trying to do to much and/or trying to be something he's not.
Get Regin back with Foligno/Alfie and reunite Spezza/MM9/Gree ning... that will end the Butler/Filatov debate.
At the point where everything you just said might actually be true, until then join reality.
It's pointless to get too riled up debating Filatov vs Butler since we don't have all the information. Maybe they were both told that Butler will get 5 games, then Filatov and they'll go from there. Maybe nobody's telling them anything.
Bottom line, I'm sure they'll make damn sure they've explored all their options and won't trade/release/g ive up on anyone until MacLean is 100% sure he can't use the guy.
I hope you said that too get a raise out of people but ..we are past that point ..since 2008 which was the last time he had played a full season and scored more the 57 points in a season ..Thats when we had Alfie/ Heatley on his wings ... Not bad for Bona Fide 1 Centre ...
Icethetics is saying that the NHL will use the exact say NHL All-Star jerseys as last year here in Ottawa. The only change would be the Ottawa All-Star patch on the shoulder.
You got any info on this?
Saw that on another Sens blog today. Have not heard any of the particulars but I would assume the picture is legit.
I know we all shat in the off season of the fact that we have too many defencemen, but the good thing about having "too many" is having good depth and the ability for the coach to pick and choose.
With Kuba out, it's nice that we'll still have a solid core with Lee slotting in, and Carks coming back. So while Kuba [dare I say it] has been GOOD, it's not a huge loss because we have depth.
That being said when Kuba comes back, it would be nice to at least get something for Lee. At least a 3rd maybe?
Just changed his last name to McKenna that's all.....
EEEEEYORE !
And we take 2 penalties at one time.
Fail for Nail starting tonight?
No.
That was seriously the worst period I've seen this year by the Sens.
Anderson is the only reason this game isn't 10-0.
Luckily the rest of the game can't possibly be as bad!
Then they start to bash Karlsson.
I may end up watching the washington feed.
I've gotten used to it. It's TSN. Their Ottawa biased.
At least they haven't mentioned the Leafs in the last 30 minutes. I think that might be a record.
(sarcasm)
but I Cant say I have ever been this furious at them in my life
Straight up amateur nonsense call
I need to see a big hit and fight ASAP
Boy are they going to look stupid when they see that again.
Terrible miss call.
Oh, they weren't missed. They were all noticed. Just not called.
Also, why is Butler on the PP?
He's playing awful. Just awful.
EVERYONE GO BUY A LOTTO TICKET!
What a beauty!
Hahahaha. Eat it! Fuckin eat it!
Spezza is playing with Alfredsson and Michalek...
they've already changed it man.
Michalek - Foligno - Alfredsson
Daugavins - Smith - Condra
Winchester - Konopka - Neil
It at least gives a different look without drastically blowing the lines up.
i am watching the end of the 2nd period chat and the people on TSN are saying nice things about the Senators.
black is white
cats and dogs living together
payback bitches for the Neil Spear.
Nice to see the fans stand up for us, can hear the boos on TV, when that happens it is LOUD at the rink.
Don't mind this but really Winchester > Greening? I don't know if I'm sold that he is a first liner, but I'd take him on my team over Winchester.
To be honest, it's always the same guys that get to sit in the pressbox. If you think Winchester needs to sit out, some other dude would like to see Butler. In my case it'd be Greening. We all have our choice of players who we would like to see sit out.
EXACTLY!
Fair enough. Well said.
On a separate note, I wonder how many make up calls we will get now that the refs have seen the spear.
Maclean has to make that a focal point for improvement for tomorrow. Just pitiful.
Oh wait, no I don't.
We're hesitating on every play. Not finishing checks. Not digging for pucks.
Refs are sure doing their jobs to give the Caps a W tonight.
I'd say he is doing a good job so far. He's working with what he has.
Sens left 20 minutes early.
This is something that needs to be addressed. Love the guy and what he brings offensively, but sometimes on defence I wonder.
We are better on a Par 5.
But wow. What a shit show by the Sens.
Seriously embarrassing.
This is true, but at the same time, it shouldn't necessarily happen. This was the Sen's game to win.
In my opinion, as good as Karlsson has been, the coaches really need to work with him one on on for some lessons on defence. His backcheck and lateral skating is one of the worst I've ever seen.
Although he's been our best offensive defenceman, he remain for the second straight year our biggest liability defensively. As good as he is.
But wow. What a shit show by the Sens.
Seriously embarrassing.
I 100% AGREE
2 things I noticed.
1/ Im tired of Butler. He's a one dimensional player and really, Im starting to think he's a HEATLEY type player - can only really shoot. Bad skater, no strength, not gritty, no moves. I'd like to see Filatov a bit more before we all write him off.
2/ For the first time, I questioned Macleans coaching decisions on that 4 on 4. I was at the game and saw that he had Daugavins and Winchester (who have both played well this year) vs. Backstrom and Ovechkin - I really think thats a MAJOR mismatch and it cost us. Add that to Karlsson on there, who has played well vs Ovechkin, but you need a bit more experience on at that point.
Whatever - almost tied it. Makes you wonder though, there has been at least 3-4 games that have gotten away from Ottawa, win those and your right in the thick of it. What do you expect though from a young team...
WHat a terribly officiated game. The Ovechkin spear speaks for itself but why the fuck did Foligno get a penalty on Laich for something dmen do hundreds of times a game.
Those offsetting penalties screwed us as 4 on 4 clearly favours them with their speed.
Ah well, it is what it is. They have a chance to redeem themselves tomorrow versus the Devils.
Oh ya, and congrats to Michalek on his 17th goal...great birthday present to be the nhl goal scoring leader!
Seriously? You should get tested because you're probably clinically retarded to be saying that about Karlsson. He's one of the best skaters in the NHL and regularly catches opposing forwards on the back-check with ease. Don't quit your day job idiot.
Agree 100%. I DO realise that it is difficult to sit a guy as good as Karlsson. However, that last pass he made to thread the puck thru the Washington player that caused the Carlson empty net was a terrible terrible move.This is the thing with Karlsson. He's good, but he makes horrible risks. Risks that you look back, shake your head, utter an expletive comment, and wonder if he'll ever learn. Not that I've done any of those things...
I understand your frustration. However, I do not see the need to call me an idiot. This is a Senators-friend ly blog where people express their opinion. This was my opinion. And in my opinion, Karlsson gets blown by way too easily. We've even seen it on occassion where he will fall down as the opposing player catches him flat footed. All I'm saying is that his defensive game needs some more work.
Just my opinion.
Cheers. It was an entertaining game.
Take no offense but you do realize that Butler was the one who drew the hooking penalty that lead to the Poweplay. Also he played a role along with Greening on Foligno's goal by battling in front of the net and tied up his d-man to give Foligno time and space to score.
Butler my not have scored tonight and had 2 shots. He did the little things that resulted in 2 goals something Filatov has failed to do on a game to game basis.
vented...now my thoughts on the game:
-Sit Butler: It is painfully obvious he is not ready for top 6 minutes...so stop putting him up there. Did you see the difference when the line is BB16- Spezza- Greening VS. MM9-Spezza-Gree ning...huge difference! Get that line that worked so well together BACK together. To be honest idk why they were ever split up...? It was a perfect line: Scorer-Playmake r- Someone who can create space (can also finish too)
-Holy crap, Nick Foligno! His patience is unbelievable
-The second line: Alfie and Foligno are perfect on there... Now just try filatov on that line
Anyways, exciting game...go sens go!
yup...
I've liked what I've seen from Filatov, he's sure as shit more exciting to watch than Butler.
That 4 on 4 was a major mismatch of speed and skill up front
as for the D, he had limited options and it really was an incredible play by ovechkin.
I don't care if it's Alexander Ovechkin. As good as he is, he's containable. 29 teams have been able to shut him down all year. Karlsson needs to be better defensively and not allow opposing players to completely blow by him so easily. I understand he's young and it's hard. But it does prove that he still needs more work in a one on one defensive situation.
By the way, nobody mentioned him, but Craig Anderson again was absolutely breathtaking. If it wasn't for Craig bailing us out,there would be no doubt that we would be a below .500 team. He was awesome in a lopsided shot-wise game.
This team still has a lot of young players on it... don't you think they will make mistakes from time to time?
4 of the 6 D for the most part are very young and inexperienced.. . give them a break.
A little note to Mr. Ovechkin.... start taking a clean hard hit as a man..... that spear was a cheapshot and you should have had at least a double minor or a 5 min major. Players have been kicked out of the game for much less than that.
But we all know it won't be looked at... nothing ever is when it's the Sens on the receiving end of a cheapshot.
We are 13-12-3, and tied for 6th overall in GOALS FOR! Yes, our defensive work and goals against isn't that hot, but we already knew that coming into the season. We are in Year 1 of a mini-rebuild, and some of you should just enjoy it while it lasts...
because I'm telling you, it might not last all season. Then we'll see some real bitching.
What a peice of Shit.
BTW how sick is Nicky FLings?!?!?!
Just watched it. Another reason why I'll hold off on blogging tonight haha.
Im not gonna call you an idiot, but he's right that he's one of the best skaters and Im not sure what you're watching. Its your opinion though...
How does Neil get two for diving on that spear?
Here's the funny part, and all you need to know about NHL discipline (aka Wheel of Justice): They have a better chance at suspending the retard ref, then getting Ovechkin suspended. Obviously, neither will happen.
Imagine if Tootoo spears Ovechkin! Hell, imagine if Neil spears Ovechkin, or even wrose Crosby. What would the league wide reaction be?
Give me a break. Neil's face was in agony, and his eyes were closed. His head turning the side was a natural reaction to being speared in the gut/groin.
I suggest anyone that think's Neil was peaking over at the ref, look at the video replay a bit more. Assumptions can only achieve one thing, and that is to make an ass out of you...
in this case, the Ref.
Hey Eric,
Took a night off. Will have a little post game wrap up this morning plus some information on today's Hunt4Chirp Contest! The game highlights are up under the video tab on the home page.
^This^
I try not to post after loses as people will just be morons and jump on me but my God, some of you are worse than me!!! lol
Neil did embellish it, did you forget he takes punches to the face for a living? Dont think for 1 second he didnt want Ovie off for the match or atleast a 4 minute. Was it a penalty, hell yes, dirty play by Ovie but lets face it here, Neil didnt get shot, although it looked like he did.
For the record Ovie should of had a penalty not Neil.
Ovie was suspended twice last year I believe, sooo whats your point?
Yes that was a bad analogy by jasonontheoldse nschirp, KArlsson is a great skater, nobody can argue that. I think what he was trying to say is he is horrible defensively, I mean how many times did Anderson bail him out from players easily blowing by him down the wing, atleast 3-4 times this game alone.
Great offensive defenceman, not so great defensive defenceman, but most of us already know that.
Spezza and Gonchar were pathetic. I have never liked Gonchar so nothing he does really surprises me. I really think he's afraid to sweat!
I have (almost) always defended Spezza, but my problem with him, in a nutshell, is that he has no sense of "time" or "location". He'll make the same risky move, when leading by a goal in the last minute of a one-goal game and in his own zone, as he would in the offensive zone when trailing by a goal.
Does anyone else see this? I can't be the only one who questions his hockey sense?
Sure have, he's done it his whole career, nothing new here, he will keep doing it as it works more often than not. When his turnovers cost the team more loses than wins, Maclean will let him know...
Ever come close to getting sacked in soccer, or basketball or any sport, initial reaction is to drop, regardless if it hurt at first. Common Nature. You embellish, not to get something out of it, but when it comes to that area you always over compensate and think the worst.
The ref 100% called the dive on the fact he "thought" Neil looked at him on his way down. Regardless if he did or not thats what the ref saw.
Ovie isn't a dirty player, im fine with that stick work on neil, it happens all the time, this was a matter of bad location for Ovie. Probably should have been a double minor. But its not the first time someone receives a hit on the way back up gives a jab or slash with their stick. Watch our guys, we do it all the time, everyone does
No suspension for sure nor would I want one. double minor should have been it
62.1 Spearing - Spearing shall mean stabbing an opponent with the point of the stick blade, whether contact is made or not.
62.2 Double-minor Penalty - A double-minor penalty will be imposed on a player who spears an opponent and does not make contact.
62.3 Major Penalty - A major penalty shall be imposed on a player who spears an opponent (see 62.5).
62.4 Match Penalty - A match penalty shall be imposed on a player who injures an opponent as a result of a spear.
62.5 Game Misconduct Penalty - Whenever a major penalty is assessed for spearing, a game misconduct penalty must also be imposed.
62.6 Fines and Suspensions - There are no specified fines or suspensions for spearing, however, supplementary discipline can be applied by the Commissioner at his discretion (refer to Rule 28).