It seems as though the hockey gods decided that things were going a little too smoothly for the Ottawa Senators.
As first discussed here on the site yesterday afternoon, goaltender Craig Anderson will be sidelined indefinitely after a freak off-ice incident on Wednesday night.
Anderson was preparing a meal after Wednesday's win over the Capitals and suffered a serious cut to his right hand. Anderson was treated at the hospital and while he will make a full recovery, the Sens will be without their number one goalie for an extended period of time.
It's difficult to tell just how long Anderson will be out for.
The official timeline given by the organization is "indefinite" with media speculation ranging from 10 days to 8 weeks. For what it's worth, I was told Anderson will likely miss six weeks.
Either way, it's clear this is not a short term injury and that the Sens are going to need another goalie to step up.
While the Sens have not yet made it official, Robin Lehner is expected to be recalled from Binghamton at some point today. While it's possible Murray may look for help via trade, it seems as though it will be Auld and Lehner that have to carry this team through a difficult stretch.
It certainly hasn't been a banner season for Robin Lehner down in Bingo. Granted the defence in front of him has struggled but Lehner's stats are nowhere near where he and the organization hoped they would be. Lehner has an 8-16-1 record with a 3.38 goals against average and a .905 save percentage.
The Sens are on the ice for practice just after 11:00 AM this morning. We'll have a better idea who gets the start on Saturday against the Bruins once the Senators hit the ice at the SensPlex this morning.
p.s. Chirp, thanks for the great site.
Im fine with Auld/Lehner. I think Aulds going to step up and play fine, even if he doesn't then we have Lehner. I would much rather Murray trade for a skater, then a goalie.
Another goalie doesn't help us long term, a skater could. If Murray wants Penner, atleast he has a chance to resign next year if he works out. If we get a goalie, it's a rental and doesn't help us next year.
I have absolute full faith in Robin Lehner. This goes to show how deep and talented our prospects are. Let the youth movement continue! Give the nod to Lehner and let him do his thing.
He's our future in net and a great prospect. Everytime he gets called up he plays amazing.
Can't wait to see him play. I'm actually very happy for him.
This is a good chance for Auld to show us what he can do - be a solid backup. He doesn't have to will all the games, just most of them. The schedule isn't that tough as we're playing a lot of teams we can, and have beat.
Plus, he's a UFA at seasons end, and I bet his family doesn't feel like moving AGAIN!
The issue with this is what are we saying to Auld? He was brought in as the backup and if we don't at least give him a chance in this situation, his already low confidence drops to zero and we might as well never play him again.
Give Auld a shot against Boston, put Lehner in against the Isles and from that point on you ride Auld until either Anderson is back or Lehner steals it away from him. This is how hockey has always been played with respect to this position. When the number one guy goes down, number two steps in until number three steals the job!
Let this be a lesson, always buy fresh!
Lehner is not rdy for the NHL, someone said in another post that when he ahs been called up he's been amazing?!?!?!
Seriously, what is amazing from this: 2 wins 4 losses, .892 SV% & 3.29 GAA...
Sure there is always a chance he repeats his AHL Cup run but those runs dont happen year in year out, those chances are slim, especially the way he has been playing this year.
They either run with Auld until they can come up with a trade to bring in a 1 year vet to steady the ship and end the season right.
I agree that Murray said that, but that was at the start of the season when the playoffs were not considered a real possibility. That situation has changed and Murray's philosophy might have done too.
Rather than blindly letting Lehner play, I think it's more likely that both he and Auld will get a chance and then it will come down to whoever is playing better (as it should).
Murray can't ignore where we are in the standings and continue to play Lehner if he shits the bed, but nor is he, in my opinion, going to go out and trade away something decent to bring in a goalie just for the remainder of this season.
I can't see any team that has a chance at the playoffs trade their backup and its situations like this is the reason why.
Nashville,vancouver and LA all need their back up just like Boston or any other top franchise. Having a good tandem takes time to build and you just dont throw it away once you have it.
I'm excited to have the Anderson/lehner tandem for years to come and i hope lehner and auld can hold us in the playoff race so when anderson returns he can get his shot at our playoff run.
The Leafs on the other hand will not get a goalie unless if its chris mason from the blue jackets or a second rate tender. No team in their right mind will trade their backup right now.
I believe our team will pull through and we'll be ok
cheers fans, anderson get well soon and lets get back to our playoff race.
I hope not personally - would rather see Lehner get the ball.
he said he really likes it too
via twitter:
Bruce Garrioch @SunGarrioch
SJS contacting teams to see if any interest in A. Niittymaki. If a team says they'll claim he'll go on reentry FRI or SAT . #NHL #SNTrade
I think the wild card is Bishop from St Louis. I would be far happier with Murray trading for him (with a guarantee that he will sign a new deal with us) and therefore add to our goalie prospect depth than trade for some guy just to see the season out or sign a veteran back-up.
It's not like Anderson has been traded, died or joined a space cult - he's injured and will be playing again for the senators relatively soon.
If nothing else it will give Lehner some more NHL experience against NHL shooters so that the organization & us can guage where he is with his development. Let's not forget that Ottawa gives up a lot of shots against on net. I think both guys will end up sharing the games remaining until Anderson returns.
E games in 3) it gives the team a chance to gel as a complete unit and battle through adversity leading into the post season. I am keeping faith the question I ask all of you is... Can you?
Nothing right now and I would be surprised if they did.
Although with Lehner coming up from Binghamton, the organization may need to add a goalie but more likely someone to play at the AHL level.
I would rather see Lehner take the ball, it would be a refresh button for him coming up, just like Turris, I think he will get it done.
Go Lehner is my two cents.
I would play Lehner Saturday and if he does well let him play the islanders.
See how he fares before the trade deadline.
Auld we already know what we have, nothing to prove before deadline.
Auld wont cut it, guy is terrible at stopping the puck. Some have mentioned Conklin, that would be a cheap pick up, Roloson?
Have Anderson coach him, if that is possible.
The first 2 games will be incredibly important for these guys. I see it going one of the following ways:
-The game with Boston, Auld will let in 2-3 soft goals, the boys will lose confidence and have to worry about the back end, putting on more stress and be unable to play to their full potential.
-Lehner will win a few games, then drop the remaining games, bringing his, and the teams confidence to a low
We will still make it in to the playoffs though. This team worked too hard this year. We will squeak in at 8th, and pull off the upset of the Rangers in 7 games with Anderson/Auld/Lehner.
Doesn't matter where we're seeded. If the Habs could make a miracle run, we can too.
And what a better start than Boston where the pressure will be big right off the get-go!
GO SENS GO!
Personally I think he'll be lights out and give Murray and MAclean a lot to think about when Andy returns. I imagine Lehner will be our back up in the playoffs, should we get there, since Bingo will be done early.
Luckily Lehner has two games before deadline monday, one vs a great team and one vs a mediocre team. Will be interesting to see what he does!
Bishop has to actually PLAY in the games to keep from becoming a UFA.
Ya, he is exactly what we need on our 2nd line. Would be a great addition and make our team a lot more tougher. Hopefully it would not cost too much to aquire him
Do I get credit for predicting Brown's availability a few days ago?
Excellent prediction DV... I saw it on HBuzz last week as well. This is definately the guy to get for this season and has a good cap hit going into next.
Should be announced any minute now. Lehner expected to be at the 11:15 AM practice.
Someone mentioned this before, but maybe something like Foligno + DaCosta/3rd round/Carkner/Regin
That would make this teams lines look great, and clear up some cap space for L.A.
Watch Burke take a hard run at Brown. He is American, after all..
And here it is...
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=618700
Wouldn't be surprised. Off topic but apparently Grabovski is asking for over 5M a year LOL
Kind of annoying how the some how miraculously the Leafs are a part of every single trade rumor. Says a lot about that franchise and the arrogant fans thinking as if every player they have is trade bait. But in reality it's just Kessel, Lupul, and Gardiner lol.
If the Sens still manage to make the playoffs I pray to god a well rested Anderson will be ready to return!
And I'm all for Murray making a huge push for Dustin Brown. I've always loved his game
So would you give them Cowen and Turris?
This is not the time to get into a bidding war for well-sought players.
You don't rebuild at the deadline.
if you think she does the lion's share of cooking your nutz.
that'd be the nanny my friend, who's cute and nice by the way...
as stated above, who cares about what message we send Auld, he's a seasoned pro and knows his role. furthermore it's not as though he's signed to a long term contract.
now is the time to find out what you have in Lehner. his AHL record this year means squat. everyone knew at the beginning of the year that motivation in the ahl would likely be an issue for him especially playing on a crappy team.
Ultimately, his time in the AHL was more about an attitude adjustment then a fine tuning of skills if you ask me...
If he plays 3-4 games and stinks then i guess you role with Auld but I think he'll play well enough to give us a chance most nights.
More like Wiercoch & Foligno
If you have watched any of the nhl games that lehner has played for us then you would know that he played really well. He played with an ottawa team just learning a new system. Now the sens have 100% bought into the new system and will play really well in front of him. Lehner is the future of this team, why not let him run with it. If he does well then great if not, well we were in a rebuild year and have been spoiled. Either way he gets some more experience and a chance to shine.
If that's true, then we are out of the running. Burke would offer Schenn and MacArthur (or Kulemein, etc.), perhaps throw in Kadri to complete the deal? I really think Burke will do all he can. Hopefully he overpays...
I can see Vancouver and Nashville swinging for the fences on Brown. He fits in their cap/budget and he's exactly the type of player they both need.
This would still fit with our rebuild (he's only 22)and he's a legit top 6...
lol the leafs go after anything that moves outside of their organization haha
p.s. thanks for the updates yesterday and today chirp :)
Look whether he plays well, average or poorly it's a great time to get a measuring stick on his development as well as teach the rest of the team they can't hope the goalie will bail them out as often as Anderson has. Going into the playoffs, this may actually be a perfectly timed learning experience.
Auld on Sat, Lehner on Sun, best player keeps going with it.
Ben Bishop, Cory Schneider and Jonathan Bernier would be the only goalies worth trading for at this point imo.
I've heard rumors that Dallas was trying to get him pretty hard in either the Grossman deal or a later deal for Ott or Morrow, but Philly wasn't willing to include him. No confirmation he's untouchable, but it sounds like they may be waiting for a specific deal if they are ever to move him.
You're right - especially about Nashville. I think part of the reason they would maka a strong pitch for him is to help convince Suter that they are serious about contending, maybe convince him to stay there...
HAHA if you think thats enough to land Brown, you play too much NHL 12 my friend!
I doubt it. I would expect the Laffs to trade a D for him. Perhaps Schenn for Brown. Lombardi is going to have to find someone to fill the gap left by JJohnson. And Toronto is in the market for centremen...
The Good: We only have to play .500 hockey to stay in the playoff run.
The Bad: Losing Andy for more than 2 weeks is going to affect our wins, no doubt about it. He's had bad games, bad goals, but he is usually one of the big factors for us winning games.
The ugly: We managed to climb up the rankings a bit, and other nearby teams have failed (toronto for example), giving us a bit of breathing room. So let's not do a trade, rely on our backup(s) to do their job and keep us in the race by playing some .500 hockey.
Agreed, and I really don't think we can offer anything that they would be interested in. At least, compared to other teams.
I think we absolutely do have the pieces that LA would want in order for us to get Brown. The thing is Murray won't offer them, and nor should he.
Lol, did someone just thumb down a fact?
If Brown get's traded it will likely be for another upgrade in the top six or a top 4 d-man.
What trade scenario's for Brown would make sense for both the Sens and the Kings?
ps - holy shit I'm nervous about our goaltending situation. Not only are we going to miss Andy for the stretch drive, he'll likely be rusty come playoff time, if we even can make the playoffs without him...
Sorry to sound so negative folks, but Anderson has been one of the top goalies in the league since the beginning of December. We're really going to miss him.
I agree JVR would be amazing fit and young combo with Turris too grow in the future
I wouldn't give either of those players up by themselves for Brown at this point (I still prefer a 22 year old Turris to a 28 year old Brown).
I think Ottawa won't get into the Brown sweepstakes based on the fact they want players who can contribute today.
Burke will overpay for him. He is a truculent american after all.
Too bad that Brown is a winger.
Hey, don't get me wrong, I don't think LA would go for something like that. I'm saying Ottawa wouldn't offer up much more than that kind of package. No way does Murray mess with this team's core to acquire anyone.
Only way Brown lands in Ottawa is in a 3-way deal. We would have picks/prospects to offer and perhaps a team on the outside of the playoff picture would have asset(s) LA would need. We could be the middle man in the deal...
I would give up any one of our forward prospects for JVR - but that wouldn't get it done.
I don't disagree - I said I don't think we CAN offer anything...beca use we don't have the depth, particularly on D.
The Leafs (and I hate the leafs) have more depth on D and can afford to trade someone like Schenn. Ottawa, obviously, won't offer Karlsson or Cowen, and we don't have anyone else that would interest the Kings. Nor, wo we have the depth...
Yep, alot of people are going to be very dissapointed that Auld/Lehner cant keep the wins up, but thas their own fault, Auld and or Lehner are not good enough to be the #1 right now.
Also, another young stud goalie would go a long way to fixing our goalie depth, it would push Lehner to play better and give us more options.
Believe me folks, when the time comes to add that final piece before our playoff run there will be options out there. Either a UFA in the summer (of 2013 or 2014) or a deadline deal if needs be.
And with all things considered, I think they should give Lehner the ball and let him either run with it or get a crash course in NHL 'tending. I don't think "hanging in there" with Auld does much of anything for the organization. Winning with Lehner is obviously the ideal situation but even losing some games with Lehner qualifies as "rebuilding" - assuming Lehner shows signs of improvement etc.
I have a feeling philly would be looking for a prospect to replace him as well as some help on the blue line to shore it up for the playoffs.
if there is a way to get that deal done it could be a good one.
Edit: May have been hurt by a puck not a collision
Why would they need help on defense when they just added both Grossman and Kubina?
Timmonen, Meszaros, Carle, Cobourn, Kubina, Grossman, I'm pretty sure their D is set for the playoffs now.
It only makes sense for them to deal JVR for a playoff proven goaltender, which won't happen, or an upgrade over JVR in their top six, which we don't have.
BTW - is a twitter wink called a "twink"? That doesn't sound right.
Sweet, everything is falling into place!
Well how about losing games and missing out on the playoffs, since we sit "kinda" comfortably and only by losing games will we miss out.
What if Lehner blows and is the reason we miss out on the playoffs? Ruin his already shaky confidence knowing we were a playoff team without him and out of the playoffs with him in.
Its a dangerous game to play, Lehner gets the call up, continues his lousy play, we fall out of the playoffs and is sent back down to Bingo, where he starts next year...again... .thats double demotion.
Not going to lie, with Anderson, AND Auld out, that'd be pretty effing hilarious lol.
Can you imagine if for some freak reason, all 3 goaltenders were out by Sunday? The hockey gods surely would be dying of laughter.
Quoting Tookie19:
That wouldn't be so bad. It would show just how far the team has to go defensively, and show Lehner he's not as good as he thinks, and has to work even harder next year.
Might be a blow to his confidence, but the kid has a massive ego already anyway, so I doubt it would hurt him lol
on a more serious note lol....this shows an organization can never have enough decent goalies.
Let the Lehner Era begin! Can't wait to watch him play.
This team is hard working now with Lehner this team will have Swag
He hasnt even had a full year yet, lol!
Apart from his playoff run, he hasnt even been an avg goalie when in the #1 role during the season.
Have faith my man.
There have been a lot of things this team has proved me wrong about this season.
I don't think it's going to stop here.
Go Lehner.
Valid points Tookie, but Lehner is what we have right now. and the chances of BM acquiring a temporary fix vet are very low.
Also, Ottawa is not the first team to go through this. There have been many teams who have galvanized through goalie issues very late. It happened to Philly with Leighton just recently, Mtl with Price, Chicago with Niemi (before they won the cup), Ott with Emery (when he took us to the finals), and then there are older bigger examples of Roy and so on.
Lehner and Auld is what we have. and Lehner and Auld is what ottawa is going to have to do with.
as far as I am concerned, I believe in the team and I believe they still make the playoffs and cause some major noise.
He hasn't even pulled a full season yet...... He played only 20 games last year and roughly 20 this year. FYI when Howard was finally called up, he had started almost 200 AHL games...
My ideal scenario is that Lehner plays lights out, and does a Marc-Andre/Care y Price, to take over the starting job at his young age, while having Anderson as a back up for the next few years.
Can't even wait for him to get in there this weekend before you throw him under the bus Tookie? Give him a shot first if only so you don't wear yourself out bitching before you have stats to back it up.
I know it doesn't look great right now and we are ALL regretting the lost opportunity that came with the losing streak but this is very similar to Elliott/Emery bailing us out in the past and we knew Robin would have to put in a real pressure situation eventually.
I don't think we can judge his stats this year in Bingo based on how terrible they've been he had a 44 save performance recently in one of those losses. We can be frustrated by his ego i know we would have loved him putting up the wins and stealing each game but oh well... he's still potentially the future.
I would much rather JVR than Brown - I don't actually think either will happen though.
What's realistic for JVR though - if Turris took Rundblad and a 2nd, you have to figure it would take more to get him, JVR has more NHL experience than Turris did and none of the perceived problems. Would you consider, for example, Zbad and a 1st or Zbad and Lee?
This is very much the truth.
We don't really have much of a choice.
But I honestly believe that this won't hurt our playoff chances. The way this team has played recently and with the amount of goals we have been scoring, I don't think we will suffer that much.
But Robin Lehner is a good goalie. It's going to be tough to thrust him in there and ask him to carry the ball, but I think he can do it.
I'm sure he's extremely excited and looking forward to being "the" guy. Because that's what he wants to be.
This team has been a cinderella story since the first game, despite all the adversity.
I don't think it's going to stop now.
I'm not saying it cant be done, hell with all the stuff that has been going right for us, we shouldnt really expect much more miracles.
well done for asking for stats to back up an argument and then, in the same post, saying stats can't be trusted
that sir, is an excellent display of flip floppery
those that state that Lehner hasn't played a full AHL season are absolutely correct - he hasn't. Tookie might be well known for his glass half empty and getting emptier by the second outlook, but when he's right, he's right.
The opinion that Lehner isn't ready yet is perfectly valid, I still don't think that means we need to go out and get another tender for the NHL team at this deadline though.
Lehner had chances to be the regular season guy twice in Bingo and failed to take it. That doesn't mean we can ignore his stellar playoff play of course, but that works both ways - his playiff play doesn't hide the fact that he hasn't handled a full AHL season workload that well yet.
He might come up and play lights out for us this year. He wouldn't be the first player to be better in the NHL than the AHL for sure, especially when he he is so reliant on the team in front of him.
To simply ignore the facts about Lehner so far because we desperately want him to be the future for Ottawa's goal tending is delusional.
Why would Lehner doing well on a better team in the NHL then he has in the AHL be a miracle? Come on guys, Lehner is our future and was always expected to play some games for us at some point this season. There is absolutely no reason to be so negative before he even takes the ice for a game. He's played better than his stats in the AHL indicate and I think the opportunity to perform in the NHL will be the motivation he's been missing while stuck in the AHL.
The reason we have been scoring was that Anderson has been standing on his head in most games, trust was there and allowed players more liberties, with Lehner or Auld, the trust is not there, guys will be playing more defensively, trying not to make mistakes.
Return to the ice. Not game action. Still good news. Update at the top of the post.
how about we give the guy a chance first before we start making assumptions...
EEEEEEEEEYORE !
Whatever Murray puts in the ipes I will cheer for, just not seeing wins with the combo we are left with. Hope I'm wrong.
Anderson IS/WAS a huge reason we are were we are, without him, you cant simply say its ok, Auld and Lehner will do just fine...thats BS.
I'm still convinced this is a long term thing for Anderson. Maybe not 8 weeks like some are suggesting but still expect him to miss significant time.
This was my thought as well. We all know how panicked fans can get in this city. No need for that now!
I truly believe he will be looking for G help. It's just a matter of asking price. If he can get a solid NHL backup cheap, he will
No one has mentioned him but what about Harding from Minny???
I think several people have mentioned Harding over the last few weeks. If we could trade a role player (Daug, Condra, KUBA) for a rental sure, but no point giving up prospects for a rental.
That would be a miracle, and it will not happen !
Anderson will most likely be out for 2 weeks, at least.
Start Auld on Sat and Lehner on Sunday.
We do not need any other goalie whatsoever.
http://www.eatonhand.com/hw/hw012.htm
info on flexor tendon injuries.
http://www.davidlnelson.md/Tendon_laceration.htm
two months before full recovery.....as far as the scientists'/doc tors' word goes.
Finally gives Auld a chance at the big time. I can't wait to see the look on Sens fan faces when Auld starts winning us games. all season long all I've heard is "Auld can't stop a snail"
How the hell would you know? he's played what, 5 games all season? I think Auld takes the Vezina with the run he's about to go on.
If this is the situation, and Anderson is out for
at least 2 months, we have to use Lehner as #1, and Auld as the backup !
This is simply untrue.
Replace amazing with adequate.
I like Lehner a lot (he's the better goalie), but still say start Auld first. As a back-up, and someone who has been with the team, he deserves first crack. Bascially, play him until he has a bad game. If he stinks in the first game, Lehner goes in against the Isles.
I think you've been hit in the head too many times with cooking pots aswell!
It was funny tho!
Vokoun, Hamrlik & a second round pick for Silfverberg and our fourth round pick.
Let the madness begin.
Thanks I was waiting for that. I'm surprised he didn't add Lehners subsequent Vicodin addiction and suicide to his rosy scenario.
HUGE 2 days for TML and OS fans.. If Washington manages to lose against MTL tonight, and then lose again vs TOR tomorrow... That pretty much guarantees Ottawa and Toronto will both make playoffs.
Also, PHI is falling off (who could have predicted that, oh ya, me 6 days ago). This is Ottawa's chance to make a run at 6th.
That's one of the dumbest trade rumors I have ever heard.
Change the prospect going the other way and i wouldn't mind that trade
We aren't just going to hand Lehner the ball and let him run with it. If he faulters, Auld will get a chance to take over and vice versa.
You're half right... my head is certainly victim to the effects of pot.
you are forgetting that for TML fans, it has to be a cluster effect to be happy right now because they need all of FLA, TB, WPG and WSH to lose to make it into the eighth. and thats hoping on 2 teams too many because atleast two of them 4 will give the leafs a pain in the ass over the next 20 games which won't go away until next season's playoffs ;)
I'm not fogetting anything. Tbay is out. they wont be bothering anybody. If things go right this weekend, Washington is out too
As for FLA and WPG. Toronto only has to be ahead of one of these teams (WPG). Considering WPG has 2 games in hand, and I've already given TOR credit for winning on saturday (see:if everything goes right) WPG is out of the picture.
are you a leafs fan lol.....because you sound like one i just talked to.
TB still has potential to give the second southeastern team a run for the money and by extension the leafs. the second team in the southeast division only has to oudo Toronto, it does not have to out do the division winner.
since right now WPG is two pts up with 2 extra games played they only have to hope for one more leafs loss to even the gap. which should happen soon because the leafs play both the Habs and the Bruins. Mtl has had toronto's number due to suspect goaltending. As for FLA, they are already a point up with two games in hand on toronto. Washington are right now two pts back of Toronto, with a game in hand. A win by washington against the habs tonight will put the leafs all the way down in 10th spot.
If the leafs somehow fix their goaltending, then maybe they have a chance. but they will have to win at a rate higher than all of FLA,WPG,TB and WASH to guarantee themselves a spot. I don't see it happening because WPG is getting hot.
No way the Leafs make it. Jets are getting hot, the Caps have a game in hand and would have more Ws, the TBL also have a game in hand (5 pts back, but with a W, next game would be only 3 pts back). The odds are kind of against them right now. They lost the games they should have won.
I strongly believe the Jets & Panthers will make it in this year, with WSH/TBL/TML just barely missing out.
Adam French on HB. I will say he put it under the title "Dumb Trades & Things."
I really hope Murray doesn't make a panic move if we lose both games this weekend. I don't want to lose any legit prospects for soon to be UFA's.
As for FLA and WPG. Toronto only has to be ahead of one of these teams (WPG). Considering WPG has 2 games in hand, and I've already given TOR credit for winning on saturday (see:if everything goes right) WPG is out of the picture.
I agree, WSH & TB don't look like they have a shot outside of a miracle, but WPG has a ton of home games in the next stretch and they have one of the best home records in the conference. TOR has the best chance to catch FLA but the panthers have games in hand and are playing better and getting better goaltending than the laughs. It doesn't matter if the laughs play well, which they're not, if the monster keeps letting in wide shots and reimer doesn't turn his trapper to face the right direction, they won't be able to outscore the other team. More importantly, what is a laughs fan doing commenting on a sens fan site?
I'm with you on the Jets, but I expect Florida to keep falling. Toronto & Washington/Winn ipeg fight out 8th with late runs falling short by both Buffalo and Carolina.
no I'm a Senators fan. I just can't get the idea of a leafs sens playoff matchup out of my head. even though it would have to be conf finals or something.
I refuse to listen to any argument that has Tbay as a playoff spot contender, especially when you bring up the leafs goalie problems. Tbay is 1 win out of last place in the conference.
Winnipeg is not making a serious run, or 'getting hot'. they are playing the role of spoiler right now, but in all seriousness, they have the worst shot at playoffs, and IMO they 100% wont make it.
example: Florida can lose its next 3 games in a row, win their 4th, and they will be ahead of WPG.
The battle is Washington vs Toronto
and while I think Washington has the better team, I think Toronto will make it in. but it all depends on this weekend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gkPgqgZYZp8
Ha Ha - I'm waiting for his alien kidnapping theory.
Fox Mulder seen on Bank Street, you say ?
for a sens fan you certainly do seem to hope the most positive scenario for the leafs lol....as much as a sens vs leafs matchup is fun in the playoffs, i would much rather toronto not make the playoffs. plus, FLA won't keep falling, don't know how you can just say that. they have been surprising all season long and are deep up front. not to mention they have owned their division most of the year AND they have games in hand. They are pretty much poised for third spot barring a complete reversal in their division. WPG as someone said as a ton of home games, so that will save them and WPG is a better team than toronto IMO and does not have the goalie issues also lol.
Toronto is broiled in all kinds of trade rumors, goalie issues, goalie coach issues, coach system issues. I think they are much close to a complete collapse than to the playoffs. mind you, they are only 7 pts out of basement lol.
Based on the Sens going 8-10-2 for the rest of the season.
Winnipeg would need to go 11-7-1
Florida would need to go 13-9-1
Toronto would need to go 12-7-2
Washington would need to go 13-7-2
Tampa would need to go 15-6-1
I like the Sens chances. I also think Florida and Winnipeg make it in.
I'm not a fan of picking up a replacment. If we did, I would think it would be someone that could be part of the future. We all know Lehner is what BM plans as the future, so it would send a nasty message if he picked up another stud Goalie who's ready for the prime time. Sure, it's great to have riches in that position, but it's also hard to juggle. Mind you, our G position even in Bingo is very slim which someone else pointed out recently. Maybe this would be the ideal time to go after a guy who's just a little more ready than Lehner. It's a hard decision that's for sure.
I think Brown would be a great addition on our 2nd line. Character guy, not too old, do it if the price isn't stupid.
I expect BM will be in talks about goalies but I doubt he will pull the trigger until after the weekend.
You also have to give the team some credit, first part of the season Andy was taking games for us but the last game the first two periods Auld or Lehner could stop what was thrown at them. (third period different story)
Just saying the team is capable of not leaving it all up to the goalie.
really we are not going to know until we see some games.
I think, if Anderson is out long term, this gives the Sens a chance to see if Lehner is nearing NHL readiness. He has 1 win in his only game this year against the Leafs...
If Lehner is not ready.. then Murray knows to go after another backup for next season...
I hope Murray does not go after a goaltender at the deadline... The Sens are not a contender this season. Even if they do make the playoffs it will be against the Rangers or the Bruins.. most likely. It would be great for Melnyk (moneywise) the players confidence.. and for the fans... but why give up a good part of the future.. if going after someone like Harding.. when it's most likely a 1st round exit.
Murray did say there was tendon damage to the small finger on his stick hand... Brent Wallace was saying Anderson would be back on the ice in a few days or as soon as he can hold a stick... but no timetable for his return.
Personally I was fearing tendon damage to his whole hand.. and nightmares of 8 weeks out... It appears it may not be that long... I hope he is a fast healer like Alfie.
Play Lehner teams don't have a book on him we could steal some points this weekend I'd play Lehner sat and auld Sunday ...
Agreed... Detroit has great defense... Ottawa's is average.. that would be a nightmare to get Conklin.
?
Check your math. why do you have WPG at 90pts and FLA at 93? all other teams at 91?
Florida actually only needs to go 12-10-1 under this scenario.
This was based on Ottawa finishing with 90 points and 40 wins.
I didn't get into to deep as far as tie breakers since there is still 1/4 of the season to go. It was more to present what each team had to do relative to each other.
Minus the offensive punch we've had this year from our D, top of the leauge, wasn't our D considered to be one of the worst defensively as we've given the most shots in the leauge, with Nashville close behind us. No other team has yet to pass the 1600+ shots group. Does that make the D bad, or should we count another stat?
That would be madness... both are over 35 yrs old.. and Sens giving up too much -- I think Silfverberg & Mika are untouchable... who the hell would think up that?
Was hoping for Lehner... Marchand & Lucic would not be running the net with him there...
I'm betting Lucic is not real intimidated by Robin Lehner.
Maybe.... maybe not... Lehner is pretty big... but Lucic is a monster... would be very interesting to say the least.
Are we panicking when it is maybe not so necessary... From the Ottawa Sun:
http://www.ottawasun.com/2012/02/24/anderson-injury-not-long-term-murray
we have a dream team ready to make serious noise for the Stanley cup
Hasek goes down to a GRROYN
We still have a dream team, so we pick up a goalie who takes Carolina to the cup...
Gerber turns to Garbage
We still have enought to make a serious run and pick up a stud in Leclair...
turns out Leclaire has serious head issues...
Now this,
So on the flip side, we have to look at what positives may come out of this.
The team now has to step it up an not only rely on Anderson to stop 40 shots every game, and become a better defensive/playo ff team because of it.
Lehner comes up and shines in the few games he plays and take the approach he did last year and carries the team into the playoffs.
Either way this team has to come together and make it happen.
Tookie... I NO Scare bet still on bud!
(except of course if Andy is out for a significant time :)
I was hoping for the same thing but more to give a two game sample of Lehner prior to the deadline to a least grab a glimpse of whether he is capable of handling the situation. We know what Auld is and that is a capable back-up. He cant be the #1 for the remainder of the regular season. I would love to see Lehner take the reins and play lights out for the rest of the season (till Andy is healthy) but insurance is a definate need even if it is just for the Bingo team. Hopefully this all works out to help the mental fortitude of this young team and not deflate them.
Thats the price you pay for young studs, stop playing NHL 12, to get a good player you have to give up good things.
You cant package shit and get gold in return!
Really? Marchand maybe but Lucic, come on Sandy, Lehner is big but he aint no fighter, Lucic would eat him for breakfast and wouldnt even be full.
You just know the kid's super excited to play. Can't wait!
Unless you're dealing with Mike Milbury...
We don't know if Lehner can fight or not... being a goalie not very likely. Emery was not big either... but he sure could fight...
Not saying Lehner would have to fight him.. couple good whacks with a stick or his blocker may make him back up a little... Lehner has a short fuse... it would be interesting to see what he could do... but against Lucic... he would lose...
I will take any advantage Ottawa can get tomorrow.
It's time for the team in front of the goalies to play hard and try to keep the shots down. No turnovers in front of the net please.
Vokoun hasn't been that terrible, 44 games, 23 wins and 16 loses. Still sporting a .917 sv% and 2.52 GAA. That's his first winning season since the 08-09 season with the Panthers. Personally, I think the entire Cap's team has been terrible and you can't always throw the Goalie under the bus for that. Considering what the caps are paying him, only half a mil more than Auld, I'd have him on my team any day. What I'm trying to say is the price wouldn't be cheap, even if the Caps sell. I'd expect they would want more than a 3rd or at least a player in return..
Didn't even think of that... If the snow keeps up they very well might not get here till tomorrow, which would be great for us!
while we are at that, lets hope buffalo also pummels Boston. Maybe take a few runs at thomas. Kassian, i'm looking at you along with Gaustad, make the bruins pay for them trying touch Miller.
Gonchar for Hamerlik + pick or prospect
we save salary wise and we get a guy who can replace Kuba as of next year.
Bahahaha, post of the day!
So true, I miss watching Milbury get fleeced. It's amazing that he gets paid to talk about hockey after the worst gm record in history...
How bout konopka back the ny for tavaras,, heard they need help on face offs
I doubt he would waive his no trade clause to go play in that circus.
I can't think of a single reason to consider that a good idea. I tried, but I can't...
I'm guessing Rask plays against Buffalo.. Thomas against the Sens.... Thomas always plays against the Sens... when was the last time Sens faced Rask in the net?
On the one hand it seems like it's good since that hand doesn't "catch" but then I wondered about gripping the stick properly.
Any goalies have a thought on that?
It has been an excellent site for info for us sens fans with great conversation on all the issues. I followed the Hossa for Heatley trade on here and every big sens moment since.
Your sources have proved to be very well in the know on information and even if the story is broken by someone else, you have a good supply of information that cant be found anywhere else usually from that point on anyway.
The posters on here have more class than most other fan sites (for the most part :)) and the conversations discussed here are always entertaining and many of the fans here are very knowledgeable.
Kudos to you, the site, and the fans here.
Go Sens Go...
Ya, to me it doesn't matter which hand is injured in this case. The stick hand is used for gripping, and that can be a serious problem with hand or wrist injuries.
the Glove hand seems like it would be pain to 'catch' with, but actually its when you reach for things and have a hand injury, it usually sends a shooting pain up your whole arm.
i would say that a glove hand injury is only slightly better than stick
Sounds like Andy isn't supposed to be gone for too long. It's just a matter of his tendon healing. There's no timeframe, but he said that the doctor said that Andy can be back on the ice as soon as next week, and as soon as he can grip his stick he can pretty much play.
Take it for what it's worth, but I couldn't see something like this lasting six to eight weeks.
He actually had surgery on it yesterday. So it's basically up to Andy to let the team know when he's comfortable.
Pretty good news imo. I'm positive Auld and Robin can hold down the fort for maybe a week or two til Andy's good to go.
Carter Is playing Like "SHIT" To give up a great offensive young D and a first rounder for Carter? You're retarded and should move out of your parents basement.
Was it NHL calibre hockey?
Obviously not otherwise I would not have had to pay for the tournament lmao. But it was hard hockey for me, one game our teams offense was icing the puck pretty much, I faced a few amount of shots and trust me I would have liked to had more offense in those games.
BMs comment in the interview...lol
On a side note, does anyone think that the injury might be being downplayed a bit as far as timeline so that a goalie pickup wont be seen as a desperate move.
Everyone in CBJ plays like shit, he cant do everything, I doubt he plays like shit in L.A.
Also on the tendon injury, found this on the net, Heal time:
It can take up to two months before the repair (surgery) is healed and strong enough to use your hand without protection. It may take another month or so before you can use your hand with any force.
I believe the Sens are keeping in on the down low and as for Andy being back on the ice sure, he doesnt skate with his hands does he? I doubt he can even close his hand right now let alone hold a stick and make movement.
Seeing you calling someone retarded, especially when your name is LEAFS SUCK BALLS indicates a maturity level that makes me think that maybe Tookie's not the one who lives in his parents basement...? Just a hunch...
Someone better tell the Sens doctors that the net says this type of injury can take up to 3 months to heal.
Oh. When did "the net" examine Anderson???
Healing may take as long as 6 weeks, during which the injured part may be immobilized in a splint or cast. Patients are asked not to use the injured tendon until the physician gives permission. The physician will decide how long to rest the tendon. It should not be used for lifting heavy objects or walking
I was guessing/hoping he was being sarcastic?
It didnt but it doesnt take a rocket scientist to put "Tendon" & "surgery" together...
I'm just throwing out what is well known and documented.
That was my point. Tookie can take his WebMD diagnosis and file it with the rest of his incorrect assessments...s omewhere between "Rundblad will make the team and Cowen won't" and "The Sens will finish dead last"
Actually based on Tookies Internet medical opinion and his track record of his prognostication , I would be willing to bet that Anderson will be playing by next week.
Carter isn't playing that bad, 15 goals, 25 points in 39 games to go with a slew of injuries this season. Hell, most players don't put up those numbers on a good team, minus injury. I think everyone knows Carters upside, I'm sure Lombardi does. And having him back in the mix with his old pal Richards for what he had to give up (worst +/- player in the league and a 1st), has him giggling like a Schoolgirl. LA has been searching the last 2 deadlines for impact players and I think they finally got one. Will Carter lead them to the promise land, probably not this year. But they are in a better position now than they were before the trade.
Silfverberg extend his scoring streak today as well
Wish we could bring these guys over now
That was yesterday, there are no games today in the SEL...
Brown is a HOT item on the market, behind Nash and some teams who are in need of a Goalie, I'd put Brown as the next big name available. Lombardi drives a hard bargain and won't give him away and he knows the demand. This will become a bidding war and someone will overpay. I don't want to see the Sens in that situation, but if they are offering something, I would think BM would have to give players in return, along with a pick. The pick would be the makeup pick they lost in getting Carter, so count that as a 1st rounder. And they'll want someone who can play now with top 6 minutes, and score. They know they won't get a Brown type player in return, and Ottawa would never move any of our top guys. So you'd have to expect it to be a Folingo, Smith or Greening type of player, unless they were willing to take a gamble on Butler. Even then, I don't think we fit into the mix, because some GM's will pay much more, like Burke, and BM really does want to keep with the system.
Cowen or a mix of Boro/Wiercioch + a pick and more...
Buffalo beat Boston 6-0 - 2 weeks ago, which is good for a few reasons, Bruins are gonna want to bring their "A" game, so win or lose it will be a long night for them
Any edge we can get helps haha
* sounds like Tukka Rask is playing tonight, We will like likely see Tim Thomas tomorrow, which could be great since Thomas is in a bit of a slump, and our Offence is ready to pounce
My bad yesterday lol
Word is LA is looking for (or WAS since they apparently aren't shopping him anymore) a "young, solid D" and "secondary scoring". Which would mean Cowen + Turris or somewhere in that neighborhood.
In other words, too rich for our blood.
Someone is going to pay big time to land him. He's the kind of player that a legit cup contender would add to push them over the top. There is sure to be a bidding war amongst the contenders, especially because of his reasonable contract/cap hit.
[Have I been watching too much CSI???]
He was (apparently) trying to separate frozen chicken breasts. So he was probably holding it with his right hand and jabbing at it with his left. Why he didn't use a butter knife is in that "hindsight" category.
where would he play in our lineup and who would he replace and what do you plan on giving up for him? and ....how would he improve on an offense which is already scoring at a pretty high clip.
Hopefully a win Saturday will ease people's minds a bit.
Remove Butler add Brouwer ..
Give wash 2nd 2013 for him
Brouwer Spezza Milo
lol you seem so ready to give up draft picks....i was ok at butler for brouwer but along with 2013 2nd rounder?
plus, again, how much will he help right away?
No you asked who I'd replace him with I said butler ..u would not get a Brouwer for butler lol
Brouwer for 2nd 2013 is what I offered
He can bring grit and scoring touch a lot more then Butler
ohh lol haha i thought you were proposing butler + 2nd for brouwer. yea...i guess a 2nd along for Brouwer is probably decent. I dont know if he really is 1st line material though because Chicago used him more on their third line and sometimes on the second.
The year he had 22 he played a lot with toews and Kane ..he plays that playoff type hockey all year around he be pretty solid ..also get in front of the net get those ugly play goals
yea..but Butler is projected for similar production....i f the projection still holds true that is lol
one another note, sens need to cut down on the penalties now that their best penalty killer is on the shelf indefinitely.
Erik Condra, Jesse Winchester, Kaspar Dagauvins, Zenon Konopka, Matt Carkner, Sergei Gonchar, Alex Auld, Patrick Weircoich, Alex Auld (when we make the playoffs why not give robin a chance, if craig anderson got pulled im sure it wasn't going to be a winning game. who knows maybe well win!)
in return I'd like to see come playoffs
Milan Michalek - Jason Spezza - Bobby Butler
Dustin Brown - Kyle Turris - Daniel Alfredsson
Samuel Pahlsson - Nick Foligno - Zack Smith
Colin Greening - Mika Zibanejad - Chris Neil
Filip Kuba - Erik Karlsson
Chris Phillips - Brian Lee
Jared Cowen - Bryan Allen
Craig Anderson
Robin Lehner
i've seen guys cut a cast off from a broken leg,wrist,colar bone etc. to hop on a superbike and go racing for the day!
I'm sure Andy asked if they were to cut the pinky off how long would it take to heal... it would probably take the same amount of time unfortunately..
thats what separates the men from the boys.
First of all, Zibanejad can't come back. Once they sent him back to Sweden, that was it until next season
Second, how can you trade your backup goaltender when you only have 3 healthy G on your entire depth chart?
Third, forget about Murray making 2-3 deals at the deadline. He will tweak this lineup or if he can get a big piece like Brown at a decent price he will
You're joking right?
Firstly, your assumption the the players you are making available would fetch us Pahlsson, Brown and Allen is a complete fallacy, unless you start considering valuable picks and prospects.
Secondly, getting rid of all these players, adding new ones and recalling Zbad would change the chemistry of this team so severely that I wouldn't be surprised if we lost 70% of the remaining games.
These scenarios are so ludacris... If you think any of this will occur, you're setting yourself up for a major disappointment on Monday,
Paajarvi if we can get our mitts on him would love it!
Sens always play against Tim Thomas.
To Ottawa- Dustin Brown
To Columbus- Ott 1st 2012, LA 3rd or 4th in 2012
To LA- Brassard, Greening/Folign o
I'm glad Murray is sticking to the plan.
So far, what a boring lead up to the deadline. Besides the Carter trade, so overhyped..
Zibanejad could come back we burn a year if he did but he definitely could
whats the cut off date for player rosters lock for the nhl? silfverburg is signed, there's 5 games left in the sel regular season and could an early playoff exit get him to join the sens? how many games by that date does a player have to play to be eligible?
They'd be out of their minds if they did that. It's never gonna happen. When they sent him back, they had made their decision. I think everyone knows that. Well, everyone except Mitchell LOL jk ;)
Agreed. Penner has been very hit and miss throughout the seasons, this season however he decided not to have a hit at all. The guy is a big body, that's where his talent ends.
Leave him for the Leafs.
-Sens Fan in Oil Country
We don't absolutely require a trade right now. Can't you just wait till other prospects within the system come up in the upcoming years?
That's what LA is asking for him - or it's what they WERE asking for him since he's now apparently off the market. Which only means the price has gone up.
LA wants a young top D and a guy who can play and score on the second line to replace Brown. And some idiot GM will give it to them - thanks God Bryan is not an idiot.
what an over payment! i've watched quite a few oilers games this year and he looks nervous, coughs up the puck while missing open nets... suckers! hemsky looks to be worth less than 3mil.
Totally agree. He'll look for GMs trying to unload guys to make other deals and see if he can screw someone who's rushing to make a deal.
People like the talk about plus/minus being a bad stat. That's very true.
In 3 games this season, Cowen went +3 +4 +4
Without those 3 games, Cowen is a -15 on the season
Not anyone that's watched the games. He's been physical, responsible and surprisingly steady for a very young rookie.
I disagree. I'm pretty sure I see him get owned out there on a nightly basis. defensive miscues, playing the puck up the boards to the other teams player, hesitating on his hits and general awkwardness.
Looking forward to you getting signed as a free agent and showing him how it's done. Lucky for us huh?
Did not see a lot of confidence, hope that changes as he settles in a bit.
I think he assumed he was going to get the start and is just a bit disappointed but trying not to show it.
Would anybody do this if it guaranteed we'd win the cup?
Chirp - where's that "ignore" button?
If it was to guarantee us a cup, I would make any trade out there including that one. The problem is that it would never happen nor is there any guarantee to win a cup anyway.
Good for the laugh it gave me though. Thanks.
FREEBIRD !
How many Sens fans would you lose??
Hee Hee - they're "failing for Nail"
Montreal deserves another enigmatic Rooskie.
I believe suiting up as the backup counts as part of his contract terms. Either way, we could re-sign him before July 1st to be a quality backup for next season.
i think i was right about doubting you as a leafs fan. also
connor smythe....reall y is just an extra "n" "o" and "r" added to CONN SMYTHE: late leafs owner and founder.
If a dmen with zidicky stats gets you this I think sitting on Kuba is huge mistake
How about Prince though he's rocketing up our prospect depth chart. Kid's gonna play for us sooner rather than later.
and wow keep up the good work all other fellow chirpers. we can go back to back posts of hitting the rare 2nd page after 300 comments
Thanks for that. Much appreciated!
Alex Auld better bring his "a" game tomorrow still wish Lehner was in this is a huge 2 points tomorrow
Joy Lindsay @PSBJoyOnTheSen s #BSens Coach Kleinendorst: "I can't believe it. How many ways can you find to lose a hockey game? At this point in time, shouldn't happen."
if im not mistaken, they were up 2-0 and blew the lead in the last few minutes of the game.
could be, just seemed a bit off to me, could just be that he is embarrassed about bingo't play and like you said trying not to show the disappointment of the start.
regardless I would rather see Lehner than Auld, kind of have a feeling we will see Lehner before the game is over, we will see.
Garrioch? Wow! What does Brennan say????
Lord almighty but those two morons at the Sun are BRUTAL!
Sigh.
He was trying to separate two frozen chicken breasts. Holding them with his right and jabbing at them with the knife in his left hand.
There is no conspiracy. It's just a dumb accident. Life goes on.
Are you right handed Hax? Think about what you just said - the knife is always in your physically strongest and most coordinated hand. And who said anything about a conspiricy? I just don't think that it went down the way they claim it did. Wouldn't be the first time a story was "spun" to make it more palatable. Persoally don't care just making an observation.
You're right in that who really cares, but I don't think this some elaborate coverup where we'll find out later his Swedish wife swing a golf club at him.
What do you think happened Mark? Lehner broke in and tried to cut off his little finger? His wife tried to bobbit him but chickened out and went for the finger instead. Maybe he went to scratch his ear and there was a razor blade in it.
A few years ago a British celebrity called Jade Goody stabbed herself in the eye whilst using a pair of scissors as a screwdriver.
People do stupid things.
As for you not calling it a conspiracy you are basically saying that the senators and the medical staff are colluding to present a different chain of events than what actually happened - that is absolutely what a conspiracy is.
I think we officially beat this subject to death.
Stats from last year or the year before where the team was terrible really dont have any merit, last i checked he has better stats and 1 less win than auld this year in 6 less games and his 1 game was alot better than any of aulds this year.....
How its gonna play out.. sens unfortunately lose tomorrow against bos with auld then they start lehner sunday, he gets shutout and we go from there.. calling it right now...
PS : please dont waste a pick on dwayne "washed up " Roloson Murray im beggin you
P.S. Andy there's a defrost button for a reason...
Also think Auld might see this as a great opportunity to prove himself and get a contract for next year somewhere. Maybe he's not just a backup and we should cut him some slack for his season so far.
I think we need to trade for another Bingo goalie, only for depth.
Great discussion and great site, Chirp.
I'm driving down from Montreal this afternoon got a hotel on Dalhousie st. and going for tomorrows game... I was wondering if you guys know any good spots to watch the game tonight and have supper..
Also if you guys recommend any clubs/pubs or something to have some fun would be nice
Thanks
Walk to Elgin St and watch the game at St-Louis'. Good sports bar. Decent ribs. Typically hot waitresses too. If you're over 30, stay in the Elgin street area after for a few drinks. If you're under 30 or want a younger bar scene, head back to the market area where your hotel is at.
Don't expect the Montreal vibe, but you can expect a better hockey club!
Cheers!
It'll be interesting to see where he ends up come Monday or if he stays in Long Island.
Also, the only two players that interest me out there are Jason Blake and Matt Cullen.
Cullen has been by far the best player ever picked up at the deadline by Ottawa. 8 points in 6 games can't ask for much more.
Phillips - Karlsson
Cowen - Lee
Gonchar - Carkner/Borocop
One puck mover with a stay at home guy.
Thanks alot
Under 30 btw... haha yeah for the game I except a better hockey club... always been a Sens fan growing up in Gloucester and Orleans until I turned 11 and moved to Montreal... I like Montreal down in the standings tho... it gives me bragging rights down in Montreal, only argument they always come up with is how many stanley cups you got? Always answer the game is played in the present... not in the past"
If the SENS do make it to the playoffs this year, that's one team that I hope to god Ottawa doesn't face in the first round like they have their last three playoff appearances (even though we beat them 4-1 in 2006/07).
They just never die! Even without Crosby they can pull off the wins. Will be interesting to see if they add any depth in the next few days!