Ryan Callahan struck first for the Rangers but after Zack Smith tied the game, the Sens seemed to take over. They really seemed to control the pace of the game and did a good job limiting the Rangers chances. And while the shot total was ridiculously low through 40 minutes, it felt like the Sens were in complete control.
While Jason Spezza and Erik Karlsson have cooled off a little bit as of late, the secondary scoring has stepped up in a big way. Last night it was Smith, Foligno and Turris all chipping in with big goals for the home side. When the supporting cast is scoring, the Senators are a tough team to play against.
Gotta love the game of Jared Cowen last night. From the drop of the puck, he was a physical force, landing big hits on Gaborik and Boyle in the early going. It's crazy to think just how good he'll be down the road.
While the Rangers had their chances, part of that sense of control in this hockey game came from the strong play of Ben Bishop. Bishop plays goal by the book. Always seems to be in the right position and really battles in his crease.
With last night's win, the Sens now have an eight point cushion over the 9th place Winnipeg Jets. According to Sports Club Stats, the Sens are up to a 97.9% chance of securing a spot. Nothing locked up yet but the Senators have definitely put themselves in a good position with just 13 games left in the season.
The Sens are on the ice for 12:00 PM practice today at Scotiabank Place. They host the Buffalo Sabres tomorrow night.
Wow! Nice to be debating playoff positioning at this point in the season
I thought he looked a little nervous at first, a little bit of miscommunicatio n with the D but seemed to settle down quite nicely, I thought it was really neat when they initially came onto the ice for a quick skate and he just stood at the blue line for a minute and looked around the arena. Looked like he was taking it all in.
I hear ya Chirp, having only 7 shots after 2 was wierd cause we did still seem to be absolutely in control of the game.
Good game by the boys!!!
All that said, this is a Sens teams that continually rises to challenges.
Didn't get to watch the game last night. How did Gilroy look? Thought he really struggled in the Chicago game despite showing some impressive speed at times.
Think PM is a shoe-in for the Jack Adams.
Love this year's Sens with every fibre of my being.
I was extremely impressed with Cowen and Gonchar last night. I'm not sure if playing together gave Gonchar a testosterone boost, but his shot blocking, checking and even the little shoving match were great to see. Cowen was just a man on a mission, taking everything in sight out and he was trying so hard to create offense. Couldn't believe how well Gonchar and the forwards covered him when he pinched. So great to see!
The Sens are definitely going to challenge their opponents in any playoff series.
I am also now confident in saying we have three #1 goaltenders! What a great problem to have. I still think Bishop is the least athletic, however the advantage of his puck skills with the stick and his size are great assets to have! Might as well keep going with him while he's winning.
glad our team made it through without injury, the rangers were trying to out muscle us. great win.
I hope Karlsson is ready for it.. If we do play the bruins in round 1, what we saw yesterday will be nothing compared to what the Bruins will throw at him..
Like they said on the broadcast yesterday though, it comes with the territory of being a premiere offensive defenceman... He will be targeted
@ Smash_88
Well, first and foremost, they have to be fast enough to catch him !!
Not too many players in the NHL, can keep up with Karlsson,
let alone know where he is going, and what will he do next .
Karlson was caught and hit 5 or more times last night on pretty heavy hits.
BTW
Where was st.louis projected to place this season? i remember st.louis being a decent team before hitchcock than when they went on a 4-5 game skid their coach was fired for hitchcock...
where as Mclean comes into a new team, lottery team last year predicted to be 30th in the league shows that mclean is doing a much better job than anybody could imagine. Mclean looks to be the jack adams front runner.
To me that's the best thing to happen this season: That Karlsson is getting all sorts of attention and (slowly) learning to deal with it. That's pretty much all that's left in his game - the ability to not get rattled when the other team is all over him. I can see teams saying "We'll just run him until we get called on it and hope that by then he's stopped playing." Like people have done with guys like Kovalev, Green etc.
I think Karlsson's having some trouble with that right now but he'll learn. Spezza went through the same thing.
I was at the game and was alittle confused about the 'goal review' on the open net, can anyone fill me in? I'm guessing there was a close call on Bishop?
Know your Enemy.
Yeah apparently NYR petitioned that they had scored at the other end. I was actually a bit worried when the ref pointed to center ice thinking that had to mean it was a Ranger goal (since that's what they were reviewing) but there really wasn't anything close at our end at all.
Funniest part was at the arena where they showed the slo-mo replay of Spezza's goal as if there was something in doubt there. "Hmm, looks like it crosses the line right ... about ... there!"
Karlson was caught and hit 5 or more times last night on pretty heavy hits.
BTW
Where was st.louis projected to place this season? i remember st.louis being a decent team before hitchcock than when they went on a 4-5 game skid their coach was fired for hitchcock...
where as Mclean comes into a new team, lottery team last year predicted to be 30th in the league shows that mclean is doing a much better job than anybody could imagine. Mclean looks to be the jack adams front runner.[/quote
@ We Are SensFans,
I'm talking about when he is carrying the puck and zig-zags all over the ice.
Sure he got caught and hit, but it was behind his net, or along the board.]
Craig Anderson taking shots this morning. Notice he is only using the top of a stick. yfrog.com/obkjn xaj
Klinkhammer still projects to a third liner but that will (hopefully) be because guys like Petersson, Silfverberg and Zibanejad push him down there. If we continue with the plan of two top 6 guys on each line with one bottom six guy then Klinkhammer (or Klinghoffer as some dude last night was calling him) certainly looks like he can be the mucker on the Turris/Alfie line.
Last night had playoff intensity and if the Sens can maintain that pace with this young team, the future is bright!
BIG question (no pun intended) - who back Anderson now!? Both Lehner and Bishop are playing great!!
SOLID WIN - GO SENS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!
My vote is still on Lehner to be the backup for the playoffs right now. But Bishop might change my mind before the end of the season. Bishop has been very good but I think Lehner still looks a bit more polished and confident at this point (not surprising since he has a bit more NHL experience than Bishop - which isn't saying much).
Other than Chara they're all going to have to wave like asses like Avery vs. Brodeur!!
If we can manage to just tie the Devils in points without having anymore shoot-out wins, then I think we win the tiebreaker for "regulation and overtime wins"
Winchester skating in Alfie's spot. Konopka rotating in with 4th line. Butler not a good bet to get back in as he's playing D with Kuba.
I kinda feel bad for Butler. I know he hasn't really earned much better this year but I still was hoping he'd find his groove be a good third line guy for us. I know they seem to have "Lee'd" on him (i.e. given up) but maybe he'll get another shot at camp next year. Doubt he lasts that long as I assume they'll deal him at the draft if they can get any takers.
I wish I could thumbs down this post 1000 times. You want to go with two rookies with a combined 28 NHL games???
I hate the expression but "give your head a shake".
Perfect playoff roster would be Anderson Lehner Bishop and play whoever is smoking hot.
I understand the Max 23 roster spots changes to 25 once playoffs start.
But can you carry three goalies in the playoffs? I know you can't in the regular season so does the expanding to 25 mean that changes?
Who are we kidding here though - does anyone really think Lehner or Bishop are going to start any games in the playoffs? It's Andy's team win or lose in my opinion. Unless he's a disaster or gets hurt I guess.
yeah, that's a little on the silly side...
At this point, I'm chalking it up to a sophomore slump and I will give him another season to really show if he's got what it takes.
Everyone knows Boston has the fuel and make up of a playoff team, I would say they are #1 in the East as they play the wear and tear style of game, eventually grinding you out. Behind them, Philly and Pitts are almost a wash in 2nd, I actually give Pitts the edge having to play that style almost nightly with Crosby out of the lineup. After that it looks like NY and Ottawa as a close tie. Florida, Jersey and Washington (you can say the same for the Jets) play a less physical game.
We haven't seen the full potential of Ottawa yet as we've added so many new players sinc our last playoff birth, but if our regular season is any indication of how they will perform It's exciting to see what they'll do when all the chips are on the table.
But can you carry three goalies in the playoffs? I know you can't in the regular season so does the expanding to 25 mean that changes?
Who are we kidding here though - does anyone really think Lehner or Bishop are going to start any games in the playoffs? It's Andy's team win or lose in my opinion. Unless he's a disaster or gets hurt I guess.
I think as long as one is in the press box you can but I could be wrong, it is still the 20 player team with 5 scratches.
Anderson is the go to guy for sure but if he falters I would not be scared if Lehner was in net.
I would be scared shitless however if it was Auld.
You're either super optimistic, or you're a L'aff fan.
No way in hell we signed Anderson for 4 years, and ship him out after the first year.
Anderson is still our starter. Next year, it's Lehner vs Bishop for the backup.
Honestly, give your head a shake.
You must of had alot to drink as when the ref pointed to centre the goal horn blasted....Had it been a NYR goal, dont think they would of blasted the horn
It is either Anderson Lehner or Anderson Bishop.
No other reasonable option at this point.
I get the optimism of the two young guys being great but no chance, Anderson is way better than both of them and I think Lehner is awesome.
No need to bash on the guy for his optimism however misguided.
Having three top goalies is like a dream, why crush the dream.
Anderson is our starter, but what smokin backups to have.
Um, no. But if the play/goal they were reviewing was a possible NYR goal and he signals to center ice that would mean (logically) a NYR goal. Now if in his garbled explanation he said something like "no goal at the Ottawa end so that means Spezza's goal counts" then that clarifies but nobody could hear him. The guy pushing the "make horn sound now" button is not exactly official is he?
Bishop is waiver exempt so they can send him to Bingo if they like. They have to pay him NHL money though which might entice them to trade him away if Lehner is the no-doubt-about- it backup after camp.
I question whether Lehner playing 15 games as backup is good for his development though. Anderson seem like the type that needs a ton of starts to stay sharp so I don't like the idea of him starting 55 games and Lehner 27 (or a split along those lines).
Man I hope his job title is make horn sound now guy.
I know this view isn't popular, but it's what I've been saying for a while now. Lehner does not need 2-3 more years of AHL seasoning, at most he may need some spurts next year. Add in Bishop who is at least a quality NHL backup, and there's a tradeable asset somewhere in the 3. Is it Anderson or Bishop, I think BM will have to make that decision between now and next year's trade deadline.
The arguments for Anderson are his return is probably the highest and his ceiling appears to be the 2nd best of the group. Personally I rate it Lehner > Anderson = Bishop long term.
Lehner is the future and pretty close to being the present too, so I would not move him.
Bishop could likely fetch us back the pick we gave up or slightly more.
Given all that Anderson does seem the most likely to be moved, but I get that several fans have fallen in love with him as our starter.
No matter what though, I'd rather be discussing this as oppose to who's better between Leclaire, Gerber and Brodeur.
Egad, don't want to remember those days ever again!
How about Lehner 41, Bishop 41? It's a roll of the dice due to their lack of experience, but there isn't a better prospect tandem in the league to roll those dice with.
yes I agree 15 games does nothing for him as far as development, the perfect and I mean perfect situation would be splitting the back up with Bishop and Lehner.
Rotate them backing up Anderson throughout the year.
That way they both get games in the AHL and spend time in the NHL
Whoever is playing better in the AHL comes up, competition for back up.
The only way we see Bishop Lehner next year is if Anderson cuts some chicken next year or some type of injury, hopefully we do not see that again.
Teams are now focusing on Karlsson & Spezza and it's great the rest of the team is starting to pickup their game. Start playing playoff style hockey now... and get prepared for the playoffs.
If the Sens could by some miracle get by Boston in relatively healthy situation.. then I think they could go on a run.
If Pitts gets both Crosby & Letang back.. they could be the team to beat.
Going to our seats last night.. sitting behind us are two 'cute' young girls.. I say young -- about 19 or 20 (I'm sure most of you would have been interested) sitting there in their Leafs jersey. We mentioned they were at the wrong game... they just giggled and said they were there next week as well.. Great.
It took about 5 min into the game to determine they were just like any other arrogant, rude Leaf fan... I guess that's what happens to people when they put on that jersey and drink too much..
Big game on Saturday... since Enroth played last night.. I assume the Sens have the pleasure of playing against Miller... Hoping for the same effort as last night.. Bishop should have all of his 'jitters' gone...
Since we had tons of roster spots available this year, I think Murray's strategy was to get some of these undrafted NCAA guys, give them some 1st line minutes with Spezza to pad up their stats a little and see if he can get anything in return at the end of the season. I don't think the intention was ever to keep him permanently, it's just part of the rebuild plan.
Anyways, it will be fun to watch how Sens handle him, he seems to be at the right place at the right time....alot of the times!
Smart player for sure.
everyone was on here saying has Butler been resigned yet, any news, hope he has been resigned.
We thought he was a lock this year for 20+ goals, myself included.
This year he struggles and it is all trade Butler.
Just saying.
The guy is a sniper, I have no problem seeing how he does in playoffs or next year, no rush to dump him, next year is the last year of his contract, if he fails to impress next year and this is not just a slump he is gone anyways. (press box just like this year)
Yeah I'd like to go into next year with a proven starter thanks. We have Andy - no need to roll any dice IMO.
That's a boat load of injured puck stoppers. So for those of you that wanna see one of our three become trade bait, my question to you is, what happens if Murray makes a trade and then one of our two remaining goalies go down? Call LeClaire? Lol.
Agree 100%
no dice roll please, seen enough dice roll with Leclaire, enough for a lifetime.
To me if he had a proven record coming into the league thats one thing, but as a NCAA player we "gambled" on him, he showed some flare in his first year, but not enough to really say hes a keeper. This is year is beyond a slump, how on earth can a kid like greening put up points playing with Spezza but a sniper like butler can't? and thats not me knocking greening
Butler had his chance and lost it on our roster as far as I'm concerned, we have other players who can come in and produce
Regin got a second chance, he sucked last year and came back, he was not NCAA.
He was great or better than great in playoffs and fizzled out from there.
I am just saying Butler has the tools to be better, if BM cuts him loose fine but I don't see it based on past decisions.
Never a bad thing to have a little extra depth. My prediction for the end of camp next year:
Anderson is our starter, Lehner wins the backup job and then Murray has to decide if paying Bishop NHL dollars (it's only $650k but still) to play for Bingo is worth it.
Pros - extra depth, insurance against injuries, stability in Bingo
Cons - $$ that Melnyk may not want to spend, chance of Bishop being disgruntled (seems unlikely though)
I would bet if all the above transpires Murray will listen to offers on Bishop - if someone makes a great offer he'll move him and then go out and find a solid AHL goalie for Bingo and emergency recalls etc. Wonder if he still has Mike Brodeur's number.
Only difference is that we had drafted regin many years prior, he has come to a few camps, we knew what we were getting in him. We developed him. I put a lot more weight in draft picks than NCAA guys "who come out of no where" These late bloomers are harder to hit the jackpot with than someone like regin who clearly showed a reason to be drafted i the first place at an earlier age
For that reaosn I would give regin the benefit of doubt, and not butler
By the end of this season at least 1 of, if not both, Lehner and Bishop should be NHL proven. Still early in their careers, but the results are there.
Good points and I would think (hope) that Murray took that into consideration before Butler was resigned. Clearly in hindsight it looks like a mistake but I don't recall public outcry at the time. Some people likely disagreed and they turned out to be right (it seems) but not like it was on anyone's top 10 blunder list the day it was announced.
Bottom line is that NCAA guys are pretty much like UFAs - no pick/asset required but there is risk in not knowing as much about them. I think that overall our NCAA scouting is pretty good compared to the rest of the NHL. NCAA is just another pool to go look for players - if our scouts are pretty good at finding diamonds in the rough then great.
Well, no.
If Bishop plays every game the rest of the way that still leaves him at 28 career games. That doesn't prove much.
I agree, I still fully support signing NCAA players simply for the fact they are already developed to a point and understand systems, low risk. I just believe they ahve to have a shorter leash as a result. They pan out ride them. The minute they don't and aren't contributing in a certain way then no point letting a 22 year old take a spot of a younger prospect
I say contribute because I still think Winchester was and has been a great player for us, simply because he does a lot of dirty work that we originally didn't sign him to do, he has really changed and strengthen his game around our team needs
Can't compare Leclaire situation to Lehner and Bishop. Completely different in my opinion.
Bringing in Bishop has created a competition that wasn't there to help bring out the best replacement for Andy 2-3 years down the road.
I think Lehner has the greater potential, but he was stagnating. Now he has to fight for his spot and that will only make him a better keeper.
I do not expect that the Sens have any intentions of trading any of the 3 keepers any time soon. I suspect that Bishop will win the job for the remainder of this year, but I am looking forward to a great battle next year in spring training, and fully expect Lehner to grab the reins behind Andy for next season.
Roll of the goddamn eyes!
You'll only accept a goalie with over 100+ games?
Personally I'm higher on skill than experience, but I understand the need to have both. If Bishop plays the rest of this year that's because it proves he's NHL ready, or else Lehner would play more. Not quite sure why you have so much emphasis on the games played. If they're ready and they have the skill they are ready!
Whats so wrong about voicing displeasure, I mean hell, it should have been sold out, but it wasnt. its a bit sad when you cant even sell out when the best team in hockey comes to town?
Dont bash the guy for saying it, its fact.
Anderson is our go to guy, when Lehner or Bishop prove to be better (more skilled as you put it) than Anderson we can talk again.
(guess you were not talking to me so sorry, just tired of the conversation)
NCAA players could turn out to be very good... ie Matt Read in Philly, Kunitz was one as well I believe... or a bust like Penner..
As for goaltending.. IF Lehner is in Bingo next season and does really well or in Ottawa as backup.... ditto to Bishop.. then I see Anderson in Ottawa for one more season. I think going forward with Bishop & Lehner would be good for them and the team.
But trying to go for it next season is just to risky. We all remember Reimer was crowned as a great young goalie.. and ole Burkie went with 2 young goalies this season.. and it has not been good.
If Anderson has another great year... what kind of return would you get at the end of next season or at the draft..?
Thats good but much room for improvement, its not a sellout...which was what was dissapointing.. .
It's such a useless argument... 19,000 people is not a problem... That's fact!
Could not resist, not the same as in Leclaire was not NHL ready or Leclaire did not have skill.
or that Leclaire was not really proven.
Its not 19,000 but yeah I dont see a problem, all I said was its not a sellout, his comments regarding Ottawa not being able to support a NHL Franchise was pretty stupid tho.
Ya think?
I think it was 100 or so short of 19,000...
It's just such a non issue, who cares if it was a sellout or not? Winnipeg has a sellout at 15,000.
Sellouts don't mean anything when put into perspective..
Leclaire was highly skilled yet made of glass and beyond injury prone. Leclaire did have skill though, I don't think anyone is denying that. But as you could tell in any non-hockey goalie related activity he was not in what would be considered good shape.
Lehner and Bishop still have tons to prove, but they appear to be a lot more committed towards their health and bodies than Leclaire was. Could they both become busts and not have what it takes for full NHL seasons, absolutely, but highly unlikely. There are 2 of them now, not just 1 Leclaire, the probability of both shitting the bed in that style is pretty darn low.
I'll put it this way, I wouldn't trade Anderson if we only had Lehner and were rolling the dice on just him, but given there are two prime prospects to roll with, the math is a lot more favorable, before I even take into account the skill each possess, which I think is pretty high.
Ott vs NYR = NYR in 5 or 6 games
Ott vs BOS = BOS in 4 or 5 games
Ott vs Pitts = Pitts in 4 or 5 games
Ott vs Flyers = Ottawa in 7
Ott vs NJ = Ottawa in 6
Ott vs Florida = Ottawa in 5
Ott vs Caps = Ottawa in 7
Ott vs Buff = Ottawa in 7
This is totally based off my gut feel, which has been pretty good on Bodog this year.
I don't think that's far off.
However it bugs me when I praise people on here, so to counteract that I thumbed down your comment.
I hope so and it make sense to me.
Quoting Sensnation:
It's not just me who would want a "proven" goalie to have a full NHL season under his belt. Of course with all the injured goalies right now, NHL GMs are more desperate.
As for our current situation, I can see both Lehner and Bishop playing equal parts. If Bishop shits the bed next game, expect a start from Lehner the game after. I believe our coaching staff wants to get an equally good look at both of our backups before Andy comes back.
Sorry Hax, that was really a question. How many games is enough in your opinion to be "proven"?
Most of the time I'm on the proven over prospect bandwagon, especially in nets, but when I look at guys like Rask and Schneider I get pissed that they're not given more of a shot when they are clearly ready to start. I don't want it to be 2-3 years from now and Lehner still hasn't become the starter just because he has played so few games. I think whoever is better should play, but can respect the other side's view and where it's coming from.
Last years:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCLOkXitFZE&feature=endscreen&NR=1
This years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajz0paAZJ_Y&feature=b-vrec
Enjoy
please never quote "Sports Club Stats" ever again. They don't make sense..
If Ottawa is 97% in the playoffs with 14 games left, and they lose one, they should still be 97% in the playoffs. if they win one, they should STILL be 97% in the playoffs.
the fact that the percentage changes every single game just proves that the stats are a lie in the first place.
I prefer to use the tried and tested: "The Ottawa Senators are now only 21pts from clinching a playoff spot"
is a real farce. We are not in Florida, Phoenix, Dallas
and wherever teams are struggling, and almost giving tickets at low-ball prices!
We arte only about 1,000-1,500 from capacity, and still some guys like Uncle Phil says, we do not deserve to have a Franchise??
Being 7th in attendance within 30 teams, tells me we are
doing well in support, and that we have a loyal fan base.
Fans in this city are just over it by now.. the best team in hockey lives here, no need to go see the Sens Every game.
?
The percentage is meant to represent their chances at that point in time.
Ahhh, no, the chances of making the playoffs should change with each game. Its even more accurate than "21 points left" because it considers winning percentage and the number of games remaining.
The quoted 97% is a snapshot in time. With more history behind you, your accuracy of that percentage goes up.
I'm not saying Bishop and Lehner couldn't do it (if instead of Anderson we were talking about Leclaire for example).
I'm thinking a guy would need to play one full season (or at least 50+ games in one season) as a starter or two full seasons (with plenty of starts) as a backup before I'd consider him "proven".
Rask is a great example:
Even putting aside 09/10 where he was essentially the #1, he's been in 29 games last year and 23 so far this year. Most of those starts (judging by minutes - can't put my hands on better stats at the momement). That (to me) is enough to be considered "proven".
I can definitely agree with that statement Hax. And I think when we had just Lehner and Anderson, that was going to be the plan with Lehner. Get him ~10 games this year in NHL and tons in AHL, backup next year for about 25+, and then from then on best man gets the job. Without Bishop in the picture I think you and I are very close in our opinion. But with Bishop, I have trouble seeing how someone doesn't get shafted hard.
Even if Bishop and Lehner split the backup duties in the NHL next year and the starting duties in the AHL, alternating throughout the season, I'm not sure I see it as a good situation for either. I'm definitely open to it occurring and being proven wrong, but I think Lehner deserves a more consistent situation next year then he has gotten the last 2 years, and I think he's NHL ready, but yes "unproven" from that perspective.
Well I don't know about "shafted" but yeah if all three play great we'll have someone in Bingo that's "the best goalie not in the NHL".
He brought in Bishop to create competition with Lerhner as his season has been less than stellar in the minors.
Hate to break it to you but the Senators have been playing hockey at their current location since 1996. There wasn't any complaints about the location and traffic up when the team was always Stanley Cup favourites from1998-2008. I'm sorry but you fall the under the category of fans who are either too cheap or you don't give a shit about the hockey team.
If it's Bishop he didn't agree to a 1yr extension to be back in the AHL and if it's Lehner it's just delaying his progression when he's clearly ready to be tested at the next level and his personality requires that challenge.
Anyways, I'd roll the dice that Lehner and Bishop are indeed NHL ready, as I'm 99% certain they are.
Thanks for the discussion and either way I'm looking forward to see what the Sens decide going into the playoffs and into the offseason.
While I admire your defending the Sens, there were PLENTY of people complaining about the location before they even moved there from the Civic Center. And the parking, and the traffic. It's not the worst in the NHL but it's pretty painful to get out after a game. Should it prevent a "real fan" from going? No. Especially when taking the bus to nearby Centrum makes getting out easy enough. But even I (a level 5 homer) can't ignore that the location and parking is pretty bad. Doesn't stop me from going of course but if you could drop SBP downtown next to the transitway and within a 10 minute walk of a million public parking lots I guarantee that we'd see a 10% increase in attendance.
Though the stuffed shirts in the Glebe would not put up with that.
Correct me if I'm wrong (someone who is sure), but I believe the senators organization has a plan in place for this summer to make going to and from SBP from downtown Ottawa (and nearby areas) easier. Also, idk if you have ever been near the Bell Centre or other arenas located in cental town,but it is very difficult and expensive to find parking, and after the game the streets are extremely crowded. When I see that it makes me very happy about the location of SBP.
EDIT: actually I found the link
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=569819
They have to. The cheaper real estate etc only counters the poor location so much. A ramp directly from the corner of lot 9 onto the 417 would make a big difference.
Speaking of Montreal, the Big O has a metro station in it. During the glory days you could get 60,000 people out of there pretty quick (well, except the suckers who didn't know to park a couple of metro stops away). Most of the larger markets (i.e. with NBA and NHL - plus more concerts to keep the building booked) have downtown locations close to subways and a million places to go before/after the game etc. Ottawa can't quite support that so they have to go out to Kanata.
Part of what's killing the Coyotes is that they moved to Glendale for the cheaper land (and taxes I think). It's an hour away from Scottsdale where there's a lot of snowbirds who went to more games when the arena was there.
It's hard to argue though that the sens wouldn't get those last couple thousand to attend the games each night if it was in a central, downtown-ish location.
and being 7th in overall attendance hardly points to a problem with selling seats or a sign of a franchise in trouble.
Quite the opposite - being 7th despite being a small market is actually pretty impressive.
"Karl" and "Alfie" tell Bryan Murray, along with a lot of other people, Robin Lehner shall be our Stanley Cup goalie of the future.
"Andy" comes along and is great but is given too long a tenure (4 years). The "Rock Star" is told he needs lots of games in the "A" even though he's a "Calder Cup MVP" but he will be the de facto back up NHL goalie with some? games.
Now we get Ben Bishop, who is told you are coming directly to the "Show" and a ONE WAY Contract for next year.
Lehnerm shuts out Boston in Boston, something no other Ottawa goalie has ever done, loses a couple and is sent back down for at least one, most likely two years to a team in Bingo that is really Elmira,to be shelled every game and told the Company Line: "The kid is not ready!"
Meanwhile the plan for Ben is NOT one year and out!
So I want you guys at training camp next year as we can stand together and watch the Old Boys Club at work...I like our MGMT Team but I think they have made a mistake and are going to lose Lehner...the other teams in the league know how good he is.
I'm a Lehner supporter as well, but there's nothing Lehner can do that would make the Sens lose him. They have complete control over this asset for several years to come.
There is a chair open for you in the "Old Boys Club" right now.
It's 2012, if it's on the Grape Vine that Lehner got "done wrong" and other NHL Teams are ready to give him a shot, Robin just asks for a trade and quits on us.
Think of Kyle Turris, Nikita Filatov, Heatley, the prodigal child in Russia ,who will be welcomed back by the Preds with open arms. If Robin and his AGENT feel wronged or misled they are out of here.