The Devils were in action last night and lost a physical affair to one of their biggest rivals, the New York Rangers. Jersey will also be playing their third game in four nights which means that a strong start will be important for the Senators.
They have to jump on a tired hockey team early on.
Jason Spezza and Matt Gilroy both missed practice yesterday for personal reasons but were back on the ice this morning. Chris Phillips was not on the ice but is expected to suit up against the Devils. Head Coach Paul MacLean was also absent at the morning skate but will be behind the bench.
Ottawa will make one change to the line up tonight, reinserting Zenon Konopka in the place of Bobby Butler. After watching how the Devils and Rangers kicked off their game last night, a little extra toughness might not be such a bad idea. Carkner and Daugavins are the other scratches.
Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Klinkhammer-Turris-Alfredsson
Konopka-Smith-Condra
Foligno-O'Brien-Neil
Kuba-Karlsson
Cowen-Gonchar
Phillips-Gilroy
Ben Bishop gets the start in the Ottawa goal while the Devils will counter with Johan Hedberg. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM with all the action available on Sportsnet and RDS. Keep an eye on the comment section for any online streams that become available.
I'm predicting a surprisingly intense game tonight and expect the Sens to get off their scoring snide. 5-2 Sens victory.
Have been feeling the same way lately. I keep looking at the teams below them more than the teams in front. Need a win tonight!
Regarding the online streams - I always use Sportshunter.eu.
Besides from having to close usually three or four pop-ups, this site is pretty awesome. You can usually catch any game you want (and any sport come to think of it). It's Mac friendly, and normally they have anywhere from two to four links available for each game. I use this for 80% of my games and have never had a problem with it, except for away team homers doing broadcasts.
http://www.sportshunter.eu/
Enjoy! Hope it works for everyone else!
(note: Those annoying mini-popups always have their "X"'s in the middle of the advert, so be warned.)
Hope our Sens get a quick start and go ahead by at least 2 goals, early in first period.
A win puts us just 1 point down from the Devils,and closer to a playoff spot !
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!
Currently, statistically we have a 96% chance of making it. However, that was after a full 1% drop after last night's action. THAT scares me.
I hope tonight our big guns can fire again and that our PP finds it's groove. Not scoring on 5-on-3's and 4-on-3's is tough to swallow!!
Hope lady luck doesn't bounce anything bad our way tonight!
GO SENS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As nervous as we might be, we realistically only need to win ~4 more games to get in, and I can't see us doing worse than that. We play hard most nights, even though we don't always get the bounces.
Even if we crap the bed, so to speak, and end up 8th... that might let us avoid Boston in the first round.
The worst part about finishing 9th (God forbid) would be having to listen to all the idiot Laff fans... can't bear to think about it, so I'm going to pretend its not a possibility and just enjoy the final push for 6th!
ask them how much better the pick would be 3-4 teams sooner? we dont have a shot at the lottery and mid round picks are a guessing game at best. Id rather get embarrases in round one then finish in 10th with no playoffs and a pick that may or may not turn out any better.
lots of late first rounders turn out to be pretty good.
Ben Bishop (3-1-2, 2.10 GAA .915)
I absolutely love what Lehner brings to the table too, but a bit of healthy competition is not a bad thing either, to have 3 possible starters on 1 team while Toronto doesn't even have two nhl capable backups lol.
Read: Erik Karlsson
yup, also eberle, giroux, richards
If things do get Hairy Chirp do you expect the team to call up Peterssen? Would he be the first one called in case we need offence or do we do or die with the guys already here?
GO SENS GO!
Perry, Getzlaf, Parise, Kesler, Burns...Damn 2003 was a good draft class!
You in 2012-1 for OFS?
actually no, am a volunteer FF out here in backwoods NB, would love to be on one of those big departments, but lack the physical conditioning and level 2. one of our current members coincidentally enough was on one of the Ottawa departments, Sandy McQuarrie.
Must win tonight!!!
Big Ben Bring it home!!!!
Go Sens Go!!!
I could see another brawl happening especially if Neil and Co bother Kovalchuk a bit too much.
Jansen and Neil probably go at it, or Clarkson and Smith!
SPL
I hope Bishop can put together a solid effort. He definitely has gotten it done but we have yet to see him as a standout vs. a goalie that just gets the win. He has looked shaky on a few occassions and very good other times. I want to believe in this guy and wins this week will definitely solidify that!
Hope they actually show some heart/effort this game.
I don't think either of them are anything more than plugs but:
Condra 8-15-23 in 72 games +10
Daug 4-6-10 in 59 games -4
Isn't Daugs on a 2-way contract? If he's not going to play, why not send him back down to at least get some game time and save Eug some $$$? I'm assuming he's waiver exempt.
Condra 8-15-23 in 72 games +10
Daug 4-6-10 in 59 games -4
Fair enough but the average ice time is about 3 mins more in Condra's favour, plus I don't ever think he has been on the 4th line. Your point is well taken though, they are both just plugs.
I feel like both of them showed so much promise from the start of the season and Condra has gotten more of an opportunity. Like I said, just IMO.
Condra has the potential to be a 3rd or 4th liner when the rebuild is finally shaken out, but I don't think Daugavins is even here next year.
I know the guy who polishes the nets at the practice arena... he says that Daugs was benched because apparently "Daugs don't do rebounds"...
Almost as much as top Movie Star for 1 movie, which is also Unreal !!
SHAPE UP FELLAS
GO SENS
tis true we have been gripping the sticks a little tighter at the wrong time of the year, but we are rebuilding and these are for the most part kids.
But after a terrible game against the dreaded laffs, ( 11th game out of 12 that we have played them back to back, and some people are still unsure if this was intentional... really??? )
However I feel we get back into the grove tonight with a big win, putting us 1 point behind 6th!
Sens win 3-1!!!
Bishop plays great, Turris/Alfie have big games
Go Sens Go!!!
at Level 100, for very first time in my life!!
Hope we play a strong game on both sides of the ice !!
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!
(didnt get a chance to reply to you from the previous post about zibanejad and his ice time)
what you said is definitely true that zibanejad has been playing 2C but he wasnt getting that spot consistantly. in the 26GP he ended with 15:44 TOI/game. in the SEL, ice time isnt split like the NHL. Top line centers (except stars like silfverberg) usually get 18-21 TOI. bottom 6 guys get anywhere between 8-13minutes. i guess due to the large ice, players need shorter shifts.
as for zibanejad not being NHL ready to be a top 6 player atleast. i am 100% with you on that. matter of fact, a very popular and respected swedish insider/journal ist (pretty much comparable to our Bob Mackenzie) was saying although the sens are very confident in mika and made it pretty clear that we want him here sooner than later. He believes it is best for him to stay for another year and develope like silfverberg did. Many swedish players take 3+ years to leave the SEL, alfie took 3 years, forsberg took 5, sedins took 3 etc.
or as you said, send him to the AHL. that would be pretty much equal level of development for him.
That is awesome, I hope you both enjoy the game and witness a terrific victory!
Nope, According to "statistics" Ottawa has over 90% chance of making the playoffs. No need to win, just look at the stats.
That's why I hate that statistic. Today its 90% tomorrow it could be 50%. If one loss drops us down that much, then it was never really a 90% chance to begin with.
This will put you at ease.
If Ottawa play .500 hockey: Buffalo needs to pick up 16 of 18 points kock ottawa from the playoffs.
THAT is a stat!
Not really worried. We're gonna be alright.
Was gonna mention the same thing. Not that Spezza has been useless per se, but you can tell he's been struggling a bit with the death of his friend, being sick and whatnot. Good for him to take the night off. He needs it. We've been pretty lucky this year with our star players not getting hurt.
The Sens are a strong team down the middle. I liked Nicky's game when he played center earlier on in the season. I think they'll pull off a W.
Is anyone else hear feeling disgusted by our justice system? Fleury said he would be angry if he didn't already have the lowest possible expectations. James gets 2 years for repeatedly raping two trusting young boys? What is that... one year per child?!?!? Shouldn't the crime warrant a more serious punishment?
I don't want minor hockey to have the same association with child molestation as, say, the Catholic church.
Score Fast Score Often
Our justice system is a complete and utter joke
looks like you spoke too soon..lame
If Turris gets to center the first line, hope Nicky gets a shot at centering the second line...He had his best string of games this season when he was playing center before Turris was brought here...
Time for some prison vigilante justice ?
In addition to not being a spezza fan, you are also a moron.
Yeah. This is one of the things that Anderson was good with that will be welcomed back once Andy is ready to play. Other than that Bishop's been doing a good job tonight though.
yay jinx'd......... ............... .............
we're missing the little je-ne-sais-quoi that made us successful.
Unless Anderson carries us or we start playing better.
just picture the last few games.... only this time were shooting on hedberg
Our PP needs serious help, it's just unacceptable now. We have to be able to push the Devils. These kind of tight games are the ones where we need to find ways to win. Hope PM gives them a boost during intermission, because as good as Hedberg is (arguably been better than Marty this season), we should have put a few past him by now.. Come on guys, if you can't handle the Devils, the Bruins are going to rough us up and sweep us under the rug quickly (assuming we get them in the first round)..
On another note, the Leafs are losing yet again.. and the Pens are making quick work of the Jets. Crosby has (once again...) 3+ points. If they weren't the team to beat before, they've got to be considered the favourites now going in..
dont like the storm trooper bishop look
Knock on wood
yeah, but what else is bad? Our power play....
WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THE REFS?
And everyone has to stop hitting the d with their shits
edit: Pathetic bullshit at the end. We've been playing really bad the last 3-4 games
If we can drop to eighth and play NYR I would be ecstatic. Sens always do well against them.
Not sure what to bitch about...Foligno played well...Gilroy played well....Butler didn't do anything absolutely horrible (wont say played well)
Add Silfverberg Zibby Puempel
Offence is needed ready or not bring the youth
I support your statement. Except, I'd like to keep Konopka to help assist Neil on our assets. Gladly replacing Konopka for Greening.
If we make the picking first round , the way these bitches are playing....
Quoting MoeDozer:
It is absolute insanity to knock spezza for having a cold streak, 80% of the team are on a permanent cold streak
Spezza and Karlsson are the reason we are in position to make the playoffs
Dont be mad at spezza because Foligno, butler, condra, smith , konopka, michalek, neil, turris, ETC cant get shit done
Add Silfverberg Z93 Puempel and ... Filatov
Remove Condra Z Butler Hammer
Too be able too add 2 top 6 picks and and 1st rounded pumps and SEL MVP some teams could be so lucky ... We are !!!!
um theres a reason i said "not to be a negative fan" im in no way hating on spezza for not winning us the cup already.. i was just stating the obvious that the team will be playing the same way with or without him tonight just because of the struggles hes had. as someone else pointed out that most of his struggles are coming from off ice personal issues too.
We flat out suck on the power play when we get them
Bishop was solid, have to say that, Turris gave 100% but as usual did not cash in.
Next game
Offense? how about offensive.
He has done sweet dick all since he has come, except has minimal points, missed open nets, and the PP has been god awful since he has come. WTF is he playing for?
Stop trying to make a bad decision good, sit his butt!
He hurts us everytie he touches the puck in the other teams end.
Gonchar needs a maintenance month! Sit him too
Turris needs to be treated like all others who do not perform on the top 6 and move him down to the third line.
This team has scored 3 goals in 180 mins of hockey against some of the weaker teams, when they really need the points.
At this rete we again will be fighting to stay in the playoffs.
And Neil on th PP....Really? He does a great job killing he penalty for them.
Sorry venting but, this was another shit game at the wrong time of year, this team right now is in a tailspin, and playing the players who are not performing is hurting this team right now.
On the bright side, I see what Bishop can do, that was a great game by him, he can be a regular starter in the NHL, but aside from that.
And finally to all those Spezza critics...pleas e shut u mouths!
zibanejad cant come until the 7th of april at the earliest. silfverberg is up 3-2 in their 7 game series in round 1 quarterfinals.
By the way Moedozer really love the SEL input you provide with the Zbad, Solfver and Classson updates keep them up.
And have to agree, we need someone in the top 6 that can help out Spezza and Alfie, the clowns in there right now are just not doing anything at all
I have to say that I sympathize with your frustration.
Yes I do forget that he is the youngest forward on our team, but so was Zibby, and he was sent back to SEL.
Filatov got a few games in and was shipped out.
Why does he get this free pass?
Yes he should be good one day, but he is dragging down the second line right now, as well as the powerplay, and even making Alfie look normal.
I am not saying a benching, but fair treatment is in order, 2nd line centre should not be a BM given right, you should earn it.
And for all my love for BM, he plays his players to a fault.
Gonchar... was a fuck up, sit his 6 mil
Gilroy... has only hurt this team
Turris... either needs a rest or at least a stint in the bottom six
Again I appologize for the rant, but it does not seem that all the players are being treated fairly... only IMO
Based on what I've seen this season, a Rangers matchup would be a favorable one.
Not for losing games per se, just saying it could be a blessing in disguise. You never know.
He's been playing second line minutes for a long time now, based on his supposed potential, and the fact that the Senators have been giving him plenty of ice time he has not even had a break out game yet. He has yet to even record a 3 point night. I mean he was the number 1 ranked N.A skater during his draft year.
I guess the BCHL is just a league he used to exploit his skills against crappy players. I mean even Patrick weirioch came from that league and he has not even developed yet. the only exception I guess would be Brett Hull who came from the BCHL, but then again his dad was a superstar.
It's just frustrating when you can't profit out of what you gave up for Turris, and the chances you gave him.
He had like 3 opportunities in front of the net to score on a rebound today but could not finish.
A few games I was all for that, but the way we have been playing, even bottom feeders like the leafs are tough to beat. It seems that the 200ft game we were playing at the beginning of the year has gone missing.
The last three games have been just terrible hockey, and they need to fing a way out of this funk... but how?
I hope PM has some more tricks up his sleaves b/c plenty of the passion is gone... thank god for Bishop tonight!
But tonight wasn't a poor effort by any means...
Again, I'm all for a Rangers matchup. The Sens have played them well all season and I honestly believe can win.
He's played second line minutes this whole time with Ottawa, however his point totals generated is going to be less than last year when he was playing with the Coyotes unless he goes on a crazy scoring streak the next 8 games.
He was averaging around 9 minutes per game with the Coyotes, and he is averaging over 16 minutes per game with Ottawa, and he is playing with Alfredsson.
Neal - Crosby - Malkin
This is not going to be good. All I could do is hope for the opposite.
problem is that Rangers are not going to finish first, the Pens are and that is going to be very tough with Crosby back, I would almost rather play Boston.
so, who do we prefer in the 1st round, Bruins or Pens?
I share your frustration, but I really wouldn't give up on Turris just yet. Games played-wise he's what? 2 seasons into his career? He's only 22 years old, after all. How many players even make it to the NHL by that age?
I do agree that he has to step it up a notch and unleash that shot more frequently. But from what I've seen from his playmaking and skating, the kid has serious potential. Just needs more of a goal-scoring instinct.
I would be up for moving Turris to the 3rd line, give Foligno some centre time on the 2nd. If nothing else it creates competition.
What's everybody think about Klinkhammer? if you ask me, he's done a good job, but if he wants to stay he's going to have to put up some points
Rather have him on the ice than:
Daugavins
Condra
Konopka
Auld
Win or lose it is a process for all the young players... many of whom are playing above their own abilities...
Go Sens Go!!!
Then again maybe they are just slumping badly and their real lack of depth talent wise is starting to show as teams are tightening up their games.
Either way, I think it will be a tough road to make it too and succeed in the playoffs from here on in.
Difference is that Rundblad was playing his first year in the NHL so I can find scoring droughts and mistakes acceptable for him, however Turris has already played like 178 NHL games and we gave up second rounder for him that would have had potential be another Silfverberg calibre player if we got lucky. .5ppg is not really acceptable for a guy that was drafted third overall, and was putting up 66 goals in 53 games in BCHL. I'd be happy if he had about 13-15 goals by now, but only 8 goals in 41 games right now.
Also he's had plenty of time to get into Season form playing alongside Alfredsson.
I guess I can just look forward to his play in the playoffs for now. Maclean specifically liked him because he played well against Detroit last year in the playoffs but that was a sample size of 4 playoff games.
claude giroux took almost 3 NHL seasons before breaking out(age 22).
jeff carter also took 3 years (age 22)
loui eriksson 3 years (age 23)
the list goes on and on, some take much longer like filppula who is breaking out this year at the age of 27.
all we can do is be patient and support who ever our organization throws out there on the roster.
FREEBIRD !
Yeah, hope he has a break out year next year.. I mean he was third overall.. the pressure on him is huge to perform well.. To be fair though, it's not like that draft class was really spoken highly of any way, with the exception of maybe Patrick Kane.. although a few players have panned out miraculously (Pacioretty, Alzner, Perron, Couture, Suban) the rest have been a buried in the minors now 5 years later.
It's been a brutal stretch and everyone looks awful right now, except for Bishop. This team has overachieved most of the year to our great benefit but right now are going through an awful, awful stretch at the worst time. I think a better approach, especially at the games, would be to cheer on a Sens team and give them an extra lift they desperately need vs giving up on them.
Save the criticism for the end of the year because at this point, considering we are still in a place we aren't supposed to be, it's pointless. This team needs its fans right now more than ever but we'd prefer to give up vs cheer.
I love how we complain like little bitches about Leaf and Habs fans coming in and taking over our building only to sit there and listen to crickets at the next home game. A game where our best player is a late scratch and everyone scrambles to adjust to that huge hole. We really needed some noise and encouragement from the fans but, typically, could only muster about 30 seconds worth of ref complaint chants, not cheers of support for a flat team desperately in need of a lift. Guess what guys, people like to make noise at hockey games. And guess what, it inspires players to be better. Just ask Winnipeg.
This year, we fans owe this Senators team a hell of a lot more than they owe us. We should act that way.
We need goal scoring, and we need it quickly
I logged on to say that this comment is the best from the last 2 days and to give it a thumbs up.
We need more fans like this in this city. Cheers to you Spezzerman!
Unreal
BISHOP YOU ARE CRAP UNLESS YOU ARE LEADING THE LEAGUE IN SCORING!
Maybe Anderson could have slid into the 2nd line centre role last night and pop one in :)
That was funny Miguel, good one!
And to think some idiots want Spezza gone or saying we dont need him, LMAO.
Couldnt be more evident than last night, that was a brutal showing by the Sens, Hedberg, I mean come on!!
yes some of these kids have overachieved...
Reality, we would be right where everyone thought we would be without, Spezza, Karlsson, and Anderson/Bishop.
So yes we should be grateful to even make the playoffs, but to call some fans fickle, b/c we want better for our beloved Sens, may seem righteous, but I find it pompous.
Spezzerman, yes you raise some good points, and I repsect many of your opinions, but I don't think that jumping on your soap box, and crying out how bad some fans are for not appreciating what has gone on this year is being fair.
We have shit the bed agianst an arch rivals, and brutal Laff team, that could not beat the 67's right now.
Do you think that performance was fair to the 20,000 (sorry 10,000 ) sens fans who paid on average $200 for a pair of tickets, and put up with the abuse of loser laff fans?
Sorry but I don' think it was a fair performance.
Then to come out yesterday, in a very important game, where the opposition has played in 3 of 4 nights, and lack passion, and get outworked, is not acceptable.
There are few things that are disturbing in this year of overachievment, and if we all desire to continue to improve we have a right o voice our opinion,
This does not mean that those overly optimistic people are any more passionate or better fans, than those who want to offer constructive criticism.... IMO only of course
The team is not playing with the 200ft passion it did earlier on.
Some players have been penalized for lack of performance, while others seem to be given the free pass to suck all they want, and keep getting rewarded with ice time.
Their seems to be a double standard, and maybe PM may be losing some of those warriors, who keep getting punished... again IMO only of course
He just needs to get stronger. He has good jump but he gets separated from the puck way too easily and pretty much loses every board battle.
I am sure it has been said but WTF is Konopka thinking? You sit in the box for that many games, one would think that you would play smart hockey. I am not saying that he lost the game for us but he always seems to take a penalty at the wrong time and stupid ones at that.
We sà w last night that we are pretty thin offensively when Spezza is not playing and it's amazing the level of pressure we put on a 21 yrs old kid like Karlsson. You can tell that everyone on the ice are looking to feed either him of Alfie all the time on the PP. What hapenned to MM9, he doesn't know of to score anymore?
the 4th line. + when Spezza gets the sniffles can we run out and get him a decongestant.
You can't win if you don't score but that was a beachball that got by Bishop yesterday - that shit happens though!
Agree we have exceeded expectations, so happy to cut team some slack.
Loved comment on Sportsnet that Bryan Murray was Brian Burke's problem (comparison really hurts the Leafs). Bet the Leafs (or Canadiens) would love to be in our shoes right now.
Thought O'Brien and Klink both played well last night. Klink did not get much ice time, not sure why.
Move Turris to 3rd and Smith to 4t line center. BUT NO everybody thinks that Turris is a 2nd line center. Hell he's 21 lets let him learn with a little less pressure! Brassard would've come in handy yesterday. Not as if we didn't have cap space and prospects to get a deal done.
Tough loss last night. its getting a little scary and not the easiest schedule going forward. what's been most frustrating is the lack of passion and energy in these losses. we have seen the team play at a higher level, a more intense level this year, and to not be at that level at this stage of the season is frustrating to watch.
I'm a little disappointed in Spezza and I'm going to criticize him for the 1st time this year. missing a game because your sick? really? at this stage of the season when you know you might have to miss another one anyday now because of the birth of your child (congrats), but really...suck it up if your sick, your still better sick then any replacement.
I have no problems with the Lee for Gilroy trade. Gilroy has been decent. He hasn't hurt the team, but really hasn’t improved the team either in my opinion.
With all signs pointing to a Sens-Bruins first round matchup, I think the Sens need to give Carkner another shot and give him a chance to prove that he can play a regular shift with the added bonus of his size and toughness that Gilroy doesn't bring. Gilroy might be a better skater and puck mover, but against a big team like Boston that will be running around finishing checks, having Carkner in the lineup might allow Ottawa's more important players to play with more confidence. Its nice to have quality depth players, but when it comes down to it, your Star players more often then not have the biggest impact on the outcome of the game.
My point is; this is the team that got us here and that team works for the fans when we win but when we lose everyone is a bust, needs to demoted, never should have been here in the first place, blah, blah blah. And obviously, when the team is losing the critics will come out, fine.
My real beef is with the live audience at SBP.
When we are down Spezza, its a huge disadvantage. Playing a fantastic, stingy Devils team is tough on any night, let alone without one of the top offensive players in the league. It's a time when the players need to hear from the fans that we have faith in them and the fans last night blew it. This is how Ottawa fans are and I can accept this for the most part but not right now. The fans sat in silence waiting for their team to do something which at this time of year, is BS. Fans play a role in inspiring a team to do better. Sens fans don't do this...at all, ever.
I'm not standing on a soapbox, I am pointing out that a loud, supportive SBP last night, regardless of the on ice product, likely would have made a difference but we'll never know because our fans chose to sulk and bitch about Turris not being Jason Spezza. It's lame and it needs to change.
IMO, of course.
Hey homer, you do realize he's been carrying this team on his shoulders for the better part of the season...He's 4th in League scoring...I hope you do realize that playing hockey when your sick, u can infect the rest of the club, which I dont have to tell you could and have had a negative effect on the performance of the team.
U didnt pick a great 1st argument to criticize Spezza.
Add another puck mover that can replace Gonchar on the 2nd pairing and gives us some more skill upfront. Both guys entering their prime - 28 yrs old.
Hope its not an issue.....
Well said Mr. Spezzerman and really cannot argue with those points, as fans at the game, I do agree we need to be more involved and show as much passion, there live, as we do here on some of our posts
Spezza
Turris
DaCosta
Smith down the middle with O'brien playing on Smiths wing or vice versa.
As I said....first time ive been critical of spezza this year. I understand what your saying..but the infecting the rest of the team is an over-used excuse. sometimes your around someone that's sick and you get sick as well, but most times you dont. I just think that the Sens were only 3 points back of NJ, with a playoff spot far from garanteed and a tired NJ on the ice. I would have taken my chances to get the HUGE two points. looking back now, they seem even more important. anyways..agree to disagree..thats cool with me. ill give him the benefit and assume he was REALLY sick.
We weren't brutal - carried the play for parts of the game but just no finish. Not sure if it's gripping the stick a bit or some "get rebounds" strategy that didn't pan out.
Not too worried just yet but really don't want to go too many more games before we get the offense clicking again. Need to play like we don't care anymore. Embrace the role of "the team that doesn't belong".
have to agree with Tooks, not a good argument to criticize Spezz. Feeling sick, is one thing, but I am sure the emotions of burying a close friend where you were a palbearer, must have really taken a toll on him. As Took says, he is obviously our top offensive player, and without him Karlsson and Andy, we really would be where most pundits thought we would be.
Well the series is tied being 3-3, might be most wins that gets in.
I agree spezza has carried us this year and has been awesome. Obviosuly a tough situation for spezza with the unfortunate passing of his friend, ive beem a pallbearer before, its tough. But the funeral was Monday, and he played a few games since the passing. he has a job to do, he's a pro. he has 20 other guys on the team depending on him, not to mention thousands of fans counting on him. If he was so sick that he had to miss a game. I just think he should have done everything possible and played sick regardless. but ill give him the benefit and assume that he was so sick he couldnt play. lets hope he is ready to next game
Use your head man...spezzais 4 the in scoring what a useless player to have
I think this changed for this year where the first tie break is total # of Regulation and Overtime wins, which Buffalo is weak. TSN doesnt show this in the standings, but other sites like ESPN do. The column ROW (regulation + overtime wins) shows that first tiebreak
Ottawa has 32, Buffalo has 27 so we are probably fine there.
your an idiot man...people like you that just like to argue and read things the way you want to read them. I've always supported spezza, he's been awesome this year, are MVP. all I said was I was disappointed he didnt play and that the reason was that he was ill. I like to see guys play through that, and hope that Spezz realizes that even sick he is 10x the player Bobby butler is and that even though he is sick he can still help the team, suck it up and play if you can. but as I said, ill give him the benefit and assume he was so sick that he couldnt play. in that case, get well man. hope you dont miss anymore games.
Getting a game off for "illness" I'm sure was the right call. No sense killing himself to try and lock up 6th place if it means he'll be dragging his ass into the playoffs.
Plus it never hurts the team to realize they can't just sit back and let Spezza carry the mail every game. The team should aspire to win without him.
In fact, if Spezza's not 100% I'd be tempted to keep him out of the next game and challenge the rest of the boys to win a game without him.
I'd agree if we were at the top of the eastern conference standings, for sure given the circumstances you would like to rest your star if he isnt 100%, but when were only 4 points out of 8th and currently struggling while teams below us are winning. I don't think we are even close to being in a position to take that approach. just my 2 cents. i agree with your thinking though.
I dont think its overall Reg or SO wins, might be head to head reg wins vs SO wins that matter first.
The Sens have 3 reg wins vs Sabres.
The Sabres have 2 OT wins and 1 reg vs Sens.
I think Sens take it cuz of the 3 reg wins and only 1 reg loss.
Except the Penguins are only 1 pt back of the Rangers and could very well take over that top spot. How do you like that first round match-up if the Sens drop to 8th? thought so.
After that crash and burn against the devils last night that basically destroyed our chance of catching them or Boston for that matter, I'd like to see the Sens atleast hold on to that 7th spot. Boston would suck to play first round as well, but looking at the standings and Florida has won 5 in a row, they could catch Boston and jump from 3rd to 2nd. That would put us against Florida in the first round....and them oranges I like!
Umm Hax, if we dont start winning now, he wont have a playoff to drag his ass...
I'm not saying he should have played, I'm saying we are not a lock for the playoffs, as you seem to think.
Why are some folks pumped on Puempel, he's not that good (compared to our other prospects).
PIT - 115
FLO - 98
Bos - 95
NYR - 106
PHI - 106
NJD - 99
OTT - 92
BUF - 91
Washington with 90 points
(Using "last 10 games" pace - Ottawa has the worst "last 10" among possible playoff teams. So this is almost worst case for us.)
And boy does Condra suck, what a pathetic shootout opportunity. I can't wait for the young blood to purge these overrated spare pieces.
Aside from all that, fun game last night, just very little finish. Thought Foligno and Turris played pretty well and both created several opportunities. Puck just wasn't bouncing our way.
Something does need to be done about our PP though, there's no excuse for the ineptitude it's operating at lately.
Onto the next game. GO SENS GO!!!
Thanks for tiebreak procedure, Captain.
Hax, so we'd get Florida? That would be OK. But I think Boston will be 2nd.
well obviously or else he woulda been picked ahead of zibanejad and noesen. i just really believe this guy's ceiling might be the highest of them all.
obviously we cant predict who really has the highest ceiling so to speak. but this guy is just a text book pure goal scorer, its all he knows how to do.
why im really pumped is because i expected him to be our "long-term project" of our top prospects, he just seems like he might be someone that might need more time to develope because he is by far way behind the others in strength to be in the NHL. so it really caught me off gaurd to see him the first one of all the prospects to come to bingo ( although thats mainly because peterborough sucks)
but i think you have said this before too, my favourite prospect (outside of the swedes) is noesen.
Yeah Peterborough is not in the playoffs, all our other prospects are...
Noesen I really like, ever since the Dev camp, man the guy has a mean shot, snapper, wrister, slapper, anyshot was like a bullet top shelf!
I was shocked when he was left off the USA WJ Squad, and now I'm fine with, just means he hates the States even more!
I also like Pageau, kid has tons of motivation on top of the usual making the NHL. He's gonna be our version of Giroux/St.Louis !
I think you mean replace Kuba on the 1st pairing. Gonchar still has another year on his contract. Unless he waives his NTC, he's here to stay.
I like the players you mention though.
Now there is a league that takes discipline seriously...
Well considering the fact that he was second in the league in scoring at one point(after his hat trick against tampa), and has been stuck at fourth for like 2-3 weeks right now just shows how streaky he is.
He has been crap and invincible ever since Lehner got his first shutout against the bruins or named first star of the week.
That is the most frustrating about Spezza, when he is hot he is really hot, and when he is cool he really is cool. He is an on/off switch basically.
Big difference between Spezza and Malkin, is Malkin can play great and score points, even when his team is playing like crap, and you can say the same for Stamkos.
With Spezza's recent play lately I don't think Spezza would have been a game changer yesterday at all.
Not at all. I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen.
As for Spezza being "streaky" - while there's some truth to that I think it's more about teams focusing on his line when their numbers are up then letting off a bit when the numbers are down. Some better secondary scoring would help Spezza put up more consistent numbers I'm sure.
whats i found even more insane is they forfeit the 2nd round pick in 2012 and 2013. now thats insane.
You guys criticizing Spezza need to do better than this...
"Well considering the fact that he was second in the league in scoring at one point(after his hat trick against tampa), and has been stuck at fourth for like 2-3 weeks right now just shows how streaky he is."
Stuck at 4th? Do you think before you type?
"He has been crap and invincible ever since Lehner got his first shutout against the bruins or named first star of the week."
Crap AND invincible, eh?
While "stuck at 4th" does actually mean he's consistent (keeping pace) rather than streaky, I think the "crap and invincible" was meant to imply either or, nothing in between. Or a typo and he meant "invisible".
LMAO !
One month later the Sens are in 7th place.. 6 pts up on 9th overall.
So in a month -- the 9th place team has gained 1 pt.
Yes the Sens have not been playing well. Whether it's a bump in the road in a long NHL season for a RE-BUILDING team or that the flu has run through the team... they have not been good up front.
But it wasn't too long ago.. that Greening, Condra, Daug, Klinkhammer, Turris, etc were the best -- they were playing great... now the team hits a rut and these guys are AHL'ers.
Most of these guys are in the full 1st year in the NHL. Do you not think there would be difficult parts of the season for them?
Without Spezza -- Turris was forced to play 1st line centre which he is not. He will be a good 2nd line centre -- he will grow into the game. He is only about 22 yrs old.. another player rushed into the NHL.
Bishop had a great game last night. And I thought Gilroy had his best offensive game as a Sens to date. He has been in about 10 games, right? So he comes to a new organization, new teammates, new coach and he is to instantly come in and be great? He is not the best defensively by any means... but give the guy a break.
My only worry right now is Buffalo... They have been playing great and unless the Sens go .500 over the last 8 games it could be difficult for them to make the playoffs.
Hope the return of Anderson helps this team get back to it's game.
Disappointed they did not coming out hitting hard last night. The Devils had a rough game the night before and the Sens could have worn them down but I hardly saw any consistent hitting...
I would be surprised. The team was not happy with the interview Petersson did and the comments that he made about being given a fair shot.
Petersson is really going to have to earn that next call up and I'd be shocked if it happens this season.
Yeah forgot about that interview but good point.
Good post Sandy - but don't worry about Buffalo - just worry that we stay ahead of Washington OR Buffalo. .500 will more than do that and even 3 wins should do it.
Not a cake-walk, but totally possible especially with Anderson back for most of those games.
Last night was the first time in a while that the team looked a bit nervous in front of their goalie. Bishop has been solid but he's no Anderson yet. Lehner's not significantly better than Bishop at this point but you have to admit he exudes confidence even when he's not playing perfect and I think the team skates better in front of Lehner. Really been surprised that Lehner didn't get a couple of more games while Anderson was out.
lol sorry I meant invisible.
Ever since the 1-0 win against Boston he has 3 points, which is 3 points in 8 games. Sure being fourth in the league is amazing, it's good when you make it up there after playing amazing, but he went down to fourth from second and has been stuck there for like 2-3 weeks as I said. He's been stuck there because the other players behind have had to catch up to his point totals, because he was so amazing before the 1-0 win against Boston. Since that game Kessel who was tied with Karlsson in points has caught up and tied Spezza in points.
Does that clarify how streaky he is or has been?
I can think of a couple of other teams that probably wish they had picked up Bishop for a second round pick.
What's more telling is that this is the first game you've noticed the "future strippers" - they've been there pretty much all season. Goes to show how dry the game was though as I don't think you were the only fan a bit bored and looking around.
Having been to games in the southern US I don't really have an issue with the SBP version of the cheerleaders (the ones in Dallas and LA in particular fit the "future stripper" term much more closely) - but it is a bit disappointing that they feel the need to do that to get some actual noise in that building.
- Bishop played well. Just need to work on his rebound control a little bit better. Hedgberg was way better as most shots just gets trapped.
- Turris looks like he is running out of steam. Still developing and had a couple of good chances.
- Secondary scoring is needed. Condra, Smith, Greening, Foligno needs to do their part.
- A good effort overall, just needed to hang around the net more and they would have had more chances.
SPL
I think the biggest difference maker in the game (other than the BRUTAL officiating) was that the Devils D did a great job tying up sticks on our players to deny second-chance shots. Hedberg gave up plenty of juicy rebounds but we could never get a stick on them.
Having been to games in the southern US I don't really have an issue with the SBP version of the cheerleaders (the ones in Dallas and LA in particular fit the "future stripper" term much more closely) - but it is a bit disappointing that they feel the need to do that to get some actual noise in that building.
It was the first time I've noticed them, which truly is a sign at how bad the game was. But I have to disagree with you. There is no need for that at the game. The focus should be on the game, no prepubescent little girls trying to sex up interest at the game. Especially when the drunken pedophile idiots from Gatineau behind me were jeering in full force. Kind of kills the hockey atmosphere...as does bad hockey.
Surprisingly prudish for a guy with "sausage" as his nickname (kidding).
I don't think they're really trying to "sex up" interest at the game. It's not like they're wearing biker shorts and crop tops like in other arenas. I'm not saying they're necessary but I don't think it's as bad as what they do in other arenas. We're also one of the few arenas where there's no skimpily dressed ice girls during TV timeouts either.
Future strippers? are you guys really old or was I that drunk that I thought they were current strippers? Last game I was at the "Dancers" did not look like prostitots....
The 2nd period wasn't as intense, they let Jersey back into the game and they scored on the PP, which is something Ottawa hasn't been able to do as of late. Jersey was the winner of the 2nd period, with shots in favour 14 to 7 and Bishop kept them in the game.
But the 3rd, that's almost a half and half. Jersey was the clear winner of the first 10 minutes, had power play chances and Bishop again kept Ottawa in it. But then Ottawa owned the last 10 minutes. Overall in the 3rd we had more offensive zone possesion but we couldn't put the puck in the net. Lots of rebounds, but NJ did a good job of boxing up the crease to ensure it didn't land on an Ottawa stick. In those situations we need more people grinding in front, not flying around on the outside wing.
Add the fact that faceoff wins were almost even at 29 to 30, Ottawa outshot them 31 to 20, even if they were not all quality scoring chances. The simple fact is we couldn't score a goal, even with a 5 on 3 for 20 seconds.
The problem we have right now, Spezza in the lineup or not, is our Power Play. Everyone knows that EK runs it, once they cover him or hog the lane we don't score. Besides Alfie, nobody else takes a shot on net. Ottawa has to come up with a better pp system that involves more than just EK, because even if the playoffs started now, it would be over.
I found no fault in Turris last night, he played his heart out. This is simply just Ottawa hitting a rut at a bad time, everyone knows it's been a roller coaster for them all season. In a game or two, they'll hit the stride again and be back into the winning way, just wait for it.
As much as the team needed spezza last night, if he was sick enough to not suit up he was probably quite ill. i'd rather him sit a game and get better than to have him play when he's fighting a virus, not play at his full potential and get an injury that would put him out longterm, and really hurt this team.
Suggesting that the Senators won't call up a 20 year old Andre Petersson because of an honest (yet possibly foolish, depending on accurate translation) interview he gave to some Swedish reporter, that was then loosely translated into English for our judgement... Hmmm, not sure I buy that.
Personnaly, I'd rather have a player that is pissed about being in the minors making peanuts, in a second-rate city, than someone that is happy about it. What does someone's opinion of our farm team city have to do with Ottawa anyways? If this is truly the attitude of management, just send the kid back to Sweden now, no use leading him on if he isn't our type of "good community man". If they want to compete in the big leagues, they need to act like it.
Oh wait, we don't need him... we have Bobby Butler.
/end rant
I'm sure Bishops wins majority of the games Auld saw the net in. Also we may not have had to use a tired Anderson as much. Just a thought
Anyways players that really need to find the back of the net begins and ends with Smith in my opinion. When he rolls we roll, because he is that secondary scoring. We need that line to generate and sustain pressure. Foligno would be nice to get going, but for some reason I think he is locked into the situation where he is, and will be a while before he bounces out of 4th line duty.
next opponent please.
Auld had 8 starts and 5 relief appearances. Anderson was never "used tired" to spare us Auld, he wants/needs to play a lot of games.
So having Bishop instead wouldn't have changed much except maybe we'd have gotten more than 8 points in those 8 games (2 of which went to Anderson in relief). Of course, Bishop may have pushed to start more games but then you're chipping into Anderson's numbers which are not really going to be improved upon.
Auld this season:
Oct 8 (relief - took the loss)
Oct 15 (started - lost)
Oct 18 (pulled - took the loss)
Nov 11 (relief - sens lost)
Nov 20 (started - OTL)
Nov 25 (relief - sens lost)
Dec 8 (started - OTL)
Dec 16 (started - Won)
Dec 27 (relief - sens lost)
Dec 30 (pulled - sens won)
Feb 7 (relief - sens lost)
Feb 9 (started - Won)
Feb 25 (started - lost)
For this he was paid with a 1 year contract worth $1,000,000.00. Guess Murray knew this from the start, and felt he had to add a better backup goalie!
Ben Bishop is the best backup we have ever had !!
ray emery was a pretty stellar back up too, hasek left us for dire come playoff time and for the cash he made he should've played unless he was dying, but it opened the door for emery.