The good news is MacLean said he does expect Spezza to be back at practice tomorrow and good to go on Friday night in Montreal.
Ottawa’s power play continued to struggle last night and obviously that had a lot to do with Spezza being out of the line up. But the fact is, the Senators have been ice cold with the man advantage for the past few games and will need to get that sorted out in time for Friday night’s game against the Habs.
Montreal blocks a ton of shots so quick puck movement and a little more rotation will be paramount on Friday night. Over this recent slump, there has been far too much standing still on the power play.
In net, it sounds like Ben Bishop is likely to get another start on Friday night. Anderson is getting close but it didn’t sound like he would be ready to go on Friday. You would also think the Senators would to give Andy his first start against a high flying Penguins team on Saturday night.
While there is no need for Sens fans to panic, it’s important that the Senators right this ship in a hurry. They still control their own destiny but if the losses continue to pile up, they could put themselves in a tough position down the stretch.
There is only one game of real significance to the Sens tonight and it features the Montreal Canadiens in Buffalo to take on the ninth place Sabres. Buffalo currently sits six points back of Ottawa but they have the benefit of a game in hand.
The Habs could do the Sens a huge favour with a win tonight.
- MacLean also provided an update on Jesse Winchester this morning. Winchester has passed the protocol testing required for any player that suffers a concussion. Obviously this is a step in the right direction for Winchester but his next challenge will be getting into game shape. That will be tough to do with just eight games left on the schedule.
Winchester is a great PK guy, amazing on the boards, does all the gritty work needed, and can pack a little offense, but don't rely on him there. Basically he is an improved version of daug and aforementioned players
Winchester-Obrien-Condra would be ideal 4th line, that could be rolled for 8-9min a game
I agree that Spezza is pivotal part of the PP, but regardless, it would be nice for someone like GIlroy of Foligno to pot one home.
Also a big chance like Condra has, a guy who is not offensively gifted needs to put that puppy in the cage to show the fans he can do it and create some noise in that building.
We have been unlucky last 2 games but we need to turn it around fast.
A tad harsh?
Agree... I like Winchester's game. He will never be a big scorer but he brings a lot of grit and hard work to the lineup.. something this team really missed the last 4 games.
They have gotten away from the physical game that brought them success... time to get back to that... it starts with the Habs...
The guy is a role player. Smart guy who is responsible defensively, almost never out of position and who other players like to play with and feel comfortable with.
You can't build a whole team of guys like that - you need the Spezzas of the world of course, but you can't build a team without a few guys like that.
There's a reason Condra keeps playing while others take their turn in the press box and it's not some sort of "man crush". It's because he does exactly what's asked and expected of him - nothing less (though rarely much more I agree).
There's a long list of guys we need more from before we need more from Condra.
Michalek-Spezza-Greening
Peterssen-Turris-Alfie
Foligno-DaCosta-Klinkhammer
O'Brien-Smith-Neil
sitting:Butler-Konopka-Daug
Then if Silfverburg can be inserted - DO IT. We need some skill in the lineup.
C'mon boys lets shake it!
Personally its because we actually use him more in a top 6 roll than bottom 6 roll. That irritates me, I would much prefer Foligno in top 6 than Condra, but at the same time I would love to see Foligno stop getting useless offensive zone penalties
Condra would be great in 5-10 min a game (depending on amount of PK that given game) but we use him often more than that and thats why we get irritated with him, because he doesn't produce a whole lot. love his defensive game, but winchester plays it just as good and hits more and is a better version of playoff "sandpaper"
+ rather play habs after a win than after a loss
EEEEEEEEEEEYORE !
Is that all you are ever going to contribute to this site?
.."EEEEEEEEEEEYORE"
EK contract
UFA signings/trades - are there any solid guys available that fit the rebuild and can help now (Suter)?
If there's a trade, which forward prospects go the other way?
RFAs - who stays, who goes?
looks like they are about to lose. going into game 7 brynas is at home. and each team has won 3 games when at home, so statistically we should expect brynas to move on to the next round.
Quoting Boivo:
You clearly don't know much about anything, including how to express your position in a useful, intelligent way.
It's fine that you might "think" Condra isn't a great player, but why? What's your argument? Are his stats bad? Do you not like the way he backchecks? Or penalty kills? Or smiles when on the bench?
People like you (I resisted the urge to name call) add ABSOLUTELY no value to a site like this. Even less than the idiot EEEYOORREE guy and FREEBIRD guy... since I don't even stop to read there posts.
After every game the coach and players say they thought they played a good game, yet we have had what 2-3 goals in 4 games?
Today I was reading the article where foligno and turris talk of how teams are tightening up on d and it is getting harder to get the chances...
So why did the bruins score 9 on the leafs and we could barley get 1?
Just seems like we need to look in the mirror and stop it with the excuses, something is clearly wrong up front.
You can get "great quality chances" until you are blue in the face, still isn't gonna get on the score sheet unless its in the net.
On the other hand though, we have been pretty good On D
Shape up the forwards and we are a threat
We still scored nearly 3 goals a game then but we were always playing from behind. Tough stretch on the players.
Now we are just hard pressed to score a goal. What Ottawa needs is a nice early goal against montreal, something we haven't done since the Tbay game. In fact in recent memory we have beaten NYR and Bos 1-0 and lost to NJ 1-0. Not typical of our style, but shows our D has gotten much much better.
An early goal would propel this team back on track
Tell that statistic to Vancouver after game 7 of the Finals last year! Haha!
Isn't Radulov a UFA this summer now that he's back? He would look sweeeeet on Spezza's wing.
Now, now... before you all bitch about him being Russian and running off the the KHL... well, yeah, I got nothing. Bitch away
After that though:
Foligno - I'd love to keep him but there's no room in top 6 (I hope)
Regin - After a full year lost to injury he may have to sign for peanuts
O'Brien - Gotta think we keep him as a cheap depth guy
Daugavins - Not likely to get a big offer
Klinkhammer - Maybe get him to sign a two-way deal?
Da Costa - Another two-way?
Filatov - Yeah right
Gryba on D likely gets a decent offer too
Kind of depends on how many roster spots are realistically up for grabs. With Zibanejad, Silfverberg, Petersson and maybe even guys like Stone and Noesen pushing for spots - we have little room for guys who aren't locks.
9 forwards already signed for next year assuming Alfie is back.
First of all.....the beauty about this site is that I dont have to give any reason for any comment I make on this site. Of course you guys can also say what you want in response, as you have. The reason that I wrote what I did about Condra is because I am what I'm sure most of us sens fans are.......frust rated and concerned about our beloved sens falling behind at such a crucial time in the season. Condra has missed many opportunities to either tie a game up or change the momentum of the game for us. No professional should miss as many as he has, especially someone who has been given an amazing opportunity to play with the big boys. So after a few embarrassing losses, I am doing what this site allows you to do......vent. So if i wanna say Condra is garbage, simply to get it off my chest.......I can. But thanks for your input.........N OT
Michalek(4.3M) Spezza(7M) Greening(.8M)
Alfredsson(4.9M) Turris(1.4M) ???
Neil(2M) Smith(.7M) Condra(.6M)
??? ??? Butler(1M)
The only one there that is NOT a lock in my mind is Butler. Condra and Greening can plug in anywhere, Neil can play 3rd or 4th line.
What we need are 2 top-6 wingers (ahhh, the never ending story) and a couple more role guys. We will likely resign the role guys and look for the wingers within. The only UFA I'd be surprised we resign is Konopka. I like the guy, but do we really need him next year?
Thank you! Glad somebody else sees it too! I was hoping vs. NJ it would be different, but if you watch the 5 on3 in the third period its the same old crap. They pass back and forth (not skating) and they T up Karlsson for the one timer.
shot gets deflected out of play.
Next play (5v4), Karlsson keeps it in at the blueline, SKATES down the blue line and shoots..
Puck gets through and is our only shot on net for the entire 2-man and 1-man advantages.
MOVE YOUR FUCKING FEET POWERPLAY!!!
Our zone entry is pretty bad too at times. This is one of the areas I really like Kyle Turris' game. He'll enter the zone fearlessly and take a bone crunching hit, but not before he dishes the puck safely to a teammate
Much better!
boivo dot comments equals pointless redundant multipost unsubstantiated garbage ampersand dot mcgilicutty
Condra is Garbage because :
He doesn't hit
He can't receive a pass
He often mishandles the puck
He can't hit the net
He doesn't go to the front of the net
He has no hands (Even Chris Neil dekes players once in awhile)
He doesn't fight
Condra is good because:
He is an efficient penalty killer
Edit: I forgot skating.. he's mediocre at best, its not like defenceman are scared of losing a footrace to him
Great defensive forward. Stone hands. Will excel as a checker and on the PK. He shouldn't be in the top 6. Use him properly and he is a steal at .6Mper season.
After next year we get plenty of more cap room as Gonchar and Alfie's contracts drop off (and Neil for that matter). So we can either have money to resign some younger guys when the time comes or go out and sign/trade for another big gun.
Murray really has done a great job getting the house in order.
its an interview with zib on a site that i visit to find most of the swedish hockey news.
http://hockeysverige.se/article/12979132/mer-ppassad-an-jag-ar-van-vid
and it includes a couple of good photos of zib and his new hair cut.
edit: oh looks like i was wrong, Brynas might be able to end things tonight, theyve tied the game up at 3-3 very late in the 3rd period.silfverb erg with 1g
Not sure what it is with this team & the malais they get into from time to time. you can really tell the difference when they are flying & when they just can't get anything going & they either have no puck luck or the refs are terrible. Hard to understand but I guess that's what you get with a young team. Hopefully, a couple of the guys coming for next yr will be able to help with scoring.
game is now in OT.
Add to all of this that other playoff teams are doing the same, plus a bunch of teams are playing desperate hockey. Id be really concerned if we were getting blown away like earlier in the year, or doing our old give 5, get 6 goals routine.
Playoff "lock" teams often let their feet off the gas, teams that are out seem to go on a "what the hell" run and win some games etc.
I'm not worried - helps to have a coach we can all trust to know what he's doing. (Sorry Cory)
Winchester and Konopka are both cheap and useful role players that would be nice to keep. Same with Carkner in terms of having a guy that nobody in the NHL wants to fight.
But is there room for any of those guys? I doubt it, sadly.
and now we gotta wait up to 2 weeks to see if silfver will be coming
Even Kelly did not get the ice time he is getting at the same time in their careers.
The effort and givashit is all there, he is even getting his chances, problem is he is not finishing.
Of more concern for me is the guy who we signed to a 2 year 2 mil contract, that is supposed to be a scorer, and is not even able to muster any chances at all... Butler.
Really am confused what has happened to him, but he seems to be satisfied where he is at. He had better turn up the giveashit meter or he will be the next Bochenski.
And a few have mentioned it, but our PP, is brutal!
We do better 5 on 5 than with the PP,
way to plain vanilla, with no creativity, and for the love of god, get Neil (love what he brings BTW)and Gonshit... I mean Gonchar off, the PP, they are helping kill the PP as opposed to helping score.
OR could they be trying to play better defensive hockey since Anderson went down to better protect the rookie goaltender in the net?
I've also been frustrated with our terrible entries into the offensive zone and PP. We did skate well against the Habs - that is until we were on our PP. Some of the penalties were terrible, but majority of the calls were drawn because the guys were skating. When the guys stand around and pass it around the perimeter, it's very predictable and easy to defend against. Why not hold the puck a bit longer and skate with it. We need guys to weave inside the zone and draw some guys to them, whether they have the puck or not.
The PP unit is also holding onto the puck, while stationary, far too long. When our PP was hot, it seemed like the guys knew what they'd be doing with the puck before they even had it on their stick. It's a confidence thing. How many missed passes have we seen?
Start with a mobile PP, keep crashing the net, keep shooting and hitting the net. The confidence will grow from there.
The guys at Team 1200 said that Silfverberg has already been named as an assistant captain for the world champions, which will be held in Sweden and Finland, so it's very unlikely that he'll be coming over to play for us.
yeah i read something about that and apparently silfver has not made his final decision whether to go to the WC or come here.
I'll be happy with whatever Silfverberg decides.
Um, if you're going to pull Gonchar off the power play who are you going to add? There's only one Karlsson. Kuba is the only other legit PP guy on our blueline. Gilroy hasn't thrilled me and Phillips is not a PP guy (of course). I'd kind of like to see them develop Cowen into a one-timer guy but it's way too early for that.
''While hockey scouts scour North America trying to find the next Sidney Crosby, they may want to consider looking in Sweden first, as 17-year-old Mika Zibanejad could be the next best thing''
http://dansallows.com/player-profile-mika-zibanejad/
Time to right this ship against the Habs and start rolling right into the post-season!!
GO SENS GO!!
So if Silverberg's in the Semi-finals.. when exactly does the SEL playoff season end? It would have to be mid to late April.. which may be probably too late for the Sens?
Is Mika's season over by April 1st? and what will they do with him? Bingo?
I really don't expect any new blood in time for the playoffs. Bingo may get some help but I don't think we'll get anyone (or need anyone). Outside of Winchester maybe of course.
I think you misunderstood. Silfverberg was named alternate captain of Sweden's world championship team. You have the right idea though. They probably did it in hopes that he'd stay in Sweden for just a little bit longer.
if silfverberg is eliminated in the semis, he can be here by april 1st at the earliest.
zibanejad cant until the 7th. so if either join it would basically be just for playoffs.
correct me if im wrong but im pretty sure silfverberg has already burned off a year from his ELC this year by playing the season in SEL, so we have no reason to think of not bringing him over (if he is eliminated) because in an interview just before the playoffs he said he hasnt heard anything from the Sens organization but is open to coming over this year.
as for zibanejad, im not really a fan of burning a year for him to play maybe just a couple of playoff games.
Wasn't that the whole point? That he's "choosing" between the Worlds and NHL playoffs? What's to misunderstand? Of course, it's a bit of a moot point since he's already stated that he'd come to the NHL with no hesitation.
I guess I'm the one who misunderstood. I assumed that you thought that he was promised an 'A' with the Sens when you said, "I'd assume they named Silfverberg an alternate captain to help convince him to come." Doesn't matter anymore.
Ah okay I get it. No, by "come" I meant to the tournament but yeah I see the way it looked.
I was wondering if there was some other invitation on the table in addition to the ones I knew about.
That would improve the slim chance of Toronto finishing 9th - which would be the dream come true!
I agree. I like what I see when Turris has the puck. He really is in the right spots a lot. Lacking with burying them though. Hopefully it picks up sooner than later.
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/114606/1/watch-montreal-canadiens-vs-buffalo-sabres.html 1-0 Buffalo 2nd starting soon.
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/114607/3/watch-carolina-hurricanes-vs-florida-panthers.html 1-0 Carolina, 2nd period just started.
Ohhh, and this makes me smile:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQM1B1StRVY
&
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lj8BWMYqKY
Can't wait :)
your hatred of Spezza and your strange and desperate attempts to convince those that disagree with you on the subject that you are right amuses me.
hope theres a good turn out all week.
i was walking on mackenzie king bridge yesterday and saw 4 lambos and a couple other luxury rides being rolled into the convention center
By Sens fan logic, if we had Petersson instead of Condra playing last night we would have won.
Lehner is going for his second shutout in 4 games I believe. He already has made 40 saves, so I'm sure he is playing excellent.
Also lehner made 41 saves in tonight's winning shutout effort.
Go SENS Go
Not a must win really, but certainly might want those two points down the line so may as well take them.
Would love to see Lehner get a game or two in soon. Nothing against Bishop but I think Lehner deserves a couple of starts too.
We don't need Lehner, we need to score goals. Bishop is doing the job for us. We are not going to win many games if we don't start scoring more goals, plain and simple, even with Lehner in net.
Quoting conor smythe:
Hax excellent point, that I am not sure Gilroy is any better than Gonchar, which again I question why we ever got him at all.
But I really love when Alfie is at the point on the PP, he is a PP QB with some vision
I disagree - this is a must win. There is a really good chance we don't get any points against Pittsburgh Saturday and if we don't get any points over the weekend we are battling for 8th against two hot teams in Washington and Buffalo. The only thing that makes me feel slightly better is that Buff and Washington have tough games against NYR and Philly respectively this weekend. But, IMO this is absolutely a must win.
Yeah I mean the only thing missing is beer! The models with the crotch shorts lounging on those Lambo's just make it even better!
And we know MTL will relish the chance to hurt the Sens chances,
I will in MTL rooting them on,
boys time to get back to the 200ft game, with all hands on deck
Go Sens Go!!!
Miller has returned to form and their players that were underachieving in the early goings of the season have stepped their games up.
Hopefully Spezza will be back for Friday's game. We desperately need him right now. The game against the Devils was a clear indication of how valuable Spezz is to our offense.
I thought the Michalek-Turris -Alfie line played great but after that, there was no one to rely on offensively. Foligno, Smith, Greening, Klinkhammer, Condra?
Just think about how good this team is going to be when we add a few more offensive weapons.
@ Hax,
What happened to the competition Murray talked about, in having Lehner vs Bishop ??
I like Bishop's 7 game stint, but Lehner should have had
another few games before Anderson returns.
The only way we see Lehner play again, would be because Bishop get's injured !
Hope Anderson returns this Saturday, at SBP vs the Penguins .
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!
you have every reason to be nervous, especially the way both Wash and Buffalo are playing, and the way we are playing.
This game in MTL is huge, we really need Spezz in the lineup, and for the love of god, call someone up that can play top 6 minutes.
without Spezz we really on have one line
Turris
Alfie
MM9
And as much as I like to agree that Turris will one day be great, he really has been leaving much to be desired lately.
For the minutes this guy plays, he does not have the numbers to support them.
Interesting to know how many more points Foligno would have had, if he were playing next to Alfie on that second line?
Just sayin
I really think we should be putting the Lehner/Bishop debate to rest,
Bishop could not possibly be doing any more to help us win, except play the point on the PP, and score a couple of goals.
Lehner will be our future #1 for many many years, but let him mature properly in the minors.
Look at what happened to our last star tender when immaturity got the best of him...Emery!
@ miguel,
You are right!!
Hax and I are just dreaming the impossible.
Bishop has performed remarkably well .
Sens must win at least 4 or more of the last 8 games,
or they may not qualify for the playoffs !
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!
I trust the coaches if they decide to keep Bishop in the next couple games then there is a reason, but I would be happy if they decided to plunk Lehner in this weekend. It seems like yesterday he shut out the f**king Bruins for us.
Maybe I'm just biased I haven't got to wear my new #Lehnsanity shirt yet. :cP
Considering where we were slated to finish by most of the media and also most fans this season has been an astonishing surprise.
The fans with their rose tinted glasses clamped to their faces and their wild predictions of playoff hockey were probably doing so more in hope than expectation, more in dream than in reality, yet here we sit.
And now, because of where we sit, we are scared.
Swap us with Buffalo at the moment and the majority of fans and the people on here would be happier than they are now. That's because Buffalo are in a situation which is far more win than lose, we are in the reverse. Even if we do remain in a playoff spot the feeling will be that we just scraped in there by the skin of our teeth.
But why is that a bad thing? We should rejoice (fail for nail thinking is abhorent to me) that the team exceeded most expectations . We should revel in the ride that this team of creaky veterans and AHL nobodies has given us since October. The foundations for the next few years have been laid by Bryan Murray and Paul MacLean this season.
This season has been so good that Alfie himself wants to carry on playing. We have seen the development of fine talent such as Jared Cowen and Colin Greening and the emergence of a genuine, bone-fide superstar in Erik Karlsson, who has the potential to be the best player this franchise has ever seen.
We have far more reasons to look forward than we do to look back and we can look forward with hope. But hope is scary, if you hope for something to happen there is always the fear that it might not.
Now we are terrified that we are going to let slip our grip on something we probably shouldn't have been able to reach in the first place. In this season where we were meant to have nothing to lose we have something worth holding on to.
Okay, you are really making it clear that you can't contribute. Comments like that don't add a thing and waste air on this site. Either explain your comments why or don't bother. Condra is a young guy in this first year and may have run into a rut. He is 3rd or 4th line so what are you expecting from him? Sure he can be more consistent but calling him garbage is uncalled for!
SPL
yup Rush, I do also see yours and others points, nothing wrong in back to back games, to give Bishop a little break, and give Lehner a reward for his hard work in the minors.
For all things good, I do not want to see Auld back in, in any of these games that matter.
Snoops, now that you have put it in those numbers, win 4 of the 8, that really has me even more worried... do we really need that much to ensure a spot? Man that is scarry!
Why not through Robin to the wolves and see if he can pull out another Bostonian-esque miracle from under his cap!
If we lose 2 games in next 2 games, and both Capitals and Buffalo win their 2 , we are 3 teams tied for 8th !
That scares me ,and should scare the Sens a lot more .
Anderson needs to have his best game at each and every game till the last game !
Sorry you had to suffer though that last game by the way. Hope the seats were great though!
@Montreal, Pittsburgh, @Winnipeg, @Philly, @NYI, Carolina, Boston, @Jersey
Washington Schedule:[/b
]@Philly, Winnipeg, Minnesota, BUFFALO, @Boston, Montreal, @Tampa, Florida, @NYR
Buffalo Schedule:
@NYR, Minnesota, @WASHINGTON, Pittsburgh, @Toronto, Toronto, @Philly, @Boston
Ottawa must take advantage against Montreal, NYI and Carolina, we have 8 games remaining with 4 against non playoff teams
Washington have Minny, Montreal, and Tampa as winnable games with 4 of 9 games against non playoff teams
Buffalo has Minny, toronto x 2 as winnable games with 3 of 8 against non playoff teams.
Key Spoiler teams: Toronto (Buffalo), Minny (Was and buf), Winnipeg (Ott and Was), and Philly play all 3
I would say Ottawa and washington have the edge of making the playoffs, considering our pt advantage and that Washington control their own fate by playing winnipeg and flordia(divisio nal games) and buffalo
Thanks RUSHRLZ,
Great view etc....
Great performance fron Hedberg and Bishop !!
Too bad Condra could not score on penalty shot !
I do however think two things on the subject:
1 - Lehner is equally deserving so I don't get why they're not splitting the games between the two more evenly (unless it has to do with call-up logistics?)
2 - The team (to me) seems to play a little looser in front of Lehner than Bishop at times, so that does actually contribute to them scoring more. Lehner's just a cockier bastard back there so the team seems to feed off that a bit.
Not night-and-day or anything and I'm not overly passionate about it, I just think if it were my decision I'd have had Lehner back up a couple of games ago.
As for the Friday game, it is huge, but I still don't say it's "must win". If we lose that game the pressure will mount of course but it far from seals our fate. Washington and Buffalo are fairly hot but BOTH would have to pass us for us to miss the playoffs which is not that simple.
Hopefully we win Friday anyway just to take a bit of the pressure off the fans.
Sure is nice to be talking about "must wins" this time of year though rather than "must lose to get a better lottery pick".
I've added Florida because if Washington get above us they could easily pass Florida dropping them to 7th or 8th. The fact that that division is so tight actually works in our favour.
Florida's remaining games: Edmonton, NY Islanders, @Montreal, @Minnesota, @Colombus, @Detroit, Winnipeg, @Washington, Carolina
On paper that starts off looking relatively easy but then have a 4 game road trip which isn't nice at this time of the year then three divisional games (2 of whom will still be in the playoff mix).
Your asking quite alot from a goalie who hasnt played in almost 2 months...
I understand the severity of our situation but you dont want to re-injure Anderson, Bishop and Lehner are more than capable of handling the duties until we ease in Andy.
Not to argue but...
Lehner's Games:
Oct 30 vs Tor: Ott win 3-2 outshooting 30-25
Feb 26 vs NYI: Ott win 5-2 outshot 30-24
Feb 28 vs Bos: Ott win 1-0 outshooting 38-32
Mar 2 vs Chi: Ott lose 2-1 outshot 39-26
Mar 4 vs Fla: Ott loses 4-2 outshot 28-25
Summary: he is 3-2 and Ottawa have outscored opponent 12-10 with 3 one goal games. They have also been outshot 143-164
So I don't buy this argument that we play looser in front of Lehner. We still barely score with him in net also, just the same as Bishop. Take out the one game vs NYI and we were outscored 9-7 in 4 games, so not even 2gpg for us
I see you points, but really Lehner was told he is spending the yera in AHL I presume, and Murray doesn't want to ruin the plan they have with Lehner. We will ride Bishop out, see what we have in him, he isn't costing us any games. And next year Lehner will have a shot to pull the job from Bishop
Finally, if it takes calling up a goalie to spark our offense, then us as Sens fans have a whole lot more to worry about than we think
Actually Hax, this isn't a bad scenario. Ottawa is already considered one of the most cap friendly teams going into next year, even after signing EK. We have some new young blood already in the system and a few new guys we expect to see next year up front. If Ottawa is rebuilding, I'd personally like to see them do the back end first type of build. As we don't have any up and coming big name D to take a key role, you'd think BM would consider an offer to Suter, he's the best bang for the buck available. Having a guy like Ryan signed to our team along with EK and our already strong Goalie tandum would be amazing going forward. And expect us to draft at least 1 quality D this year on top of that, the build would look pretty good to me.
Not worried just yet about our Sens position, the big game in Washington tonight however, may change that, consider Buffalo won last night. We need a BIG performance against the habs tomorrow, no doubt about it.
All great points and I'm not saying that it's black and white at all. Just mostly based on my feeling while watching the team play. Recently there seems to have been a decline in aggressive play and the team looks a bit tighter than they had recently. I didn't see any indications of that in Lehner's games with the exception of his first game or two but then the team seemed to just pin their ears back and play. Recently they've lost a bit of that.
Totally agree that it's the players that have changed and not blaming Bishop at all. And yeah, calling up Lehner shouldn't be a solution to scoring problems and I'm not saying it is.
The two things are pretty unrelated actually. I just think/thought Lehner would have gotten a few more games recently. I also (separately) think the team was a bit looser in front of Lehner (but again, not drastically different).
Interesting. Craig Anderson at the starter's end of the ice while Bishop and Auld share the other net. Is Andy ready to return? #Sens
Personally my guess is that this is more to see how he handles a full practice but if it goes well and he feels okay ....????
With Ottawa only playing tomorrow, it could also just be a way for Andy to get more action/shots in practice than having to split a crease with Auld
I wouldn't be surprised if he starts but I also wouldn't put a whole of stock into this for now
Hope and expectation are not terrible things.
I was one that had hope at the start of the season that our young guys would play well and make playoffs, however I will admit I thought we would squeak into them, kind of like Buffalo Capitals are at.
Being ahead of Boston for the short stint we were and be that high in the standings for sure is nothing I had hope for at the start of the season or would have even fathomed.
I also did not care if we missed playoffs either (start of season) but the hope and expectation was there for us to get there.
The way we CAN play I think we have a chance to go deep in playoffs and even do a hail Mary and make it to the finals, balls to the wall give it all you have hockey.
The way we have been playing as of late we will be lucky to stay in playoff contention and it will be a quick exit even if we do. (Safe hockey)
It is not written yet, if they can get back to the way they were playing, how far we can go is yet to be determined, if not we had a great season of fantastic hockey to watch all year and next year even looks brighter.
@ Tookie,
Time must fly too fast by you!!
Anderson went out after last game Feb 22, which was 31 days ago today.
He needs to get into a rhytm in last few games, to be ready
for the upcoming playoffs, once we are officially qualified.
Bishop starts on Friday , but we might see Anderson start on Saturday vs the Penguins.
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!
He has never let in more than 3 goals since coming to Ottawa. I would let him get Crosby and Malkin and see what he can do. Because if our Offense doesn't score more than 3 goals against them, it really doesn't matter who is in nets
Then I would start Anderson in Winnipeg in that atmosphere, cause that will pump anyone up.
Need Philly sj and rangers tomorrow to help us out ..
Ottawa needs offense ASAP
This team is missing that swag and the guy that can bring it Is sitting in bingo getting passed over every chance Murray s get
No reason whatsoever to start Bishop Back to back with our goaltending situation unless Lehner is playing in Bingo Fri or Sat night.
I also think Lehner has the attitude confidence edge over Bishop playing the Pens.
Anderson would be my first pick for Sat night if he is ready.
Well laid out Florida,
I too predicted the playoffs, and am too surprised that we are back to being nervous about making it, and not comfortable.
But perhaps like you say, we are much better at being underdogs with nothing to lose, instead of, expecting to make the playoffs.
Lets hope they can get their act together, and get back to the balls to the wall, devil may care attitude, that got them to this point, and once in, have again nothing to lose, that will put fear into their opponents!
He has been cleared to play. Apparently he has been told as soon as he feels ready to let them know and he is back in. They were talking about this on Team 1200 two days ago I think...
So it's up to Andy, if he wants to play tomorrow I am sure he will.
I get that Lehner is "sparky" in net, but to say he has the advantage over Bishop to play the Pens?
Bishop dominated the AHL this year, he is ready for the show, let him have the Pens since he is playing great
That and the rest of the teams offense but Andy stole tons of games and we need that going forward.
We make the playoffs it will clearly be in 7th or 8th, so we would play Boston, New York or Shittsburg.
Given the choice, which match-up would you guys prefers? I would prefer to play the Rangers and the last team I'd want to face would be the Penguins, and that is without even considering the bullshit officiating we would bound to see in that series.
It has already been stated that yes, Spezza is there. Good thing too!
For me Lehner has the sparky to him as you put it (more athletic), that can stand on his head and steal games just like Anderson.
Bishop seems to be a solid really good big goalie, keep you in the game type of goalie.
Playing the pens I think we need some stand on your head goaltending against Malkin Crosby squad, but I could be wrong.
There's not a big difference between the way the team plays in front of any of the three goalies, but if I had to rank how they play from "totally confident" to "mildly confident" (since the don't play as if it's Leclaire back there for any of them) it would be Anderson, Lehner, Bishop.
So they play "fine" in front of Bishop but IMO play a bit looser in front of Lehner and even better in front of Anderson.
I doubt any of them specifically would say they have more confidence in Lehner than Bishop and I'm not saying they do - but they do seem a tiny bit tighter in front of Bishop sometimes.
Craig Anderson did not say if he would start tomorrow. Said it "was coach's decision." But all signs point to his return at MTL.
I think it's the same for most fans.
For reasons that I can't define or explain I just feel more comfortable with Lehner than with Bishop.
I see what your saying, but I feel its the opposite when playing the pens. I would honestly rather Bishop over Lehner simply for the fact that Bihop is positionally sound and big so you know he will always be in position to make the saves. Lehner is more aggressive and will challenge shooters, but the skill on that team can make for some nice passing plays into open nets.
Obviously Anderson is our go to guy and has played amazing all year and if he is 100% I take him, but I really like our chances vs Pit with Bishop in net
Also Bishop is good at stopping dump ins and is a great puck handler as well, so if we can limit the dump game by Pitt, and force them to carry it in, and we collapse at blue line we could create a lot of turnovers
Really it does not matter much, PM is the one making the call.
Going to be interesting what they do with Auld once Anderson is back.
Can't say I disagree actually. By that logic then would you start Lehner Friday and Bishop Saturday? Obviously go with Anderson in either game if he deems himself ready.
Paul MacLean says Craig Anderson will start tomorrow.
That should end the Lehner/Bishop debate. LOL
Wonder who is backup now? Who starts in Bingo? What of Auld??
Auld will take care of sanitizing the Gatorade bottles, as it should be.
I feel the other way, Bishop is solid, you know they wont score unless its defensive breakdown, Lehner can give up the ugly goal but alos make desperation saves due to being out of position.
In any case I fell better if Anderson is in there over both.
Anderson>Bishop>Lehner
Tookie
That's exactly why I can't explain it. I know that Bishop is more sound positionally and more consistent. Lehner just seems to have "something" that gives me confidence.
maybe it's the fact that I had watched Lehner with Ottawa, Bingo and Sweden and "got him" as a tender and knew what to expect. I'm confident I will get there with Bishop too.
I agree though, Anderson is above both of them.
The biggest things with Anderson is the confidence he gives the players in front of him and the absence of the "the next shot could go in" feeling that I always had watching either Leclaire or Elliot.
Wow, what a joke. Management continues to mistreat Lehner, and yes that is exactly what they are doing. They publicly stated it was an open competition while Anderson was out, and then clearly just went with the game plan they had in their heads from the get go.
A lot of people complain about Lehner's hotheadedness and immaturity, but these are bi-products of his competitive nature and part of what makes him strive to be so good. If management keeps f'n with him, he's slowly going to start losing SOME of that drive to be the best he can, because results clearly aren't the driving force and he can't trust what BM says anymore.
By his actions BM is saying Lehner's stuck in AHL no matter what he does, not really the best way to motivate your goalie of the future. I'm a huge BM supporter, and I respect the skills of both Bishop and Anderson, but this situation was handled very poorly.
Or are you implying that to prove to you it was an open competition Lehner had to win the job.
With the Worlds in Sweden.. that may be enough to make him stay. If he wants to play in the Olympics for his country he may have to play in the Worlds this year and next (if the Sens are out). It's up to him...
Me as well.... The team has gotten away from its hard skating and hard forechecking game... The young guys on the team know Lehner and won with Lehner... they have more familiarity with him than Bishop..
Both have done a good job in keeping the team at .500 since Anderson went down.
Just think if Anderson did not get injured.. I think Boston would be looking up at Ottawa. The team was playing really well... the timing just sucks..
I agree with you
If I was Lehner I don't know if he could do another year I see him heading back to Sweden and I don't
blame him at all ..
He is better then Bishop ..Lehner got u lost a game your gone treatment I just wonder those points we left on the ice if Lehner was in would we be only 4 points out of not making the playoffs ?!?