While it was a neutral result involving the teams behind them, the teams Ottawa is hoping to chase down all picked up important wins. The Bruins beat the Lightning to extend the division lead to five points with a game in hand. It would take a special run for the Sens to chase down the division title.
The sixth place New Jersey Devils also picked up a big two points against the Chicago Blackhawks. Jersey has a four point lead over the Senators with the same number of games played. The two teams will play each other to close out the season and when you consider the Sens hold the tiebreaker over the Devils, a switch between the six and seven teams is still not out of the question.
Here is how the standings look after last night’s action.
Bruins 93 (6)- WSH, @Nyi, @Nyr, PIT, @Ott, BUF
Panthers 89 (6)-@Min, @Clb, @Det, WPG, @Wsh, CAR
Devils 92 (5)- TBL, @Car, NYI, @Det, OTT
Senators 88 (5)- @Phi, @Nyi, CAR, BOS, @Nj
Sabres 86 (5)- PIT, @Tor, TOR, @Phi, @Bos
Capitals 84 (5)- @Bos, MTL, @Tbl, FLA, @Nyr
Very Western Conference heavy night in the NHL tonight with just the Rangers and Jets in action in the East. The Senators will return to the practice ice at 11:00 AM today at the Bell SensPlex.
- With some speculation that Ben Bishop could miss more than the two weeks initially reported, there is a chance the Sens may have to entertain the idea of calling up Robin Lehner. With a light schedule this week, they are in no hurry to use up one of their four post-deadline call ups until they know exactly how long Bishop will be sidelined for.
- Big night for Sens prospect Stefan Noesen last night in OHL playoff action as he racked up two goals and three assists in a 7-1 Plymouth Whalers win. The Whalers trail the Guelph Storm two games to one. Mark Stone had a goal and an assist and now has five points through four games. Brandon leads their series 3-1.
- Toronto Star writer Damien Cox has weighed in on the Norris Trophy race and says that he puts Dan Girardi ahead of Erik Karlsson. With all due respect to Dan Girardi, are you freaking kidding me?! You can let Mr. Cox know what you think on Twitter @DamoSpin. While we are on the award subject, Jason Spezza was getting some Hart Trophy love from TSN.ca yesterday. Check it out.
- There is a movement that started on HFBoards to have a tribute to Alfie at the next Sens home game. The idea suggests a countdown from 10 beginning at 11:11 of each period followed by an "Alfie" chant at the 11:00 minute mark or simply an Alfie chant that starts at 11:11 of each period. Cool concept and one I hope takes off.
As for Damien Cox, living in the GTA, I have to listen to him WAY TOO often on the Fan 590 and the guy is absolutely clueless. He's just jealous that his "Make me Laughs" won't be playing hockey in 2 weeks time.
Karlsson is light-years ahead of Girardi in the Norris race..."Grit"? He probably thinks that Phanuef should get a nomination. RIDICULOUS!
Spezza is definitely proving worthy of Hart votes!
Too bad all the teams around us (minus the Washington) won last night.
Can't wait until Saturday afternoon!!! GO SENS GO!!!
Because if it wasn't on purpose which newspaper editor/broadcas t director would actually want to hire him? Clearly he is out of touch with hockey and doesn't understand the game, therefore he would bring no value to their publictaion. I must be right on this because there really is no other excusable option
Maybe at 19:19 of every period!
Stupid is as stupid does.
it's like a good friend of mine once said about Kypreos; "no one cared what you had to say as a player, why would care what you have to say now?"
I agree, but I think we'll be swimming against the tide on this one....
I'm all for reporters being fans of the teams they write about but he lets his own personal bias colour every article he writes.
The fact of the matter is that the Toronto writers have so little to praise their own team that they delight in taking every opportunity to bash the sens and the habs.
I am a huge sens fan here in Montreal, take a lot of heat for it but it is worth it! Keep up the great work...
For what it is worth....I was listening to TSN990 last night and Pierre Macguire was on...they asked him what % of a chance does Karlsson have of winning the Norris...He would not give a % but he seemed to feel that the award would go to Shea Webber. He did say that Karlsson would probably win one but didn't seem to think that it would be this year.
I think he is playing more than well enough to win...so here is hope PM is wrong.
Spezza will get his time. Let's focus on Alfie while we still can.
Besides, all the attention Alfie gets sets the right example for guys like Karlsson - don't you think he'd want that sort of treatment? Don't you think he's thinking "wow if I sign here long-term and bust my ass every night I could hear my name chanted like that"?
Plus he's said many times that he doesnt even hear it (if its during play) they are so focused on the game at hand.
If they're going to do that, they should consider doing it during a TV time...makes much more sense if you actually want Alfie to hear it.
If he doesnt win the Norris im gonna be so pissed. To me, its an obvious choice and no, not just because im a Sens fan.
I dont think the players feel bad at all. Alfie has done countless things for this city. He has done everything an excellent captain should on and off the ice. he has supported the community amazingly. And for this he is getting praise. He is currently the hart and soul of this team. Im sure the fans are just sensing that the time for him to leave our club is near. This is an amazing way to show their appreciation for years and years of hard work. No doubt that when alfie retires spezza will get his turn with the C.
I cheer for all the Sens (even Gilroy) but there's only one Alfie. In 10 years Spezza may be in the same class or even surpass Alfie (if he wins a couple of cups perhaps) but for now Alfie. Is. God.
Exactly. The Sens players feel the same way about Alfie we all do. Look at Konopka's comments after the Wolski hit for example. Or any other time players are asked about Alfie in general or the Alfie chants etc. Even if Alfie doesn't hear it during the game, he'll know it happened and he'll appreciate it.
If he's 49.9% thinking of coming back next year and something like this helps get him to 50.1% then let's do it. He very clearly appreciated the love we all showed him during the AS weekend.
Its not that simple and yes, your being biased. Lets gauge the value of the players possibly nominated:
Chara, brought home the Cup with out of this world overall play, physical, monster of a person, bleeds leadership...
Weber, has the Preds in the playoffs once again, despite having a NHL low cap. He brings physicality and leadership and consistency to the back end and to the forwards group.
Karlsson, no doubt the best offensive D-man in the league, defensively, not bad but has lots of room to improve. Brings much needed help to the offense. Consistent on offense but defensively not so much.
To me you have to take into account what the team has done under their leadership, sure Karlsson is putting up pts but his team is on the bubble and until he proves he is a consistent winner, its gonna go to Weber or Chara or Lidstrom. hey are proven winners and the positioning of they're team shows it.
Karlsson will win it, just not now, he's still very young and if he puts a couple of consistent years together, nobody can deny him the Norris.
BUF 77games 86pts
WSH 77games 84pts
So freaking close, 2 wins for OTT and 2 losses for either BUF or WSH and were in...but 2 losses for OTT could spell 9th...
I think Karlsson is the most deserving but Tookie's points are mostly valid. Though I don't like it, previous accomplishments (like Chara winning a cup) play into the voting - even though they shouldn't.
Reputation does as well and Karlsson still has a stigma of being poor in his own end that some of the voters won't have realized isn't true any more.
My prediction is that he'll be a finalist but won't win but that will be enough to wash away his poor rep in his own end and he'll win the Norris soon enough. If he has the same (or similar) season next year he'll win in a landslide.
See? You're living in the past, the award is about this year, not Chara's legacy or the fact that Weber has been so close in THE PAST that he deserves special consideration.
Screw that. It seems many of the people voting will already be biased and misinformed about Karlsson... someone should at least smack them upside the head and remind them that this is about this season, not past accomplishments ...
I will submit however that Karlsson is as much a reason why the Sens are in 7th despite being pegged for last as Weber is a reason for getting his team into the playoffs despite their low payroll (which is almost exactly the same as Ottawa's BTW).
The voters live in the past too though. It ain't right, but it's true. I think there are plenty of people campaigning for Karlsson and trying to get the voters to realize that THIS YEAR he's the best blue-liner, but the past always plays into the voting. Every sport, every award. Weber should have won it last year but lost due to not having as full a resume as Chara or Lidstrom.
Alfredsson and Bishop only absentees from practice. Konopka skating as D-man with Gilroy. Butler filling in for Alfie with Turris & Foligno.
Sounds like a "maintenance" day for Alfie.
We should do this not just the next home game but every home game until Alfie calls it quits. Whether they hear it on ice or not is a little irrelevant, surely the broadcasters and media would catch on that our fans are doing something cool for a change. and Alfie would learn about it for sure.
Might be a bit awkward if there is a whistle blown at 11:04 though. :)
NYR 110
BOS 99
FLO 98
PIT 109
PHI 104
NJD 98
OTT 94
BUF 94
(Washington with 90)
Hey Tookie,
I truly believe that should the Sens win in Philly, they will be pumped, and the last 4 games are all winnable, so
maybe we end up with 98 points, and higher in final standings!
That would be the icing on the cake !!
This year, Weber has Preds looking like serious contenders, and Boston is again top in the East cuz of Chara.
The Sens and Karlsson are on the bubble, struggling to stay within 8th. Karlsson does not show leadership, taking those dumb penalties and showing immaturity (he is only 21). Its not the end of the world if he doesnt win it this year, despite having Mike Green numbers, remember, Mike Green was snubbed twice in a row.
Why are you bringing Chara's cup into the Norris debate? That was last year doesn't count.
As for Weber: Ottawa spent $80,000 more on the cap than them, so that argument about leading them to playoffs on a low cap team should hold true for Karlsson (who doesn't have suter as well)
Advanced Stats (all 5 on 5) (bold is best, italics is worst)
Quality of Competition related to Corsi:
Lidstrom: 1.581
Karlsson: 0.789 still a good number
Weber: 1.384
Chara: 1.075
+/- off ice/60:
Lidstrom: 0.87 shows detroit score with or without
Karlsson: -0.31 basically same impact to team as weber
Weber: -0.33
Chara: 0.41
+/- on ice/60:
Lidstrom: 1.51 very high
Karlsson: 0.95
Weber: 0.62
Chara: 0.99
TOI/60:
Lidstrom: 17.43
Karlsson: 19.88 very high number Weber: 19.79
Chara: 18:86
TOi/60 Shorthanded:
Lidstrom: 1.82
Karlsson: 0.53 obviously low
Weber: 2.15
Chara: 2.54 insanely high
TOI/60 Powerplay:
Lidstrom: 3.56
Karlsson: 3.64 just a lsight advantage
Weber: 3.51
Chara: 2.54 Surprisingly low
Basically this shows you that looking at situated times, and impact on the team (leadership debate) Karlsson impacts his team when he is on the ice basically equal in most cases to any other dman.
If you want to bring up the SH TOI debate well put it this way, Ottawa has let up the 3rd most PPG (54), Det 7th (50), Bos 19th (41) and Nsh 23rd(38). Ottawa has let up 4 more goals than det, 13 more than bos and 16 more than nsh.
Bringing pts into equation, Karlsson has scored 22 more pts than his team let up on PK compared to chara (+7) Lidstrom (-17) and Weber (-8)
This shows that in a perfect world, if you could trade every Power play goal against for a dman goal generated that Karlsson impacts his team more in helping them win
sorry for the long post
Please.
Current comment platform does not have it. Would mean changing comment systems I believe.
Nudge nudge
Wink wink
What is this old format you speak of? Never heard of it! I'm holding off on another redesign because theScore has shown some interest in creating a network of similar looking blogs that they would design.
As much as I agree with what your saying, I hope your not trying to say that Elliott deserves the Vezina? lol
I think that race will and should come down to Lundquist(winne r), Quick and Fleury, honorable mention to Rinne
Halak/Elliott will split the Jennings for fewest goals allowed
Good to see Tookie leave after I prove him wrong with the advanced stats...
If you look at the way the voting goes, it's been said time and time again, it's an old mans system. Very seldom would an up and coming D get votes over someone who's been proven and put his time in. I'm not saying I like it that way, and many people have complained about it, just listen to the guys on the Team 1200. But this seems to be how it is, guys like Weber have paid the dues and it just tends to go that way. If PM is saying he thinks that's who's in the running for it, good guess as any he's more than likely right. I mean, look at Green a few years back. He put up 2 solid point producing seasons and the Caps did well those years, but he didn't win.
EK will likely get some nominations, enough to say people see what he did, but I don't expect he'll win it. It's a pisser for sure, but look at the history of the previous winners.
True 100% but why does Perry win MVP last year then?
Though perhaps you can tell your platform provider that they should work on an ignore button? The current platform is pretty solid in other respects.
Not a huge deal of course, just saves some of the flame wars we get from time to time.
From twitter:
Daniel Slater @ScoreOttawa
Coach MacLean working the boys hard today. Zamboni is currently clearing the ice after first 45 minutes. Probably another 45 to go.
Nah don't worry...I do not think he should get the Vezina, I just think that it should be about the present year...otherwis e what is the point of giving out a yearly award when you are not rewarding the player for the current year. If the MVP hands down is Malkin, then it should be a no-brainer that Karlsson wins the Norris.
There's always exceptions of course and Karlsson still could win the Norris this season, it's just not likely.
Though I will say if a 21 year old was ever going to "come out of nowhere" to win the Norris, it would be Karlsson with the season he's put together.
Mendes has tweeted a billion stats/facts that make a solid case for Karlsson to win - but it will take a lot to overcome the fact that most voters simply pick a name they recognize and move on.
Hehe no worries that pretty cool for those numbers to come up like that but the only stat that matters is:
Quality of Competition related to Corsi:
Lidstrom: 1.581
Karlsson: 0.789
Weber: 1.384
Chara: 1.075
Karlsson is the lowest. Meaning he doesnt play vs the best night in & night out..
+/- off ice/60:
Lidstrom: 0.87 shows detroit score with or without
Karlsson: -0.31 basically same impact to team as weber
Weber: -0.33
Chara: 0.41
Good stat, shows that when he is not on the ice, his team struggles to score.
+/- on ice/60:
Lidstrom: 1.51 very high
Karlsson: 0.95
Weber: 0.62
Chara: 0.99
3rd best when on the ice vs weaker opponents than the other 3.
I'm not saying he aint good, he's the best offensive D-man in the game today. He just aint got the reputation these other guys have built up. Give him time to build his case.
Unfortunately I don't think he will get it this year due to his 'defensive' aspect of the game.
As a dman his offense more than makes up for any deficency he has.
If he was +2 and scored 78 pts than yes, I agree with you 100% but his stats show that he is still be reliable in his own end, while playing top lines as well. His quality of competition stat is the 2nd highest on the team (next to Kuba) so ya he may be lower than the others, but it shows that Maclean is not line matching every game, and is using a combo of pairings against the opposing top lines.
Summary, Karlsson/Kuba pairing plays the top line more than any other defensive pairing on the Senators.
Compare Apples and Apples not Apples and Oranges. Karlsson vs Lidstrom sure different numbers but a variety of reasons why there is such a discrepancy.
Well said, exactly what I'm trying to say. Give Karlsson some time, he will win it eventually, just has to build some rep and stay consistant.
Yeah.
At the end of the day any such voting is open to subjectivity and strong arguments can be made for many candidates.
I just get sick of the same recurring knocks on EK65 Norris such as:
- he's not strong enough defensively
- it's only his first really strong year
- he isn't good enough to see the first PK unit
- he lacks leadership / discipline
- former candidates had to be spurned by the Norris for years before they were awarded it
This kid is, undoubtedly, one of the most amazing players in the entire hockey world this year, an absolute phenom that is just starting to hit his stride. You can easily make an argument for him for the Norris and Hart, his name is being bandied about with and by the greatest defensemen in NHL history, and he is one of the biggest reasons that the Senators sit in 7th with a small handful of games left, instead of 15th like all the morons err.. experts had suggested.
The least that the media pundits that are eligible to vote should do, is do their f**king jobs and educate themselves on all of the candidates before throwing out misinformed judgement on players they've barely cared enough to read up on...
Um, what's wrong with his defensive play? He's not going to blow anyone away with his size but he's near the top of the league lead in takeaways - that's gotta mean something. Having watched him work on his defensive game I'm confident that he'll be considered a shut-down guy in tight games in the near future.
He's not going to get heavy minutes in that role because he's far too valuable in the other end, but if we're up a goal late in a game I expect to see more and more of EK65 in those key minutes.
Similar to Spezza who never got a whiff of PK time but now sees a regular shift there.
I guess Octavia Spencer didn't deserve the best supporting actress award because she is relatively new, it should have gone to someone with more reputation.
How on earth did George Clooney not win then for best male!
Even in Baseball they gave the Cy Young to a relatively young Tim Lincecum 2 years in a row!! now look at him.
Stupid that the NHL is so busy staring at each others dicks to actually make decisions based on merit
With saying that, there's no doubt in my mind that he will eventually win a Norris, most likely multiple Norris', and possible even a Hart trophy some day as well.
Quality of Competition (5 on 5) All Sens Dmen
Kuba: 0.059
Karlsson: 0.048
Gonchar: 0.012
Phillips: -0.009
Cowen: -0.022
Carkner: -0.035
Gilroy: -0.046
So on Ottawa's team (the only team you can actually compare) The Karlsson/Kuba pairing faces the hardest quality of competition
Quality of Competition as defined: Average Relative Plus-Minus of opposing players, weighted by head-to-head ice time
You have to understand that this award is given to D-man, not forwards, scoring is not the pre-req to winning the award, it helps but voters dont drool over who had the most points as a D-man. They look at many factors and in this case, Karlsson just doesnt have the factors the other 3 have.
Produce, Defend, Lead.
Karlsson only does 1 well.
I would love to know your definition of lead?? What does Chara do so differently or Weber for that matter in terms of "lead" than Karlsson
Karlsson controls the pace of the game, when he is on the ice he "leads" his team. He settles everyone down. Everytime Maclean throws him over the board he expects Karlsson to take control of the puck and the game and have a calming impact
so because he doesn't jump into a scrum to fight someone he is worse than Weber and Chara at "leading"
Exactly, time, as of right now he doesnt see that time, which is a clear indicator that he isnt in that Norris class just yet, soon tho.
Simple - because he's more valuable playing in the offensive end. He can't play 40 minutes.
Let Phillips and Carkner play the "shut down" role and let Kuba/Karlsson get their ice time in the other team's end.
It's got very little to do with any problem he has playing in his own end - it's all about getting the most out of his ice time.
Weber, Chara, Lidstrom all have different effects aswell, its not like Karlsson is the only who has an effect on a game. They all do plus they do all the other things, OVERALL, they are better. One major fact you leave out is hits, block shots, toughness. All major factors. You cant just throw them out the window cuz Karlsson doesnt do any of em, the others do plus they do all the other major categories.
No that's not what I meant. First off it's been shown here that he and Kuba actually do play against the best players (see Alcatraz' post), but my point is that MacLean is going to make sure as much of Karlsson's ice time as possible is played when we're on the offensive.
He'd much rather Karlsson on the ice for shifts in the opponent's end than our own end - NOT because he doesn't trust EK to play good defense, but because our chance to score is incredibly higher when EK is on the ice.
If the kid could play 60 minutes he'd be on the ice all game long. Same goes for nearly all elite offensive players - they get shifts based on a chance to score, not a need to defend. Depends too on the relative strength of the rest of your team of course (Lidstrom isn't REQUIRED for Detroit to score for example).
This maximizes his use of dmen skill sets
Also I would hazard a guess that the other team is matching lines against Karlsson as a reason he doesn't face the top end forwards. For example, if you Rangers, do you place Stepan and Gaborik on the ice vs Karlsson, or Boyle/Callahan? I know who I would be telling to dump and pound. Similar to Boston with Bergeron/Seguin or Lucic/Peverly?
That factors in also, Maclean can only do so much with trying to get Karlsson out against who he likes.
On the other end, I don't think NYR would be putting Boyle out against Chara for same strategy, rtaher they would put Gaborik to use his outside speed on him.
Hax, you just keep proving my point, he aint "the man" yet, he isnt out there on every situation, Chara, Lidstrom, Weber are...debate over.
Karlsson is also putting up points in a team where half of them are freshly graduated AHL players. Greens stats for those 2 amazing seasons he had is totally blown up, Capitals were like scoring over 300 goals those seasons. The so called experts should take into account that what Karlsson is doing this year has only been done by the greats in the past. If people do care about +-, as of right now Karlsson is +19, Shea Weber is +18, Karlsson is 76 points in 76 game, Weber is 46 points in 73 games. The only difference is that Karlsson does not kill penalties, well his body is not made for that, and most of his ice time is used on even strenght and power plays. His body is not made to be physical aswell when playing defensively it's not his fault he can't grow. If Weber wins it's pure robbery.
No dude you keep missing my point. Alcatraz keeps proving his point over and over again. If you can't follow my logic then try reading his posts.
Bottom line - EK65 is the best d-man we have, hands down. Best in the NHL? I think so.
EXACTLY
Goes to my top annoyance list:
- he isn't good enough to see the first PK unit
Is complete and totally bullshit. He could easily man the PK unit and do an outstanding job at it but he is MORE valuable on the PP and as Hax has said, the guy can play 60 minutes per game FFS.
Karlsson: 61
Lidstrom: 75
Weber: 130
Chara: 81
Hits:
Karlsson: 55
Lidstrom: 39
Weber: 171
Chara: 159
My God look at how many Blocked shots thhey have over Karlsson!! and Lidtsrom clearly outhits Karlsson this year. He must be a better leader!!
Another spin: the puck is always on Karlsson stick..how is he supposed to get hits and blocked shots as a result?
LOL
But you have to factor in body size to blocked shots. Blocked shots per square inch or per pound I bet Karlsson is closer to the top.
As for hits - yeah who needs to hit a guy when you can just pick his pocket instead?
Never said he wasnt our best D, he just aint the best in the League, yet.
Now you're comparing a different award, MVP holds true for a player that does an outstanding job in that current season and what Perry did from mid to end of season last year was amazing.
What we've been trying to say, is the Norris has a long and outstanding history of awarding a player not always based on current season stats, more of a general history so to speak, of the last few seasons. It sucks, but that is often how it goes. I can't argue anything about it, cause I don't like it either, so there isn't much to say other than that.
Your assertion that Chara, Weber and Lidstrom are somehow better because they kill penalties more than Karlsson is flawed. It's not due to Karlsson's inability to help the PK, it's due to the fact that (especially compared to the other guys you mention) he makes more of an impact if his ice time is spent on offense.
Lidstrom is the only guy you mention who's even in the same league as EK when it comes to offense and he plays on a team with more options offensively so they don't *need* Lidstrom to play all his minutes in the other team's zone. Ottawa does since without Karlsson on the ice our offense (as Alcatraz has illustrated) is fairly anemic.
You can feel that EK isn't the best in the league yet and many would agree - but don't try and tell me that he's not on the PK because he's not good enough - that's just not true.
Really guys, do I really have to explain myself when talking about Weber, Lidstrom (who only played 64 games this year) and Chara.....compa red to Karlsson....really.
Your looking at this with Sens goggles, obvioulsy, Karlsson is a great offensive D-man but he aint Norris worthy, until he gets better OVERALL (which is the actual description), he wont win it.
The 3 others have been doing this year in and year out, Karlsson has 1 great year.
Your point about only maximizing Karlsson's play to be in the offensive zone is total bullshit. Chara, Lidstrom, Weber all play as much in the off zone AND def zones, they do EVERYTHING. And they do it YEARLY. Not only this or only that.
I dont buy into the "more of an impact on offense" Norris winners do it from everywhere, they shouldnt need to be place in "offensive situation" to excel.
Same with Paul Coffey Defensively?
Crazy talk again from you.
Karlsson is leading the league, is that not leading, you lead by example.
Karlsson is also second only to Spezza on the team (and not by much) in points and Spezza is a friggin forward.
Karlsson is also a leader in take aways, is that offensive or defensive play.
Karlsson is also a + player, was it not Lindstrom that won it being a negative player.
If Karlsson does not take it hands down the Norris trophy is a joke and should be compared to prizes you get out of cracker jack boxes yeas ago.
worthless and not even worthy of conversation.
Should be called the joke award.
Karlsson is the best all around defenceman in the NHL, you can't discount performance for age or been around, if you do. JOKE.
Because they also excel on the defensive side.
No point in explaining to you if you dont understand how the Norris is won.
Its been like that for ages, it aint gonna change, accept and move on.
Strong arguments from all the posters for and against.
Because he is only 21, and in his 2nd year, he is still
a work in progress. He has improved by 75% over last year in his offensive ability, and has improved his defensive abilities in leaps and bounds this season.
To me, he will be nominated, but will not win this year,
and should next year. Karlsson is much more talented than Coffey, Potvin, Lidstrom, Chara and a few more top defencemen.
I would compare him to Bobby Orr, in style of play, more offense, not comfortable on defense like Orr, but working on it !
Only player to have a chance to surpass Orr 's 8 Norris Trophies, if he remains healthy in years ahead !
Question:
Would you rather have a dman do 3/3 reasonably well, or a dman do 2/3 as best in show, and make up for the 1/3 elsewhere (similar argument to using langway in a strictly shutdown role)
I wouldn't so much as say so much better offensively as say he is so much better at controlling and dictating the play than the others. Weber and Chara rarely are able to control the play of the game with the puck on their sticks, sure they alter the game when players are attacking, but they can not immobilize and counter the way karlsson does. Lidstrom is the only one in Karlsson's league, and using him as a reference, karlsson is having a better year
True. I have watched a lot of hockey this year and I can't think of a player, defenceman or forward, who is better at controlling the pace of the game.
"3/3 reasonably well" no question. The other option leaves you with holes in your strategy.
Guess what, again I have to disagree :)
You dont think that team that plays a certain style of game (dump and chase) dont change they're gameplan when facing Chara or Weber, your insane! Nobody wants to dump and chase on them, thats controlling and dictating the play aswell as Karlsson, EK just doesnt it another way.
When karlsson is on the ice he dictates the play on his own, regardless of opposing strategies. You don't think teams don't try and dump and chase on him? He still manages a way to control the game
Sure teams might play differently vs chara but you don't notice him taking over a game. he may alter (closer to what your thinking) but give me a must needed shift to generate something, and you know Karlsson will take over, where as Chara will rely on Seguin, Weber on Radulov/Erat etc
as for your 3/3 reasonably well thats just moronic. Thats like saying you would prefer Spezza over Stamkos/Malkin lol. Spezza wins faceoffs (55% 9th in league), scores and dishes out assists all reasonable well, where Malkin/Stamkos scores and dishes out assist as the best they come yet are awful at Faceoffs (Malkin 47% and Stamkos 46%)
Hey as a Centreman those are their 3 most important jobs right?
So Spezza 3/3 reasonably well and Stamkos/Malkin 2/3 best in show so right now your saying you would take Spezza
Gotcha
By your own logic Tookie, this is who you should be vying to win the Norris:
Ladislav Smid. 182 BS, 182 Hits, PK TOI 3:21. 5G/10A solid offensive output. Elite; well-rounded defenseman.
You put on your narrow lenses and bury yourself in iffy statistics to support your inexplicable loathing for Senators success and recognition.
I agree that Karlsson is likely to be nominated this year but NOT win it but that doesn't mean i think he doesn't deserve to win it. Without a doubt, he deserves to be considered a top-2 candidate.
How long until your name change? Can't wait!
I swear I overhead a guy at Locals on Monday night (Jets game) talking to his buddies about every single thing you just said, all supporting his arguement that Karlsson will get nominated, but won't win.
Was that you? Will the real Tookie19 please stand up!
Yesterday, we had a long debate with a narrow minded yoyo
named ZipZapRap, who is gone !
Today, we had a more sane debate with Tookie 19, on Karlsson and his Norris nomination, which he should achieve,but will not win this year .
For years... it basically seems to be Chara, Weber, Lidstrom.
What Karlsson is doing in the league this year at 21 yrs of age is amazing. Sure he still needs to develop his defensive game more..
He may not win it this year... but he will in time. He has a great future ahead of him.... all hopefully with the Sens.
Oh, and happy L.E.D. to all Sens fans... (that's Leafs Elimination Day).
Hahaha. Urgh. Is it Saturday yet?
Can he play a better defensive game than Karlsson? if so we def need him here this year
It really is starting to smell like a match-up with the Champs isn't it. Not just the standings right now as yes, alot of things could still happen. Call it a gut feeling but I think more and more that this is a real possibility for us. But anyway...my point, what was it. Oh yeah.
You look at some of the games Boston has lost this year and moreso some of the games they lost last year in the playoffs especially in those 7 game tilts with Montreal and Tampa, and you gotta think that anything is possible. I give advantage to Boston over us, but I really think that with the right momentum swing early in any game, and some lights out from Spezza, Karlsson, and Andy, that we could push the Bruins back in a long battle. Anything can happen.
I won't worry to much more about it though till the final standings are set.
Long story short "My2Sens", I agree with you.
I agree with you Sandy, he will one day win it.
And good one with the L.E.D. :)
Or maybe if he's offensive minded, we can "maximize" his ice time to have a greater impact on offense...
Sure they may be leading the season series 4-1 to this point, but at the end of the days, after ~77 games against the same opponents they are only FIVE points up on us.
Although we've been inconsistent most of the year including the past two weeks, we've also shown the ability to be Giant Slayers a couple of times very recently, while the Bruins have been struggling of late...
Every pundit on god's green Earth will pick Boston to win the series, but I got a feeling, much like this entire 2011/12 campaign, that we have the potential to shock the f**k out of a lot of people.
I just hope I don't die of a heart attack watching it unfold, hahaha.
http://blog.country.inmusic.ca/2012/03/carrie-underwood-mike-fisher-do-it-for-daron-video-message-watch.html
direct video link:
http://www.doitfordaron.com/videos/d-i-f-d-mike-fisher-carrie-underwood-psa/
Amazing to see Fisher/Uuderwoo d still supporting Luke and his family. class acts
Now that Gilroy is having some trouble adjusting / turning out to be a bit of a bust, whatever you want to call it... I sure wish we had kept Lee for a little stay at home meat and potatoes defense and playoff depth.
One of the things I am most curious about for Saturday's game is whether we put Gilroy back in the lineup. IMO Carkner had a hell of a game last time out and played as much of a physical game and blueline attack presence that Gilroy could bring to the table on the best of days. We'll need a LOT of heart in the playoffs, if Carker somehow really gets his game going at this point, there couldn't be better news for us.
Carkner is the right guy against the more physical teams (Bruins in round 1 for example). Gilroy might draw in if PMac feels we need more puck movement and less physicality against other opponents.
I find it hilarious that you feel 11 games is enough of a chance for Gilroy but 6 years wasn't enough for Lee.
How bout I hire you but you can only work once a month
Not going to try and say the trade was a success, but do you really think Murray's been holding Lee down with every single coach we've had? Isn't it possible that none of the coaches we've had really liked Lee's play?
I like Lee as much as the next guy if not more and really hoped he'd end up in our top 4 in a few years - but clearly ALL our coaches have agreed that he's missing something.
continue to sit gilroy, butler, konopka
Yesterday on TSN's site:
YOUR CALL: DOES SPEZZA DESERVE HART TROPHY CONSIDERATION?
Today, on this site, and everywhere for the last couple months:
Should Karlsson win the Norris?
Lastly, it's March 28th, and the Senators are in a playoff spot, and the Leafs are already eliminated.
All of this news around a team that was supposed to be a basement dweller...Life is good being a Sens fan eh?
Not going to try and say the trade was a success, but do you really think Murray's been holding Lee down with every single coach we've had? Isn't it possible that none of the coaches we've had really liked Lee's play?
like Lee as much as the next guy if not more and really hoped he'd end up in our top 4 in a few years - but clearly ALL our coaches have agreed that he's missing something.
I do somewhat agree with what you are saying...but stuff doesn't usually stay hidden in this city
DONE!
When can I start? (Keep in mind Lee got paid regardless)
ok fine. I find it hilarious you feel 11 games for Gilroy was enough but 167 wasnt enough for Lee.
boo-hoo. He's gone man. He sucks in Tampa too.
Not going to try and say the trade was a success, but do you really think Murray's been holding Lee down with every single coach we've had? Isn't it possible that none of the coaches we've had really liked Lee's play?
like Lee as much as the next guy if not more and really hoped he'd end up in our top 4 in a few years - but clearly ALL our coaches have agreed that he's missing something.
I do somewhat agree with what you are saying...but stuff doesn't usually stay hidden in this city
Sounds like something Garrioch and Brennan uncovered/made up.
And get paid the whole year, SIGN ME UP PLEASE!
Nothing new here
Spezza has taken the back seat his whole career
Fisher, Phillips and Heatley all had "A"'s on their jersey before our best talent did.
Alfie is Alfie, but you cant deny the teams success is resting on Jason's shoulders
Heatley was given the A because his daddy wanted him to be a leader and it was purely part of contract negotiations. So totally agree that was BS.
However, Phillips and Fisher were here first and while Spezza has evolved into a really good leader he wasn't when those two were given A's.
As bad as Lee was, Gilroy has contributed even less than Lee did with their different strengths (use the term loosely). But I do think Gilroy will draw back in at some point. He has been downright awful but I definitely think he can be better than he has shown. After a good month of practicing and watching, he should settle in and be better than he was. I don't think he could be any worse. He'll probably draw back in when or if we stop scoring on the Power Play or can't move the puck up ice.
This reminds me so much of Boo-boo (never missed a free meal) Garrioch and his comments about "the naive".
It's the truth, this place is like a school yard, you pick the names you like and you pick the names you hate
Then you thumbs up or down accordingly
Not once have I looked at a name on a comment, they are all read equally
If all of a sudden Chirp started to question Michalek down the stretch you would all be jumping on it
There is nothing wrong with conflict of opinion, but you all try to isolate people that arent constantly a part of the mindless love fest
I'm not coming here to shit on Michalek for no reason. I have valid concerns and would love for him to shut me up by contributing when it really matters.
Carkner is a great #7 guy but the trouble starts when he has to play heavy minutes for several games. If his playing time is limited to just "hold the fort" in his own end and break up scrums he's fine, but when we need him to literally shut down another team's top line even for a shift of two he gets exposed.
Most teams have more than one guy like that so it's not a bad thing really, but when another D gets hurt or has an off night Carkner stands out more (usually not in a good way).
I do agree that Gilroy wasn't likely to impress in such a short time and that it does take time for D-men to fit in with a new team/system - but I don't think Gilroy's going to get that chance. There are (hopefully) better options for us for next year. Guys we can sign either for multiple years (i.e. under 30 guys who can legitimately crack our top 4) or one-year guys who can fill a spot until some of our prospects develop.
I don't even use the thumbs up or down dude and I don't pick on specific people. But I will make jokes about comments I deem joke-worthy and I will disagree with comments I disagree with. If that reminds you of a school yard I don't know what to tell you.
You might want to note that I agreed with you that Heatley getting an A was BS. Though if you think Fisher and Phillips were undeserving when they got A's I'm not sure many will agree.
GO SENS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fuc---g 4 days off is bull!!!
Wow imagine that. On a blog dedicated to Sens fans people who want to bring negativity are met with resistance.
What a crazy world we live in.
Honestly, most of the people here are HUGE Sens fans so of course they're going to knee-jerk respond with the "homer" side of things. Many will keep an open mind and discuss but most are true "fanatics" for the Sens and aren't interested.
If you truly want intelligent debate or feedback on an opinion/idea that's not "fan friendly" then you're just going to have to filter through the "not so nice" responses to find someone willing to debate intelligently.
http://www.scoresway.com/?sport=hockey&page=match&id=101139
Anything on when Ben Blood with join the B-Sens?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53MxoVsfgg&context=C49d043aADvjVQa1PpcFM3LNflsV6o-fDI0URt24yT-Cmz0xrvu58=
And lets be careful what we wish for, if he wins that contract will be huge... and for a young guy with all that money, if he were to gain a few pounds, and slow down... that can be a scary combination!
I do worry about the contract as well. But I'm hopeful that he's taken a cue from Alfie and realized that the bigger his payday the worse his future teammates will be. i.e. if he gets $9M per year he's going to be stuck playing with slugs but if he "settles" for $6M per year he should be surrounded with quality players.
He needs to decide if he's taking the Alfie approach or the Volchenkov approach.
we all love what Murray is doing and he is making some excellent moves, however no one is perfect, and sometimes his stubboness on certain players gets in the way of his better judgement.
He had it out for Lee, why? we will never know, but he should have been top 6 on this team starting last year, and his play clearly indicated that. But Murray wanted his players in there, and Lee was not one of them.
And he is playing quite well in TB, and Tampa could not be happier to have moved Gilroy. IMO of course
Great point Hax, lets hope he does not let his agent make that decision for him
Safe to say we'd be a few points shy of where we are now and probably missing the playoffs.
I was certainly in the camp of "move him if there's a good offer" but looking back I'm glad we didn't.
Of course, if we lose in round 1 I may feel differently again, but for the moment I'm glad we basically kept Kuba as our "free rental".
The question remains: What do we do with Filip Kuba?
The Leaf stuff is off the shelves...a SENs key chain...a SENs hat on sale in the gift shop @CNTower. One soft crack about my Senator's Cap and she was Pittsburgh Fan.
The Leaf fans in Tranna are so done...now we gotta do something about these "Ottawa Jerks", who not only cheer for Tranna but show up, bring their kids and cheer for Tranna!
Gentlemen, do we have some non-believers among us?
Our options (IMO):
1) Let him walk. This assumes we have someone to fill that hole on the blueline or can get someone this summer. Remember that Gilroy and Carkner are likely walking too.
2) Sign him for 1 year to keep a spot on the blueline warm for Borowiecki, Wiercioch, Grbya or whomever.
3) Sign him for a few years on the hope that this season is the "real" Filip Kuba. And that he can keep it up now that he's 35+.
I'm actually leaning a bit towards #2 (and do not like #3 at all) but if Murray can sign one of the UFA stud D-men out there this summer then that's (obviously) a better option.
Karlsson and Cowen are "the future" and we're somewhat stuck with Phillips and Gonchar at least until the deadline next year (when Gonchar might go).
So really talking about two spots to fill and we can't have both be rookies even if we had two rookies ready - which I don't think we do.
So it boils down to this: Is there one rookie ready for next year? If so then who fills the other spot? Kuba or another UFA? Then you decide if you want Carkner back as your #7 guy or if that role will fall to various Bingo guys as needed.
this is actaully really impressive for a sophmore like claesson to already be playing top line minutes for a good team (AIK) who are one of the favourites to win the cup this year.
Your assuming that he would accept a one year offer from Ottawa rather then a multi year offer from some other team. My prediction is that he walks when some team desperate for D offers him a 4 year 16M deal.
Not assuming but you're right of course. There's no guarantee so maybe I should have said "try" to sign him for 1 year.
He is 35 though so not sure he'll get a 4 year deal, but he can likely get more than one year elsewhere.
no chance any of those zipperheads show their faces here apart from those painful three days a year.
bob mackenzie keeps tweeting about other NHL teams that are trying to/expected to sign certain players at the moment.
A couple of co-workers were saying that they actually felt sorry for Leaf fans. Sorry! Fuck 'em! After having their fun at SBP, they can bag their heads until next year.
Cameron Schilling and JT Brown were two of the guys the Senators were apparently interested in. Tough competition though.
interesting, and now i see bob mack just tweeted that tampa signed JT brown and he will be starting this year. got a 2 year deal but since he is playing this year, it burns off a year.
as for cameron schilling, he might be interested in joining us, his Miami team mate Chris Wideman has joined bingo a couple days ago, and i think his pro debut might be tonight
the problem is, all people that arent convinced that he should be a Norris basically just look at him as a stereotypical tiny feather weight puck mover softy from europe. and that may have been true.. in his rookie year. its amazing how many people i tell (sens fans included) that karlsson leads all Dmen in takeaways. isnt that kinda what the main objective of a Dmen is? take the puck away from the opposition.
his offence obviously speaks for itself though.
non-sens fans need to watch this guy play a full 60minutes, not just the highlights post game... the kid can play D.
i would love to have him in a sens jersey but the price is obviously going to be way too high no matter how low his value may seem to be. and we would have to obviously give up one of our top prospects for him, and honestly i am way too big a fan of all our prospects to risk trading them away at this point
I'm not really interested and think the price would still be too high (since Burkie would have to be able to justify it as not giving up on him etc).
Would love it if we had some sort of guarantee that he'd excel here of course - nothing better than rubbing TO fans faces in that. But far from guaranteed to win that trade.
Schilling signed on with Washington two days ago.
Haha well aware. Trying to figure out how to change it but I'm a bit of a rook still with some of the features on this site. Workin on it!
u have to press on the brandon vs calgary one
his goal is at 33 seconds in
http://www.whl.ca/video/index/id/991188d8c74e314f8c995f22704e3497
That didn't work too well when Toronto stole Komisarek from Montreal...
Don't want any Leafs on my team. Sworn enemies. For life.
Matt Puempel awarded a penalty shot at 8:58 after being taken down by Tomas Kundratek, but Dany Sabourin makes the save. #BSens
good to hear he is creating scoring chances while playing on the 4th line. his offence will start rolling soon, im sure he is still really rusty for not playing in many long months, plus he is playing with men now.
I don't consider the members who vote for the Norris trophy to have all-world hockey wisdom, neither do i care. Karlsson, is a gem. NO one else has anyone with a similar skillset. Karlsson not getting the Norris won't take away the fact that the opposition coach cringe whenever they see's No.65 on the ice. Fans and Writers can say all they want. However, when they see him skating (at the speed of light) down the ice,they're the one's closing their eyes to not spectate the horror their team is about to face. In fact, I say just give the Norris to someone like to pietrangelo or even Girardi. They'll Be solid Defencemen though! Just don't expect them to create terror and frustrate the opposition.
http://youtu.be/fZ2-U5kyC2M
For those of you who are regulars, you know by reading the post above that this is not the real SpezzaFan19, it's a fraud who has ripped his name off minus the capital F. This sounds nothing like the real SF19, nor has he ever posted anything 1/4 as long as the above post.
HMMMMMM - I think you're correct.
This SF19 didn't threaten to kill "Don Cherry" or anyone else who disagrees with him.
Judging by the what I've seen people writing, who don't cover the Sens... It's nowhere near a lock..
Seriously, I don't see Karlsson winning the Norris yet. That award, you can argue whether it should or shouldn't, seems to consider way more than the single year's performance.
SPL
I disagree. I think Karlsson should win the Norris this year. There's a reason why they give a Norris Trophy every year, because it's awarded to THE BEST DEFENCEMAN OF THE YEAR — which is exactly what Karlsson is THIS YEAR.
Lets see Burke next!
Sucks that I'll be out of town on business this weekend though, I won't get a chance to watch the games. Happy I can always rely on Chirps comment section to get the low down, if the wifi isn't good enough for a stream.
Do any of you have the Sens app for the iPhone. I was looking at it yesterday and caught a News story about the playoff drive and our successful year being one of the most successful viewer wise with Sportsnet. If you haven't seen it, check it out, interesting. I find it hard to believe we have more viewers now than the years we were finishing top of the heap, but I guess you have to calculate the fan base getting larger over time and such an unbelievable year in general. The best part, the broadcasts will start to spread further for Sens fans, east of Peterborough, parts of northern Ontario, Quebec and even into the Atlantic provinces. I know some people that will be VERY happy about that!
Cheers and Go Sens Go!!!!
BOO-URNS!!!! I like him up there for Montreal. It increases our chances of winning, and reaching the Play-Offs.
The same goes for Burke. I want Toronto to keep Burke, because It's just freakin' Hillarious when he feeds L'aff Fans BS, and they eat it and ask for a 2nd serving of more BS when they eat the first batch.
Don't worry, he has screwed them up for years to come... They have way too many bad contract on their books to really improve in the short term... The only thing they can rely on is Price, Pleks, Cole, Subban and Patches... still too many holes on that team
This is Ottawa for you. Aside from big rivalry games and weekend tilts, many of the people who attend Sens games are quiet, stodgy and boring, a microcosmic comparisons to Ottawa as a whole. Half the time I go, my crew gets weird looks for being loud, cheering and yelling, as if we were aliens.
So a group of people decide to try and do something cool, something raucous and loud that our Captain would appreciate and that the sports world would hear about watching playoff games and sports highlights...
People come out of the woodwork to poop on it. Typical Ottawa.
If you don't like this idea, go the f**k ahead and do something else, for the love of god ANYTHING I'd love for SBP to be a noisier place and daunting arena for our opponents.
In the meantime this Alfie countdown is a) an awesome idea and b) great to see fans bonding together to do something neat.
I hope this catches on like wild fire. Hopefully I can be at least one of the remaining games to help out...
Gauthier is a clown, and the day they announced they were bringing him in I actually felt sorry for the Habs fans in my family... I couldn't stand him in Ottawa either.
Sad but SO true...my brother in law and I were at the game(100 level) and were yelled at anytime that we stood up to cheer while the play was still going.
TSN has started displaying in the standings the points accumulated as ROW (regulation + overtime wins). I can see that this is there because it will make a difference on the final standings (if say, we were tied with NJ).
I'm trying to get a sense of the calculations for this. Doesn't seem to add up and perhaps someone here can give that explanation?
Cheers,
ROW does not include shootout wins. So our 39 wins minus 34 ROW means we won 5 in shootout.
Does that make sense?
edit: So our record is 34 ROW wins (x2 pts) + 5 shootout wins (x2 pts) + 10 OT losses (x1 pt) + 28 losses (0 pts) = 88 pts in 77 games.
That's what I imagined. That gives NJ an impressive 12 shootout wins this year.. It also means that if we are tied with them in points, we should get that wonderful 6th place finish and a date with Florida.
Thanks man!
It's kind of tough though because don't you have to vote for every match up? I'll be honest. I voted for Spezza haha
Spezza is more of our legacy superstar.
EK65 obviously our superstar whiz kid.
I'd be happy to support either, but in voting past round 1, who has the best shot at going all the way, or who do you feel is more deserving?
Not so much to be a leafs fan...
http://thepuckdoctors.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/leafs-elimination-day.jpg
I'm sorry - you say you were standing during play? Not to sound like a typical govt town boring guy, but I don't want someone standing in front of me while play is on.
It's one thing of course to jump up on a near goal but to just stand there?
They didn't seem to understand why that warranted cheering
People that are dropping four-letter words or being obnoxious shouldn't try to hide behind "I'm just cheering for my team".
Not saying that applies to you and your brother-in-law at all - just talking in general.
I'm usually the loudest person in my section and while I get some odd looks from people who are used to silent fans, I have yet to have anyone ask me to keep quiet.
Totally understandable and warranted.
@SSimpsonHockey on @TEAM1200Ottawa "From what I'm understanding,w hen season is over, it will be announced that PHX will move to QCity" #NHL
Wow - pretty cool if this is true.
Kind of sucks they do this voting thing this year, because all signs pretty much point to Karlsson being the cover boy haha. If not him I could have seen them giving it to quick/rinne or giroux.
http://covervote.nhl.com/
"The Ghost" has left the building.
Tampa Bay AGM (can't recall his name) favoured to replace him ?
They make it somewhat misleading by presenting the voting like a "bracket". I think they will actually go from this entire list of 60 down to only 16 or something for the next round.
If we want to make our votes count as Sens fans, it would be better if most of us either got behind Karlsson or Spezza, not split votes between both.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m242/bceaglesfan/NHL09_PS3.png
I may be wrong here, but don't they put a different player on the cover for the American's and Canadian's? And didn't they do it in Sweden with Alfredsson?
Since he wont be winning the Norris he should win this
we don't care about toronto or baseball. bell media trying to lure ottawa fans away again.
let hockey fans enjoy the summer, hockey guys find baseball way to boring, go away toronto blue jays.
My guesses
1. Karlsson for Norris
2. Eliminated teams (blue team done)
3. Ottawa practices, Prospects.
Any takers?
I'm pretty sure I read it as all teams get 2 nominees, the first voting round eliminates 1 team member each, leaving 30 players. EA adds back 2 wild cards setting up our 32 player bracket
then 32 go leaderboard, and top 16 advance to bracket style
So for now it doesn't matter if you vote karlsson or spezza, one will move on
Your best talent isn't always your teams leaders. Sometimes it works out that way, but there are still alot of captains and "A"s around the league that are rocks for their team and leaders in the dressing room but are not the top talent on the team. Spezza hasn't taken a back seat at all. He has always been high end talent, but his maturity and leadership skills have only sprouted in recent years. Wears the "A" now, and who knows, someday may wear the "C" for this team. But don't make it sound like hes currently being robbed of the title. Your definately worrying way more about it than Spezza is.
Spezza is pretty much a lock to be the captain when Alfie retires (or moves behind the bench as special teams coach??)
Karlsson likely gets an A at the same time.
Thought that was cool what if Giroux Lindros Jagr line .. Lol
Or it could be about the return of Jesse Winchester. Anyone hear anything more about this? Will he be given a shot this weekend?
http://covervote.nhl.com/:b=chrome/#/ballot
Since spezza already got the cover of nhl 2k years back , We should rally behind karlsson (they are the only sens on the ballot)
I've always liked Winchester, so I'm looking forward to seeing him. Who do they take out? O'Brien?
Personally, I'd like to see them sit Condra, but the coaches seem to like him...more than I do, certainly.
Condra is great on the PK though I get why people get frustrated with him on the offensive side.
With Daugavins scoring last game I wonder if that means he's "safe".
My money would be on O'Brien coming out since Winchester fits nicely right on that same line/role. Though O'Brien seems to be very valuable on the PK as well.
Might it depend on who we're playing with Winnie draws in? If we want the PK to be as solid as possible maybe it is Klinkhammer that comes out?
Winnie is just as good as condra on the PK
But I agree Klinky should come out
I would say JOB, and have him as the guy who fills in for who ever slides in their play.
Good to have Winnie back, but this almost certainly his last season with the Sens
Carkner does not sign a deal like that. Forget it. We either offer him a 1-way, or he takes an offer from another team that will, and yes, someone else (albeit cheap) would offer him a 1-way if we didn't.
I'm still wondering why Alfie's not on the point on the PP. With Karlsson, Kuba and Gonchar our only legit PP d-men it would seem to make sense to put Alfie on the point on the second unit with one of them.
Cowen can probably be a second unit point guy (heavy shot) down the line but for now he doesn't quite fit out there. And despite Phillips' recent goal surge (eep) he's not exactly a PP guy either.
Karlsson-Kuba
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Gonchar-Alfredsson
Foligno-Turris-Neil
Maybe I answered my own question with unit 2. Don't really need both Neil and Foligno out there since they're both "in the paint" guys.
I still hope it's Condra. Everyone points to his being good on the PK, but how good can he, or anyone ot Ottawa, be when they are never ranked in the top half of the league?
I think we, as fans, overvalue the PK ability of some of these guys just because we always see them do it. Doesn't mean they're any good at it.
You mentioned some other possible choices though, it will be interesting...
Agreed but you can't have too many good PK guys. The deeper we are on PK guys the less time Spezza and Alfie have to spend killing.
Quoting IcySurfas:
Agreed - plenty of teams will offer him a one-way deal.
Quoting jasonontheoldsenschirp:
Might be true but he'd make an excellent 13th forward once the rebuild is over (i.e. Silfverberg et al are in the lineup). He's still young and a versatile player.
I know you guys pretty much ignore what guys like me or tookie type, but this is important, you don;t want to see Tyler Bozak or Phil Kessel voted onto the cover of NHL13
I imagine I'll be the first of many to tell you - you are not like Tookie.
We just ignore what we don't like ;)
I'll vote anti-leaf, pro-sen any chance I get!
until Stamkos got the cover, it was rather eerie over a stretch of time how the player on the cover either sucked the next season(s) or beat up taxi drivers shortly after.
This is such an oft-discussed topic EA sports addressed it for this promo;
http://www.ea.com/nhl/videos/there-is-no-nhl-cover-curse
http://www.sportlemon.tv/wv-2/18/80/v-388043.html
He has two goals
Says server not found :(
Also... just found out that there's only 5 former Maple Leafs still playing in the NHL to have every played a playoff game with them.
Pretty easy, but do you know them?
http://www.sporcle.com/games/NHL_LHN/nhl---playoff-maple-leafs
or do we cheer for Florida and Washington?
If Minny win then Ottawa will only be 1 pt back of Florida in case thye fall out of 1st in division.
If Washington beat Boston they will be 2 back of us (we wouls have game in hand) but at same time if coupled with a florida win, florida would only be 2 pts back of boston(with an ott-bos match coming up)
So what say you sens fans who do we want winning tonight?
Florida, Minny, boston or Washington?
So lets go T-Bay!!
Also, just our luck, we will catch jersey, and florida will catch Boston..FML
"Only 4 players are still playing in #NHL who were regulars with #Leafs last playoff team in '04; Ponikarovsky, Antropov, Stajan and Kaberle."
Not only does that team suck, the fans are so harsh that the players never play in the NHL again? LOL
From the Sens 03/04 team:
Hossa, Alfie, Spezza, Havlat, Emery (on roster briefly), Chara, Phillips, Neil, Vermette, Fisher, Kelly (on roster briefly), Laich (on roste brieflyr), A-Train..
Damn, good ol days.
of Montreal and then he appoints himself as the coach
and first string goalie as well.
Montreal would then become the best team ever........... EVER!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!
Thing is, Leafs teams back then were all veterans anyways... Roberts, Francis, Mogilny, etc.
And despite us having all those players you listed, we still lost to the leafs in '04 in the first round.
Sullivan and Mair are the only other two Leafs to play a playoff game as one that are still playing NHL or AHL hockey.
Let the chips fall where they may. I'm not really worried about facing any team (especially since we beat Pitt recently).
A Washington loss at least takes a bit of pressure off potentially falling to 9th but I kind of like having the last few games with a bit of pressure - keeps the boys sharp.
haven't read all the comments, but
I have to admit I was wrong about Kuba THIS YEAR.
I thought he was beyond done, but he has had a huge comeback year.
however I cannot forget those first two years of brutal play and evern worse effort, and even worse than that was conditioning,
Never thought I would say this but if we can sign him to a fair one - maybe 2 year deal at less money then yes sign him,
But I can assure you there will be a stupid team ( see maple laffs ) who will sign him to a large 3 year deal that we SHOULD NOT match... IMO of course
What do you think the chances are that Daniel Alfredsson is a presenter again at this year's Junos? He presented last time the were in Ottawa back in 2003...Anyone else remember those flowing long blonde locks and rock star puffy shirt? Kinda looked like a Scandinavian pirate...
Our boys play on the Island at 3, realistically he could be back at SBP for 8pm, ish...
I think that would be another great tribute for him this year, showcase our leader to music fans and media. :)
tl;dr: Praise Alfie.
So game ends at lets say 5:30-6. Shower up and take a plan at 7? be in Ottawa at? leave airport and get to SBP by 8:30? possible...like ly? probably not
Patrick Roy as coach? or GM? If it's GM -- I think that's a big mistake. He has no experience in NHL administration during what will be very key seasons in the re-growth of the Habs team. He may be okay as coach...
It would be great to see the Nordiques back in Canada... make it happen Bettman.
Pierre McGuire is a MONSTER! haha
It's awesome to see Montreal and Toronto so far from ever being relevant! GO SENS GO!!!
I really think Murray was after Cowen all along.. he was building the defense. I think he said that to make sure Burke did not take Cowen...IMO
Come on Hax, you cant say that with a straight face, Pitts had they're 3rd string goalie in nets...You think with Fleury in nets we get 8 passed him? Dont think so.
But your right when it comes to the Blueshirts (NYR) we hold a 3-1 edge during the season.
Boston will pound us into submission.
Florida would be the best option but its a stretch.
I doubt it, Murray wouldnt lie to another GM or try and trick them, u might not like Burke but Murray has no problem with him, no problem with any other GM. They are his peers, you dont double cross your peer in case you need a favor down the road.
Murray was going for Kadri and we can thank Burke for landing Cowen!
The Juno's? isnt that a chick movie? really? I think Alfie has much better things to do...like ride the bicycle...
Sure I can. I'm not saying for one minute that we'd score 8 on MAF nor am I saying that we'd be the favorite. We'd be huge underdogs but I AM saying that regardless of how much you want to piss on it, we beat them and that helps when you're going into a series against them.
I'm also not so sure Boston would "pound us into submission". Better team on paper sure, but I'll take my chances with them after they were inconsistent down the stretch.
Agree that Florida is our best match-up in round 1, I'm just not "afraid" of any team right now. Let us play the underdog role and see what happens.
Lie? No, but it's a cut-throat business and I wouldn't put it past any GM to bluff another GM. Just like in a trade discussion they're not going to admit which guys they really want to unload etc.
Just checked the Juno schedule - the ceremony starts at 8pm and ends at 10...I think it's very possible that he could present an award... Would be nice to light up SBP with "Alfie, Alfie" chants again! :)
@Chirp - Could you do some digging in regards to this question? Have you heard anything about this perchance?
Thanks!!!
Sandy I completely agree, that is exactly what Murray did. Kadri isn't even close to being a BM type of player, but definitely fits the Burke mold of being overrated.
Murray said from the start he was building from the back out and has said several times he can't believe Cowen fell all the way to our pick. Murray was definitely making sure that he didn't need to trade up to get him as Burke at the time had stated he was building from the back end as well.
If I recall correctly, it was the "spotlight lover" Burke who wanted to steal the show, by walking over to BM, to tell him "I know you want Kadri b/c you need forwards, so here is your chance to move up and make me an offer"
He thought he would show up Murray, only to have it backfire in his face, almost as bad as the Kessel trade for Seguin, Hamilton, and a second rounder.
Tookie how is that one working out for you :)
let that sink for a bit
Never tasted playoffs in Junior hockey or pro hockey...since he was 16 years old..
Not to burst your bubble but I would much rather have Kessel than Seguin.
Hamilton has yet to play a game in the NHL and the 2nd rounder I could care less.
Yes it looks bad, 3 guys for 1 but Kessel is a sniper! and who knows, Seguin and Hamilton on Leafs jerseys, you should be thanking Burke or the Leafs would probably be ahead of us in the rebuild phase.
I would MUCH rather he just keep his head focused on hockey for the foreseeable short-term future. F**k a Junos distraction.
Poor guy, great person, just played for the wrong teams...
I cant be too sad for him tho, he is making 4Mil per!!!???
what the hell did we do before youtube?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzgalcl3tD8
Since Burke stands up, it looks like Murray approached him but Burke certainly seemed high and mighty thinking he got the upper hand. What a cocky bastard, he deserves his humbling he is going through. (an aside, if he has been humbled at all I think he'll be a better GM without his giant ego getting in the way)
My hunch, based on Murray's quick response to the Question from Burke, "are you taking KAdri?" indicates Murray was surprised Burke brought up Kadri and probably didn't want him at all. He had absolutely no upset reaction or strong emotion to knowing he was picking Kadri. That is my completely baseless, unprofessional, homer-hunch. Or, this was scripted for good TV and they were "acting"
This is one of the greatest Sens vs Leafs moments since Burke came into the picture... I remember how ignorant I thought that was of Burke back on the day it actually happened, boy did it ever backfire.... karma's a bitch. Murray probably didn't even want Kadri but was willing to flip for Cowen. Good listening skills Burkie. LOL.
So you'd much rather have Kessel then Seguin, but you admit that Toronto would be better off if they had Seguin and Hamilton? You can't have it both ways...
Definitely loved this at the time and still do. Murray almost basically says "I'll make you an offer for your pick" and Burkie just misses it completely and ends up helping us out by taking a guy we didn't want anyway. If Burke had been paying attention he could have gotten Murray to trade up to take Cowen and still had Kadri.
HA! HA!
Tookie's rule #5 - he gets to have it both ways or else he'll just ignore you.
Nope. You can just vote for 1 player if you want. And it remembers your last choices when you choose to Vote Again.
Karlsson and Kane (WPG) have about 25 votes from me already. No one else.
thanks for the virus asshole
Look at the second top comment on that vid...yup thats mine!! I get into a big argument with some retarted leafs fan in the comments on that vid too! LOL
My comment is "Bryan Murray sayin' Look at me now bitch!"
Anyword on Ben Blood ?
I think we were all wrong on Kuba...
i was on the keep kuba train and see if he becomes worth anything then trade him for anything at the deadline.
after watching our defence this year, i think we will have him longer since he's not in the bottom 3 of our defence.
LMAO !
Washington @ Boston - If Boston wins we gain more breathing room between us and Washington. If Washington wins we've got a slim shot of catching Boston and/or having Boston drop to third and avoiding them in Round 1.
VERDICT: Go Boston - we're not catching them so may as well solidify our playoff spot.
Tampa Bay @ New Jersey - if TB loses it hurts the Leafs draft position, if NJ loses we still have an outside shot at passing them for 6th.
VERDICT: Go Jersey - again, we're not catching them so let's ruin the Leafs shot at the draft lottery.
Pittsburgh @ NY Islanders - If Islanders win it helps ensure we don't face Pittsburgh in round 1 (or maybe even round 2). If Islanders lose then it hurts the Leafs draft position.
VERDICT: Go Pittsburgh - I don't think they'll catch the Rangers so may as well mess with the Leafs again.
Philadelphia @ Toronto - If the Leafs win it hurts their draft position. And it's never a bad thing if they lose.
VERDICT: Go Leafs! The only thing sweeter than a Leafs loss is a win they don't want!
Florida @ Minnesota - If Florida wins they might pass Boston for 2nd and we could get them in Round 1 instead. If Florida loses it very minimally helps our chances of making the playoffs (If Washington were to pass us we'd need to pass Florida or Buffalo).
VERDICT: Go Panthers - while it's unlikely they'll catch Boston for 2nd there's still more chance of that than them dropping down to 8th/9th and possibly taking our spot in the playoffs. Plus the Wild could still drop below the Leafs in the overall standings.
anyone in the mood??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRZmVTUKhfA
goosebumps every time!
We loved the pick of Jared Cowen but let's not forget Bryan Murray offered Burkie a later draft pick to move up for Kadri (Some of the Tranna scouts wanted Kowen and the draft pick) that's why the discussion went right to the last moment...Burkie , over ruled some of his scouts) and picked Kadri!
This was the second big SPIKE in our rebuild.
Epic, thanks!
p.s. I just read a funny fact, The leafs have never played a playoff game in High Definition LOL
http://covervote.nhl.com/:b=firefox3/#/ballot
for sens you can chose karlsson or spezza.
outside of malkin and maybe lundqvuist, i cant think of someone better than karlsson to be on the cover.
Not doubting that Kessel is a good sniper.. BUT he does not have the #1 centre to play with. Sequin is that.
Burke was re-building the Leafs. What re-building team trades away 2 first round picks + a 2nd rounder. The issue was Burke believed his team was better than they were and that he never imagined both of those #1 picks would be in the top 10.
If you truly want to build a contending team... you do it through the draft.. that takes time and patience.
Burke rushed and it cost him the potential #1 centre he craved.
But he did the Kessel deal... good player but the trade was at the wrong time in his re-build.
http://www.wheatkings.com/video/index/channel/19%2C20
http://www.facebook.com/events/350123708356826/
Close - Murray wanted Cowen and would have offered a pick, but he never had a chance to offer anything to move up because Burkie blurted out that they were taking Kadri anyway.
Burke must be a great golfer by now.
Seriously Murray was about to offer him a deal and he cut him off and told him they were picking Kahdri. Surprised he wouldn't even listen to the offer.
Worst scenario = Washington winning in OT/SO
well, it's looking like the caps are taking this one unfortunately. 2-0 with under 10 minutes to go. COME ON BRUINS, do us a favour!
I'd take a bruins in OT over a caps win in regulation any day of the week! Why would you want to play with fire and possibly have the Sabres and Caps catch us!?
Worst possible scenario.
What a goal by Matt Hendricks though.
If the Sens don't keep on winning.. they could be in trouble with the way both Buff & Wash are playing.
I really thought Wash would lose tonight.
Bastard Bruins.
Wash has more ROW than the Sens now anyway so the SO win tonight really does not matter.
We are in a better position than Wash and Buf, we control our own destiny.
Go SENS Go
...man does it feel like a while that we can say we have played less games than any team