While the Sens have put themselves in a great spot with just four games to go in the season, the Islanders are not a team to be taken lightly. They picked up a couple of big wins over the Penguins this week and have already beat the Senators once this season.
Paul MacLean spoke with the media this morning and indicated that he'll make a couple changes to his line up. Jesse Winchester, who has been sidelined with a concussion for the past three months, finally returns to the line up this afternoon. He'll take Rob Klinkhammer's spot in the line up.
Matt Gilroy draws in for Matt Carkner. Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Foligno-Turris-Alfredsson
Condra-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-O'Brien-Winchester
Kuba-Karlsson
Cowen-Gonchar
Phillips-Gilroy
Craig Anderson gets the start in the Ottawa goal while the Islanders are expected to counter with Al Montoya. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 3:00 PM with all the action available on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
Bruins 96 (4)- @Nyr, PIT, @Ott, BUF
Panthers 90 (4)-@Det, WPG, @Wsh, CAR
Devils 96 (3)- NYI, @Det, OTT
Senators 90 (4)- @Nyi, CAR, BOS, @Nj
Capitals 88 (3)- @Tbl, FLA, @Nyr
Sabres 86 (3)- TOR, @Phi, @Bos
GO SENS GO!
Just because he should be weak?
Go Sens!!!
Posted this in the last thread but I don't thing anyone saw it...basically a CTV special making fun of the leafs. LOL
WOW - would not want my performance appraisal being done in public by tabloid hacks
AS much as I hate the leafs, you have to feel sorry for the players being put on the spot like that by the reporters dumb-ass questions. What do they expect the players to say?
He's been playing in the KHL, it's not like he's been sitting in his basement eating cheetos.
Don't feel sorry for them. They are getting paid millions to not do the job they are supposed to.
LMFAO
The Leaf's highest pick in the 2010 NHL entry draft (Brad Ross) has 41 less points than our SIXTH round draft pick (Mark Stone)that same year, while having played two more games than him. I should also mention that they both play in the WHL, and that Ross's team was actually higher up in the standings than Mark's team.
Man oh man do the leafs suck....top. to. bottom.
GO SENS GO!
What are you talking about man? The Leafs are a disaster and good for the CTV reporter to not ask them powder puff questions. He actually asks them what's going wrong with the team, the players, the on ice performance and wants answers. TSN, and SportsNet only ask canned questions so that they don't upset the players in fear of being black listed. The real issue is TSN and SportsNet kissing the players and coaches asses anytime they can.
Sure they are professionals playing a sport for lots of money, but they are still people. What do expect them to say? "Duh, we didn't try...", "Duh, we just aren't any good..."
Everyone knows they have played like crap (and if you don't, take off the blue glasses)... They are never going to admit it (because they are professionals). .. so crap like this is just sad to watch.
It's like a reporter asking an actor why his blockbuster movie flopped... what do you expect them to say???
How about the SENS clinching a playoff spot today...
I read somewhere yesterday that its likely we'll end up playing the bruins in the first round! (yeah, that was sarcasm...)
Everybody getting ice time & playing is good for the team getting ready for the playoffs. Should someone get hurt they will have replacements ready to go & not rusty from inactivity. It's a good smart move by the coaching staff to make sure everybody is ready when the playoffs start.
Gilroy is useless
montoya will start, grahame was an april fools joke
Correct, I'd rather go with Borowiecki.
wiercroich has picked up his game lately too, picking up a few goals this week
I like Gilroy in for this game. The islanders like to play a speed game and usually don't mess around too much between the whistles so no need for Carkner really. Carkner has played well since being brought in but struggles when the game gets too fast paced. He lost quite a few races for the puck last couple games so hopefully Gilroy can win a few of them today
Tonight I'm watching how Winchester does and hoping that Karlsson to score and gets some more points. Would really love to see him finish the year with 20 goals and a point per game season. Just that alone will make it very hard for someone to give Chara or Webber their Norris vote
Let's clinch a playoff spot!!
I personally don't care who we face in the playoffs. I really do believe that we can play with any team in the league as long as we stick to our game. We are really tough to play against when we play the "detroit puck possession/spee d game".
Paul Maclean is actually a beauty! He knows the fine line of letting skill guys use that skill while still playing within a system. (the way Karlsson and Spezza turned their game around this year in terms of learning when to try crazy moves and when to just dump it in or out isn't just the natural progression of the players. It's the coach coaching and communicating very effectively) It's a work of art really. I'm so excited to see what this coach can do when were spending to the cap again in a few years
Man oh man did they prove me wrong. and alot of ppl too.
4 players made it and we had a hell of a season. It is great chirp has this site for us to talk about the sens.
This team is a completely different to the 2006 team that had all the skills but no work ethic. Right now we have a team thats all about working hard and win and lose we as fans atleast know they gave it their all unlike when buffalo beat us in 2006, man was that a long summer.
cheers to all of the sens fans out there
Let's just say for playoff purposes... I prefer that Pitts doesnt go in hot. They might beat Philly then lose steam for round 2.
HMMM - Brian Burke should have been the target of these questions.
That I could enjoy!
Also was liking Carkner's game, but it makes sense to let Gilroy back in and build some mojo. These guys I would imagine will flip flop a lot depending on the opponent.
Interesting that we play Boston and Devils each a game, them being teams we could catch.
A win with both of them could be huge for us, time will tell.
Leaf conversation, the players should just tell the truth, Leafs suck and have always sucked since 1967 it does not matter who plays for them or how hard they try.
We are Leaf players we suck, end of story.
They are just doing their job playing like Leafs.
http://www.facebook.com/events/350123708356826/
Noooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooo :(!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe this :(!!!
search first row sports on google at game time
It only happened not long ago. Don't have time to get a call up to the rink I bet.
michalek turris butler
condra foligno greening
klinko smith neil
daugavins obrien winny
Spezza wife in labor I would assume if it is actually true.
isnt bingo pretty close to road island? same state..
dont think a call up is necessary anyways
gord wilson on team 1200
Daniel Alfredsson (flu) and Jason Spezza (birth of child) willl not play. Klnikhammer and Butler are in. #Sens
Ian Mendes @ian_mendes Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Very tough break for Sens. Daniel Alfredsson (flu) & Jason Spezza (attending birth of child) won't play today. Not a joke.
Ian Mendes @ian_mendes Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Butler & Klinkhammer will replace Alfredsson & Spezza today.
AJ Jakubec @AJonSports Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Sens will have to do without Jason Spezza(birth of child) and Daniel Alfredsson(flu) as they look to clinch a playoff spot on Long Island.
Retweeted by TEAM 1200
All the best to Spezza and his wife!(bring on the idiotic comments about her going into labor on game day)
go sens go !!
I'm with Team Sandy on this one, WTF they didn't induce Mrs. Spezza during their 4 day layoff is beyond me...
ok thanks bye
Because it is absolutely ridiculous to expect someone to induce a child without a medical reason to do it.
Anderson it will be up to you to win this one for the team.
Except Burke can't handle criticism -- he just swears at the reporter and ends the interview by leaving. I heard him do that to a TSN personality on-air a few years ago during their trade deadline special when asked a question he didn't like.
I would not have put Winchster on top line C....That is a lot to ask of him. Throw him on a lower line and get Turris/Foligno battling for the top 2 lines
no Alfie or Spezza
Should be interesting
Time for some snoozers to step up
I hope this is a joke... I actually think regardless if we win or lose today we should give Spezza the week off to spend with his young family.
People seem to forget that these guys(and their wives/children) are just people like everyone else.
Karlsson, Foligno, Turris, Michalek and Anderson need to perform magic today.
If we pull off the win, this will be huge!
Go Sens!
Ya, some of us take it a bit too seriously... Anyway, let's all hope for a healthy baby for the Spezza family and for the Sens to win the game for him as a tribute to all the great work Spezza has done this year.
Not sure what to think, lets see what the rest of the team can bring I guess.
Another for Anderson needs to stand on his head.
http://atdhenet.tv/45379/watch-ottawa-senators-vs-new-york-islanders
cheers boys
bad pinch there
Oii now a penalty
I'd also love to get the Sens to trade at the draft for Gudbrandson from Florida if possible. But it would cost us our 1st and a good prospect. But, he is an Ottawa boy and would look good with Cowne as two towers of power back on D.
Thanks for the stream, I'm busy drinking beer at work and can't get home to watch the game. No volume but hundreds of different beers to choose from. I won't complain.
Anyone want to stick up for michalek
or can we all agree he has been completely useless down the stretch
no but watch, we'll get one like that in the next game or 2 and it wont count
Too many guys just pass it around until the puck is given away. No one is stepping up and creating chances.
Essentially Too many Michalek's not enough Spezza's
Cant really argue that
BEST THING GILROY HAS DONE
Knock the ref into the Isles bench
Are you watching the same game? Did you not see his hustle on the earlier PK? Your bias blinds you to his assets
stepping up creating chances
sort of a lucky bounce but we will take it haha
Patience.....lo oks like Spezza on that one!
He can't score the way you expect him to because defenders key on him.
See how easily he was pushed down when he had the puck there?
I thought people said he was really strong, he folds like paper
Hopefully the playoffs will get him going. I can see him being a core piece of our long term plans but only if he gets his game up to the level he knows he's capable of.
if he doesnt play, i say we still do the tribute, he'd love hearing that sitting home on his couch!
PRRAAAAIISEE ALFIE!
Is that you Dany Heatley ?
I was thinking that way about Gudbranson as well. Would Florida do that? He was the 3rd overall -- the Sens 1st rounder will be much lower this draft. Who would they include that Florida would be of interest.
For all of you that have the Centre Ice package... 6:30 tonight.. Plymouth is playing. Channel 464 on Rogers. Get a good look at Noeson tonight.
Seriously? are you kidding? it was a cheap crosschek to the back...
Quoting T K:
Yeah and imagine if that ends up being the first round match up!! oh boy!
The team who wins will be a beaten pulp for whoever in the 2nd round!
Yep...the NHL officials have still not got the penalties sorted out. Not on the site yet!
I would assume he would be at the building for the game unless he was seriously sick still at that point...
Hey tookie I was thinking the same bro!
Man oh man will that be a Headline grabber tonight
"Crosby out with Concussion"
Oh and turris way to show what you can do! Stepping up HUGE
SHUT IT ZIPPY.
Im no hater, I am all for Michalek shutting me up
It's okay bud, You're only one of the many delusional people in the hockey world :)
Michalek to GOnchar. BAdda boom badda bing
lol, and if the blind pass was intercepted?
Yes it was great cause it worked, but dont get ahead of yourself
He needs to produce consistently
And so is Michalek! WOW!
I swear I saw Datsyuk's soul in that pass.
Good job in the absence of Spezza and Alfie boys.
Done. MM Scores! Looks like he is stepping up and shutting you up today.
What if iginlas pass to Crosby is the Olympics hit a skate?
Suck it
Im glad Michalek woke up, for the team , not for spite
Awesome, I dont have to see a game where he is useless for a change
then what he disappears for a few weeks then you pop out for a game to go "na na na boo boo"?
Get real, you are so fake.
All of a sudden I know nothing about hockey? please
Again, big deal he did his JOB for a change
do it two games in a row and talk to me
Try getting some real knowledge of the game before embarrassing yourself on a blog with actual intelligent hockey fans
I swear I saw Datsyuk's soul in that pass.
again, when michalek can show up for two games in a row, I will consider your comments rational
Baby was born @ 6:30 am this morning... baby girl... Nicola Patricia (I think) Spezza. Congrats to Jason & Family..
That makes two today, no?
lol dont you see how stupid you look, we sit here all week michalek is useless
then you pop up and are all na na na boo boo
It fuckin pathetic
Where were you all week?
One game means shit
It is his job to play every night not once in a while
They should have named her Alfina.
Ahh my bad. The guys in the booth for the NYI said she just gave birth. Nevertheless, Congrats Jason!
Congrats to Jason and his wife. Hopefully he gets tomorrow off too.
Hey Zipshit, we know where you were all week, in your parents basement. Get a life assclown!
Did Mom forget to cut the crust of your samich when she brought lunch down to your man cave?
Fucking crybaby.
So you are saying being -2, taking a dumb penalty and having 1 shot on net is a good game?
big deal he got a shoot out goal, we didn't even make it to the 3rd shooter. If he was 3rd in the line up he would have been useless like in the full 60
You are the delusional wannabe hockey fans
Well said.
So far so good!! Jesus!
Your argument is irrelevant and taking away from this beauty of a game.
Paul Maclean's the effing man.
GO SENS GO
Maybe I should stop assuming its mostly adults who post
Go troll somewhere else you joke
It's about time.
Probably by tomoro, maybe midweek, considering that we're probably clinching today
GET IN GEAR, ERIK. BEAT THOSE RECORDS!
MM9 is having a great match, he's quite valuable to this team since he can play PK's, play physical and has breakaway speed. He only needs to bring consistance to his production and he's gonna be a 70 pts player one day.
Go Sens Go ! 20 mins away from a playoff spot OH BOy !!
Nope. Mathematically if we win today were in
Actually we hold the tiebreaker over the Sabres, so if we win today we do officially clinch!
Btw, anyone notice karl taking Alfies spot on the PK? Good to see him showing his defensive side
Yo I just fuckin saw that! Because we have less regulations losses than Buffalo will regardless if the Sabres win the last 3 games. They will have the same amount of wins (41) assuming we lose the next 3 but mathematically yes, you are correct.
p.s. I'll be back later to text my feelings as we cannot be heard over a website. Teh heh this is so awesome.
I'm sorry everyone not to drag this on but I just wanna make sure here..... what was I? I was all "na na na boo boo"? That's what I was? "na na na boo boo"? Just making sure here that's what your saying
4 games ago, MacLean said that they were looking at their last 7 games as a playoff series. Win 4 and you are in. Well, if it was a series, it would have been a sweep.
Bonus games in April!
And throw in Michalek for a bag of pucks as he's as useless as a one legged man in an ass kicking contest. Zipzaprap could score 35 goals with Spezza as his set up man.
3. Andy
2. Turris
1. Paul Maclean
In all seriousness though
Cue the Spezza to Edmonton rumors in 5-4-3-2-1 ...
Anyone who doubted us can suck it! This season has been memorable
and tookie you know nothing about hockey lol...
So will you be
I know nothing about hockey
Or
Tookie knows nothing about hockey?
WE DID IT! WE'RE GOING TO THE BIG SHOW BOYS! WE FUCKIN DID IT!
With a gulp of happiness and a tear to my eye, this is possibly the greatest feeling since last making the playoffs. For whatever reason this one feels better, just because of the asshats who said we'd be in last pleace this season.
Congrats to Spezza and his family and to a great season even with 3 games left. This is simply awesome.
This season is officially a success.
All else beyond this point is pure bonus....let alfy rest the rest of way!!!!
go SENS Go.....beat the b's
Buy beer!!!!!
Zibanejad to join #Sens next week
Thanks Potvin.. HAHA!
Are you out there???
Great freakin comeback season for a team that missed only one year, was supposed to Fail4Nail, and challenge only for a lottery pick and is now back in the dance.
I would like to give a huge congrats to the SeNS, and to all of us believers our there!
Now anything can happen... dare I say maybe even win a round???
Bring it on!!!
D.I.F. ALFIE!!!
What makes me even happier is all the naysayers in the beginning of the year already writing PM off just because he was only an assistant coach before. Oh ya, I'm talking to all you who only wanted BM to hire an NHL coach with "NHL experience and success". Well guess what.. You gotta give people a chance.
I have to give it to the Red Wings organization. They've done an absolutely fine job of grooming their personel to succeed in any capacity, and I'm damn happy that they gave him the opportunity to come here. Couldn't have asked for anything better. The future of our franchise looks bright, and with more experience, PM will definitely get better.
Playoff tickets will go on sale to the public on Saturday.