The Phoenix Coyotes have struggled a little bit as of late, dropping three straight, including a 4-3 loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday night. The Yotes are in the middle of a crucial six game home stand that could go a long way toward deciding their fate in the competitive Western Conference.
With points at premium right now in the Eastern Conference, Paul MacLean has decided to go back to Craig Anderson. Anderson was pulled before the start of the third period last night but will make his fourteenth straight start in the Ottawa goal. Shows you just how important it is to close out this trip on a high.
It should go without saying but the Sens have to find a way to have a better start tonight. They have given up the game’s first goal in six straight games and have been getting behind the eight ball far too often this season.
One line up change for the Sens as Matt Carkner will take the place of Mark Borowiecki. Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Michalek-Spezza-Butler
Foligno-Turris-Alfredsson
Greening-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-Konopka-Condra
Kuba-Karlsson
Cowen-Gonchar
Phillips-Carkner
Another late start tonight with puck drop set for just after 9:00 PM Eastern. These West Coast road trips are always interesting but it will be nice to have some Sens game starting at a reasonable hour. Broadcast will be carried on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
- Some news from the NHL this afternoon as it was announced that Drake will perform during the second intermission. The release from the league also indicated that Lyndon Slewidge will perform the anthem before hand. Now the whole league will get to see one of the best anthem singers in the business.
- While one big name was added to the line up, two others won’t be around for the weekend festivities. Both Jonathan Toews and Alex Ovehckin have withdrawn their names from All Star Weekend.
Hope we get a quick start in potting the first goal, and it would be ironical to have Kyle Turris score this first goal.
Looking for a better effort, less penalties, and hard 2 way hockey. Should that be the case, Anderson will recover and have agreat game !
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!
Michalek-Spezza-Greening*
Condra*-Turris-Alfredsson
Foligno*-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-Konopka-Butler*
Seemed to be working well a few games back.
Nice to see Phillips will be able to play on his better side again.
Go Sens Go...going to be a great start for Anderson tonight! Been on the bandwagon since here got here.
Cheers!
PS thanks Chirp! Don't post nearly as much as I should but your efforts are more than appreciated. Defenitely keep an insurance man from falling asleep at his desk each day!
Great to see Slewidge singing again - I like that they change it up at SBP at times, but let's showcase our original anthem singer! Also, hurray for a earlier start. These late games are brutal to go to work the next day.
Maybe they can replace him with softer hands
but then again, REAL fans get angry when their team loses becuase they are so attached to them and they feel disappointed.
I am angry as well but go sens go.
Well played.
He was lucky it was only 3. Don't blame Shanahan - Ovechkin made the decision on his own, league suspension wouldn't have carried over to all-star game. Not much anyone can do about Crosby apart from transplanting him a less fragile brain. Let's not be concerned with egocentric Ovechkin and put all our energy into supporting our incredible showing of home-town boys!
If yesterday was a bad game for Turris, our youngest forward playing 2nd line centre, and being one of our better PP players, I will take it, and can't wait to see him when he is all of 25 and helping us win a Stanley Cup!
There were many more players yesterday that had a worse game than Turris... IMO
I know Murray will do what is best for the team and knows a heck of a lot more about hockey than I ever will. That being said, I would hope he won't get caught up in the emotion of this year and keeps focused on the long term. Moving a few pieces for future prospects and/or picks will help us in the long run.
As always, no matter what, I'll be cheering on our Sens. This year has been a great and unexpected story.
GO SENS GO!
rkner out against a team like the Kings. I don't get it. And why Butler on the top line, not like he deserved the opportunity - he went from being a scratch to the top line, while Greening was doing great on that line.
Quoting KGV:
We had some great wins with Greening on the top line and Condra with Turris and Alfie.
Ever since that was broken up, our offence has gone south.
I have to say, I really think that Condra's game is very underrated, he is the perfect unselfish linemate, and can keep up with Turris and Alfie.
If you really want to move Greening, than put Foligno on the top line and Greening on the third.
I feel that this is a big game tonight, are the Sens for real, or is it all "Smoke and Mir...er Anderson" :)
2)heard from a reliable source that the year Ovechkin wore the sunglasses and flags in the all star skills shoot out he and Malkin were out the night before and apparently still ridiculously drunk. Word has it, someone had to drive a couple hours to go pick up Malkin who spent the evening with a couple of nice ladies...
good stuff
Very well put KGV... and completely agree
Agree with your thoughts on line combinations for last night
and tonite's game.
Am sure that Coach McLean, will monitor all the lines, and if he sees no sustained offense, he will go back to same lineup he had, for about past 15 games prior to last night !
Trial by fire. When you take a step back and think about it, this really is the perfect time to figure out for once and for all whether Butler can be a Top 6 component to a playoff push this spring. Otherwise the odds increase that we look for outside help for our top 6.
Yes I can see your point, it may not really be a lovin for Butler, but more so a last shot to see if he can be the player we thought he was supposed to be. If not then they will move away from him for good.
I admit I was a big Butler fan last year, but this year he seems to be reminding me more of a Brandon Bochenski, rather than a top 6.
Exactly. We have to remember that Butler was projected to be a potenial top 6 forward. Whether he pans out to be that or not is yet to be determined, but, despite his stuggles thus far this year, it is too early to write him off.
Regarding Greening and Condra, I like them both, but nobody projected them to be top 6 guys, despite how well they have played (for the most part).
I think they are more suited for the bottom six. What they have over Butler, however, is their ability to move up and down the line-up. I'm just not convinced that they will BOTH remain with the team after this year.
Fine I'll be the one to say it....What everyone is concerned about is Maclean's refusal to acknowledge that Butler is not producing in anyway. Why does But;er get his shot over and over and over...Because he is a potential top 6?
If thats the case then lets bring back the (gulp) Filatov debate, the Zibanejad debate and while we are at it, just because greening was not a "potential" top 6 guy, does that mean holmstrom, bertuzzi or clowe were always potential top 6 guys?
things change, greening has 11 goals, on pace for 20, so lets stop with this "butler is a top 6 guy and needs top 6 minutes to perform." If he hasn't yet then he just isn't a top 6 on this team, and do away with the experiment once and for all (which it was because he was an undrafted free agent out of college, hardly any "potential" all an experiement)
Wait filatov was an experiment also right.......
Gotta love the ASG
NHL decides something to do with ASG - fans bitch
NHl fans decide something to do with ASG - fans bitch
Do I see a pattern here?
Who are you referring to?
Condra has 1 more year while Greening has 2 more years left?
Butler also has 1 more year left.
Unless your talking trade...but why would Murray want to tarde Condra and Greening? Butler yes but who would want him?
WE may be able to trade Butler to the Leafs Suck !!
Sorry, I wasn't very clear. I guess, what I'm saying is, I don't see room for all three of them next year, and MacLean is trying to see who can do what in different roles/lines. I disn't mean to infer that I likke Butler more than Greening and Condra. I just meant that it's worth their while to see what Butler can do with more minutes.
I understand what your saying, and I think we all do
What we are saying is that after 51 games your telling me maclean doesn't know what Butler can do with more minutes?
Not like Condra has been given many minutes yet he still has outproduced Butler lol
Speaking of beaten to death, you haven't brought up Bobby Ryan yet in this thread. Har!
And I wont, I know better :)
I can't believe the league would do that -- do you? Especially what has happened over the last 2 games.
As for Ovey not at the All-Star game.. then shame on him. He was more than happy to come when first selected... but now that he has been given a suspension -- he is throwing a 'hissy-fit' like a little child and won't come.
Well good.. stay back.. but remember this Ovey.. a lot of children go to the different events this All-Star weekend brings. There to see their idols they watch on TV every time they can. Little kids who want to get autographs and meet their idols... but I get it -- your hearts not in it.. kids and fans be damned.
Shame Ovey.. shame..
Fair point. I concede.
@Boom, Leafs Suck.
There wont be much talk of anything, if people dont like it they will @Leafs suck it!
lol
TOI/60:
Greening: 13.49
Condra: 11.67
Butler: 10.17
G/60 and P/60:
Greening: 0.64 and 1.63
Condra: 0.64 and 1.5
Butler: 0.64 and 1.2
*remarkable actually is that they all have the same Goals per 60 minutes
But biggest thing for me is still that Greening looks better on top line and fits better than Butler ever has
Haters gonna hate!
Not to worry I'm sure Hartnell will show up in full force with many sharpies!!!
For real tho, he is funny as hell, he'll probably steal the show this year! and luv his hair!!
I don't have any love for fake artists. I know a few people who grew up with Drake and they all say his music has nothing to do with who he actually is. I only support artists that keep it real.
Quoting Alcatraz:
And Greening occassionally runs over people... go Cyborg!
Butler, who has shown some spark in the past, just doesn't seem to have it in him this year and when he does, it's in clumps. Maybe it's the pressure, who knows. What I see is someone who lacks confidence and as Garry Galley so often says, confidence, confidence, confidence, it's much more than people think.
The heat must be on with Butler, so they are giving him every opportunity to show what he has, maybe it's a showcase before the deadline. I'd hope PM reverts back to the original combo's if he see's no impact within the first few shifts.
Anderson gets the node again. It's good to know we have our #1 in net, I'm not 100% shocked at the news. But I am a little more concerned as it just shows how little confidence the coaching staff actually has in Auld. If they were going to give him a game to start, it should be against the Yotes. I really am leaning more towards Ottawa making a move for a more suitable backup goalie.
While I tend to agree somewhat, the world would be a hella boring place if everyone did it the same way.
Not to get into this too much, but I'm pretty sure very few artists "keep it real" they just are able to sell their image and not let the truth get out. Most people have ghostwriters, and music is all about fun and enjoyment, which Drake is really good at achieving. All this debate about realness is so overplayed and really just bs.
To each his own I guess.
And people were complaining about the Butler thread?
@Drake Leafs Suck!
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/Eastern.html
According to this, the sens have an 83.3% chance to make the playoffs... and a 0.4% chance to meet Toronto in the first round.
Fun to see how much numbers change based on a game. Last nights lost cost us 5.1% chance for the playoffs.
I'd like to see Slewidge sing the Cdn anthem at the All-Star game and the guy from Chicago 'Hawks sing the U.S. one. Both are the best in the league IMO.
Sens, Bruins, Chicago!
Why the hell do you want male singers, get the chicks from Detroit and Philly or TO, also if male, the guy from Vancouver is the best bar none.
You're right. And, by the way, Slewidge has to drop the wink at the end of the anthem. It gives me the creeps...
Book it!
Regin was far worse last year than Butler this year.
Butler is getting a shot to see if he can pull top 6, Greening Condra had their shot already and we kind of know where they are.
I am not a Butler fan or a Butler hater, lets see how it goes.
but you have to admit this isnt the first chance he has got this year at the top line.
only if filatov got this many chances.. things could have been different
Forget that. With the number of prospects we have coming up, Bobby's quickly becoming expendable. The only rationale I can figure for the Sens having him on the top line is to artificially increase his value for the purpose of trading him (perhaps as part of a package?). He has done absolutely nothing to warrant placement on the top line, and considering how important each game is for us right now, it's the only logical explanation.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2012/01/24/zednik_report/
Also interesting article by Mendes on Turris:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2012/01/24/mendes_turris/
Zednik has worse luck than Shleprock...
1. To whoever was mad at Tim Thomas and think sports and politics should never mix - you're insane. Thomas was the only American on the cup winning team. He has a right to his opinion and I for one, think its a very valid opinion. Our job as people in democratically run countries is to question every government decision. We keep them honest and pulling in the direction that WE, THE PEOPLE want our country to go in.
If I was invited to Parliment to be honored by the Canadian government, I would spit on the invitation. Kudos to Thomas for standing up for something he feel passionate about, and hopefully he opened some American eyes.
2. Bobby Butler is still a young forward. Sophmore slumps happen, quite commonly, around the NHL. In fact I seem to remember a certain young forward by the name of Nick Foligno having a terrible season and everyone was calling for his head last season. He has bounced back with his strongest season to date. Maybe we should hold judgement and quit calling for his head.
3. I consider myself the MASSIVE Senators fan. But we are easily the worst fans in the league. One loss means judgement day and we should fire/trade/viol ently murder every person associated with the team. Every win means that we are winning the cup and who should we pick up at the deadline.
Here's some tips - CHILL THE FUCK OUT! Its an 82 game season, roll with the punches. Oh and Paul MacLean, Murray et all.....they have more hockey knowledge in their pinky fingers than this entire board has collectively. Let them do their damn jobs. They have them for a reason.
Yikes....
Holy shit... thank God it looks like everyone is ok, especially the kids, yikes!
It needs to be said every once in a while. People on here are outrageous. I understand that we are all fans of the Senators and have opinions on what direction we want to see the team go in or what piece might augment the group. There are obviously going to be disagreements between fans that are this passionate about the team.
But it gets to a point of just insistent debate for days on end on the same topics, with the same people carrying over arguments from previous posts over the course of an entire week and it goes nowhere. They just argue the same point using the same data and the same opinion.
We get it, Reader A wants Bobby Ryan, Reader B wants Parise, Reader C wants us to trade Lee, Winchester and Butler for Toews.
Then every time that MacLean switches a player in the lines we spend 2 hours debating why we would do that and this person sucks, trade that guy, what is Murray thinking...it can get a little dry from time to time.
None of us are NHL coaches, GM's or scouts. We don't hold these jobs for a reason. I get that we all have our opinions. But maybe we need to put a little bit of faith in our coach to see what he does. Cause if Butler's not working on the first line, he'll switch it up.
i see where you are coming from. i am a bigger soccer fan (i call it football) than i am a hockey fan only because i come from over seas many years ago and i notice fans all arround the world or atleast the most passionate ones are pretty much the same. when a team is winning, its all happy/cheery looking forward to a cup, if we are losing then we should start firing people.
Your post was a little over the top my man. I agree with a lot of what you said, but it seems that you're the one that needs to chill out. People are allowed to come here and comment on whatever they feel like, whether it's who they want to see resigned or traded, or line combinations. After all that's what this site is for.
Then you call us the worst fans in hockey. Are you kidding me buddy? Every fan base does exactly what we do here. Every single one of them, in all professional sports, not just hockey. You're being extremely over dramatic.
I could be going over the top, it was not meant to be taken that way.
As for the worst fans in the NHL...I have never seen a fan of another team so constantly, quickly and regularly turn on players, coaches, management, mascots, anthem singers, stickboys, waterboys, prospects, undrafted picks in the next upcoming draft....you get my point.
It may be just because I only go on Sens boards and for that reason have my blinders on. It just seems like whatever group it is, whether the old facebook group I frequented, Senschirp readers...we're just quick to hop on and off of the 'hate this player/personel l' train.
I could be vastly over stating my point and completely missing out on fans of other teams. This is just my opinion and should be taken as such. It need not be debated ad nauseum like the Butler, Filatov, Fail 4 Nail, etc., etc. debates that go on here.
.GET BUTLER OFF THE TOP LINE WTF?!?! GO SENS GO!!!!!
I have a feeling.
Consider this your official invitation to come see Parliament. I'll show you around myself.
By the way, how was occupy Ottawa?
In response to your comments:
I'm so tired of people dumping on our fanbase. We are not the worst in the NHL. The most insecure?
Seemingly...
What is so specific about SENS fans that you can't find around the league?
Well, I would say that it's probably the fact that our fans complain "our fans" more than anyone else.
"We aren't loud enough" "Attendence isn't high enough" "We booed Gonchar and Kuba...."
These are annoying habits, yes. (especially that Kuba and Gonchar one. That was rough.) But they are not unique to us.
For example, I was at a Toronto game last fall and a "fire Wilson" chant broke out (as it often does.) At that time, the Leafs were near the top of the standings and were actually winning the game!
I'm sure Wilson was thinking: "gee, Leafs fans are the best in the NHL."
By the way, Ottawa did end up winning that one....
And how about the Montreal fans.... need I say more, or do you have to hear it from Randy Cunneyworth? (english only.)
The point is, all fanbases are annoying at times. We really aren't that unique.
We can debate the notion of Thomas becoming the champion of civil liberties in another forum.
Well that was both unoriginal and unfounded.
All of Sens Nation was in LOVE with Bobby Butler down the stretch last year. While he was racking up all of his goals and points he spent it almost exclusively playing alongside Jason Spezza.
Now that he is slumping, would it not make sense to give Butler an attempted rejuvenation by pairing him with the player he had the most chemistry and success with in the past?
It would be foolish not to recognize that he is not playing near the level of hockey that we saw last year. Why not allow him to try to get that chemistry back with Spezza. Would it not help the team to have him firing on all cylinders again? He's clearly not going to break out of his slump playing 9 minutes a game with Konopka.
It hasn't been working out yet, but does that mean we just give up on a player? Trade him for nothing? Risk losing him by sending him to the minors?
Personally, I think he should be a on a two way contract and playing in Binghamton on the first line right now. In reality he is not.
I would love to take a tour of Parliment with you. Unfortunately for you I live on PEI. For that reason, I don't get to go the building. I can't comment on the noise level of Scotiabank Place or the attendance. On our run to the cup in '07, the building seemed pretty packed and loud as hell, to me.
I am basing this purely on the chatter on multiple Senators forums from fans. I will admit I don't visit forums for other Team's fans. I am basing it purely off having hockey talks with friends, classmates and coworkers.
Perhaps those people are a small minority amongst the fanbases, but they never seem to be so hard or crucify so many players as the Sens fans are constantly doing.
Not a game goes by that a new Ottawa whipping boy doesn't emerge. And when we're on hot streaks, it typically reverts to previous ones.
I would love to take a tour of Parliment with you. Unfortunately for you I live on PEI. For that reason, I don't get to go the building. I can't comment on the noise level of Scotiabank Place or the attendance. On our run to the cup in '07, the building seemed pretty packed and loud as hell, to me.
I am basing this purely on the chatter on multiple Senators forums from fans. I will admit I don't visit forums for other Team's fans. I am basing it purely off having hockey talks with friends, classmates and coworkers.
Perhaps those people are a small minority amongst the fanbases, but they never seem to be so hard or crucify so many players as the Sens fans are constantly doing.
Not a game goes by that a new Ottawa whipping boy doesn't emerge. And when we're on hot streaks, it typically reverts to previous ones.
Its funny that I make a comment saying that I support Tim Thomas for using his right to free speech, which is a disgusting rarity in the NHL, and I'm all of a sudden an extremist, Occupy, hippy, bum.
You're completely entitled to your opinion. As long as you can provide me a reason for it, I am more than happy to hear it. Regardless of your opinion on the player though, what I said is true.
I have also not said whether or not I am a fan of Butler. Do I think the Sens should give up on the kid this early into his career, when he proved that he does have potential to be a top 6 player? No.
Do I support the fact that he is on a one way contract and may be taking a spot away from someone more NHL ready with more upside? Absolutely not.
But as the situation currently stands, why not try to get him going?
It would be the best possible situation from all standpoints. Get him going and you can either have him producing and helping the team, or it would up his value in parlaying him into another kind of asset.
Quoting ChrisT.:
I understand him calling out the fan-base for over-reacting but to call us bad fans is so incorrect. We are INCREDIBLY passionate and knowledgeable but can be short-sighted when it comes to wins/losses and extremely reactionary responses when it comes to the day to day operation of our team
I think this insecure attitude has to do with history and any Sens fan worth their salt has seen so many ups and downs that i feel we all have brought a lot of that baggage to the comment section.
Sens fans have had gone through a roller-coaster the past 20 years no matter when you started to cheer for them whether it was from the start and suffered through the losing days early on to the exhilaration of drafting Daigle only to watch well we all know that story.. The years of playoff defeats when we all believed that a team on paper could be the leafs in the playoffs. The fallout from having a roster of the leagues' elite to being one of the first major casualties of the cap era. Heatley... ugh
If you became a fan at any point during the teams existence you have surely been guilty of buying too much what this team was selling either on the ice or by front office.
So many ups and downs. We have bought in to so many plans so many systems had high hopes for so many trades, players, coaches but eventually it has left some of us jaded some eating crow for parade planning and even the very positive very defensive. I think a wait and see approach would be better for most of us.
Regardless if you hate Butler for whatever reason, if we can get him firing on all cylinders it makes us better as a team? No.
I have to say that playing with Konopka is like playing alone for a goal scorer.
We should proud we stuck through it all but focus on where the team needs improvement instead of drawing parallels with the past and piling those same concerns onto this current squad and try not to lose the big picture.
Not sure what to make of that. To me it sounds like he is either protesting the decision to suspend him, or he didnt want to go to the game anyway and this is his excuse.
Or hes just pouting...
Mentioned in the post :)
I would in the same context that Tim Thomas did. I don't support Mr. Harper or his Conservative majority and did my part in voicing that opinion through the Federal vote.
If you offered to take me on a tour of Parliment I would be more than happy. I was on the lawn for about 20 minutes. I would love the chance to have a tour of the buildings and even sit in on daily proceedings.
But I would not accept an invitation to be a personal guest of Mr. Harper or his government, nor let him honor me for an accomplishment.
Quoting ChrisT.:
That's fair. You've backed up your position, and I respect that. Thanks for the convo
http://www.firstrow.tv/watch/103937/1/watch-phoenix-coyotes-vs-ottawa-senators.html
anyone know whats up ???
.
THANKS!!!
Holy freaken jeeze.
it works?
God our pp has issues...
It's the saddest booing I've ever heard...
The Sens don't look like the same team. No urgency, can't pass. This is their 3rd game in 4 nights and it shows.
I really hope they can pull this one off.
I think the lads need a break badly. Not very exciting so far tonight.
Totally. This type of hockey makes it difficult to stay awake for Western time zone games...
It works guys, I installed the plug-in, scaned it with nod32 and its fine and works.
Thank you very much :)
And Michalek...well , if I say it some of you will get defensive. But holy crap tabarnak!
Anderson is going to have to steal this one.
How did you install the plug-in?
nice find, thanks for the stream!
I downloaded it from its website.
http://www.interoperabilitybridges.com/windows-media-player-firefox-plugin-download
We need a break badly. This team is playing like dog shit
http://www.firstrow.tv/watch/103937/1/watch-phoenix-coyotes-vs-ottawa-senators.html
sad
And girl you know its true. (sorry, couldn't resist...)
are you a sens fan? either way, not cool...
Just a busy schedule/length y road trip wearing them down. The All Star Break will do them good.
How does it feel to give the lead again... blah blah blah...
Mmmm... no, its pretty bad actually.
Yah, the last couple of games really took a toll on the team. Let's hope they can mustard up something special in the remaining 60 minutes.
We're only 1 goal down. We can still pull this one out and then
take a well deserved rest.
He did it right after the Turris Briere fight in Philly.
If I was Smith, I'd give him shit in the box. What an idiot!
Turris is full speed though, Spezza Alfie are trying to make it happen.
I wonder if they know how to fist pump too
I'm on the fence with this one. Hard to say.
I leave the rest up to you Sens Army....do what you will.
...fuck him up
What's his name?
It's just more tolerable when they space out the games where they screw us over. Less obvious that way...
I'm sure you'll all be shocked to know its this fucker!
Dear refs,
Phuck you.
Yes the Sens came out flat but the refs made sure they never got back in the game. The problem with this league is that no one can say anything about the reffing without being fined and/or suspended.
Torts was the only one who let his passion get the better of him and say what many of the coaches were most certainly thinking. And I'm sure that he was told what to say the next day in order to not receive a suspension.
This is the type of thing that makes people turn from a sport with the idea that there is insider betting or someone fixing the games.
I am sick of this and plan on booing the refs going forward every chance I get. It is the only voice we have.
The back ref had his arm up
The thing is, teams can still beat the refs. Play better defensively and play better offensively. Get a goal called off? Score another one. Have a blatant penalty ignored? Don't take a stupid one a few minutes later.
We haven't deserved a win in any of those last three games. Maybe if a couple have calls would have been better we would have lucked out, but the team flat out did not deserve those wins.