In a year where nobody gave this Senators team a chance, snagging the Division would send a huge statement to the rest of the league. Add to that the fact that the eighth place Capitals are just four points back and the Sabres just seven points, you can see just how big this weekend set really is.
On Wednesday night, the Habs edged Ottawa in a shootout so you know MacLean's group will be looking to exact a little bit of revenge. The Sens started that game strong and considering the magnitude of this game, I would expect a similar effort out of Ottawa this evening.
Carey Price starts again for Montreal.
Meanwhile, the Sens will go with Ben Bishop tonight. With Anderson looking like he could return as early as next week, Bishop needs to continue his strong play in goal over the course of the weekend. One change expected to the Ottawa line up as Bobby Butler draws in for Kaspars Daugavins.
Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Greening-Spezza-Michalek
Klinkhammer-Turris-Alfredsson
Condra-Smith-Butler
Folingo-O'Brien-Neil
Kuba-Karlsson
Cowen-Gonchar
Phillips-Gilroy
Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM with all the action available on CBC and RDS. I could be wrong but this has to be the first time a Sens game has been broadcast on CBC on a Friday night. If you are headed to the game, note the early start!
GO SENS GO!
Believe you should change Line 4 to Foligno - O'Brien -Neil
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bring it home!!!!!!
3-0 Big Ben with his first shutty!!
Go Sens Go!!
Say What? GO SENS GO!!!!
SAY WHAT? GOOOOOO SEEEEENNNSSSS GOOOOOO!!!!!
5-2 for the Sens. GO SENS GO!!!
Have never ever seen so many GO SENS GO cheers !!
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO SENS GO!!!!
Go Sens Go!
Go Sens Go
PIT 117
FLO 97
OTT 95
NYR 108 (more wins)
PHI 108
NJD 101
WAS 96
BOS 90
(Though Buffalo is headed to 90 pts too but less wins that Boston).
Leafs finish 13th and out of the lottery. LOL!!!!
I think the Sens are going to come out hard in this one and lay a beating down on the Habs. They are overdue for an offensive breakout and tonight is the night.
Karlsson will score again tonight re-writing Senators lore and Turris is going to pot one as well.
GO SENS GO
seize vs cease
sorry
Awesome but kind of skewed by maintaining last 10 games pace as these projections means Pitt wins every game for rest of year lol
goal scorers: klink-spezza-pr ince karl and pach for habs
Totally agree of course and it also doesn't take into account strength of schedule.
But better than just assuming a team in 4th will stay in 4th.
the boys on Senschirp are catching the playoff fever!
will be at the game in our work box... dont mean to rub it in... much... but I love it :)
this game to me should be a statement game... it will have a bit of a playoff atmosphere, CBC, springtime, rivalry, MTL wants to prove they belong, and we should prove how much better we are, and finally redeem ourselves after the past couple of losses to them,
dont mean to put too much into this game, but it should mark as a bit of a barometer to where we stand.
Our PP must be better, and I think we should dictate the pace tonight.
Not happy Daug is out, but for the upteenth time this year Butler has yet another chance to prove himself (Filatov hope you are watching b/c Butler is doing something right in PM mind)
Even though Price stands on his head we put 2 in on him in the first, and go on to win 4-1
GO SENS GO!!!!!
Go SENS go....
Go SENS Go
I'll go 3-1 Sens aswell.
Spezza
Butler
Karlsson
and Desharnais for Habs.
I dunno - a game or two in the box sure lit a fire under Smith and some other guys. I think this might be more about trying to give Dauggie a small kick in the ass. He hasn't been an impact guy in a long time (and is tops on the "schnide" list outside of Konopka.
Konopka - scored on Dec 16th (27 games without a goal)
Carkner - scored on Dec 31st (15 games without a goal)
Kuba - scored on Feb 15th (11 games without a goal)
Daugavins - scored on Feb 15th (11 games without a goal)
Da Costa - scored November 1st (9 games without a goal)
Filatov - 0 goals (in 9 games played)
Zibanejad - 0 goals (in 9 games played)
Phillips - scored on Feb 22nd (9 games without a goal)
Alfredsson - scored on Feb 25th (8 games without a goal)
Butler - scored on Feb 15th (7 games without a goal)
O'Brien - scored on Feb 26th (7 games without a goal)
Gilroy - 0 goals (in 7 games played)
Winchseter - scored December 8th (5 games without a goal)
Klinkhammer - 0 goals (in 5 games played)
Regin - scored Dec 13th (3 games without a goal)
Neil - scored March 4th (4 games without a goal)
Cowen - scored March 4th (4 games without a goal)
Gonchar - scored March 6th (3 games without a goal)
Michalek - scored March 6th (3 games without a goal)
Borowiecki - 0 goals (in 2 games played)
Petersson - 0 goals (in 1 game played)
Hoffman - 0 goals (in 1 game played)
Foligno - scored March 8th (2 game without a goal)
Spezza - scored March 8th (2 game without a goal)
Smith - scored March 8th (2 game without a goal)
Turris - scored March 8th (2 game without a goal)
Condra - scored March 10th (1 games without a goal)
Greening - scored March 14th (0 games without a goal)
Karlsson - scored March 14th (0 games without a goal)
time for Alfie to get a goal I think.....
If there's one thing this team has done all year, it's that they've exceeded my expectations. I know Pittsburgh is rolling right now and they'll be a tough series...
BUT, I wouldn't take this team for granted any more. Some will say the Senators don't have the playoff experience throughout their roster, but for some reason it just doesn't seem to bother these guys.
It's like when they're playing a big opponent they're only focused on themselves and playing well. In any seven game series I can see the Sens coming out on top. I just do.
I truly believe this team can win the cup, this year. Maybe Lehner will come in and do it again if Andy suffers, maybe Spezza will tear it up. Maybe Karlsson will continue to be unstoppable. I don't know, but I think they've got just as good a chance as any other team in the league.
My $.02
Fine by me.
Go Sens Go!
Based on: http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/Eastern.html
1. NYR 75%
2. BOS 73%
3. FLO 61%
4. PIT 54%
5. PHI 61%
6. NJD 70%
7. OTT 55%
8. WAS 41%
Totally aligned with the current standings, but shows the % of the teams finishing in those positions based on weighted projections.
I like your rankings better
Well if we make a run I think it will be on Andy's back, not Lehner's (but anything is possible).
I think (depending on how the standings shake out) it's entirely possible we could meet Pitt in the conference finals - and if we get that far no telling how far our momentum pushes us. Pitt is clearly the better team on paper of course, but I've never felt Fleury was all that great so they are beatable IMO.
Of course, if we have to go through three teams from the Atlantic then our chances get much slimmer - we could face NJD, then NYR, then Pitt - yikes.
i usually just buy my jersey's at scotia bank place 1st or 2nd floor.
just leave your other sweater or coat in the car so your not lugging things around after.
Its a big game tonight i hope our boys bring some grit and lay a beating on the habs, we will need to do the same tomorrow.
I think there's a Sports Experts in Orleans - if so that's going to have the same selection as at the arena. Not sure if they can heat press at the SE stores but they can at the arena and would have it ready by the second period (if they don't have the color/style you want pre-made).
Pittsburgh will not win 20 games in a row.
Well duh.
It's a statistical projection only. Though they don't need to win out to finish first in the East (not by a long shot). I'll be surprised if they aren't the #1 seed come playoff time.
Did you used to sell golf clubs to the stick boys? If so, then I think your prediction holds water...
No but I sat behind Nick Foligno and his hot girlfriend at a Russell Peters show a couple of years ago so I'm clearly more important than anyone else on these boards.
that's sarcasm by the way (for the naive)
Yeah that guy is worse than Havlat was. He was clearly pissed the other night when he got hurt yet again.
10 games played in the last 2 seasons (at least 2 of which he's left early due to injury). Total price tag: $11.5M
So the guy gets about $1.2M per game or nearly $3M per point.
Would only be sweeter if he played for the laffs.
There's a Sens store in Place D'Orleans mall
Well if your willing to dish out major dough, Sens store is the place, Jersey's are like $200. even a cheap no number no name jersey is $100
Or find a season seat owner and get a 20% discount on any Sens merchandise at any sens store...
Yes im a season seat owner
Looking for some feedback here:
Foligno on the fourth line with Neil; why? Is it to space out the talent and to roll 4 solid lines? Is it because he can play tough, but still has enough hands to find the back of the net? Foligno is in a contract year, and is having a career year points-wise (and maybe goals too... probably not). Do you see him giving us a discount if we keep him on the 4th line with Neil (unless he completely buys into what MacLean is selling)?
I like Neil, and think the 4th line plays great. Still, is this where Folingo should be? Is this an indication that he won't be resigned, or that he'll chose not to resign? Or is this just MacLean making the most of what the team has to offer? I do notice that MacLean gives TOI to the players that deserve it (Foligno logged 18mins last game against MTL)…
Lehner to get another start before Andy returns? If so, when?
HOMER COMMMENT ALERT
Will the parade in June run North or South on Elgin?
This weekend is the time to play the Sens way... Bury both of them...
I would like for them to let Lehner have 1 more game tomorrow... I believe Anderson will be back next week.
As for Pitts... if they stay healthy (with Letang & Crosby) they run through the East in the playoffs... like a 'hot knife through butter' so to speak. They are just too talented.... too deep to overlook that.
Love my Sens... and if they can get by the 1st round.. that would be amazing. If they get Philly in the 2nd round.. they take that series... But I just can't see my Sens getting by Pitts -- they just aren't there yet.
Go Sens.. need a big weekend.
Tookie only buys cheap knock off Leafs jerseys from China...
I hope that Foligno and the SENS remember the Cheap Shot that Crosby delivered and give him a tough time on March 24th. Lets not allow this guy to float around like New York did last night - this isn't the ALL-STAR GAME. Crosby is good but he's a dirty player - I hope Neil, or Foligno himself delivers a bone jarring hit that he won't soon forget. This isn't ringuette!
GO SENS GO!
thats if he is still playing for that long
Of course, then re-sell em to fools like you for twice the price.
No I buy my jerseys from the Sens store so I know that my money is going to pay for 1/100000th of Alfies salary.
http://www.hockeyligan.se/elitserien-arena/38050/highlights/
its the 2nd video thumbnail brynas if - frolunda hc
ive watched him all year, if his stats dont convince you, hes been playing with that type of dominance all year.
this game didnt show any of his defensive game but take my word for it, he is more than responsible on all ends of the ice.
hard not to be a homer for this guy after all his accomplishments .
I think the boys are pumped and we'll see a great speed game tonight!!
Go Sens Go
Karlsson with a hat trick would be cool.:)
Similar to Ruutu-Kelly-Nei l in the past, it's not a line of your three worst forwards, it's a team of 3 guys that can take a regular "energy" shift.
Their ice time might be pretty close to the "third" line.
agree about the authority party, however i kinda rather we win in OT so montreal can get a point.. really dont want them to be a lottery team
Haha, so true Hax! And that injury was 100% his own fault, who the hell defends by angling the puck straight at their own face like that ... learn to hold your stick!
I agree, I think they've even been getting more icetime in key situations as well. They seem to be in the regular rotation at the end of the 3rd period and even in overtime. Though I'm still unhappy Foligno is stuck on the 4th line, I'm glad that PM is taking advantage of the chemistry that formed on the line and using them as a normal line.
LOL. I was agreeing you, not arguing.
I know - was more clarifying in general for "the naive". LOL Garrioch probably reads this blog to find ideas for his "column".
Seriously? Foligno ahead of some of the other spare parts we are carrying. I'll never get this line of thinking. This kid needs a fresh start in another organization if fans are truly feeling this way.
I tend to agree with Sensnation on this one. If (which seems like it won't happen) Silfverberg comes over and plays, he's not really replacing Foligno. I think it's Klinkhammer or Daugavins/Butle r that comes out. You still need Foligno out there in the blue paint.
i don't want to be negative, i love the sens...
but foligno has had his chances and some of our ahl guys have been more dependable and have better hockey sense than foligno. I'm not sure if he'll be around next year.
Dumb penalties and constant off sides is hurting us, i wish foligno would wake up! if he doesn't he's as good as gone.
klinkhammer > foligno
if nick foligno wasn't a foligno i think he'd be gone a some time ago.
I don't think the problem is Nick. I think the problem is our fans suffering from a bad case of ignoramus.
If Nick was as bad as any of you "fans" are saying, do you not think PM would sit him? Or do you think PM is too stupid, pig-headed, blinded or whatever to see what you see?
hmm well explain why has butler gotten so many friggin chances in top 6 all year.. butler is by far the worst forward on the roster this year.
it may be a huge sophmore slump, but im not convinced
Hold on to the Puck too long even though teammates are open...after 4 seconds in the zone giveaway
Or
Anyone else coming through the neutral zone..Foligno decides to go into the offensive zone early and is offside
Or
Anywhere on the ice Foligno takes a stupid unnecessary penalty...other team scores
only problem is, he has almost doubled his PIM, starting to look like his 130+PIM he had in junior. i wouldnt mind PIM if they were mostly fighting and "smart" penalties, but sadly those are far away from his usual penalties
GO SENS GO!!!
Or that half of the "dumb penalties" he gets are either "truculent" penalties where BM WANTS Foligno to play that or BS penalties based on a reputation he's developing.
If you want to understand Foligno's game better watch a game live from the upper level where you can see the whole ice. On TV or from lower seats it's harder to see.
Trust PM - he's not giving anyone a pass. Not Foligno, not Butler, not anyone. He's not Clouston.
Well, there are no better options...for now. Hey I'm fine with Foligno chewing up 10 minutes on the 4th line for about 1.5M per year. He's a great team guy and he can chew up minutes; he has good games. You can't deny his 40 pts. But for the most part over the last three years, and especially the past few months, he is inconsistent, takes bad penalties and over complicates things that take away scoring chances. He hurts the team more than helps. When he is on, he's on and his shtick works but too often, he's off.
I would agree he often carries the puck too long but that doesn't mean he's told to "never pass". But he certainly might have been told to "look for better options" etc - I look at it as a learning point in his game. He's a strong guy so I'd rather him err on the side of holding the puck than give it up at the first sign of traffic.
I haven't been counting his offsides calls. Are you sure that's all on him and not on O'Brien or Neil? He's playing with 4th liners right?
I don't actually want to hate him...I used to like his game until this year
I have to disagree with that. Foligno has improved his point total this season to the level that most reasonable fans were expecting him to. He's also done it without an increase in playing time.
When our 2nd line was flying, it was Foligno with Alfie and Turris. When the game is on the line, Foligno is on the ice. PM obviously still considers him an important piece.
He definitely gets too many penalties, I completely agree with that statement, but not all of them are his fault. It's clear he's being targeted by the refs this year as upon replay a good 20-30% or more of the penalties called against him did not even occur. I would like if he stopped with the dumb ones though, but his overall game is one of the most complete on the team and has a grit that is needed not only game to game but definitely come playoff hockey.
I'm a broken record on Foligno, I know it, but too many fans just don't give him a fair shake.
I feel similarly actually. I like the guy but still wish he'd "click" better. I think his best stretch of games was as our 2C for a short time - that proved to me that he's got more to offer but just needs to settle into a role. I hope we get him for 2 more years kinda cheap and see what he can do with that.
Other than that I like him...
"blue paint" is that a new word for penalty box?
Funny that this was post #71.
LOL
badum-bump!
In all seriousness though, ever since Foligno had the nerve to hit Crosby's elbow with his face it seems he has a worse reputation than ever. Any minor thing that happens out there near him it's like the refs say "oh must be time to give Foligno 2 for something".
Last year he setup Kovalev and other teammates with practically empty nets so many times for them to just not bury it, and then we were saying shoot more, don't pass. Now he's not passing enough. There's just no pleasing everyone. He's growing and should continue to develop into a solid player.
I find he has worked well when paired with Turris & Alfie, O'Brien or Spezza, but he does have some problems finding chemistry with players who are not offensively minded as they're often in the wrong place at the wrong time or plain can't read the play he is trying to create.
So, a lot of Foligno haters.
I've noticed the offsides, the reluctance to shoot or pass in scoring situations, and the penalties, but I still think he has a ton of talent. In other words, either I don't know hockey from a hole in the ground, or I'm a Leaf's fan...
Or, I the type of guy that marries the ugly girl for her personality...
Not to compare apples and oranges, but Spezza did a lot of these same things when he was younger. He would cause a ton of offsides, had horrible giveaways and took bad penalties. all I'm saying is Foligno has a lot of talent, and if he can perfect his game, he'll could be one of the better power forwards for years to come.
Oh yeah....
GO SENS GO!!!!!
Yeah there's no point in comparing them period...Folign o will most likely never crack the Top 6 with any consistency for any team in the league, but for what he makes, he's serviceable.
He has been improving year after year but there's a reason he's never in the Top 6 anymore....
302 row P
plus a parking pass for Lot 4
$100 for the pair and the pass
email me at sonikster30
thanks guys!
Just sayin'.
This is Ottawa's secondary scoring. He's putting up 2nd Line points playing on our 4th line!
I agree that sometimes I wish he would make some better decisions with the puck, but his points speak for themselves and he makes it tough on the opposition. I'm not sure what else you guys expect from the guy...
I probably would of took them but I just bought some Carolina and Boston tickets. Ohh, almost forgot it's St. Pattys lol. Will be too smashed for that shiiit. You try Stubhub.com?
Not yet
Wanted to give first shot to the senschirp faithful!
Really exciting opportunity and something that would not have been possible without the loyalty and support of the SensChirp readers.
Thanks everyone!
BOOYAH
but happy for lee that he has a team that will use him.
Are you seriously blaming Gilroy for that shorty? Turris gave it right to Plecanec who placed a perfect shot past Bishop.
you see how much room he gave plekanec?? gilroy has done nothing since joining us. ive defended lee for the past year and he is by far still better than gilroy in every way. and im happy lee has got a chance to move on.
Let's rock em on this power play boys!
For some odd reason in time there was a show called mork and mindy, where mork was an alien and his ship was egg shaped just like foligno's bucket.
Ahhhh the 1980's...
The habs are making the most of their chances and looking dangerous everytime they come down the ice. They (Georges) are blocking almost everything and what they aren't blocking, Carey is easily handling. Things are looking brighter though since the Neil fight! Let's hope we can bury a few on the 5-3!
No disrespect, but I really don't like when fans bash newcomers before they even get used to the system. Give the man a chance before you say he sucks. Murray knew what he was getting when he traded for Gilroy. I truly believe Gilroy will find his groove before the season is through.
Let's get out on the 5 on 3 and eff these guys... Twice!
Relying on Karlsson too much
PLAYOFF HOCKEY BOYS!!!!!!!!
Playing against a brutal team
Fighting to maintain a playoff position
Powerplays for the past how many minutes
SHOULD be elevating their game for the playoffs
What a Shame
tampa fans were laughing at us for taking gilroy off their hands..and the bunch of teams before him gave him up for similar reasons too.. he is not good.
He's played like ten games with us so far. More than enough time for him to get adjusted. He's been less than average. Getting caught defensively, missing wide open nets... not worth resigning.
We never show up to these games Habs/Leafs
Who the fuck was that?
FUCK GONCHAR.
A bunch, this is pathetic.
Already 0 fer 7. Bold prediction Moe.
I say they score on the PP to open the 3rd.
I hope to god Silfverberg and Z93 are coming cause there are some players looking awful others old and slow
Still, this is unacceptable. 7 powerplays and not one goal is bush league.
We need better defencemen, too. I miss B Lee :(
Kuba has been playing well this year but that sure was a no effort at all move.
We have been getting chances, our luck has to change for the third.
I can't remember ever seeing this many PP for us and nothing.
underachiever - nough said - I'd rather have his brother
Seriously.
They play harder against the elite teams and play awful against the teams they should beat.
If they can't come back and win tonight.. then they don't deserve to be first in the division.
The opportunity is there.. take it..
Bacardi and Coke :)
Gotta have a better killer instinct but enough time left to salvage this game.
THEY BETTER SCORE ON THE PP TO OPEN THE 3RD...FRIG!!!
The fact that Lee would likely have been in the press box is not him...but mismanagement
wish gilroy was in the press box..
who cares about lee, gilroy is brutal
michalek already beat price but not the post twice on that side and price is leaving it open, just watch
call on Z.SMITH!
the guy has played 5 games with us - new system, teammates, etc? What does that make De Costa?
A player whos not NHL ready, so by comparing to a minor league player, you think gilroy should be in the minors?
He's fucked up quite a few D to D passes
C'mon boys lets score! We should win this!
Quoting Mark:
Find me knocking Lee...good luck
Fucking bench foligno ....should I quote where I called his game....and guess what each and every point has been right today
GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING
ditto
Don't worry. Healey will make sure that there is a CBC balance with his Sens hate.
Too late for "try outs" but would love to see Andre get a few games. Fun guy to follow on Twitter too.
clearly you have never seen him play..
To the fact that the Senators have had 8 powerplay opportunities and have not recorded one goal on any of them :S
He's not the answer, but damn would he ever be a welcomed addition. Waitin for Brynas to get bumped so he can help us out for playoffs.
in the NHL? Have you?
:) sorry a "thumbs up" just wouldn't have cut it - classic
ill make sure to remeber your name come time when silfver joins us and shows the player i have been talking about on here almost every day and basically say.
i told you so.
This is their playoffs and they're playing that way
Also, Chris Neil = the only player who gives a damn. Period.
English only those nights!
This team looks tired and not focused
Bishop this ones on you !!!
Gilroy is a donkey !!!!
THIS GUY FUCKING SUCKS. I DONT GIVE DAMN WHAT ANYONE SAYS. GILROY. SUCKS.
won't be the first time I was wrong - KUBA - 1st Place in the EAST!!!
we get the div lead. and we help the frenchies slowly move out of a lottery spot!!
WOOOOO IM FIRED UP
Alfie nice play !!!!
Go sens go
Yes it was, and very frusterating, but we got the 2 pts and thats what matters right now! despite only getting the 2 goals and going 0 for 9 on the PP they stuck to it, they outplayed the habs alll night and still got the win!
great to see them find a way...thats what its going to take to win in the playoffs
um...everyone should have been loving Kuba all this year!
Lets just say he redeemed himself from earlier.
What a fantastic win.
feels great to be ahead of Boston and first in our division and second place in the eastern standings.
HUGE WIN
Hopefully they change it tomorrow
nhl.com gave the 2nd assist to karlsson
edit: just realised you are talking about the greening goal. and for that, they still keep it as condra
He made a few key saves though!
Basement team? What basement team?!
GO SENS GO
Nope, they have condra as first assist and Smith as second. Condra must have touched it in front of the net before greening tapped it in
edit: just realized you edited
Zack Smith on 1st place: "Coolest thing is we surprised a lot of people being here. But we still have a few games to play before playoffs."
love the kid. and the reason i call him our "secret weapon" is because i truly believe he will be our hero in the playoffs.
Greening was flying tonight.
baha ha ha
For sure just saying we dominated big time in their end, even though the score does not show it.
edit inception
The thing is Comdra definitely didn't touch it. Watch any replay angle. It better go to Karlsson
Greening's a guy with so much untapped potential. He has a lot more to offer and I think will only get better and better.
Man it feels good to see the Sens as SECOND in the East. A position that they very well could finish off as.
Just goes to show that the odds dont mean shit.
Happy with the win.... and hopefully Reimer/Gustafss on do not play like Carey Price tomorrow night.
If you were McLean would you give Lehner another game before Anderson comes back?
Just saw the ticker on TSN... Kuba from Alfie & Karlsson.
LMAO - tonight's bizarro statistic.
Amen to that, looks like booing players who have a bad season prior on opening night may really be a wake up call? haha kidding
I do like the jets much more than the caps, but I think i'd prefer the teams that are on the outside but hanging around to lose, so that the sens can quickly lock up that playoff spot!
we need more Canadian representation - screw the Caps - we're pretty well a lock.
and ya Gotta love the view from the top
Winning
Merci beaucoup! We're here all weekend. Tips accepted.
Ottawa should trade for Andrew Ladd.
-plec your muscle
-kuba Gooding
-Something Bish-y
-A Sen-d To the top
Painfully corny to see these sort of headlines on a daily basis
*Oh man just saw one "LAICH, TOTALLY" face palm
Alex and his man crush on Ladd, Penner and Fehr is back.