Under new bench boss Adam Oates, the Caps have struggled in the early going. “Effort” has been a buzz word in Washington the past few seasons and it seems to be a problem for them again in the early going. Alex Ovechkin has just two points through the team’s first five games and has been playing on a line with Joey Crabb and Jay Beagle.
While the Penguins got the best of him in the shootout, Sunday was another impressive outing for Craig Anderson. Anderson comes into this game with the league lead in goals against average (0.73) and save percentage (.975%). Through four starts, he has been the Senators best player and will need to be again tonight.
On Sunday, Daniel Alfredsson was a late scratch thanks to a flu bug that is making the rounds and the result was some last minute line juggling by Head Coach Paul MacLean. This time it looks like Jason Spezza could be sidelined with what the Coach called an upper body injury. He missed practice yesterday and did not take this morning’s skate.
With the Captain expected to return but now Spezza out and Mika Zibanejad set to play his first game of the season, the Sens will have a different look again.
Here is how they lined up at the morning skate
Latendresse-Turris Alfredsson
Michalek-Regin-Silfverberg
Greening-Smith-Neil
O’Brien-Zibanejad-Condra
Methot-Karlsson
Borowiecki-Gonchar
Wiercioch-Phillips
Daugavins is the odd man out up front and Andre Benoit will sit in favour of Patrick Wiercioch. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:30 PM with the game available on Sportsnet and the Team 1200.
The Senators will wear their black heritage jerseys for the first time this season.
Michalek-Turris-Alfie
Regin-Zibby-Silfverberg *** crazy idea!
I do like that Phillips and Gonchar are on separate pairings, though
If Regin does not play up to speed, I can see MacLean switching him with Zibanejad !
Defense pairings look real good !!
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
Silfverberg-ZBad-Alfie
That way they can all speak their crazy "booga-booga" language so Washington doesn't understand them! Leg up on the competition!!!
I'd expect Zibanejad will get some top 6 shifts if he looks comfortable enough early on.
Like the rotating D with BenWierCop taking turns in the press box - they all bring something a little different but have been solid.
Silfverberg-Zib anejad-Alfie on a line together.
oops - yeah, what WISC said
Offense has me scratching my head and trusting in P-Mac...
Thought they were training Z-bad to play on wing, yet he centers. Michalek and Silf move down, Latendresse moves up, Alfie gets 1st line minutes, Regin gets top 2 minutes....not saying they are the wrong moves...just makes me think "huh?".
Anyways, Condra's going to be a good wingman for Z-bad, even though he won't prob see lots of minutes. And as mentioned, who knows what our lines will look like half-way through the first.
Andy is often one of our best players, and he's in goal tonight...so I'm just going to enjoy this crazy ride knowing that we have someone to save our ass in our zone :)
4 lines isn't that dastric.
Our 2nd line became our 1st, and our 3rd line is the same.
Regin takes Spezzas' place for the 2nd line between Silf and Milo (I believe this is the best opportunity for Regin to show what he can really do)
4th line is the same, except it's Zibby.
Philips and Gonchar switched partners.
Not that drastic. It still has that "balanced" feel to it, and to repeat myself, it gives some players an oppurtunity to show what they can do.
Like some of you mentioned or are thinking, the only change I can see happening mid-way through the game if our SENS struggle is see Zibby between Silf and Milo, and/or switch Latendresse with Greening on the 1st.
Thats actually pretty funny. "booga booga". I needed that laugh today. Ha....its not crazy to expect to see these 3 on the same line at some point tonight...even if by accident.
As Johnny Travolta once said in FACE-OFF, "hey, when all else fails...Freeesh tactics!"
FWIW some sources are listing JOB as center and Zibby on wing. Or maybe he'll get a few shifts on wing with the skill guys.
Missed the morning skate so can't tell for myself where he lined up.
Alfie isnt a top line player anymore and that's another concern. Though Laich is out which helps soften the blow, especially in the faceoff circle though I suspect we'll struggle there
No worries bro, this is probably a "rest day" camouflaged as an injury. Capitals are yesterday's news, Z-Bad-Silf-Badd er-Alfie-Baddes t will take care of things...5-3 Senators!
Looks like his time in Ottawa is done.
On waivers soon ?
I see what you did there with the bad, badder, baddest thing. Clever.
Go Sens GO tonight.
True and fans freaking out over them will be more common too. Good for a laugh though.
I guess these are the tests that we (and every other team for that matter) will have to endure as this short season gets rolling.
Not sure what you're smoking. Daugavins has always been penciled in as the "extra" forward. With a skill guy out they'll typically replace with a top 6 prospect from Bingo, with a grinder out or a last-minute injury Daugavins will draw in. Plus the odd game to keep him fresh if needs be.
If the NHL had a "6th man" type thing like the NBA Daugs would be the poster boy.
Regin has a big chance to shine here. I wish I could expect more from Latendresse, but I can see michalek getting up there quick if he fails to skate his way to earning this top line challenge.
Glad to see Weircioch back in. Got to push the pace of this game. Boys need to come out hard. Need Greening/Smith/ Neil to step up in the first 5 minutes and set a tone to let caps know whats up.
Go Sens Go!
He's good depth in case someone on the bottom 6 gets injured. He still has a place on this team, so I really doubt he'll get waived.
Latendresse on the first line? I think MM-Turris-Silf would rip it up.
Hes getting my attention at least. "seize the opportunity.." as they say.
I look at it like this:
Even though the team could easily make the playoffs this year we're still building for the future. We should be looking to cycle in guys like Zibanejad, Stone, Petersson, Grant, Gryba etc, etc. The compact schedule makes that pretty easy even without injuries.
On top of that, our team is relatively young compared to some others so we're probably built a bit better for this type of grind. Plus we have more depth than a lot of teams.
So it's a pretty good scenario for us. Come next year we'll likely be further ahead in developing and evaluating our young prospects than we might have been without the lockout.
BAD analogy - NBA 6th men get to play in every game.
Daugavin's 4th line minutes are now being taken by a call up.
"...Done? ..Waivers?" Whoa...settle done man. Hes just the odd man out here. Thought he played well last couple games and he will definately get to play more.
Regin has looked solid to me but I do hope he shows more soon. He's not useful on a fourth line really.
And the top two lines will get pretty much equal ice time I think - depending on how they play. I agree an MTS line would be good but that leaves Lats with Regin and Alfie which I don't particularly like.
The games are structured differently so of course it's not exactly the same.
And I tried to explain to you that when Spezza is the guy out, those aren't Daugavins minutes.
I guess we can just wait until the end of February when Daugavins is still with us and never put on waivers if you like, but trust me, he's not headed to waivers any time soon.
finally he has split gonchar and phillips - i think this is important.
as a fan of hockey i hope maclean atleast tries to put silfverberg+tur ris+zibanejad out ONCE atleast. just once. hell put them out on PP even. i think it would be a gallery of wicked releases if that line ever takes shape.
Michalek-Turris-Silfverberg
Latendresse-Regin-Alfredsson
Greening-Smith-Neil
O’Brien-Zibanejad-Condra
Let's do it fellas!
730pm right? Habs game is 7pm...
No?
I totally agree, Milo is awesome, especially when he gets on a roll.
Great attitude Zip! Glad to see you have taken a turn from your absolute negativity towards him last season. Good to see your a team player! Looks good on you.
I hope these defense pairings work awesomely. These are what I kind of envisioned at the end of training camp, so hopefully it works out. Mostly just excited to not have to rely on phillips and gonchar together. Benoit can filter in to give guys a rest (aka phillips).
LMAO!
I love it when biting sarcasm trumps sarcasm.
Lots of laughs around here these days.
Of course if you're both being sincere , I DO apologize.
The Pens seem to 'beat up' on a couple of Sens forwards.. doesn't surprise me.
The Sens do not have a good winning record without Spezza.
If he doesn't come back for the next 2 games against the Habs... then that is trouble.
Hoping for a win tonight... Anderson will have to be very good again.
Yup my bad, see...too damn excited
Spezza took a couple of hits in the previous game as well. I'm going to assume it's just maintenance for the most part until I hear differently.
Turris getting elevated minutes feels better than Fisher (or Kelly) in the past no?
The Ottawa Senators have lost their last 9 home games in which Jason Spezza did not play. (0-7-2). Last win: Oct. 28, 2010 vs FLA.
Go Sens Go!
Well you just know that streak is due to end now.
Lol, interesting record within the context of home games.
But the last time Spezza was out, Turris had a 4 point game against the islanders, and Michalek contributed with 3 points. Oh yah that game was missing Alfredsson aswell.
Zibanejad will centre the 4th line with O'Brien and Condra -- but don't be surprised if O'Brien takes a lot of the face-offs.
Guess Zibanejad won't play much wing after all. Unless he ends up taking shifts in the top 6 though I wonder if they'd want him to really take shifts at both positions in the same game.
I suppose the message to him might be: For tonight just play center like you're most comfortable.
I typically spend all my time at the bottom of the page reading the most recent comments. But then I sometimes miss updates or new posts. I think if the "Latest from" could just be the same as the box in the upper right (i.e. include a link to the most recent post which would indicate if it's updated) then I'd never miss a thing!
Sincerely,
ChirpHead
Pierre-Marc Bouchard and what type of player is he?
I am just wondering if Pierre-Marc Bouchard is the type of
player that Bryan Murray should look at this summer seeing how Bouchard is a free agent this summer.
Have to agree here.
Really love all three of their games in Boro, Weircioch, and Benoit.
But Boro can bring the one element that we had lost in Cowen, and what has been lost in Phillips... the stay at home D-man that is not afraid to go into the corners and get real dirty, in fact he prefers it there, which will deter many forwards from wanting to go to those areas.
So Boro stays in, and as much as we all hate to say this, Big Rig should be the next one to sit... IMO
It's a nice problem to have on a team.
I truly hope that it's just a matter of time in his case. Some will say that he yet have to adjust to NHL size rink and game but Tarasenko seems to have no problems at all.
I have a feeling Zibby will give us some flash of how good he will be for us next season, or, who knows, maybe THIS season.
Go SENS GO
have to agree with you here as well, nice problem for the Sens but I really feel for Gyrba, he is older than both PW and Boro, but still has yet to get a game.
For those of us who love Boro, I really think that Gyrba brings that and more.
It will really get interesting in a couple of weeks when Lundin gets back.
I really believe we will see a move at that point.
Why are so many people fixated on numbering lines?
Does Silfverberg who plays on the "number one" line get more minutes than Turris? or Alfie?
I think you will see PM roll all four lines, and then our better specialized players will get PP and PK time.
But I am really expecting to see him roll all four of these lines, and I have a good feeling that there will be chemistry on some of those lines
Sens win 4-2
Go Sens Go!!!
Quoting miguel:
He will more than likely develop into a good 2-way winger (I'm guessing 2nd liner on a good team) with a good shot once he gains a bit of confidence and chemistry in the NHL.
You see him doing a lot of the right things on the ice each night, it just looks to me like he is missing confidence. It took him several games to adjust to the AHL, and then started producing like crazy once he found his groove...it will be similar (to a lesser degree) in the big league.
seriously.
Please show some respect, LOL. I guess I was too excited with all the talks about Silfverberg and I kinda feel cheated by his lack of offensive burst. I know he plays solid in a 3 zones but I just hope he can start shooting some lasers like he did last year.
As for Phillips, PM don't have to play him back to back games as the youngsters have been playing better than expected so far.
And, tell me where I have to be a leaf fan in what I have posted? Just my opinion.
Sorry if I was quick to judge, but your Phillips comment sounded too much like someone taking a shot at him.
My mistake, carry on.
yah Leaf fan is even worse than being called as "senschirp reader"
you have to go pretty low to be labelled a Leafs fan... although Zippy comes very close at times!
Why run the risk of having a slow tired body out there when we have plenty of great youth that can give him a break every once in a while. Plus give the youngsters some NHL experience before our vets retire.
Don't worry Hax...I'm not hating on Philips ;)
Completely agree
I feel Boro brings more
I feel Benoit is playing better and is less of a risk
Wiercioch has earned the spot
And Gyrba is getting the shaft as he deserves the shot... again IMHO only
If he needs a day off nobody would be surprised or concerned. But let me say this: Has anyone who knows him (i.e. in the org) ever mentioned Phillips being banged up? He's missed precious few games throughout his career.
And for those that are already slotting young guys ahead of him, keep in mind that most GMs/coaches still think Phillips is one of the best stay-at-home D out there. Extra gear in playoffs and all that.
I'm not saying he's our best D or anything, but I'm not sure why so many people treat him like he's 45. He's a freaking iron man.
06-07: 82 games
07-08: 81 games
08-09: 82 games
09-10: 82 games
10-11: 82 games
11-12: 80 games (gasp, he missed TWO!)
I prefer the way some of our prospects are playing over his game now.
lets face it his best days are behind him, and he has been playing badly last season and the start of this season.
Time to let our prospects play... again this is only my opinion Hax, I hope that I am wrong and that Phillips wins the Conn Smythe trophy :)
But I think the difference is that he's not playing an 82 game marathon, he's playing a 48 game sprint with 4-5 games per week. Yeah, he's iron man, but even Andy was given a break so far, not that he needed one in my opinion, but I guess P-Mac wants to keep him as fresh as possilbe (and keep Bishop sharp).
I'm saying the same should be done with our D (I'd say the same for forwards...but our depth is already being tested up-front as is)
Hell, maybe you're right...congrat s to him if he can pull it off...
http://www.1310news.com/2013/01/29/big-rig-offers-help-to-cheshire-cat-pub-employees/
Good on Big Rig, Cheshire Cat was(will be again I hope) one of the best pubs in the city/outskirts.
Well I agree our young guys have played well but I disagree that he was bad last season and especially the start of this season.
He's not going to win any trophies of course, and he'll likely get an off day or two along the way - but I think he's more valuable than some people give him credit.
1) The Sens have REALLY high hopes for Silfverberg. They believe he will be an all-star caliber player for a long time.
2) It's not a surprised but Bryan Murray as actively seeking a big defenseman to play in the top 4.
3) Sens were going after Shea Weber at the deadline last season but Nashville wasn't even willing to talk unless Karlsson was involved.
If Phillips playing 15-18 minutes a game is our biggest problem, than we're in good shape...
http://atdhe.so/watch.php?id=579766
http://atdhe.so/watch.php?id=579589
Game day with the heritage jerseys tonight boys.
what a wonderful gesture.
Please do not misunderstand what I am saying, the Big Rig and his family, is a HUGE benefit to our city, he is always a true gentlemen, and makes Ottawa a better place.
My point is that I want to remember him for some of the greatest moments in Sens history.
He is not done as an NHL player, all I am saying is that we have some really great prospects that deserve the shot, and all things being equal may bring more to the team right now.
As long as he is in the 5-6 pairing, then maybe he can still help our team... but like I said none would be happier than me if he proved me wrong and helped win us the cup!
Thank you :)
American stream sounds like no one is in the arena.
I'm wondering the same thing. This sucks. Quality is shit too.
authentic source?
http://lsh.streamhunter.eu/static/popups/132248872327540.html
And Lats
Thanks, that last stream I had was total shit.
They really aren't. Sens gave them that goal. This team isn't very good at defence.
yeaaa
Am I the only one?
actually ahem zib was with him on that....both -1 already
You don't seem to like anyone. It's actually hilarious. Stop complaining
Haters gotta hate
Can a source be "authentic" ?
What can I say? Him and Michalek are shit. Tell me one thing they've done well this past 3 games........
um so was alfie. your point? im just saying that was a latendresse giveaway in neutral zone.
not trying to make a point was just adding....they are playing pretty shit
yea. as long as its not eklund lol
no as in how true is your statement because you are saying he was seen - not that you saw
Great job by karlsson thus far to realize we need him to carry the team on his back tonight.
too many perimeter plays
some good shots
below average defensive zone play - both goals were easily preventable
not enough offensive zone time in the 2nd half of the period - seemed to die off.
he is also the fastest player on both benches combined. ridiculous ridiculous speed.
..1 game on 10 games off
well not to be negative but if they are tired tonight, then tomorrow they will be absolutely exhausted. even though the habs are playing tonight as well
I did not see him but its been discussed in many circles including team 1200 pre-game.
If its tru, let the slide begin.
J
where is chris neil
Atta boy Neil!! That's leadership. Tell that big motherfucker to pick up his play and start scoring.
The Condra line has been our best line by far...
Statistically, Condra is actually the best puck possessor on the team.
puck possession also involves good 2way forwards. exactly what JOB and condra are.
Spezza and Karlsson can't carry this team forever
I have to agree with this. He's so sluggish. Explains the lack of icetime, too. I don't think Mac's a fan of him to be honest.
I am not sure how much you know about the game of hockey if you are making comments like that. Condra and Jim O Brian win you playoff games, they are the exact type of guys you need to win hard games. Lats amd Regin can go long before those two.
It was sarcastic. Scroll up a bit.
i think BM thought that with the motivation to make it back to the NHL, latendresse will be driven and he certainly seemed like it when he signed and talked. but i think his body is not there and he is obviously trying a little too hard as witnessed on his over-long shift. outside of that sick pass to turris....not much else.
time to upgrade one of zibanejad or hoffman up or even grant.
Also since last year I always saw O'brien as a better center than Zack smith, just compare their stats in Bingo and you will see the difference. O'Brien is very good skater with a good shot.
Regin has been very week today, Turris has not looked good today either.
Alfredsson actually looks like an old man, he has been coughing up the puck a lot today, and getting overwhelmed by the Caps forecheck.
NYI 4 - PENS 0 WITH A FULL PERIOD TO GO.
yes Regin as 2nd line centreman has been a super-fail experiment. he is literally dragging both silfverberg and michalek down lol...
alfie is definitely not in game shape and looks like he rushed himself....when was the last time someone cured the flu in 2 days anyways? wasnt he a late cut from pens game? i know the captain is a good healer....but not THAT good.
i think zibanejad in one game - and one period - may have done some serious damage to Latendresse's stay in Ottawa.
IMO.....sens should have kept Jesse Winchester in the organization.
it was just a joke due to someone saying we need to replace those 2. i also recommend you call him JOB so you don't misspell his name.
Both Regina and Zibby are both better right now, and no way Lats can play 3rd or 4th line,
and sorry to the Big Rig fans, man he looks slow out there
Hahahahaha!
Man, The Tenderness is useless... he's a good for nothing...
and you all will be like, wow michalek is amazing he might get 40!!!
He is such a hack
A goal is a goal...
btw....did you see karlsson think to pass to latendress and then decide against it and just race past him with the puck LOL
doesnt he do that to over 90% of the leagues forwards?
ridonkulous release #beastmode but more importantly.... .plays with a massive heart.
Reminds me of someone by the name of Mike Fisher.
And that's just the fourth line.
Regin Zibby are ahead of him now
are you kidding me!!!
anyone disses Andy any more is not welcome here anymore!!!!
And thank you for the 2 pts, Caps!
Tonight's 3 stars: 1. @MikaZibanejad 2. Troy Brouwer (Was) 3. @CraigAnderson4 1 #GoSensGo
da woist lead in Hawkey
King Karlsson's Kardiac Kids ride again.
I read a 3 to 6 weeks estimate from a reliable source yesterday.
MacLean when asked if Zibanejad had earned the right to play vs MTL tomorrow: "He was the first star. We usually play the first star."
Actually, tomorrows game might be the only one where we might need Latendresse...h e can trash talk in French can't he?
There is not many frenchies with the Habs anymore.
Lats has not impressed that's for sure but he's not alone in that. First half of tonight's game was PAINFUL to watch.
But yeah, maybe a game in the pressbox helps him get his mind right.
Zibby was first star right from his first shift - kid might not be going back after all.
Not really his mind that needs to be right, but his conditioning. He looks very out-of-shape. I think he's out when Spezza's back, and Zibby stays. Anyway, it feels great to win and come back from a 2-0 deficit. I love how we don't stop trying, and they keep going for the W!
The line of Jimmy O-Zibby-Condra was very good all night long. What a great game by Zibanejad and Condra is really winning me over.
The bottom line is good teams find a way to win games, especially when they have Mr Craig Anderson between the pipes. We have to play a better game against the Habs tomorrow. I would love nothing more than to see us move to 5-1-1.
Any word on Spezza's injury status tonight Chirp?
Believe it's his back that's bugging him. Is a maybe for tomorrow. Seems like a situation where they'll have to wait and see how he feels in the morning.
The good news is Peter Budaj is expected to start for the Habs.
Been watching Sens hockey for a long time, and comeback wins dont happen too often. Especially with how well the caps were playing.
Ok...Im a little drunk...tired, and gotta wake up at 6am for work...so quick and sweet.
O'Brien is being rewarded for hard ass work. Great game from him tonight.
Neiler...great job chirping at the boys to get em going.
Karlsson, its only a matter of time before this guy skates end to end and pots one. Just....wow.
Andy....you...da....MAN!
And finally, I think we will be seeing much more of Zibanejad in the days to come.
End!
GSG!!!
P.s. Zip Zap raptard needs to seek thrills...elsew here. Milo's goal was awesome skill and heads up play.
Ahh I had a feeling it was his back.... It's always his back. Poor Spezz... Lower back pain and stiffness is probably one of the most frustrating problems a hockey player can have.
Hopefully he'll be good to go tomorrow!
I think things are going to get very interesting if Zibby does enough to stick around. It's going to out some pressure on Silfverberg to start performing. I like Jakob's game and all but he looks like he's struggling a little bit right now.
Love Anderson - Stud!!
Am i the only one that thinks that is a little strange?
Lol, based on ice time Zibanejad and Jim O'Brien were playing on the second line today.
HMMM - he's leading the team in plus/minus and is tied for team lead for points.
Last night may have been the worst game I've ever seen him play.
It's sad, but I'm pretty sure this is his last year
Lats was brutal again. I feel like we should waive him.
Most of the team played like shit last night, I can't believe we squeaked out a win actually. We were slow and scrambling most times and our puck possession was bad. We had major issues trying to hem them in their zone or clear our own...
You hate to make excuses but I would bet the flu is just rifling through the squad right now. I would bet EK65 and Alfie played far from 100% and the whole team was lethargic.
Here is to hoping they drank lots of OJ last night and are feeling better, because without more jump then tonight could get really ugly, really fast.
They're both still doing all the little intangible things correctly and are playing well. It just doesn't show on the score-sheet.
Future's very bright.
Sportsnet panel has said already this year that the Sens D group might be the best overall group in the league.
People that dump on them are people who do not understand hockey.
I really hope to see Alfredsson get back up to game speed. He seems to be a few steps back and his shots aren't hitting the net. I know, he's had a lot of sticks in the lane, but usually he's good at avoiding that situation. Seeing it happen about 3 or 4 times last night was frustrating. And I know he wasn't feeling good and it was more about getting him in the lineup, but I'm sure I'm not the only one hoping he gets back into game shape soon. Keep your chin up Alfie, that first goal will come.
Chirp, just notice the banner add looking for people to sponsor SensChirp. Hope that doesn't mean it's become to costly for you to run this site as is.
Flat-footed. No energy. Disinterested. Slow. Not the Sens we have seen on ice the first few games. Hopefully this changes quickly.
Nonetheless, whatever is going on with this group, the talent and determination of the hard working and talented group of kids still found a way to pull out a win. Next up a win against the Habs and their trashy fans.
The only reason why I can see it happening, is because they are playing there arses off each game. They know they don't have the pure talent level to compete with more than half of the eastern clubs, especially with Lupul out of the lineup. So they are forechecking and playing hard to the puck in all situations. I'm no Leafs fan, but when a team plays like that, they create opportunities because other teams get lazy and do stupid things. That's what leads to power plays. Take a look at Ottawa this year, who has drawn the most penalties this season for us, the grinding lines as well as Karlsson, because he's so damn good. There is a formula for it and right now, that's the only thing going for the Leafs.
I have to agree with you bro, Alfie looks sluggish and just not that motivated to play, IMO he should have retired. He's losing the puck alot along the boards and just not creating like he used to. Its hard to watch Alfie fall.
As for the team in general, were on the right track, the coaching staff is doing a great job putting our players in position to succeed, which is all you want your coaches to do.
I dont like Regin, I dont like Latendresse, I think they are plugs until Zib/Stone//Hoff man/Noesen/Puem p are rdy.
I dont know what the Caps are doing wrong, they just dont got it...Its like the League has caught up to Ovie and his scoring ways and the Caps dont have anyone else that can score on a regular basis. I mean even last night on the PP, they are not even trying to setup Ovie...that was weird.
Gonchar has done a complete 180 for me, I mean wow, yeah he's still sluggish a bit but man what a turnaround. I think it has more to do with the overall team.
Karlsson I think is trying to hard offensively, especially when Spezza or Alfie are out. Its nice to see but on several occasions he missed the net from 10 feet out. He also got beat clean on the outside by a couple of Caps players (Chimera, Beagle, Brouwer) which is expected cuz they are bigger but they beat him with speed, Karlsson being to far up the ice couldnt recover.
Anderson well...what can I say, stud...
Its was great we pulled out a win, we will need those down the line but I have to say that was more a Caps team unable to get their stars going and struggling to get anything positive going.
Both top teams we lost against were Bolts and Pens. The rest we should have beaten and we did.
I am glad someone else noticed what Benoit has meant to this team the last 5 games, his presence was certainly felt tonite. D zone coverage, first on puck, clearing the zone, first pass etc were all lacking tonite. There were numerous times we were pinned and could not get puck out, thank god for Andy!
Lets hope Benoit is back in, calming presence back there and a good puck mover.
Mike Lundin is on the ice this morning, taking part in some drills with Jason Smith and the team's skating coach.
I have to agree with you bro, Alfie looks sluggish and just not that motivated to play, IMO he should have retired. He's losing the puck alot along the boards and just not creating like he used to. Its hard to watch Alfie fall.
As for the team in general, were on the right track, the coaching staff is doing a great job putting our players in position to succeed, which is all you want your coaches to do.
I dont like Regin, I dont like Latendresse, I think they are plugs until Zib/Stone//Hoff man/Noesen/Puem p are rdy.
I dont know what the Caps are doing wrong, they just dont got it...Its like the League has caught up to Ovie and his scoring ways and the Caps dont have anyone else that can score on a regular basis. I mean even last night on the PP, they are not even trying to setup Ovie...that was weird.
Gonchar has done a complete 180 for me, I mean wow, yeah he's still sluggish a bit but man what a turnaround. I think it has more to do with the overall
TOOKIE,
Agree with all of your observations, except your take on Alfredsson.
Maybe he is not fully recovered from his battle with the flu, and his energy level is at 70%.
He will bounce back as he always does, so we need to cut him some slack over the next few games !
Anderson stole another game with his play !
Zibanejad is really turning it on !!
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!
I'm withholding judgement until the 10 or 15 game mark though, and hoping that it's more rust/flu. It would be tragic if his last season was remembered for him not playing at his normal level.
In the first period people were started chanting at 11:11 without any countdown. The second period barely anyone did anything.
The third period you could hear the countdown and the chant was okay.
For those going tonight make sure to lead the way:
11:11 - start counting down from 10
After the countdown start "Alfie, Alfie" chant until you can't do it any more.
I think it was because the second period was the most boring thing to ever happen at Scotiabank place.
Plus Alfie looked like zombie Alfie recovering from the Flu.
If he wasn't motivated to play he would have retired.
Hey I scream my ass off everytime but I have to admit vs the Habs its a little harder as they will probably have more fans in our own building than we do.
And yes I also take into account of rust/flu for Alfie and well most players, so 10-15 games in should be a good indicator of how his season is going to go. But as of right now, his production is not good, getting his first goal 5+ games into the season is not how he wanted to start im sure.
Anderson.
Lats is likely out though PMac is saying "game time". Daugs to draw in and of course Zibanejad still in for Spezza. Spezza situation sounds scary though they haven't let on.
Not true, he could just be playing cuz he cant get away from the game. Its all he knows, I'm sure its harder for some guys to walk away. How many players have we seen have great careers and just played a couple more season when they should have retired...Gretz ky anyone...
Michalek - Turris - Alfredsson
Zibanejad - Smith - Silfverberg
Greening - O'Brien - Neil
Daugavins - Regin - Condra
I'd slot Benoit back in for Boro too though I don't think Boro is playing poorly. Maybe sit Wiercioch instead. Coin flip basically.
That's not the kind of thing I'd expect from Alfie. Though I could see him playing mostly because he has a contract in place and wants to honor it.
That being said, I bet in another 5 or 10 games this talk will fade away and Alfie will be playing like we're used to.
Game Day Post coming soon ??
Yeah 1 game without Spezza and we see the wheels fall off, against better clubs we wont win if we play like we did last night. I really hope he's not out longterm...
That probably means Regin and Greening plugging top 6 again.
The Habs will give us a good run tonight, they are team not high on talent but hard work and a solid system that works well for them. They are hot right now, Price is playing like Anderson and cant wait to see Galchenyuk!
he just turned 40 and is obviously battling a flu thats why he looked slow yesterday - not to mention being on a line with latendresse. no one can get rid of a flu in two days. he was a last minute cut due to the flu sunday. obviously rushed himself back.
if people here have nothing to talk about then try avoiding talking baseless crap about the guy who has given more than a 100% of what he can give each time he has stepped on the ice for ottawa.
Not bad and REALLY out of the box. Smith and Zib in top 6...
Stache will probably go a bit more two way play, Smith is terrible defensively and Zib & Silf are not any better.
I like tyour first line tho and hope to see it ingame. Here's what I think.
Michalek - Turris - Silfverberg
Greening - Regin - Alfie
Zibanejad - O'Brien - Neil
Daugavins - Regin - Condra
Methot Karlsson
Phillips Gonchar
Boro Wiercioch
Would make more sense but is even more confusing to regular fans I think. Either way, if you get a loud countdown going people realize the time on the clock and are ready for the chant at 11:00 (or 11:01 or whatever).
Untie your panties bro, we can say what we want, its a blog...Were not bashing Alfie, were simply stating what we saw in last nights game...if you wanna makes excuses thats fine, I dont.
And its exactly like you said, 2nd assist, its like saying Zibanejad's 2nd assist on the O'Brien goal was crucial... give yer head a shake.
Not saying permanent but based mostly on guys playing well. And Smith is one of our top PK guys - you really don't like him at all defensively?
Regin's gonna be tired by the end of the game with those lines. I assume you mean Smith on line 2?
I'm not criticizing. Just saying how unfortunate it is. It's sad to see.
Even his face looks like its aged about 10 years since the playoffs.
Sure he's made the odd nice pass but he used to control the play every time he was out there. Now he just seems a step behind the play every game. And for the people who use the flu as an excuse...he didn't have the flu the first 3games and played pretty much the exact same way, so it's not that. Age is the only constant variable so far this season.
I hope he steps it up, but I am no longer expecting the same old Alfie, which is very sad
PK and 5on5 is totally different. Its easier to play defensively when on a PK, you kinda dont have a choice. 5 on 5 on the other hand, Smith is not good at reading the other teams attack or covering his assigned C.
And yes I meant it to be Smith on 2C haha. Thats why Alfie drops down from 1st line to help with defensive coverages and Greening is pretty good at it too. Makes the line more balanced defensivley. If Smith struggles at 2C I expect Regin to be tried there (I dislike him but he is decent two way)
I agree 100%.
We can all admit he hasn't been where he was at last season but how could we ever forget this CBA shit means we won't really see a lot about where players + teams are at until they are flying about 10 games in or so. And Alfie was obviously sick and I can guarantee he drew back in early especially with Spezz being out.
The Captain I am certain is ferociously motivated and will be back in form. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) recently tested positive for Daniel Alfredsson!