First up, a Buffalo team that has gone 3-5-1 to start their season.
In the Sabres, the Sens face one of the NHL’s best stories in the early going. Forward Thomas Vanek has racked up an incredible 8 goals and 19 points through his team’s first 8 games. Vanek leads the entire league in scoring and is currently on pace for a 112 point season. Not a bad start.
The pairing of Erik Karlsson and Marc Methot will see a ton of that Vanek line tonight.
With the Senators struggling to create offence the last couple games, the organization is looking to the farm for some help. Stephane Da Costa will play his first game of the 2013 season and is expected to see time on the team’s power play. But based on the lines at the morning skate, he looks like he’ll start on the team’s fourth line with Condra and O’Brien.
Here is how the Sens are expected to line up.
Zibanejad-Turris-Alfredsson
Michalek-Smith-Silfverberg
Greening-Regin-Neil
O'Brien-Da Costa-Condra
Methot-Karlsson
Phillips-Benoit
Wiercioch-Gonchar
Kaspars Daugavins and Mark Borowiecki are expected to be healthy scratches.
Craig Anderson gets another start in the Ottawa goal. With four home games in the next seven days, I think we’ll see Ben Bishop get a look at some point but Anderson is making it extremely difficult for Bishop to get into the net right now.
Puck drop is just after 7:30 PM with the game available on Sportsnet and the radio at Team 1200.
- For those that missed it, on Sunday I provided a bit of an update on the current trade speculation and even mentioned a team that the Sens have had some conversations with. Important to note that while the Sens and Ducks have talked, nothing is imminent. And the other important element from that update, is that in almost all cases, the Sens will try to have equal money going the other way in the deal. Makes things a little trickier for Bryan Murray.
- A quick update from Binghamton as the Senators have signed defenceman Brett Lebda to a PTO. Lebda has 397 games of NHL experience with the Red Wings, Leafs and Blue Jackets. Most recently, Lebda was on a PTO with the Rockford Ice Hogs of the American Hockey League but was released on January 25th.
- Some good news on the injury front this morning as Paul MacLean indicated that Mike Lundin is nearing a return to the line up and could begin practicing with the team in the next couple days.
Hope Da Costa can get something going o nthe 2nd PP.
I like the 2 swedes plus Turris line, should be strong.
Not sure I understand why Smith is centering that 2nd line. Milo and Silfverberg need a center that can make plays, Smith is nothing more than a grinder.
I know it's risky but I'd like to see a Bingo line of Zibby-Da Costa-Silfverbe rg, then Milo with Turris and Alfie, Smith Greening and Neil together and then Jimmy O and Condra on the 4th line with Daugavins. Scratch Regin..
I've really liked O'Brien and Condra this year. I think they've been better than Greening and Smith.
Hate to say it but the Sens could use Foligno right now, he always played well when we had to use him as a centre
He's also got more NHL experience than 9 of our current starting forwards
Would have been great to get methot without giving up foligno
Smith looks odd at 2c...rather see costa, but I'm sure P-mac will make him earn it like zibby.
I watched the Boston/Buffalo game not too long ago, and Pomenville/Vane k are dangerous together. Miller looked incredibly sharp as well. Another goaltender battle with a low-scoring game decided by 1 goal??? Hope we finally end up on the winning side this time.
Not sure I understand why Smith is centering that 2nd line. Milo and Silfverberg need a center that can make plays, Smith is nothing more than a grinder.
I know it's risky but I'd like to see a Bingo line of Zibby-Da Costa-Silfverbe rg, then Milo with Turris and Alfie, Smith Greening and Neil together and then Jimmy O and Condra on the 4th line with Daugavins. Scratch Regin..
I agree that the line that had huge success in Bingo should get a shot up in the big league. But 3 rookies together is a little scary (even though Da Costa had 20 games last year).
Zbad Turris Alfie
Milo Da Costa Silf
Greening Smith Neil (DESTRUCTION)
Daug Obrien Condra
Zibanejad-Turris-Alfredsson
Michalek-Smith- Silfverberg
Greening-da costa-Neil
daugavins-o'bri en-Condra
Zibanejad-Turris-Alfredsson
Michalek-da costa- Silfverberg
daugavins-Smith-Neil
Greening-o'brien-Condra
Not that I don't like Greening but I haven't been happy with him on that line. And Regin can sit for a game (try to light him up).
I'm glad someone else has noticed. Greening is big and fast, but he does nothing unless he's on Spezza's line, for the most part. If he could play with a little bit of an edge, he would be something, but I don't think he has it in him.
Zibanejad-Turris-Alfredsson
Michalek-Regin-Condra
O'Brien-Da Costa-Silfverberg
Greening-Smith-Neil
That fourth line would get plenty of minutes of course. Condra up with MM9 and Regin mostly so Slifverberg can play with Da Costa, being familiar from Bingo.
Start counting down at 11:11 mark, and THEN you start cheering "Alfie!" at 11:01.
We need to get this through.
I have always wondered why it is a count down of 10 why not count down from 11 to keep with the theme. 11:11 count down from 11 to 11:00 then alfie chant. Makes more sense IMO
We also have to get the silf chant going apparently he loved it in the SEL maybe it lights a fire under him and adds to his confidence.
Was for simplicity sake really. The first few numbers are kind of jumbled anyway as it takes awhile for people to realize what is going on.
It might be that it's more of a playoff thing though. We'll see tonight I guess.
possibilities and probability?
11 or 10 doesn't make too big a difference - as long as the countdown lets other fans get ready for the chant.
And yeah would love for the in-game entertainment to show that Silfverberg chant to get people doing it.
Hopefully Enroth gets lit up though
For the record:
I wasn't offended by your post as I'm a pretty crude guy and am rarely insulted (unless its involves horrible topics).
But what is the point of this post? some people didn't like your joke...who cares. good luck telling them what they should think is funny and what isn't :-/
For the record: I found your critique relevant, concise and to the point.
Excellent work.
In other news, I have been very disappointed with Greening this year. i expected a down turn from last year because he's not playing on the top line and whilst I think 3rd line is about right for him I wonder if it's worth giving him an extended run on the second line to give him a kick-start.
So based on the fact that this is hockey and not figure skating are you saying it's NOT ok to be amused if one of the judges gets hurt during a routine?
http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20132OTTSASALL&sort=faceOffWinPctg&viewName=summary
It's well over 50%.
Problem with Greening is that he seems to have "ok" chemestry with Spezza...and Spezza is out. So who do we pair him with? Smith? Regin? Costa? (for the record, I don't have the answer).
If we had a slumping winger, like Latendresse, I would say bring up the Green Monster...but not sure how he would gell on the top line with someone beside Spezza.
Well it could be funny...
My apologies again Apostle and Patrick 2.0 you got me there. To clarify I don't think its funny to see anybody get seriously injured by a puck in the face (which neither of the refs last night were). I just found it amusing that the night after seeing one of the worst calls to disallow a goal in my life, the refs get a little roughed up. Is that not the slightest bit amusing or am I just a horrible horrible person?
We could also use a top 4 defenseman right now....
You could justify anybody when we have this many injuries.
EXCEPT FOR GOALTENDING!!! WHOOOO!!! LOL!!!
At least Big Bad Andy is a rock back there keeping us in every game
How does a player become a veteran player when they lose their spot to a veteran player?
The team is fine as it is, just playing through injuries, which just gives the younger players more opportunity, which is never bad. The only team that hurts is Binghamton - hence the Lebda signing.
And I also don't necessarily think any of those are likely to happen. St. Louis is on a tear, Daley's been one of few Stars d-men to NOT be traded, and Seto looks like he has lost it, and Sens take on too many reclamation projects (Cheechoo, Latendresse)
So stick with the status quo
I predict the kids are gonna start filling the net! We are getting the chances so the goals are coming! Anderson is unbeatable!
4-1 sens 2 Goals by ZBAD!
Andswer is unbeatable but he gets beat once lol
So, if lets say Colton Orr got his teeth blown out by Chris Neil last night and I made a comment that poked fun at Orr getting his teeth knocked out would I be receiving the same type disapproving criticism for making fun of another person who was a victim of an act of violence or is it worse to make fun of fluke accidents. Will not bring it up again.
Go Sens Go!
Don't make me report to admin lol jk but seriously better be it.
Dude let it go.
Zibanejad-Turris-Alfredsson
Michalek-Smith-Silfverberg
Greening-Regin-Neil
O'Brien-Da Costa-Condra
With Spezza loss, and only 1 goal in last 2 games, its obvious the team is trying to mix things up to spark some offense.
Smith is getting knocked alot for being in a 2C role for tonight. I don't think its such a bad idea to give him a switchup from his 3rd line banger role with Neil and Greening. Smith is a better player than what we have seen these past 9 games (IMO) and maybe a role switchup might get him going. We know hes tough as nails but I still think there's some untapped offensive ability hes not given credit for. Not saying he should always be a 2C, but I don't mind them giving it a try in an effort to "wake him up" or whatever you want to call it.
Whats the worst that can happen, he bombs a couple periods in a 2C role, than gets put back down. Lets atleast have a look.
I totally agree! Also he was an offensive force when Bingo one the Calder Cup! Besides Lehner he was a big reason they won. 23 GP 20 points in the Calder Playoffs.
You're letting the Red Minus control your life.
HAHA
Im ok now
I would have expected to see Stone and/or Hoffmann called up before Da Costa, but ofcourse, they are both injured so its a moo point.
I will be pleasantly suprised if Da Costa has a good game, but I am honestly not expecting much out of him. Not knocking the kid, but I was never convinced of his readiness at the NHL level. I know hes improving, but his 3 goals, 2 assists, and -9 rating in 22 games for the Sens last year still shows how much he stuggles at this level. Hope Im wrong.
On another note, maybe a stupid question, but are the referees ever announced before gametime? Ie...like somewhere I could look up who is reffing tonight. Only a curiousity.
Really....I swear. (ahem)
I'd trade Regin for him...
(I will always remember that cross-rink pass though) :)
I'd take a flyer on him if we could get him for a pick or a deep F prospect (thinking Pageau or something).
Phoenix is deep on D prospects so not even sure how Murray pulled that off in the first place.
Silf-Turris-Alfie
greening-MZ-MM
regin-dacosta-neil
job-smith-condra
and we know the only truly valid reason for thumbing down a comment is when that sort of thing annoys the poster.
Phoenix REALLY wanted Turris to get the fuck out of Dodge.
Good for us though.
From what I've seen so far (and heard), there are many in the crowd that want to participate, but it seems to fizzle and overlap with people saying "alfie alfie" right away at 11:11, and then those that count down. Ends up all muffled and off cue.
Would be nice if the entertainment staff could get officially behind it (whoever those people are), and even advertise it somehow. All it would take is mentioning it before the game (Stu..?) or maybe even have a few posters or something on each level that talk about it. Best yet, imagine that banner that runs around the rink would start flashing a countdown ..problem solved! ha
While not starting Miller may seem like a good thing for us, Ottawa has had it's number of issues getting the puck past Enroth.
I do hope that we find a groove early tonight and keep the foot on the gas. If there is a time for our secondary scoring to kick in, it's now.
Go Sens Go!!!
So do you all think I can pass Tookies amount of thumb downs? I would be kinda proud of that...I think.
It's going to be a good year for giving the prospects some icetime in the NHL, everything else right now is gravy!
GO SENS GO!!!
I have to disagree. One of the things that makes it cool is that it's not some prompted thing. It's 100% the fans. I agree some "training" would solve it, but I'd rather see the fans get it themselves.
agreed, but I also think just chanting Alfie's name makes more sense than a countdown lol
I really dont understand the countdown part.
Essentially what fans here want is a lively crowd that chants etc, you don't see habs fans counting down for ole, and especially in europe the fans don't countdown for their songs of choice
It would be much more effective if people just chant alfie after a good play just like vancouver do with louuuuuuuu type thing
The countdown is so everyone realizes it's almost time to chant. It gets everyone ready - even people who don't know what it means.
Ever been to a New Year's Eve part? People love counting down!
Those examples you mention are more random and easier to start out of nowhere.
its so mickey mouse
seriously we need to countdown to wake up our own fans? lol
Why can't people who follow the game at 11:11 just start chanting alfie, and keep the chant going for 11 seconds, that should wake people up
After a few games, you would hope people know to just start chanting Alfie at 11:11 just as much as they would realize to start counting down at 11:11
And I totally support the mid-game Alfie chant if he scores or does something else to warrant it.
Did he really put on that much weight this offseason??
I took a picture with the guy when he first came to Ottawa last year and he couldn't have been over 170. Maybe he will actually be able to stay alive in th big league now.
I personally think he's awesome. Quite possibly our most talented young player (in terms of hands, vision, passing, hockey IQ). His only down side was his size and his skating can still improve. Usually that's the case with every prospect though.
Hopefully he works his magic on the PP. Chances are, he'll be with either Zibanejad, Silfverberg, Michalek or Alfie. Should be able to produce some chances which is something we can't say about Regin
Sadly we're talking "regular" Sens fans here - not 19,500 chirp-heads. You have to go the most basic route, at least to start.
Anyone that starts with "Alfie, Alfie" before 11:00 is just confusing less informed fans.
I think things have improved A LOT in the last few years. The place is still way too quiet but the playoff games were awesome with crowd noise.
But yeah it takes a long time to build up a really passionate fan base. Now that some adults have grown up as Sens fans I think things will start to get better quickly.
But this was something different...
It's really about creating a tradition. And that takes time. The countdown part was designed to prepare people for it so by the time it reached zero, everyone knew what was happening. It worked really well in the playoffs and was even replicated in other buildings.
It only works when everyone is on the same page though. Hasn't happened yet this year, obviously. The nitpicking and people trying to change it certainly doesn't help that.
We'll see how it goes tonight.
Again - as Chirp said it's a tradition we're trying to start, not just a random chant.
I totally agree. I make a concious effort to be a loud fan and you definitely notice it more than, in my experience anyway, anytime before. Of course, this is a very young and exciting team.
Also, Its hard to stay quiet and seated when KArlsson gets the puck on his stick and starts heading to the O-zone
disagree, sens fans rubbed some major salt on MTL and their fans during that 5-1 drubbing by singing ole-ole
I like the countdown. Maybe it's just me but I don't generally know to the second how much longer is left in a period.
I like the Alfie chant, but I think something more entire team oriented is more appropriate for tradition.
Some people may not have liked this but it was seriously one of my favourite non-playoff fan moments in all my years going to games.
Years of having them invade our barn, it was nice to rub it in with their own stupid chant, even if it was only for one night.
There can be many traditions.
This was just one that already worked really well.
Howard Berger@Berger_BYTES
The how's and why's of Glenn Healy and the Hockey Night In Canada crew "hating" your Toronto Maple #Leafs... http://bit.ly/Xm8U62
Welcome to our life since the Sens have ever been on CBC or against the Leafs.
I think it is safe to say that Glenn Healy is a huge Erik Karlsson fan....now.
At some point this year, EK is going to rag the puck from behind his own goal all the way to the other end and score. Book it.
He almost did that twice in the dying minutes of the Pens game...but missed the net. You're right, its coming. He pretty much skates up ice at will. Awesome to watch
not too hard to predict that. he has done it in finland and he is getting incredibly close here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-bSr-qqxhI
dont ask about the music... apparently some finnish kids tv show made a song about karlsson.
Varldens Basta Karlsson!
We should try starting this chant every time he starts skating up the ice! haha
It's Swedish for The Worlds Best!
NA NA NA NA
Just when you think the team is down for whatever reason, they usually come back with a stellar, commanding performance. I sure hope that is the Sens we see tonight!
All I have to say is thank you soooo much for sharing that. One of the funniest reads in a long time! Good to see leafs fans struggling to make a logical argument.
Let's see if we can get the grandmas and grandpas in the crowd chanting in English first. LOL
St Louis doesnt have enough ice time to go around currently and he's a young power forward that scores goals and fights.
perfect fit for us....
Maybe they want Bishop back?!?
Lol
"Vanek is the first star of the week is he not, along with Hodgekins and Pomminville"
Nice disregard for the guys name. Hope they get dummied tonight.
By that i mean I hope the sens destroy Hodgekins and Pommerville
I think Murray probably worked hard at talking up Rundblad's glowing time in the SEL, and threw in the 2nd rounder to seal it.
Still...I remember all the trouble that Ottawa went through to get Rundblad in the first place. Working the phones at the draft and finally snatching him from St Louis for our 15th overall pick. Which if I remember correctly...the Blues quickly used to snatch Tarasenko.
Your right...its always fun for the fans to figure it out for themselves, and push it. This one is alot more complicated than say, an "Andy" chant. Although..only so many homegames in this short season in what could be Alfie's last. Wouldnt be all that bad if we got a little help from the Sens org on this one. In the end...its still the Fans baby!
Maybe, considering Halak is now on the IR!! lol
02. http://cricfree.tv/live-boxing-streaming-ch7.php
03. http://nutjob.eu/njtvx13.html
04. http://directtv.me/stream13.html
05. http://www.hqfooty.tv/stream11.php
06. http://atdhe.so/watch.php?id=586858
Will post as they come up and if I can find Sens broadcasters.
Cheers - Go Sens Go!
ALFIE's RIGHT HAND!
1 1/2 oz Wisers Vanilla Spiced Whiskey
1/2 oz Amaretto, 1/2 ounce of Cherry Brandy, add 2 Marachino Cherries, serve over ice!
NEILER NAILER!
1 oz Jack Daniels, 1 oz Wild Turkey
2-3 drops of Grenadine on your wrist.
Drink straight! When finshed, lick the blood..err..gre nadine off your wrist and throw both hands in the air while yelling "whoooooaaaa!"
DANDY ANDY!
2 oz Southern Comfort, 1 oz Bacardi Rum
3 oz Orange Juice, 3 oz Sprite
pour over ice, stir with ice pick (jk..)
and finally..
MELLO MILO!
2 1/2 oz Absolut Vokda
1/2 peach schnapps
Splash of Blue Curacao
stir over ice with right finger, while waving left finger in a ciclular motion in the air in front of you.
So boys and girls...whats it gonna be?
Enroth is 3-0-1 vs. the Sens in his career.
With that said, GO SENS GO.
You forgot the Zebra Stinker:
4 oz of regurgitated gatorade
3 scoops of slushy zamboni snow
1 oz tequilla
Serve over blowing the Sens game time and time again.
And another...
07. http://firstrow1.eu/watch/167416/1/watch-ottawa-senators-vs-buffalo-sabres.html
Booo, goal from Enis
The proofs in the pudding right there folks
Regin with a smart face off win which leads to goal.
Just saying.
I agree. He made a couple mistakes but the fact he's noticeable in his 1st period is a good sign.
He also didn't get a chance on that PP because we scored so fast. That's what I'm excited to see. With more time and space he should do some damage
Zibanejad is also all over the ice.
Michalek has yet another point. All you haters can shut it!
Regin is actually playing well too. Weird
your sarcasm must be too advanced for me to understand.
He's actually right.
Just report him. I've done it 3 times already.
Or he's our best forward outside of Turris.
It's quite simple really. You don't score 20 goals almost every year of your career and 35 last year while being a shitty player.
And don't start saying they were all garbage goals or empty nets because there were at least half a dozen highlight real beauties. He also scored many very clutch either game winners or game tying goals for us.
He also is in a very good contract. 4.3 million is amazing for a 35 goal scorer and a 1st liner. Would even be good for a 2nd liner. Nobody here says he's a superstar, nor is he paid that way
Stop crying about him
But no need to cry about it every single fucken game
Yeah even I dont do that!!
And on that note Regin still sucks, what the hell was Myers doing?!?!? Glad Neiler finished it!
Sens playing well or Buff playing like crap??
Cant let up tho, 1 period left and anything can happen.....Nah im kidding, 2 goal lead with The Andswer in nets is a 100% victory!
In Mtl, the backup can't talk to his team... unless it's Theo... he forces the team to scoot over so he can sit with them.
There was nothing wrong with that Bufalo goal...two wrongs don't make a right
That's why you gotta praise those swedes!
Da Costa is showing some flash of sick stick handling. Too bad we didn't have many PP.
Alfie looked like the great Alfie tonight. Very encouraging.
Go Sens Go
i think ive said this almost every game but once again this is the best game ive seen zib and silfv play!
hope to get some PP chances next game as da costa clearly deserved some more ice time as well!
Signed ZipZapShit
MacLean says that Jacob Silfverberg is fine after taking that shot to the hand late in the 3rd period.
thank you
Go Sens Go!
Maybe we can trade Bishop back to St Louis for Stewart lol...
Enough is enough. Please continue to report and I will continue to deletevcomments /ban the offending users.
Thanks everyone!
Umm they have a guy in their line up, who`s playing half the game, that is the best at that particular part of the game in all of the NHL.
Hopefully they can all keep it up. I'd much rather survive the next 2 months without having to make a trade just to stay in the race.
Hahahaha hahaha oh my... Oh and I'm shaking my head too
seriously? sens offensive zone breakout looks painful to you? i watch a lot of hockey games and i can tell you sens breakout from the zone is one of the cleanest smoothest and dangerous ones. just saw the sharks try their breakout against chicago and trust me its a gong show. also as chirp mentioned - have you heard of Erik Karlsson. even a stiff like Glenn Healy can't deny the greatness of EK65.
it was good to see Regin hit the scoresheet - about time. his confidence will breed more of it. sweet setup to Neil for GWG.
in powerplay versus penalty kill time, leafs have +28:11 mins (PP - PK) which is a league best with 2nd place canucks having +19:43 mins
sens have the worst PP to PK with -28:32
when will we start to get some PP time ?
We can all be a little disapointed with Silfverberg offensive lackluster so far but every game I watch, he keeps doing the small things a complete player does. He will get his points down the stretch and I like what I see so far. Would be great for him to spend the next summer working out with Gary Roberts and become a machine like he did with Stamkos.
Go SENS Go
Regin and Alfie both had very solid game, great to see them both trending in the right direction!
Hopefully Latts can come back and be better too, add Lundin and Gonch back soon to give our D a boost and hopefully we can keep tacking some wins together.
5th is the East right now but games in hand on almost all other teams.
We'll see.
Regardless, great to get the win considering how many regulars are out. I thought Smith played very well.