Before we shift to the weekly approach, Mr. Rieber provides an analysis of another impressive performance from Robin Lehner and the Binghamton Senators.
Take it away, Don!
Lehner Dominant Again as BSens Overpower Penguins
The Binghamton Senators traveled to Wilkes-Barre Scranton Wednesday night and continued their success against the home team with a 3-1 victory. With the win, the B-Sens are now 5-0-0-1 against the Penguins this season.
Robin Lehner played in his 21st game of the season in net for Binghamton and saved 31 of 32 shots, picking up his 14th win of the season.
The B-Sens have had issues as of late with slow starts, but Wednesday they came out with some energy and got rewarded early on a great play.
Binghamton got a 3-on-1 break as Patrick Wiercioch propelled ahead and passed the puck leading scorer Jakob Silfverberg. He found captain Andre Benoit, who dropped it back to Silfverberg and the play was finished by Stephane DaCosta, who beat W-B/S goalie Jeff Zatkoff.
It was a classic tic-tac-toe play on the back end and just like that, Binghamton led 1-0, 6:27 into the contest. Silfverberg and Benoit got the assists. With the assist, Silfverberg upped his team leading total to 16 in that category.
Wilkes-Barre was unsuccessful on the only power-play opportunity of the period. The shots were even at seven at the end of 20 minutes.
The second period was Binghamton’s down period, with just five shots, but they were able to hold the Penguins at bay. Lehner came up with 11 saves in the period, including back-to-back saves on a good chance by Trevor Smith.
Binghamton’s Corey Cowick dropped the gloves with Zach Sill at the 8:36 mark of the period. A couple good shots were landed by both combatants.
Wilkes-Barre had a few chances on the man-up, but they were denied by Lehner. The home team finished the night 0-for-5 on the power-play. Binghamton came into the game ranked second in the league in the penalty kill and they continued their dominance that has now seen them beat back 159 of 177 shorthanded chances.
Steve MacIntyre was tagged with a late roughing penalty that gave Binghamton 1:09 of power-play time to start the third period.
The last 20 minutes of the game has been good to Binghamton this season and Wednesday was no exception.
Eric Gryba forced his way to the net on the opening minute and sent a shot through that Zatkoff got a piece of, but not enough, as it went by him and into the net, giving Binghamton a 2-0 lead. Cowick and Hugh Jessiman were credited with the helpers on the play.
Turns out Binghamton would need that goal, as the Penguins finally solved Lehner when Paul Thompson tipped home a pass shot from Eric Tangradi, closing the gap to 2-1, 4:45 into the period.
Wilkes-Barre had their chances as the period progressed, but Lehner stood tall and also had a bit of luck as he watched a couple shots sail wide and up and over him.
The B-Sens got an insurance goal when Mike Hoffman stole the puck just as Zatkoff was heading to the bench for the extra-attacker. Hoffman let the puck go from center ice and it hit the back of the net with 1:17 to go in the game.
Binghamton is now 22-8-1-2 on the season and remain four points behind the Syracuse Crunch in the East Division. The good news, Binghamton now starts a five game homestand against the Adirondack Phantoms Friday night at the arena. The bad news, with the end of the NHL lockout at hand, Binghamton will likely have a very different lineup this weekend.
The team will lose both goaltenders in Ben Bishop and Lehner, along with Silfverberg and another forward or two and a few defensemen, with Mark Borowiecki definitely at the head of the class there.
Binghamton will look to fill the holes with players from their ECHL affiliate in Elmira, but the firepower is definitely leaving Binghamton, at least for the balance of training camp. Let the mass exodus begin.
Assuming they trade Bishop, do we still have enough Goalies on professional contracts to fill the roster in the AHL as well as Elmira?
If Gryba was having a more consistent year, You'd think he'd have the inside track on a job with the big team as we're really lacking shut down guys with Cowen out.
2) Not sure where the highlight video came from, but I love that it wasn't a youtube feed as I could actually watch it from work :)
3) It's alive!!! IT'S ALIVE!!! I love having hockey back, with Senschip updates every day lol....great stuff, keep it up! :) Much better than the dreary last few month's boring talks (not that that was anyone's fault).
I have always considered Lehner as Ottawa's #1 prospect ahead of both Silfverberg & Zibanejad & he is finally playing like an MVP throughout the regular season. We already saw him play like an MVP during their Calder Cup Championship run.
Should be interesting to see what Ottawa does during training camp. Bingo has a chance to go on another Calder Cup run this yr which would be great for the organization & it's fans. But will they if Ottawa takes three or four of their bext players? My best guess is that Lehner stays in Bingo until or if Bishop is traded because of Bishop's one way contract. If Ottawa signs a UFA defenceman then they would only need one defenceman from Bingo & that would help Bingo otherwise Bingo could get depleted on defence. Big decisions affecting both teams & management needs to consider both although obviously Ottawa takes priority.
But this is only yr 2 in the rebuild, this decision could affect draft position in a deep draft & do they trade away strength to improve a temporary weakness? My guess is that they trade a prospect (Puempel) or two to a team with lots of defensive depth for a good young defenceman who could help now & grow with the team.
Feels good to be back into a routine! Really appreciate readers coming back during the lockout but those 100 days or so were killing me.
Nice to have our team back!
Killing you? You went on vacation in the warm weather my friend. I really doubt you were "getting killed", unless you were wishing and thinking "I wish all my SensChirp readers were here with me to enjoy this warm weather."
It's good to have you back (and back to the routine.)
Re: Lehner and Bishop
I mentioned this in the previous blog, and I'll mention it here. I do not think we need to trade away Bishop. By trading away one of our goaltenders, we are leaving a hole in Binghampton. Most goaltenders do not start until they're 25 years or older. Most always take time to develop. We do not need to rush Lehner's development. I understand that he might get frustrated by not playing in the NHL, but by having Bishop around, and evidence by Lehner's performance, Lehner is always constantly challenged for that #1 or #2 spot with the Big Club. Lehner will always be pushing himself to be better, push himself to prove that he deserve that #1 or #2 spot, and not think for himself that it's a given position.
This is a good situation to have. Good for development. Good for the system. Good all-around.
I'm open to discussion on this topic, but please give reasons with substance and thought. Not the "We have too many goaltenders, and we don't need 1 or the other" reason.
Haha fair. First 100 days were killing me. Those 7 weren't so bad :)
Highly recommended by the Tim
Quoting Timrx from the previous post.
I respect his opinion on the B-Sens b/c he watches most game live, and has some great input.
So he raises a very interesting point, if Gyrba is one of the better D down there right now.
Wiercioch has worked hard, playing well and is due a shot
Benoit is the veteran playing well
Gyrba is the oldest of our prospects and may be the best fit
Boro is a Murray favorite, which always gets a little more attention, and concerns me a little.
If we go Wiercioch and Boro, ahead of Gyrba and is left another year, he may see this as the writing on the wall.
This is a much tougher decision than most of us might think.
Personally as the oldest of our prospects, and as a tough shut down D-man, and I really like what I have seen sofar from him, I would not mind seeing Gyrba and Wiercioch get their due shot.
Boro being the youngest can mature a little more, and earn his shot like the others have... IMO only of course
Thanks Tim
As far as trades, from what I can hear from PMac and TimM, they will be filling a lot from within, or make a small move for a stay at home D (aka Foster). They pointed out that they know that they have a lot of young talent, that they are in a rebuild and want to let young players play, and see how far they can go. they seemed confident, but they also know that they aren't an elite team yet.
The Goalies (for the record, I love Lehner):
if bishop and andy are not ready, Lehner gets his shot (I didn't believe it at first, but it is being said WAY too frequently for it to be all talk). But the main reason Andy and Bishop have the inside track (beside the 1-way contracts) is that management need to see consitancy with Lehner. He has still not had a solid start to end season in the A. You need your starter to be consitant. So I truly believe best scenario is to have andy/bishop play big league, and have Lehner blow away everyone in the minors and fight for starter next year. Don't trade Bishop...he is the one lighting the fire under lehner's ass.
At the end of the year we will have to trade Bishop that is a given.
The league knows what its getting with Bishop, I don't think he will ever be a starter, but he has already played out his AHL career and is an everyday NHLer. Lehner can be, but let him just play down their, the season is half over so whats the need to bring him up if we already have Anderson.
Finally about Bishop lighting a fire to lehner, I love Lehner but he shouldn't need competition to make him better. Lundquist, kipper, Miller these guys don't need competition or threat fo losing a job to play well, and Lehner needs to learn to play amazing when its needed the most because he is the only option
So if we role Anderson/Bishop we should do well up top and Bingo ctill go for a run, and Lehner can finally be the go-to guy on a team which he hasn't had the chance yet, or well he has but he through it away last year
But great article and keep it coming!
Bishop is on a 2-way anyway (according to NHL13 which is probably accurate). But either way it seems there's not a HUGE rush to move one of the goalies out.
@karlsson: The only problem I see with an Andy/Lehner tandem with bishop in the minor is that when Andy goes into beastmode, he plays most games. Which would mean that Lehner would not see that much action. Best leave Lehner finish off his amazing start and get his season to prove himself and develop in the minors in my opinion. I really can't see any need to rush him in this season unless andy and bishop can't start-it off right.
*Edit*
Just found a TSN reference on Bishop from last February 2012.
"Bishop was due to become a free agent this summer but agreed to a one-year, one-way contract worth $650,000 as part of Sunday's trade."
Heck, even if Murray wanted Kadri Burke still did us a favor by "stealing" him so we could "settle" for Cowen.
LMAO
Capgeek say one-way but that's besides the point. In a shortened season where every game is crucial to making the playoffs I can see the Sens going with the two best goalies which would be Andy and Lehner. This new rule would allow them to do that while keeping Bishop in the minors for great goaltending depth.
That's how I remembered it as well but NHL13 usually has contracts correct (the basics anyway) and it has Bishop as waiver exempt. I think the contract is one-way in terms of guaranteed money (no AHL salary) but again I'm not sure NHL13 would be considered a valid source of anything.
Seems like a moot point with the new CBA rule I guess.
Have you heard any chatter about Huskins Chirp?
I agree that I wouldn't want Lehner sitting on the bench every game but it sounds like there may not be many off days meaning the back-ups may get more games then usual. Maybe like a 33/15 game split in order to keep Andy fresh?? Just a thought that's all.
Believe he is one of the guys that has reached out to the Sens to see if there is an interest. Have not heard if Murray is interested though.
Pretty lame home opener! Even Carolina would've been better.
Smith has been working a lot with the defensive prospects. Most recently he's spent a lot of one on one time with Ceci.
Has been working with the defenceman the past couple seasons.
Cool. Thanks
I REALLY hope someone in the organization -- and it should be Bryan Murray -- has the balls and leadership to do what needs to be done.
Lehner has to play at least one season dominating wire to wire in Binghampton. The gutsy thing to do would be to tell him that. "Robin, you're not playing in this ridiculous short season, you're not coming to training camp, you're staying where you are for now and if you continue to produce come September a spot in Ottawa is yours to lose."
Don't send him on another emotional and travel roller-coaster.
Granted they don't have a Crosby but we'll see Huberdeau and potentially Luongo.
Every game this year should be exciting because the margin for error is small.
What I haven't heard discussed is the notion that non traditional hockey fans may very well have a better appetite for a shortened season. 82 games is to long for those that are not die hards.
Hockey is back!
Tookie is back!
I can see the boards took a major hit with the Tookie lockout!
Glad to be back but NFL is where its at right now...I bet Seattle to win it all, great odds!
Casual fans usually start tuning in now anyway (with NFL winding down etc). That's why the NHL (and NBA before them) are so fine with killing the first half of a season. It's probably more like 1/4 of the revenue if that.
BET... did someone say BET!
I'll take that bet... ;)
EEEEEEEEYORE !
Now that we have hockey again, can we please stop with these? (EEEEEEEEYORE ! and FREEBIRD! and all the rest of the non-sensical CRAP!)
Great observation Hax!
the Big Dumb Dumb Burke assumed (you know happens when you make assumptions) that just b/c their stupid scouts had Kadri ranked there that everyone else would.
All the big mouth had to do was listen to what Murray had to say (thats why we have 2 ears and one mouth)... its not like Murray could/would dare to ask who are you taking?
It was TO's pick, and it was up to Murray to offer something to move up, or sit down and wait your turn.
Picture the poker game between them,
Dealer "Burke your call, do you fold"
Burke to Murray, "I got a pair of eights... what you gonna do?"
Murray with 2 Kings... " oh gosh Darn, Burkey"
Burries face in hands
Burke goes all in... Murray shows the Kings, and makes him look a complete fool!!!
COWEN = pair of Kings to win!!!
Hax is that a shot at Tookie as the casual fan... :)
in a 1 week camp you don't bring a junior aged goalie just to experience it lol
Says the guy who left and said he would be back whenever they start up again, just like a casual fan should do. :)
Touche... missed this group way to much to stay away :)
Welcome back my nemesis :)
1 goal in 16 games??
More like Z-Sad...We could of had Couturier or Dougie Hamilton...
This was Burke's major failing, his only way of reacting was to over react
I have no problem with Tookie (well, usually).
Why the hell would Murray eys Eric Fehr we are stacked with
fowards already I hope to god that Murray does not sign Fehr!
He isn't and the article doesn't say he is.
I like Jason Smith good guy and good person too be
working with the defencemen and was a very good leader
and very good! So I am saying that I am glad that Jason
Smith is working with the defencemen.
At the end of the day, I agree with keeping Lehner in Bingo to complete this great season he started. This isn't to say that Lehner won't get at least 6 games, which is what the new minimum is this year only, before they need to be sent back. Not only will he do great in the A, this will also allow him to play 99% of the games with Bishop in Ottawa. Bishop has only played as many as he did because they were keeping him fresh in-case an NHL season could be salvaged, which it has, to a degree.
Andy and Bishop will be our guys and anyone worried about that should really review what both of those guys did last year. We are not hurting in our G dept. I for one am not worried with those two goalies as our starters.
Remember, this short season, while great for the viewer, is hard on teams and prospects. If we trade one of the 3 goalies, we deplete our farm team but we also leave a big whole as a backup. We have no reason to trade in our situation. People who think our goalie position is a problem really need to re-evaluate what a problem is.
From what I gathered a bunch of NHLers got exempt status to be sent to the minors during the lockout without having to clear waivers
Bishop on a one way will still have to clear waivers, but from what I read is that the NHL scrapped the whole-re-entry waiver thing where teams would split paying salary. Bishop will have to clear waivers
Are you saying anyone can just grab Bishop off our hands? If so that would be the most boneheaded move the Sens have done in a long time...We cant lose a 6'7 goalie with tremendous upside...I hope your wrong.
He is in the minors, but he wont have to pass waivers to come to camp..he may have to go through waivers to then be sent back down to the AHL. Look at it as if it were fresh season (like it is)
Bishop is on a 1 way contract, so regardless if he played in the AHL this year, he has an NHL contract, so to go to AHL he will have to go through normal process
Ok I think I misread you. I thought you meant he has to pass waivers to come back to Ottawa NHL since he's in Bingo now. But that was done when the NHL'ers were exempt of the waivers cuz of the lockout.
http://www.senatorsextra.com/main/bishop-lehner-to-battle-in-minors
Per this article, Bishop was eligible to sign an AHL contract during the lockout because he was on a minor league roster at last season’s trade deadline. Normally established NHL players cannot sign in the AHL.
Now this year seems to have a few loopholes and exceptions, but those are the basics.
He thought he would not have to but obviously they are not going to take any chances with this.
I have yet to hear confirmation one way or the other though
typically even when you want to "set" your AHL roster players on 1 way deals who are 25 have to clear waivers. Technically anyone in the past 3 years could have plucked finger or redden off waivers at the beginning of the season
I absolutely agree and I myself thought and still do think he should have to clear. Just sharing what I heard.
Waiting anxiously for confirmation though as this is one of the bigger stories leading into the start of the season for the Sens. I expect Lehner to outplay Andy and Bishop but still think Andy is our No1 regardless.
the Ducks GM decides to trade Corey Perry at the trade
deadline do you think Bryan Murray will make a offer
for Corey Perry?
Last year against Florida, we went 3 and 1 out of 4 games. Anderson got us the 3 wins, Lehner suffered the L. We had a very productive year against them, with 16 goals for, but also had 12 goals against.
Saying this, we can't be too quick to jump all over Florida, it won't be a walk in the park. They signed many key guys back and only Samuelsson and Garrison were of value that left, being replaced by Kuba and Mueller. They also signed Jacques and Parros, but I doubt they will see much ice time.
The rest of the team is the same, so they will more or less show the same effort this season. They are also offering tryouts to NHL Vets Kovalev and Kostitsyn. And the Panthers have a strange way of turning coal into diamonds. Hard to say what will happen there.
I can't even begin to say how excited I am for puck drop!!
It would depend on our position. If we're 12 in the east then no. Especially considering we can get him for free in the off season.
Yes and No. If he makes it to UFA we wont have a chance in hell of getting him. UFA are big time guys now and want presentations and courtships and big markets etc (richards/paris e/suter) If we want Perry regardles of our position we will have to trade for him with agreement to sign him IMO
I'd be amazed if they traded for him during the season unless it was a sign and trade. Too risky to pay the price he'd command and then lose him in the offseason for nothing.
Spezzafan19, I never expected this question from you in a million years, lol.
If you want an honest opinion, my answer is... no. BM will not trade away assets for a player that may not sign after his contract is up.
Now Ottawa is in one of the best situations when it comes to the cap. Very few teams will be able to handle a contract the likes of what Perry will be after. Mind you, we are going to see a change in the way contracts put together. But if Perry happens to make it as an FA, then Ottawa will surely ask what his services will cost.
You can't say Perry doesn't fit into any teams plan going forward, rebuild or retooling, he's one of the elite in the league at 27 years old. Any GM, if they had a chance, would make an offer. But like many before him, Perry will likely have a list of teams he's looking to work with and that will put Ottawa on the outside looking in.
2 years ago when we stockpiled 1st rounders and 2nd rounders, he specifically mentioned the Perry trade as something he would consider doing (he then did it to get Noesen)
So it will be very possible that the minute Perry is available, Murray will be calling to find his RW Alfie replacement
Will keep digging on schedule details.
NHL changed the rules on Free agent courtship are many of you call it and we now have NBA rules, from the end of the season to June 30th, you are allowed to invite the player to your city and facilities to chat before Free Agency on July 1st unlike before.
This means that if Perry comes to Ottawa he may like the city and there is more time for him to visit a few more places, which means ottawa might get added to his list. Unlike before where guys would have 2-3 destinations post july 1st and decide quickly. Now there is weeks to decide.
July 1st will have way more signings than previous years.
Perry Spezza Silf would be dirty, filthy, sick, malade, mental
I heard the sched will be released Sat afternoon right after the Pa ratifies the CBA.
When Chirp says digging for details he means he is trying to get some early/inside info instead of waiting till Saturday lol
I mean it was the NHL that locked them out forcing them to find other employment, they did, and now want to play in the all-star game etc finish out the year with their current team
I'd love for Kovalchuk to take this to the extreme and fight it. I'm sure every player association in all of sports would back him, because if he can fight this and win, it would make Bettman and other commissioners think twice before locking out players
I live in the sun and the lack of Hockey was killing me too. I can give up fishing, diving, sailing, snorkeling but had a difficult time without the NHL. I wish to retain the beach vistas which include string bikinis and wet t-shirts though. Welcome back to you Chirp and everyone following on SensChirp.
Except the NHLPA will (presumably) ratify the new CBA which means all its members are bound to the contracts. If Kovy thinks he's staying in the KHL he's gotta tear up his NHLPA card first - which means we'd never see him in the NHL again. (Might be overstating it a bit but I bet he's not a popular guy at NHLPA HQ right now.)
With that being said and probably a lot more missing, of course I would love to sign him. The sniper on the wing that compliments our playmaking centre like Spezz, and Michalek on the left, or Silfverberg. We would have a potent line since Heatley was around and reaching 50 goals twice.
Would be a dream come true.
Wow, I haven't been on this site for months. So glad we finally have something to talk about.
P.S. Bye Burke... best damn GM Boston ever had.
Perry is from Peterborough and if could decide to play for the Senators.
Murray could of got Nash but Rick Nash wanted to play under the lights in the big Apple.
Also Brad Richards was a free agent two years ago and he is a cantre and the Senators already have allot of centres.
Also Zach Parise is from states and wanted to stay north of the border.
goalie I would like to see Murray trade Bishop.
How could Murray have gotten Nash if he didn't want to play here?
It makes no sense to say Murray could have gotten Nash when he didn't want to play here.
Nash wanted to play in NY so Nash would have never come here, Murray had no chance
always looks big in nets.I found two years ago when
Elliot was the goalie he looked really small in nets.
I said that Murray was trying to trade for Rick Nash but Nash wanted to play under lights in the Big Apple so Murray had no chance.
Scenario A
#1 Anderson
#2 Bishop
Bingo Lehner
Ease Anderson into the season
Scenario B
#1 Lehner
#2 Bishop
Bingo goalie ???? one of the other guys we drafted
Trade Anderson
If there is any season that makes sense to bring Lehner/Bishop up early this is it, they will be some of the only goalies that aren't coming in cold, both have been HOT in the minors, it could give us a nice small leg up.
Personally I like option B most, doubt it happens though.
No Murray should not trade Anderson! Murray should trade
Bishop instead.
So...my point stands: What was the last Perry-caliber free agent to sign here? I'll spare you -- there's never been one.
Listen, I'm as big a Sens fan as anyone on this board, but banking on a big name star in his prime to voluntarily come to Ottawa is fantasy.
Don't get tied up in waiting for it to happen. There are other ways to win.
“We’ll take a couple of days and see where we are,” Murray said. “We’ve talked to other teams that have excellent defencemen. I think there is a deal to be made.”
Man I'd love to hear some of those conversations;
Chicago has got to be one of those teams with Leddy and Hajalmarson even potentially Rozsival could fit the bill for a season at a very low cost- he played over 20 minutes a night in Phoenix last year
Del Zotto
Bogosian not really sure that he's available
Who else?
Toronto has a bit of a log jam but I can't see a trade with them being well recieved.
i bet if we drafted kadri he would be a solid NHL player already, the leafs just suck at development.
I know you really like perry and he is a fantastic player but i cant stand that guy what so ever.
i call him ratface due to his looks and punk ass play.
None at I can't remember the last time that when a Perry-caliber free agent signe with the Senators. Has there ever been any?
I am going to point out somthing the Senators have never really had the cap space to sign a Perry-caliber free agent and before the lockout in 04 the Senators were a powerhouse when they had Hossa and Havlat. So there was no need to add a Perry-caliber free agent.
Murray likes that type of player!
BTW - What ever happened to your man crush for Andrew Ladd?
I have to say it while I'm here ..... 'I think Muarry should trade for Corry Perry!'
Getter done Bry!
I am over the Andrew Ladd thing I still think that Ladd
is a good player but he plays for the Jets and he will
play the rest of his career with the Jets.
summer to go along with prospects.Corey Perry and Alexander
Edler would be to good two pieces to go with the prospects.
I really like the prospects forward prospects if Murray can add another two guys one through the draft and signing a college kid.
Murray should draft Darnell Nurse and Andrej Sustr.
Stop with the saying those what I say like for example trading fo Corey Perry you are getting really anoying.
Ok, so if the players ever strike, or if an individual player ever holds out, then the team is within their rights to tear up the contract, right?
If you really wanted to stir up rumors, I guess you could draw up a lot of potential links with this news.
Does Luongo really want to be in Toronto if he's working with the guy who was basically pushed from the organisation, because the technique he teaches is outdated?
Will Anderson working with him in Florida, stir up any potential Florida trade rumors? Anderson does have a house in Florida. If Florida does make a trade for a goalie, they only need a 1 or 2 year stopper before Jacob Markström takes over, not a 10 year contract like Luongo's.
Or better yet, will Anderson adopt any of the issues Toronto's goalies faced last season? lol.
See how easy it is to start something from nothing? Future Garrioch in the making!
Then lets grab Kulikov from Florida for Anderson. Git er done Murray!