It was confirmed that Anderson would not start tomorrow but he did say he has been pushing himself the past couple days and is almost ready to return. In the meantime, the Sens will have to continue to make due with the goalies they have.
First up for the Sens a return engagement with the Montreal Canadiens and then a St. Patrick’s Day showdown with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’s safe to say Scotiabank Place is going to set an all time record for beers sold and idiots kicked out this weekend.
Ben Bishop has been named the team's starter for tomorrow night.
There are a few games for Sens fans to keep an eye on tonight including the Bruins in Florida to take on the Panthers. There are benefits to either result in that one but if the Sens are going to track down the Bruins for the division lead, they need a favour from the Panthers tonight. Other games of interest include the dreadful Leafs in Tampa Bay and the Devils hosting the Avalanche.
Few notable names absent from today’s optional practice including Ben Bishop, Daniel Alfredsson, Sergei Gonchar, Filip Kuba, Milan Michalek, Erik Karlsson and Kyle Turris. They are all expected to be available for the weekend games.
- The Ottawa Senators announced this afternoon that Daniel Alfredsson is the team’s nominee for the Bill Masterton trophy given to the player that best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
- Even though it has nothing to do with the Senators, Sidney Crosby is scheduled to return to the Penguins line up tonight. Love him or hate him, the NHL is a better place when Crosby is healthy. Welcome back, Sid.
Good to see Karlsson tie and hopefully break the goal record soon.
Looking forward to another 2 pts tomorrow by the sens and another 2 on SAturday. We need redemption for that 5-1 loss in Ottawa.
For whatever reason.. Mtl has 'had the Sens number' the past couple of seasons... Price just seems to outplay the Sens goalies...
Bishop was good.. he just needs to work on rebounds and the shootout.
Was hoping to see Lehner get a start this weekend... Be nice to see him get a shot at the Leafs...
Happy that Anderson is on his way back to the lineup in the not to distant future.
Series are lost by bad bounces and missed shots. When you have it, bring it home or someone else will.
Let's hope he pots one tomorrow to make up for it. Im not hating on him, I like his play, good offensive mind. Theres a reason he was crashing the net when its 4-4 OT.
ohhh way to bring up a sore spot :)
we had a great debate on the last post on Gilroy... and we ALL agree we should have kept Lee instead!...:)
only kidding guys, it was a great debate with plenty of excellent points on both sides.
Again I hope Gilroy proves me wrong, and I eat my words when he scores the OT Game 7 winner in the Stanley cup finals :)
Atta boy Rob! Enjoy your time in Ottawa and at SBP!
Hilarious jokes about how he could play an Asian James Bond. Ahhh casual racism, how I've missed you.
Welcome to Sensland Rob, very happy to have you here, and am very confident you will enjoy the city, and the great folks from around here will welcome you..., just beware of the chaos at the Hab and Leaf games...you will be shocked, and may not feel like you are at a home game, but am certain you will enjoy the experience.
LOL...shhh don't get him going !
Sad but true Apostle...I hope they have a bus load of cops putting people in the drunk tank...Kinda suprised that a massive brawl has never happened at SBP.
Oh @ The Apostle - your comment to Migule was pretty funny!
It actually name me laugh out loud.
Awsome news about Andy. Can't wait till he's back!
I was the Golf Teacher @ Chuck Brown's, a famous club maker in his day. We usta give the SENs first star for the month $500.00 in the shop. I got to fit the guy and tell each player how good I usta be...even you would have enjoyed doing that!
Note: Andy's little finger and longitudinal tendon is held together with one stitch and a lot of tape! Thus all the work on the blocker.
so you would consider yourself a "rockstar" id imagine?
I. Don't. Care.
FWIW I used to serve frozen yogurt to the guy who shovels the ice in front of the net during TV timeouts and he tells me that you're full of crap.
Beautiful.
I didn't shovel the ice in front of the nets, but I do think you served me frozen yogurt once or twice... Thanks!
F
HAHAHAHA!!! Nice one!
Now tell him how bad his golf swing is!
Hey, I remember that guy. He told me that I was full of crap, so I respect his judgement.
Coincidentally, Tookie worked at the same yogurt stand sweeping the floors.
I kid, I kid.
(just trying to lighten the mood)
Do you have a ping pong table?
Canucknick .....( Facepalm)
1 – Columbus Blue Jackets– Nail Yakupov – F – Sarnia (OHL)
Columbus somehow manages to wrestle the 1st overall pick away from Edmonton’s kung fu grip.
2 – Edmonton Oilers – Filip Forsberg – F – Leksands (SWE)
Despite several good defenseman being available, Edmonton continues to stock up on top 6 forward talent, because everyone knows, Offense Wins Championships. This is also a proactive move by the Oilers as they seek eventual replacements for Hall and Eberle when they sign with other teams as RFAs after next season to get out of the “Black Hole of Despair” which is the Oilers franchise.
3 - Toronto Maple Leafs – Jacob Trouba – D – USA U-18 (USHL)
The third overall pick falls into the Leafs lap as they finish the season with an impressive 4-22-3 run. Leafs GM Burke is ecstatic that the truculent American he had targeted in January with the late first round pick earned by his playoff bound team was still available to him in the 3rd spot.
4 - Montreal Canadians – Mikhail Grigorenko – F – Quebec (QMJHL)
With no prospects ranked in the top 30 by Central Scouting from Quebec or under 5’10”, the Habs are forced to take the best player available playing in the QMJHL.
5 – New York Islanders – Mathew Dumba – D – Red Deer (WHL)
Drafted by the Islanders, Dumba is instantly in line for a 15 year, 85M contract extension.
Actually...yes I do!
How about a pool and a hot sister?
(okay, okay - too far)
...way too far.
As for the split crowd, to be honest, that is kind of why I come. The last 4 games I have came to have been Leafs or Habs games. I love the chirping back and forth, and if someone from out of town is going to buy tickets, it might as well be a Sens fan! Ha.
Funny hockey joke...
"Calgary Flames fan saves friend from vicious animal," he starts writing in his notebook.
"But I'm not a Flames fan,"the boy replied.
"Ottawa Senators fan rescues friend from horrific attack," the reporter starts again.
"I'm not a Sens fan either," the boy said.
"Then what are you?" the reporter asked.
"I'm a Maple Leafs fan."
The reporter turns to a new sheet in his notebook and writes, "Redneck idiot kills family pet."
another one
The Toronto Maple Leafs
...aand another one
That'll do pig, that'll do.
I'm hoping and praying that his success in the SEL translate into a fairly smooth transition to NHL. We know it is harder on defensemen adjusting.. so hopefully he fits in very well.
I haven't read all of the comments the last couple of days I was away from the computer... but are some of you having problems in that you have to sign in everytime you go onto this site? Or is it just me...
And Toronto inches closer to 9th!!
Reemer looses his shutout in the final minute as well!
But it doesn't look like the sens want to take it judging from their lack of intensity
LOL!!!
I feel kind of bad for Tavares being drafted by the NYI. I honestly don't know which franchise is worse, the Jackets or the Isles. Both have been in despair for the past decade now..
Thanks Panthers, we're that much closer to the division title now. If we can beat the Habs and the Leafs this weekend, we may just be atop the NE come Monday morning.. The Bs play the Flyers this weekend, and I do hope Brygz puts up another SO.
We have a legit shot at taking the division, we have got to start winning against these teams that are just there as playoff spoilers (like us last year)
Easier for Sens to get to 2nd than 6th!
Nope. I think they have more Spanish speaking players than French speaking players.
I think Price might be the most bilingual of all of them. Hahaha.
it's been mentioned plenty...
Yes he can. As can Mika Zib after his season is done. If either are brought over it will burn a year off their Entry Level Contracts, but the team isn't concerned about that if they can come over and help down the stretch.
chirp, can you please confirm Oakster is saying?
I can understand the concern of bringing in a young Mika, who is still a little raw, and really may not be able to help us out during the playoffs, however, Silfverberg has had an outstanding year, cannot prove anymore in the SEL, ( he is the best in the league and the MVP )and should be able to fit easily into our top 6 that is in dire need of a talented top 6 performer.
Alfie would be thrilled to have him with him on his line, and could only be a win/win.
I am at a loss as to why the organization would not be vocal about bringing him in, as soon as his season is done.
It is great for maketing, and will further pump up the team and the fans about this new addition.
Almost like doing a blockbuster trade at the deadline, but it is adding, without taking anything away from the current lineup.
Can anyone shed any light on this?
To say that the team is not concerned about burning a year isn't entirely true. It is definitely a consideration. Something I have heard, that I'm not entirely certain on, is that because Silfverberg was loaned to the SEL, he has already burnt a year on his ELC this year anyway.
Reality is neither of them will be available until early to mid April and because the World Championships are in Sweden, they may be tempted to stay behind without any guarantee they would actually play in any NHL games.
Thanks Chirp,
this is quite the revelation for me, and is very interesting to say the least
just to be clear...
We are in a rebuild, but have overachieved and will be in the show. We have be missing a top 6 all year, and maybe we should have traded for one, mwho ay help this team go to the next level. We have this stud MVP in Sweden available to us, who one may argue could be on the same level as a Radulov,and may be able to help us get through a round, and worse case give him a taste of the Stanley cup playoffs.
If there is no concern about burning a year off of his ELC, we should make it very clear to him, forget the World Juniors, and get right over here after your playoffs, and help us win a couple of playoff rounds.
IMO of course
Thoughts?
Thanks again Chipr
thanks Chirp... not Chipr, but most days you really are very Chipr :)
it looks like Craig Anderson is very close to starting next Tuesday's game in Ottawa vs the Devils.
Should Bishop win tonite vs the Habs, we might see Auld in net vs the Leafs on Saturday night in Ottawa.
Should be interesting to see, if Coach MacLean decides to call up Robin Lehner to start vs the Leafs, or does he go with Anderson ??
So, if you are the Coach, what do you do :
A- Start Auld
B- Start Lehner
C- Start Anderson
"NHL contacts in Sweden are comparing Silfverberg to Backstrom, and Zibanejad to Zubrus. Some concern on sense and grit with baby Z."
If Anderson is rdy 100% there is no doubt in my mind he should start the rest of the games in the season. If not Bishop is doing just fine, no need to bring up Lehner.
That sounds about right, Z-bad is a gifted grinder, Fisher 2.0. he doesnt have the talent skill set Silfverberg does. I would take a Backstrom comparison anyday, even if they end up being wrong!
Bring him over as soon as we can!!!
No wonder they call Ottawa the Goalie graveyard...
Forever we have had no starting goalies and we bitch... now we have 3 goalies (Andy/Lehner/Bi shop )who can win, and are all starters and we still seem to make a decision...
Auld should not even be mentioned as a starter ever again in Ottawa!
Do the right thing and cut/buyout/send down Auld, and keep the other 3, it an obvious choice.
they can pick a number for the other three for all I care, all three are proving to be winners
I had mentioned it to you on twitter and provided a link. Basically my understanding of the ELC and burning a year
If your 18 and sign your ELC you can differ your ELC for a year or two based on GP in the NHL(the famous 10 game tryout)
If your 20 and sign your ELC(which Silfvergberg did) then you no longer get this luxury. so he was at camp this year. We sent him back to Sweden on Loan as a 21 year old, therefore burning a year of ELC (prob why Murray really wanted him here this year).
If Filatov didn't play at all for us this year andw ent to Russia immediately and we were ok with it, his ELC would be burnt as well. On the flip side Radulov is the grey area where his ELC got frozen because he broke contract, and therefore Nashville got to hold his rights, and if he returns this year then his ELC kicks back in
Finally, if your confused at all think of Silfverberg as Rundblad. Remember at the beginning of the year ppl thought we could send Rundblad down to save his ELC but it was being burnt anyway? Same exact reason, age.
So if Silfvergberg wants to come and play and Murray thinks its a good idea then the ELC really plays no factor in the decision, a year is gone if he comes or goes. Only factors are the World Championships in Sweden, his own playoffs and our chemitsry
Sorry for such a long post
@ Tookie,
Totally agree that Anderson should start if he feels 100% ready.
Coach might still call up Lehner who loves playing the Leafs, so I guess we will find out on Saturday morning
who does start vs the Leafs!
@miguel - everyone is excited about Silfverberg, I can't wait to see him play and I fully expect him in the Sens top six next year but perhaps just tone down the expectations. Radulov has proved himself with a 25+ goal NHL season and Silvferberg hasnt played a game yet. Don't expect Silfverberg to automatically do that right away in the NHL.
Well comparisons to Backstrom say he should have an immediate impact with the team, espcially if given top 3 or top 6 minutes. He should produce.
If he plays a full year next year, I could see Silfverberg getting 15+ goals and about 20 assists. I think he will immediately slot into the top 9, if not the top 6.
I'm not a big fan of the Backstrom comparison because of the difference in their roles and their positions. From what I've seen Silfverberg is a bit more of a sniper and Backstrom more of a playmaker. Still a really good player though.
Fair enough, but he is the MVP in the SEL, with the likes of Forsberg and Lundquist... this to me proves he is a legit player, who can provide help on our top 6... heck at the very least better than Greening/Klinkh ammer/Butler, not sure we have anything to lose
My one question to all is
Can anyone give me any valid reason why we would not want to bring Silfver over to finish the year?
Prospect mgmt
If he wants to stay and train for Worlds then let him, work with him, so as to keep good relationship.
If he wants to come he could technically do all 3 if we lose in 1st round, but if we advance he may regret not being able to represent Sweden at the event on home soil as the reigning MVP.
I'm in the camp that would like to see him come over, but to expect him to join the team and fit in without a hitch is probably asking too much. He'd be coming in at the end of the year and have to learn a brand new system right before crunch time. That's a lot of pressure with very little room for error. However I do think that his years in the SEL could greatly help in such a high pressure situation.
As it's a rebuild year where all these results are gravy, I'd say bring him over and start teaching him now instead of waiting until training camp in the fall. Worst case scenario he's a spare part on the 4th line and in the press box ... best case scenario he finds some chemistry with Spezza or Turris and helps us in an area we could use.
Karlsson is the only defenceman in then top 70 in league scoring.
...Norris cough cough
I pretty much agree with Sensnation 100% on his last few posts.
Get him in the lineup now but proceed with caution and patience.
ok I get the cautious skepticism long list of "top 6" guys who have not lived up to expectations
Filatov
Butler
Winchester
But I think there is huge difference between them, and a guy who has just won the MVP of the SEL!
This is a mens league... and I think my comparison to Radulov is not way off.
They both play in excellent professional mens leagues,
Both come from very strong hockey nations
Which is the better league the KHL or the SEL... I say tough to say, but Silfver is the MVP!
I say throw caution to the wind and get him into the heat of the kitchen, with realistic expectations that he is only here to learn, and not to lead us to the Stanley Cup, if he stumbles, well then we deal with it, BUT if he slides in with either Alfie or Spezz and lights it up ( which I believe he can, and probably BM too since he has always wanted him here )
then off we go... the sky is the limit
Question...if Zibby stays in sweden for another year, are we losing any years on his contract?
With silfverberg coming in next year, do we want/need Zibby on the team right away, or would another year in the SEL be beneficial for both him and the SNES..
Silfver insisted he did the extra year and excelled (captain of the team, league MVP, > 1 ppg)..
Zibby is still really really young so was just wondering if you guys would rather see him have similar success in the SEL before coming here...
Shawn Simpson just tweeted a "NHL contacts in Sweden". His sources are probably pretty reliable. He's a former NHL executive with a ton of connections. For example, yesterday on the Healthy Scratches he got Scott Howson, Brendan Shannahan, and Crosby's agent. Today he got David Poille and Randy Carlyle... He's been a real asset to Team 1200, I hope they keep him on.
I think the theory behind giving Zibanejad another year in the SEL is pretty sound, but I think the Sens feel like they got burned this year. BM thought he had an agreement that if he sent Zibanejad back this year, he would get top 6 minutes. I'm not sure if BM is willing to take that gamble again given that the wishes were not completely met. Just my opinion though.
I don't think there was any agreement to give Zibanejad top 6 minutes, it was just something BM felt was likely - or at least more likely than him getting top 6 minutes here.
Considering getting Turris and how well the team has played this year, he likely still got more minutes in Sweden than he would have gotten here.
I'd love to see both guys come over this year but won't be heartbroken if they don't. They're still young guys that would have to learn a system and switch to a higher gear while at the same time pushing a decent guy out of the line-up.
BM has been quoted earlier in the season indicating it was his expectation. Whether there was verbal agreement to that effect or not, I do not know, but that's the impression I got. Either way though, he would still feel like he did not get the development he was hoping for when he sent him back to the SEL.
I don't think Zibanejad would necessarily have gotten more minutes in the NHL this year, but he definitely would have in the AHL. Whether that's better then having him play another year in the SEL is up for debate, but either way I do not think that BM would send him back to the SEL again next year.
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!!!!
Yeah they clearly seemed confident that part of the reason to send him was more playing time. In hindsight they might have tried to stick him in the AHL.
Butler in for Daugavins tonight.
This strategy seems to work for PM, he inserts players at various times and usually gets short term production, then sits them...rince and repeat.
Keeps them motivated to get back into the line up, also gives them a break, those kids have played alot of hockey.