With just eight games left, scoreboard watching has become more important than ever with the Capitals and the Sabres nipping at the Sens heels. Here is the remaining schedule facing the teams in the thick of the East playoff race.
Panthers 85 (8)- EDM, NYI, @Mtl, @Min, @Clb, @Det, WPG, @Wsh
Devils 89 (8)- TOR, @Pit, CHI, TBL, @Car, NYI, @Det, OTT
Senators 84 (8)- @Mtl, PIT, @Wpg, @Phi, @Nyi, CAR, BOS, @Nj
Capitals 81 (8)- WPG, MIN, BUF, @Bos, MTL, @Tbl, FLA, @Nyr
Sabres 80 (8)- @Nyr, MIN, @Wsh, PIT, @Tor, TOR, @Phi, @Bos
Remember that in the case of a tie, the first tiebreaker is regulation + overtime wins.
The Senators were on the ice for a short 20 minute practice this morning at SBP and were joined by centre Jason Spezza. Spezza missed the game on Tuesday night and was not available for practice yesterday and while he wouldn't guarantee anything, he should be good to go tomorrow night in Montreal.
More good news for the Sens out of practice this morning as Craig Anderson spent the practice in the starters net while Bishop and Auld shared the other. Anderson addressed the media and said he feels good but would not say whether or not he'll go tomorrow night.
It sure sounds like Anderson could start tomorrow in Montreal.
- Another strong outing for Robin Lehner last night as he recorded 41 saves in a shutout win for the Binghamton Senators. Kudos to Lehner for going down to the AHL and working hard over this recent stretch. Spoke with a contact the other day who suggested that while Lehner was here, Daniel Alfredsson spoke to him one on one about staying focused and working hard to earn that next call up. It sure seems like the message got through.
- Sens prospect Jakob Silfverberg continues to shine in the Swedish Elite League playoffs. He scored two goals last night, including the overtime winner, to send his Brynas team to the next round of the SEL playoffs. Silfverberg has 9 points in 6 playoff games.
Go Sens Go!!!!!
Now we know that this was the plan, to have Bishop start all these last 7 games.
Anderson wants to make sure that Tookie read this declaration, about being ready to go back in as a starter !!
Hope Spezza does play in Montreal, as we sure need him !!
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!
If we go 4-4 in the next 8, buffalo need to go 6-1-1
Chirp you have to mention Florida in that race as well. Washington only 5 points back.
Sens need to stay above the southeast winner and we will be ok.
We would need both teams to stay hot and considering they play each other once, as long as thats not a dreaded 3 pt game we are looking ok
Montreal will pose as easier challenge. Play Andie now, if he does well and feels great then go with him vs Pens. If he is tired then Bishop is more than ready and capable vs Pens
Flip the games and it could be worse
Wow,
If this happens, it might just be the kickstart boost, that this team desperately needs, to start scoring multiple goals
to ensure some wins, and re-establish confidence in the whole team, while heading for the Stanley Cup Playoffs !!
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!
You should put Florida's remaining schedule in your post too - we are only one point behind them and if Washington go past us they are just as likely to drop Florida into contention for the 7th and 8th spots.
I'm trying to think of another captain who could challenge and I can't. As candidates I could see Ryan CAllahan getting a nod and perhaps Shea Weber or Perhaps David Backes for St. Louis but hes out and missing a lot of key "leadership" time in the lead up to the playoffs, not that St. louis hasnt clinched the WEst already.
But when you listen to the pundits, the Sens surprising season is chalked up to two things, coaching and leadership. ALfie is that leader and he deserves that recognition this year!
will only be truly helpful if he can score too..Bishop hasn't been the problem in the last losses...the inablity to penetrate the 4 by 6 is the problem.
Backes isn't injured he scored last night
I would tend to think this award will continually be given to players not for the year but for their career production. Chara got it last year.
I think Alfie is looking pretty good this year, but don't rule out players like St. Louis, Doan, Lidstrom, and Iginla.
Very one-dimensional thinking.
Just watch the extra jump in everyone's legs tomorrow night.
Not Bishop's fault by any means, but the boys play better in front of their #1 tender.
Good point. Added.
Oh really? sorry, I thought he was out with a concussion. thanks Alcatraz
I will certainly watch for it...hopefully the flu bug is gone too, if the team was indeed suffering with it.
The kids did an outstanding job holding down the fort while Anderson was out, exceeding most everyone's expectations I would say. Team has struggled scoring obviously, but the guys between the pipes have been great.
Given the fact that we'd like to try make a little noise in the playoffs and that the supporting cast has been so good, I can't imagine that anyone ever considered rushing Andy back.
Not saying Alfie isnt doing his part but its much more than mere leadership. Spezza, Karlsson and Anderson are the reason this team is where it is.
I'd take Alfie over any other captain in the NHL but he's not winning games on his own.
Having said that, certainly every guy on the team owes some part of his individual success to Alfredsson's leadership over their time here.
Karlsson in particular and I think Spezza to a large degree as well. Anderson is likely the same guy he'd be without Alfie around for the most part but I don't think Spezza and Karlsson would be everything they are (at the same level) without the benefit of Alfie's leadership and guidance.
Well you dont know that for sure? If Karlsson was with the Wings, you telling me Lidstrom wouldnt have the same or better effect on Karlsson? If Spezza was with Calgary, you dont think Iginla would of had the same or better effect on Spezza?
Hard to say but yeah I agree, Alfie has given them guidance and wisdom but he aint scoring for them.
Not saying Karlsson couldn't be as good with Lidstrom or someone else playing that role - but it doesn't diminish what Alfie seems to have done for the kid. He's the first one to credit Alfie for helping him so I kinda take his word.
The good news about Andy coming back is the team will play balls out for him, knowing it's his return. It's the same thing they did when Lehner played his first game and when Bishop played his. Something about a guy coming into a game that's been away for awhile, or playing his first game that just ups the tempo a notch. I think we'll see that secondary scoring everyone has been waiting for.
Good point Chrip made about the tie situation, that in the case of a tie, the first tiebreaker is regulation + overtime wins. Ottawa has 32, while Buffalo has 28. Wash has 35 but they are already in position, so worst case Ottawa and Buffalo fight for the 8th place, we're up on them right now by 4 ROW's. Jets and Can's both have 30, so we are sitting ok right now.
So we seem to agree, Alfie surely has had a hand in helping them but as for being a lone leader of a group, I'm not so sure he can beat out Iggy or Doan or Weber.
Very true, but I am leaning towards what some have been speculating that, PM has them playing much more defensively in front of our younger goalies, mistake free hockey, which has certainly hurt thier offensive output.
With Andy back in, he may allow a little more gamble in the offensive zone so that we can create more opportunities,
lets hope so anyway!
I think they give it to him
Haha yeah people have a strange way of interpreting what they read, it's amusing/annoying.
Your comment came shortly after discussing that Alfie had given Lehner a good one-on-one pep talk, and it is the little but important things like that, which I agree, make him an amazing leader and a great candidate for the Messier Award.
The only guarantee in the first round IMO is Pitts regardless of who they play. But what a series it would be with Philly...
It's up to the Sens to get there. They control their destiny. You can't rely on other teams to help.. (yeah thanks Habs)..
Yup, sometimes I feel like I'm talking to my wife when I post on here...some people like arguing for the sake of arguing I guess...no, I'm not calling you fat...sigh....
that is funny Patrick...
then dont ask "how do I look in this?"
yeah man, my comment was based on that part of Chirp's article. Just another example of how Alfie's leadership contributions go a long, long way and should, nay, MUST be recognized.
Spezza leads with his points, which is huge. I love Spezza and I'm not taking away anything from what he has done, obviously.
But I like to believe that at some point, probably around late October, Alfie said: "guys, get me into the f(rank)ing playoffs and give me one more chance to play for a cup." And here they are on the verge of doing it.
I do think Alfie's leadership has inspired Spezza and (to a lesser extent, only cause it was inevitable) Karlsson to take their games to the next level. And coach has developed a system that plays to the teams strengths. So yeah, leadership and coaching are the key factors in the sens success. And Spezza is, along with Alfie, a key part of the leadership.
I'd be willing to put good money on Alfie winning that award. My only hesitation would be that Messier chooses it, and it may just be a popularity contest for him. But he did give it to Sundin for cryin out loud.
How do you know you're NOT talking to your wife here? Patrick is that you? Hahaha.
Seriously! That's a nice way to end the season...
With FLA and WAS playing their last game of the season to finish 3rd or 9th. Could happen... win and you have home ice, lose and you go golfing. Wow!
I'd vote for Alfie of course, but I never trust the league to make the same decisions. They'll look at guys like Iginla and Doan and justify to themselves that they bring more.
Of course we all know Alfie is a better captain but I won't hold my breath that everyone outside Ottawa sees that.
At least Alfie's shot at a cup will be even better next season (maybe get a second one?). This team will be better each year for the next 5 years or so before we start to see any sort of plateau or decline.
It would be good to recognize the leagues longest serving Captain. Who's in second?
Iggy I do believe.
http://www.sporcle.com/games/nearlyextinct/NHL_Captains
I watch every sens game and i still missed 3... although Florida's is "vacant" so that was hard to guess.
I commend you for your optimism. It's going to take some sort of miracle for the Jets to make it in, at this point.
The Sens don't have to worry about anyone but the Sens. If they lose the next 6 games, they'll be in 9th/10th. I don't think the Sens are capable of playing that "Leaf-ish" lol.
I'm really hoping Anderson in net will spark our offense to actually do something. Is it just me or has Michalek been super quiet lately. Not even doing interviews or anything.
I feel like an idiot, all these years I thought it was "Joe Thorton", not "Thornton".
I also like how Chris Pronger became captain in 2911.
I hear ya! Just so nerve wrecking! Lol
At this late date it seems unlikely that they'd bump someone out for a guy who's essentially never been part of the big club. Chirp also reported that the "Bingo is boring" fiasco has hurt him a bit with management - though I imagine if he was guaranteed to jump into our top 6 they'd overlook that.
I live in Winnipeg. So I know exactly how you feel. haha
Big Ben was OK, as advertised but no "magic" (He is no Robin Lehner ;-), might have to make him the sacrificial lamb vs Pittsburgh.
Kuba has slipped just a little bit and on top of all the attention "Karl" is getting it has not helped.
Kyle Turris has to score...no excuses.
Jason healthy, has to lead us again.
Alfie will finally set up the "Black Smith" fir the winner and all shall be well!
Considering this type of sentiment seems to be very common among our European prospects, I would hope they are realizing that it has more to do with the players preferring to be in the top end league back home as oppose to the 2nd best league over here. They all did come over for the NHL after all.
I do respect those that stay around and put their time in though. There's a lot to be said for that even if they may drop a complaint or two here or there.
I think it's almost the Red Wings model (not saying PM is the guy making it happen). They want everyone to lose their ego first, then bring them up. I like the approach but I do realize there might be some guys where it backfires.
I scratch my head a bit there also, could be they do not want to leave Bingo without him, I think he can add more offense than some we have on the team, he got pushed around a bit last time he played up here, not that one game is much of a tryout.
They say we can carry 25 players when playoffs start so you have to wonder if we would fill the last two spots just to have a couple of guys practice with the team in the chance we need them.
Petersson Lehner would be my choice but I am not the GM or coach
Silverburg Zibby would be another thought, I heard on here that Silverburg would have to play some regular season games to be able to play in playoffs and others on here say he can play, no idea who is right
We were all pretty excited about Rundblad and how he was dominating against adults in the SEL. I know adapting as a defenseman is a little different than a forward on to NHL ice, but I can't get over the fact that Silfverberg *could* turn in to a bust, or someone with a steep learning curve.
I want him on our team in the playoffs as much as the next guy, but I don't want to overhype him! Feel free to set me straight.
You're not alone.
The simple fact Murray isn't rushing him over here tells me that he at least doesn't think he's an instant improvement over guys that have been here all year.
Would love to see what Silverburg Petersson can bring but I guess we will find that out more next season, the Rundblad comparison is very accurate with Silverburg I think.
Rundblad was to have been coached in the SEL to prepare him for NHL and he was expected to be ready.
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/sport/ice-hockey.html
all the games, all the time, and decent quality...
I think the reason the team isn't bringing players up from bingo is cuz they are only allowed a certain number of call ups after the trade deadline. They have already used 2 on lehner and bishop so they only have two left I believe. They wasnt to be sure on who they will call-up since it will be their final chance for the playoffs.
http://www.lshunter.tv/hockey-live-streaming-video.html
Of all the sites that I use to watch hockey games, LS Hunter is the most reliable to find hockey games. Firstrow, too.
And for the number of call ups after the trade deadline, each team are allowed off 4 players and if you have to many injury your allowed of emergency call ups (like calgary did with baertschi and toronto with frattin and ashton) so if i was Ott i call up Da Costa, Petersson & Lehner ! But i saw a article on a sens blog that B. Murray will bring up after bingo season is over (since they are not makking the playoffs) Da Costa, Petersson, Lehner, Borowiecki, Hoffman & Wiercioch.
thank you Wayne Simmonds!
i believe lehner has more playoff/big game experience than bishop i would lean to lehner as backup for the playoffs after bingo is done.
Seems Anderson is itching to play, and he is our # 1, and we
are in some kinda funk, so he might kickstart our goal scorers to get back on track.
Starting Anderson vs the Habs is the best option, and should he win, I would start him again vs the Penguins.
If he loses to Habs, then come back with Bishop vs the Pens.
Biggest challenge for rest of the team, is to score lots of goals !!
Lets light up Price !!!!!!!!!!
I'm pretty sure murray WAS trying to rush him over here at the start of the season, and Silf said he wanted another year overseas...and that tim murray said in an interview that they wanted him here before the season is over if it is possible.
I've never personally seen him play, so I don't have any idea, but the bosses (and his current league) seem to think very highly of him...so I'm excited to see him here. I guess it all depends on one's expectations.
SPL
He's around 6'1" - 190
let me settle this for you.
when karlsson was a rookie, it was well advertised that the kid has a huge amount of talent, but the biggest knock on him will be his size and play in his own zone.
when rundblad was on the way here, we were so distracted by his stats and those youtube videos. most sens fans (including my self) didnt bother reading up on his most important role as a Dman...his defensive game, but if we did some research we would have seen that swedish fans complain that he can not play defence and by far his biggest problem. (theres a reason hes already with his 3rd nhl team)
silfverberg, similar story about his stats and those youtube videos, however this time i decided not to be ignorant and fall for those tricks again. Every scouting report i have read and every game ive seen him play, ive only been able to pick up 1 liability in his game which would be his acceleration (foot speed). im not saying he is in anyway so slow that he can drag his team mates back but he doesnt have that lightning speed we all seem to expect from all swedish players. but the kid is so agile, smart, skilled and very strong on the puck that its never been an issue for him. he is reliable all over the ice and can play in any situation. hate to compare prospects to NHL players but he is a couple inch larger photocopy of our great captain.
I too am a little confused on the Silfver discussion.
1) Can we bring him here? at what cost?
2) Hope the Worlds is not an issue for him, SC playoffs are much more important to his career, and we could use him
3) I too am torn, is he ready? The Rundblad scenario really brings doubt
4) But do we really have anything to lose
- right now we have 3 forwards who are are top 6 and 3 others who just cannot cut the top 6 role... so why not bring in Silfver or Peterson... shit they cannot do any worse than what we have there now.
Bottom line, we have to find a way to break out of this slump with a bang. If these guys think it is tough to score now, just wait what it will be like in game 1 of the the first round
And yes we are all happy for what the team has accomplished so far, but heck we are here now, lets not just give it away, and lets make the best of it
I will be at the Bell Centre tonight cheering on our beloved Sens, please guys let me enjoy the bantering with the Hab fans!!!
Go Sens Go!!!
silfverberg has already burnt a year off his ELC, no reason to not bring him up when his season is done (if thats what he wanted).
as for zibanejad, i dont really want to burn a year off his ELC just to play a few games of playoffs.
Boston has back to back with LA and Anaheim
Ottawa has back to back with Montreal and Pitts.
Buffalo has back to back with Minny and NYR
Florida has games with EDM and NYI
Washington has games with Winnipeg and Minny.
Whoever comes out big this weekend can really separate themselves.
GO SENS GO!!
But I do repeat warnings from recent posts, don't start hating on the guy if he doesn't score right away. But IMO, there is no risk in giving him a shot.
Pittsburg is the team to beat right now. Obviously, it goes without saying with the addition of Crosby in the lineup, but just watch them, it's a little scary. How could a team like that NOT be considered a favourite to win the cup? I personally don't see a team right now that can match up with what they are putting on the ice. I thought maybe Rinne could hold the fort against them last night, but even he got smoked with 5 goals against and he's one of the best in the league, playing behind one of the best Defensive pairs in the league.
Ottawa and Pittsburg will be a major battle Saturday night, no doubt about it. What I'd like to see is Ottawa come out and do a complete 180 from what we've been seeing, and give the Penguins an actual challenge because they haven't really been challenged in the last few games. Ottawa normally plays a more up tempo game against them, and that's what I'm hoping they bring.
Good luck guys, we'll be cheering for ya's all weekend. Go Sens Go!!!!
I too am a little confused on the Silfver discussion.
1) Can we bring him here? at what cost?
2) Hope the Worlds is not an issue for him, SC playoffs are much more important to his career, and we could use him
3) I too am torn, is he ready? The Rundblad scenario really brings doubt
4) But do we really have anything to lose
- right now we have 3 forwards who are are top 6 and 3 others who just cannot cut the top 6 role... so why not bring in Silfver or Peterson... shit they cannot do any worse than what we have there now.
quote]
1) We can bring him over as soon as his season in the SEL is done. There is no real cost of bringing him over. From what I understnd Ottawa leant him to the SEL this year so a year of his ELC is burned regardless this season.
3) From everything I've read, he's ready. Ottawa wanted him to play here this season ebcause he impressed during training camp, but he chose to go back to Sweden for one year. Add that to his dominance in Sweden this year, and he's good to go.
Thanks Oakster that is what I was hoping to hear,
there are many great stories of kids who get called up late and have the experience of the Stanley cup playoffs.
I could understand if we were having no troubles scoring, and our top 6 was set, and we were having more trouble keeping the puck out of our net.
we do not want or need anymore 3rd or 4th liners, but there is plenty of room on the top 6, and I cannot see any good reason for not bringing up a potential scorer.
Peterson/Silfver/ we need the spark!
My sentimonies exactly.
the Habs are out, but will use this game as a playoff type game for their fans.
They would love to help get us out, management/coac hes/fans will put the pressure on them, to try and salvage a shit season...kinda what we were doing last year.
Lose tonight, and we are now facing the real possibility of not making the playoffs.
And as much as we are all very proud of this team, and happier than we were last year, if we now bow out of the playoffs, it will be a major dissappointment to all.
Interesting times, this is a make or break game, we win in style, and we secure our spot, and make the statement that we could be contenders, lose and we may just be the pretenders.
And yes this is part of being a young team, in a rebuild season... We all know, but cmon we deserve to be in the Dance!
Playoff weather, playoff hockey time.
But at least wait till noon... EST no? :)
I hear ya Chirp... 4 hours 49 minutes and counting. For me at least.
It's nights like tonight I don't even know why I own a couch. Not a chance I'll be able to sit down watching this tilt.
But you do have a table to put the empties on, right? Or do they just go straight out the window?
For me, I'm always a little surprised at the end of a game how much my jaw hurts from grinding my teeth during the game... I'm sure that drinking will relieve that
My gut feeling is also that this will not be a good night to be a Habs fan. I smell a bloodbath.
Ya, the last game I watched, Gilroy seemed out of position more frequently than not. It looks like he still hasn't meshed in totaly yet...
SPL
Hell yeah, despite being a bit under the weather today I'd guess I'll need at least 18 cans to stop the teeth gnashing. Whether the cans go on the table or out the window depends on how the game goes!
We have a weird tradition, my wife gets a solid kiss every time the Sens score. Our marriage has been pretty loveless the past week but I hope we can turn it around tonight! Hahaha.
On a couple of instances, there were scrums where he was reluctant to join the fray. One in particular stands out where Komisarek went at Alfie. Gilroy was the first one on the scene and stood idly by. I know he's not a tough guy but when someone goes at the Captain, you get involved.
Haaa...haa...bu t if they score 6 or more goals tonight, you'll get the baconator at the game and at home ;)
SPL
Another good point. I don't really mind him pinching so much since it hasn't (yet) really backfired, but it is a bit stressful. I recall a point in the Devils game where he was down low and I was thinking "man drop it to the point for a shot" but of course it was his point so nobody was there.
I really don't expect him back next year. We moved Lee since we (apparently) didn't have a spot for him and took a shot on Gilroy but there's nothing there that makes me think we want him back.
Alfredsson and karlsson not taking morning skate but both expected to play.
Believe it's an optional morning skate.
Completely agree Chirp. That was definitely one of the areas we could always depend on with Lee. He didn't fight often but he was always willing to step into the scrums and stand up for his teammates. I'm hoping Gilroy can learn in time as he gets used to this team's style, but I wouldn't be amazed if he's replaced or moved down the depth chart through UFA acquisitions or training camp battles next season.
Since that loss, Buffalo and Washington have both smelled opportunity and have both gained ground on us, and what scares me the most is the both those teams are playing Playoff hungry. Right now, the Sens are not. Were hoping for that turnaround and explosive offence that will win us games....tonigh t its Montreal. But that Jersey game keeps haunting me. I fear that when we look back at the end of the season, that will be the game that haunts us once all the points stack up. God I hope Im wrong.
3 games in 4 nights coming up. Lots of action before a 4 day break next week. I plan to get nice and sauced tonight at home drinking godfathers. (2 parts whiskey(wisers ofcourse), 1/2 part each of bourbon and Amaretto stirred on ice - drank exclusively from my Sens 20th year cocktail glass). Try it out Chirpers if you got the mix. Damn tasty with a win, and also mind-clearing if a loss.
Cheers everyone! GSG!
p.s. Despite our fate this season, one thing is for damn sure. Our future is bright! Something not many teams can brag about as much as us. Especially if you own blue pj's. You know who you are.
Gilroy's a UFA so I doubt he's even resigned. If he is it would mean that BM has zero faith in our Bingo D-men (which would be too bad).
Chirp - do you know if the Sens are interested in Justin Schultz - likely UFA out of Anaheim? I asked on here before and I apologize if you've commented already but I missed it if you did. thanks
Great way of looking at it. With Lehner and Bishop holding down the fort for us in the past month, this injury break could have been a blessing in disguise by giving Andy a break from a season he was on pace to play 70+ games. If he can return to form in these last 8 games. Hopefully he can.
I would disagree regarding the meaning of it, because if Kuba is (hopefully) not re-signed, that's already 1 hole for the prospects to fill. From what management has said this year, it sounds like they think only one of our defensive prospects is ready to contribute at the NHL level.
Gilroy could stay on in a 6ht/7th role at a reasonable cost. Especially if he'd consider a 2way deal (not saying he would).
Ideally though we let Kuba, Gilroy and Carkner go and pursue one of the prized ufa dmen and allow 1 prospect to come up in camp.
Well true I suppose. But I'm still hoping Murray's going to sign a top 4 D under 30 (as you suggest). Suter would be a dream but there are others that might fit as well.
I'd actually rather see Kuba signed to a one-year deal than keep Gilroy if we need a guy to keep a spot warm.
And maybe keep Carks as the #7 guy. Unless we split the 6/7 spot between two rookies - i.e. ~50 games each.
4-4 definitely gets it done. That gives us 92 points.
Buffalo would need 13 points to pass us which means only one regulation loss. They're not THAT hot - they're not Pitt. And of course Washington would need 11 points as well or else we'd just finish 8th anyway.
this is quite reassuring but my god Sens need to win tonight to control their own destiny. Luckily sabres play NYR, Pitts and a road game against Washington in their next 4 games. You got to think they will lose at least one of these in regulation.
Jason Spezza will play tonight and Bobby Butler will be a healthy scratch. That's only lineup change - other than Craig Anderson starting.
Thank you Chirp, when I say that I blew my lid, I dont care who you are, you do not sit by and watch an idiot like Komisarek, push our captain around, if God forbid he gets hurt on that play, he may as well burn his gear, cause he would have seen his last game here.
But to add to that, he just seems to me to be too much of an individual player, and seems to have disrupted this team more than contribute... it may just be coincedence that since he has come we have been playing bad, and cannot seem to score.
some players just dont fit in a certain locker room or team system. gilroy is a pretty clear example right now
I think every team is interested in Schultz.
I think I'm on the other side with Kuba in terms of the cost of re-signing him is so much greater than that of a Gilroy or Carkner, and I would really like to see Karlsson and Cowen start to get more accustomed to playing with each other starting next season.
I do like your idea of letting two prospects fight it out for 6/7th dman though, splitting the games and injury fill-ins. Having Borowiecki or Gryba and Wiercioch would allow the coach to play based on more physical vs finesse match ups ... should those be the D that are ready. I think Claesson might be one of the dark horses in that competition.
Definitely brings further value to our record when Lee was in the lineup. Hopefully it's just an adjustment period for Gilroy and his new teammates and there's better to come.