Yesterday we talked about defence and how it will be a focal point for the Senators early in a shortened season.
Today we shift the focus to the forward group which is a little more predictable, assuming everyone can stay healthy in the early going. The top six forwards are all but decided and a number of veterans will be expected to come into camp and earn the remaining roster spots.
During a discussion on the Team 1200, Paul MacLean indicated that Jakob Silfverberg will start the season on a line with Spezza and Michalek. That trio could change in a hurry but it’s clear the coach is hoping to find some chemistry with that trio. All three have been playing during the lockout and should be able to hit the ground running when the season opens up next weekend.
That leaves a second line of Latendresse, Turris and Alfredsson. Sens fans have yet to see Guillaume Latendresse in action but the hope is he can add some consistent secondary scoring. He’ll be given every opportunity to do that in the early going skating with Turris and Alfredsson, a duo that had great chemistry at the end of last season.
In the bottom six, there is a little more room for flexibility. You’ll have Peter Regin, Zack Smith, Colin Greening, Jim O’Brien, Erik Condra, Chris Neil, and Kaspars Daugavins battling for the remaining six spots. You would think the team carries at least 13 forwards to start.
A total of 15 forwards will get invites with Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone expected to round out the list.
While the forward group appears mostly settled on paper, injuries should be expected in the first couple weeks of the season. With an abbreviated camp and no exhibition games, you can guarantee there will be a steady stream of guys coming up from Bingo.
What do you expect from the Sens up front? Would you change anything in the top six? How do you think the bottom six shakes out?
I am mostly afraid of Anderson shitting the bed early on. We need our best goalie playing from the get-go. Paul MacLean confirmed that this AM on the Team 1200.
http://ingoalmag.com/news/brians-pad-of-the-week-anderson-enters-beastmode/
Noticed on Senators Website, that the schedule has been erased
and wondering when schedule for Jan-Feb-Mar -Apr will be up
Are all teams playing within their respective Conferences, as well as their Divisions??
GO SENS GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!
Silfverberg-Spezza-MM9
Latendresse-Turris-Alfie
Greening-Smith-Regin
Condra-Jimmy O- Neil
Daugavins
I think O'Brien and Smith will battle it out for 3rd line center, mad Daugavins may find himself on waivers at some point.
I like that third line. Greening brings speed, Smith brings the grit and Regin brings the skill. That line has a little bit of everything.
That top six sure has a ton of question marks though. Is Silfverberg ready to contribute at the NHL level. Is Latendresse in shape and can he stay healthy? Does Alfie still have it? Will Turris break out? Will Michalek stay healthy for a second consecutive season?
If everything falls into place we should squeak into the playoffs like last season. It's going to be a battle though.
While our upside looks decent there are plenty of question marks as well. Should be a fun bunch to watch either way though.
Schedule should be out in a couple of days. I wouldn't expect any cross-conferenc e play. Probably looking at 4 games with teams in your own division and the rest with other divisions in your conference. But that's a guess of course. Though I'd love to see 6 games still against division rivals leaving only half the games outside your division. But since divisions are close to meaningless in the NHL I doubt they'd do that.
Maybe we'll get lucky and they'll try to do something a little different and exciting in the shortened season (within reason).
Tim Murray mentioned that he could play this weekend. Still seems unlikely he's in camp. Murray also mentioned that Stefan Noesen could get an invite. Which means one of Hoffman/Stone doesnt. Although I suppose the initial number of 15 forwards could end up being 16.
I have been saying since well before the lockout that a half season would be perfect for Alfie. Extra rest/conditioni ng before the season, no long grind of 82 game schedule, excitement of playoff push (hopefully) comes sooner.
That might be the one bright spot of the lockout for Sens fans: Alfie has so much fun this half season that he signs on for one more!
Thanks Chirp.
I think Noesen is our true blue-chipper. I think he might end up being better than Zibanejad, Silfverberg, Stone etc. Might take another year or two though.
And it will be very interesting to see how those pan out, but I do not mind going on record that I think those two top lines will be very exciting and should produce.
Real question comes in on the bottom 6, which will get plenty of ice time in a shortened season.
do we go with a energy bang them up line of
Greening Smith Neil
or do we try to get some added scoring with a
Regin Smith/O'Brien Greening/Condra line?
my option will be the B, a third line with engergy that can pot a few goals.
if so then I do believe that the 3rd and 4th lines will be moved around quite a bit depending on success.
In my opinion, a few people who that may impress right from the start other than Latendresse and Silfv will be Condra and Regin,
One thing that will need to be addressed, is who will bring the much appreciated toughness we saw from Carkner and Konopka.
Many finesse players (Karlsson) played much larger, and with more confidence with them in the lineup, and Neil cannot do it all by himself.
That is my take, thoughts?
True except for the condensed schedule and playing every other night.
there may be a few rest periods for some of the vets.
I would not read too much into Zibanejad not getting a camp invite. The guy has been injured constantly over the past two years, so I think they want him to get healthy and get in some ice time in Binghamton. As the year goes on if Zibanejad starts lighting up or at least playing well in the AHL then I am sure you will see him getting called up.
way to go out on a limb Boivo, it is easy to predict a tough year and not making the playoffs, and then be surprised, than it is to say we will be in the playoffs and maybe top 6. Like the cohones Boivo.
I say that, we will have the scoring depth up front, we will have stellar goaltending, and if Weircoich can take up the Cowen minutes and Lundin/Gonchar/ Methot plays well, we will be in the playoffs, agreed.
There's been no indication that the schedule would be condensed. If the season started today, the Sens would have almost exactly 48 games left - so I don't expect the schedule to be condensed very much.
yes in dire need... maybe someone like a Carkner :)
it has already been stated the they will be playing on average every second night, so very little down time in between games. That is why I predict a very busy schedule. But should be easier with only Eastern timezone travel
Ironically he'd be a decent fit to our needs. Though I'd like someone with more skill. But he's tough and would be fine moving to the press box if one of the rookies stepped up.
Completely agreed, except the moronic Islanders paid him too much $$$, otherwise he would still be here.
this is the strategy the team used last season, giving lots of young guys a chance and seeing who earns the right to stay
filitov, zibanejad, dacosta, klinkhammer, and butler all started the season with ottawa last year and slowly got weeded out.
with a huge competition for this years bottom 6, and so much unknown potential top end talent, I could see PM keeping everybody he invites to camp and giving everybody their fair shake
Yes with plenty of cap room they could carry 23 players all season and even have some of the 2-way contract guys move in and out.
But I'd expect that Melnyk wants to save some $$$ this season so Murray will likely be asked to keep the NHL roster as small as possible (within reason).
Methot-Karlsson
Gonchar-Weircoch
Phillips-Boro
I think we will see Benoit stay down to steady the farm, since we have a good shot down their to and will lose some key guys
I've always considered Benoit the Corey Locke of the blueline. Not good enough for the NHL but great to help the AHL team. Unless we're stuck, I don't expect Benoit to get any significant time with the big club.
JS-JS-MM
GL-KT-DA
I would like the third line to be:
Greening-Regin-Neil
then the 4th of:
Condra-Smith-O'Brien
If hoffman does well I could see him replacing daug as 13th or even O'brien on certain games.
I don't think you will see Stone make team unless latendresse/reg in suck up in their time on ice
Point of note, Neil and Regin have always shown chemsistry when playing together, and Regin is a great defensive centre, and when he used to line up with Spezza used to actually play the centre role defensively, so i would love to see him become our 3rd line centre
As a Goalie and a Goalie fan, I LOVE it. But it worries me at the same time. Changing equipment, such as pads, or anything for that matter requires some break-in time. With a week of training camp, and no exhibition games, I really hope Andy was doing more in the off season to get the required game feel he needs than just traveling to the NWT and doing charity games.
New pads can be tricky when it comes to controlling rebounds, and just overall movement. He's a pro though and I know he's been through it before, I just hope we don't see issues, or what looks to be rust when he starts. This could be the opening for Lehner that many people have been waiting for.
As for the forwards, Silf may get starting time up front but I expect a hard transition for him between the AHL and NHL, which will see him moved back to the 2nd line to ease in the frustration. I made my prediction a few posts ago and I'll stick with it, based on 10 to 15 games in. I do hope Silf comes out like a rocket though and proves me wrong, same with Latendresse as I hope to see them both in the top 6.
Greening - Spezza - Michalek
Silfverberg - Turris - Alfredsson
Latendresse - Regin - Condra
O'Brien - Smith - Neil
Daugavins
D:
Benoit
Wiercioch
Ceci
Borowiecki
Fowards:
Noesen
Stone
Z-Bad (if he can skate)
Silfverberg
Hoffman
If I misspelled any names please post about it, I'm sure I'll read it and care
Easy to say when ya nail it!
A+
http://proxy.autopod.ca/podcasts/chum/179/10629/tim%20murray%20in%20the%20box.mp3
He doesn't really say much about goaltending either than we are AWESOME. Lehner, Anderson, Bishop? Who care, we dominate.
Agreed. Unless Ceci blows socks off, it should be Boro and Wiercioch.
If Regin is your 3rd line C, who's playing against the other team's top line? I think Zack Smith is a much better choice for a defensive 3rd line, especially with so much less gritt this year across the team. Put him with Greening and Neil.
Lol Spezza is playing against the other teams top line, because Spezza takes every important zone draw for us. I don't think I ever remembered seeing our third line last year vs the top teams line
Hell even Kyle Turris/Alfie is a better shutdown line than a greening/Smith lol
3rd line Centre does not mean shutdown role. Also I'd rather Regin to shadow a top end centre than smith. Smith is gritty and good on PK, but by know means would I ever confuse him with a Matt Cullen/Mike Fisher type of defensive forward
Wait for it.
I think u missed a lot of games then. Yes Spezza takes important faceoffs, but the 3rd line was used as a shutdown line vs the other teams' top 6 quite a bit.
Have also seen his name linked to the Flyers.
Man its my first day back and I'm already having to resort to stats lol
Quality of competition rankings at 5 on 5:
Daugauvins
michalek
spezza
greening
turris
alfredsson
condra
smith
foligno
butler
neil
konopka
Thats how our team ranked, with Smith actually being a negative quality of comp
So no our 3rd line Centre did not play top 6 regularly. Just like you never saw Smith out when Brad Richards was out during the playoffs
Lol, Daugavins at the top. Ya ok man. I watched plenty of games with Smith vs the other teams offensive lines, so not sure what you're missing here.
And yes Daugauvins is only up there because he just made the GP cut off, its obviousn that he is somewhat of an outlier. Regardless Spezza and Turris played the top lines regularily
Simply put if you NEVER saw Smith play against the other teams top lines, there's not much more to discuss here.
HMMMM - interesting prediction.
You'll get a seat at the SensChirp Head Table if it happens.
I'm certain he HAS in the past on a shift or two, but to say Smith needs to be our 3rd line centre over regin because we need a shutdown 3rd line centre role to play against top lines is a clear misunderstandin g of how Maclean likes to use his forwards and specifically his centres. He will role spezza/turris vs their top lines all day long
Now I'm misunderstandin g hockey cause I think Smith (who's been our 3rd line C for years now) is a better 3rd line C? man you're just being a dick for no reason here. Agree to disagree and move on.
I agree he has been our 3rd line centre since we traded fisher 1.5 years ago
But the only point I'm making is that 3rd line does not equal shut down role. So yes Smith has been our 3rd line centre, but no, our 3rd line centre isn't our defensive go to shutdown guy
which is why I like Regin in that role if healthy, we will need to roll 4 lines this year and a regin-smith combo at 3/4 will be great for depth
Relax boys. Smith is a better shut down guy than Regin (not by a whole lot though) but it's also true that we don't really play our 3rd line as a "shut down" line very much. P-Mac typically goes strength against strength.
So count me as a guy who's not overly worried which guy ends up as the #3C since it's not like they'll see critical minutes like some teams' third lines do.
Thanks for the defense on what I was only trying to say. I agree 3LC is not overly important but I personally think a line fo greening-regin- neil would be a great thrid line secondary scoring type line while a condra-smith-o' brien 4th line would be able to play any situation with loads of PK time
If Regin's the 3rd line C, yes I agree we will never see our 3rd line against the other team's top 6 in a defensive role. Smith gives you that choice, and he is used there which is all I've been saying.
Obviously our top 6 plays vs top 6 as well, it's not like other coaches are going to give us their 4th line against our scoring lines just to be nice to us. Though Alcatraz would have you believe this is what I'm saying by stating our 3rd plays against top lines.
"I think u missed a lot of games then. Yes Spezza takes important faceoffs, but the 3rd line was used as a shutdown line vs the other teams' top 6 quite a bit."
"If Regin is your 3rd line C, who's playing against the other team's top line? I think Zack Smith is a much better choice for a defensive 3rd line, especially with so much less gritt this year across the team. Put him with Greening and Neil."
I'm confused you seem to be saying the opposite of what you said before?
(And yes I'm just trying to be a dick here) lol
All in all it can't quite be a pre-season without a 2LC or 3LC debate in Ottawa!
Also any word on if da costa is getting an invite? I'm assuming no
Ya you're a dick. Those are not contradictory statements.
Greening; Zack; Condra
Best forth line even when their # was called 3rd
Daugavins; Jimmy; Neiler
The dog didn't play half a year on a broken foot to let #13 beat him out. Petr is the odd man out.
Good to know
in terms of a solid top 6 with PP strengths and PK strengths, with us already having methot and phillips, would bringing both gryba and boro make us thin in terms of puck movers/pp2 dmen?
That was my only concern and why I included PW
Whether that's official the 3rd or 4th line I don't care - would just love to see those three together.
Very true, I personally just don't think Smith is an everyday 3rd liner, but I want him to convince me otherwise, and fully willing to admit i'm wrong in this case
I just think his second half is more of a type of player he is rather than his 1st half last year. Maybe its concussion problems maybe its legs catching up to him who knows, but I think Greening and Neil could use someone with a little more offensive abilities while still maintaining the grinding role
F
Never saw any reports yet. Out of all the names that were thrown out, I had him 2nd on my list only because he's a home town boy. He's had some hardships the last few seasons, moved around a lot, last I heard he suffered a collarbone fracture in Nov. But I do think if they did sign him he could fill the role in a 48 game season easily if healthy and ready to go.
an F for me as well
He's (Gryba) also tough too eh? I think they could use some toughness after losing Carkner and Konopka..
Sounds like the NHL's major re-launch press conference will take place on Wednesday at 4pm ET in New York.
Regin's career has spanned 4 years with the Sens, he's played 151 games, mainly in the 2nd and 3rd seasons, where the 1st saw him lace up only 11 times and last year 10 times, most games lost due to injury. Regin has 52 points, 19 goals, a +9 and 36 PIMs.
Smith, 2 years younger than Regin, has also seen action part of 4 years with the Sens. He's played a total of 152 NHL games, his first two years playing 16 games combined due to odd call up roles. So the majority of his experience falls from the last two seasons where he's been a regular with the club. He's accumulated 38 points, 20 goals, a -6 with 232 PIMs. During his time he's proven to be more durable.
So on pure point production to games played, Regin is the runaway winner. He also appears to be the better setup guy and better defensive player due to his +9 rating, but his higher point production can inflate those numbers somewhat as well as the fact most of those numbers came in the 09-10 season where he had a team leading +10.
So the push for a point producing 3rd line C really does go to Regin, even though he's been injured so often. But if you are looking for a guy who plays bigger than his 6'2 frame, hits harder and drives the net and isn't scared to drop the gloves, Smith is your man.
I honestly don't think the Sens will go wrong using either of these guys. But I do love the idea of the Greening, Smith, Neil line, regardless of it being a 3rd or 4th.
Any clue if Sunday is an Open to public practice?
LMAO !
You've made five mistakes in attempting to form 2 correct sentences.
You deserve the ridicule that you get.
Really suprised to hear that, I cannot argue as I have not seena any B Sens games, but I would like to point out that for a bad defensive player Wierciouch has one of the better +/- of all the defencemen, does he not?
Silfverberg-Turris-Alfredsson
Greening-Regin-Neil
Smith-OBrien-Condra
...meet Stanley
Third line needs to bang and that's what he brings...as for offensive upside, he has plenty in my opinion but I think he was a victim of fatigue during the second half of last year as was likely he case for Greening they simply played too much hockey between bingo and the big club and they were burnt out.
Does Regin have more skill than ZS, of course he does but he doesn't offer the complete package that ZS does, no one is nervous going into the corner with him or taking liberties with him and that's the type of guy you need centering your third line to win.
Personally, I'd love to see a line of Greening, ZS and Latendresse I think they would dominate every shift they were on the ice and balance out the scoring.
As for Kurtis Foster- that''s been my pick since the lockout ended - if they need a one year fix without sacrificing the future he's the best guy available...
Smith/Regin - Regin/Smith - Neil
Greening - O'Brien - Condra
Smith takes defensive zone draws, Regin the rest.
See, with the goalies, we at least are in the enviable position of having Bishop and Lehner... Now what really worries me, is the thought of putting Phillips and Gonchar back together, and having rookies down on 5/6/7. Gonchar did great with Cowen... Too bad he's out... So, I'm hoping that Lundin comes back quickly.
I definitely share the opinion of most when they say that Phillips is no longer a top 4 D. He's best suited at 5th or 6th. But then again, I might take him over a rookie... Not sure I like the idea of the backend being filled by 2 or 3 rookies...
I love it except I would swap Condra and Neil.
and no label of 3rd of 4th lines,
one line can play finesse and scort and he other can bang it up and score!
All four lines will play plenty in a shortened season, if they are not productive enough, in comes the Daug, or someone from the A
I like it, but I remain a non-fan of Condra. I know I'm in the minority, but I'd rather have someone more physical playing wing on the 4th line.
no doubt that Condra left us wanting much more last year, (way too many missed opportunities) but as on coach always said, opportunities will eventually lead to goals. Its when you never get any opportunities that you need to worry.
And that was his first full season in the NHL.
I believe that his coming out party can be this year, ala Chris Kelly. But it could go either way really.
I agree for a PK guy he isn't all that great at PK, would much prefer we role with someone else there insteak of Condra, but i Wouldn't have hoffman or stone on 4th line, so I guess we are stuck with him
ALso, what is happening with Jesse Winchester, is he back or still a UFA, is he cleared to play again? cause if thats the case it take winnie over condra in a heartbeat
Silfverberg - Spezza - Michalek
Latendresse - Turris - Alfredsson
Greening - Regin - Stone
Z. Smith - JOB - Neil/DD
Once Regin gets hurt JOB can move up a line & Smith can play 4th line centre & DD replaces Smith on LW.
Stone is playing with Grant and Dziurzynski in a shut-down line/3rd line role in Binghamton so maybe they were grooming him for a 3rd or 4th line role with the Sens this year. I'd love to see him get a chance to show that he can play an all around game, at least for a few games.
Agreed Miguel. Hopefully his time overseas has reminded him how to score into an empty net :)
DD = Dziurzynski?
... or you could learn how to spell and construct valid sentences so that we don't have to try to decode your gibberish.
He's a second overall pick. Unless you want to start your package with Turris or Cowen ++ don't waste your time.
Would love to get the guy but the price would be too high. Especially if other teams got wind he could be had.
Hedman you say ? King Karlsson's old partner ?
An intriging idea.
It would cost a lot more than a second-level goalie if possible.
Tampa just got Lindback and they also have Andrey Vasilevskiy and Dustin Tokarski in their prospect pool. I'd imagine if they wanted a goalie from us it would be Anderson to get them to 2-3 yrs down the road. Not sure they'd give up Hedman in either case though, but he would definitely be a nice player to have.
Smith and possibly Bishop? Chicago needs a centreman and lacks goaltending.
Hjalmarsson is a top four defenceman. As others have suggested, he would fit long-term.
From Bobby mac on twitter
So I would assume:
Ottawa: tor(5) buf(5) mtl(4) bos(4)
Toronto: ott(5) mtl(5) buf(4) bos(4)
Montreal: tor(5) bos(5) ott(4) buf(4)
Buffalo: bos(5) ott(5) mtl(4) tor(4)
Boston: buf(5) mtl(5) tor(4) ott(4)
First off...happy new year, and welcome back to hockey.
I know this blog is focusing on Sens offensive line ups...but I just thought (what the hell) I would throw something in. I just got back from a few beers a la happy hour in my end of town (west), and I got talking to a dude that claimed to be on the "I know shit". yeah...exactly. ..enough of those around. But none the less, he said he had a buddy that worked in the sens org that he chatted to yesterday that told him the following...|
As far fetched as it may look, he indicated that the Sens are definately exploring D-man options outside the org, but that as part of a training camp, they will specifically look at Borocop and Ceci (? - yeah...thats what I said), apparently because these 2 showed such promising chemistry at the rookie camp last summer...they will atleast explore specifically those 2 on a D-pairing to start the season.
Meh....who knows...the guy seemed legit, but so do many after a few beers. All I can say in the mix is...we got OPTIONS....for sure. Very exciting to see what rounds out in our line-up come Jan 19 (?)
As many have already said... GSG!!
Cheers all...and lets the games begin!
(pfffttt sshh) yup...thats the sound of another beer being opened. What can I say...on holidays till next monday!
cheap and young: Kevin Shattenkirk, Travis Hamonic
older more expensive: Alex Goligoski, Jason Garrison
oldest/most expensive but best option: ZChara
Eaaaaaaaaasy Hax....easy
Man, they traded NEAL for GOLI... no way
They just got J Garrison
CHARA is the captain
Shattenkirk is good, what do they need? not goalies... maybe fowards. But it would take some picks. and picks are too valuable this draft
No Bishop that is a overpayment!
Save Bishop for another trade later in the season or
during the summer!
a man could dream =/
next time one of you run into Karlsson, tell him to give his buddy a call and pull a heatley in tampa to get here
=D
I would like that also!
Is it just me though, Hedman hasn't lived up to his draft status? I know he's a stay at home D, he's had three 20+ point seasons. But his +/- is nothing to be desired, and you just don't hear much about him. I guess that's a good thing for a D like that.
There is no doubt he's a top 2 guy in the NHL, especially for what he does. But at what point would Tampa consider moving him?
He's just starting his new 5 year, 20 Mil contract, with a 4 Mil a year cap hit, which Ottawa could easily handle. It isn't as horrible looking as some of the contracts FAs are requesting. Have to praise SY for getting him to sign something the team can handle.
Maybe he's someone Ottawa would consider as a future Chris Phillips replacement, outside of Cowen of course. As for trades, we could use Smith (since his name comes up so often in trades for Hjalmarsson) or Regin, Tampa needs help down the middle. And if needed one of our future wingers, cause seriously take a look at Tampa's bottom 6, ouch. And we are always saying we cannot get our entire prospect pool into a Sens Jersey, trades will eventually need to happen.
I know he's signed to the AHL's Whale (Rangers minor league team). Does that mean he is unavailable to sign with other NHL teams?
Thoughts?
this spring?
I hope the Senators will land Sustr this summer!
Murray should sign Sustr and this spring and then
draft Darnell Nurse this summer at the draft!
Just a quick question will Latendresse be resigned
this summer after the season? I know it is still too
early to predict.
He may not have been TERRIBLE but he was terrible...
Hardy har har...
I'd love to see Ceci make it out of camp (even if only for a few games)! In the couple of 67's games I saw this year he was stellar. One hell of a shot!
Do not start a paragraph with I
Do not start a sentence with because
Do not worry about a critic, who is more concerned with style over content when you are talkin' hockey.
Hax: Ya know who I'd like to see get a chance is #50 imagine if he can score @ the NHL Level.
The answer to all your questions is Andrew Ladd and Eric Fehr.
There are a few names I have no problem seeing ahead of Silf and many at this point which are easily ahead of Zib. But what I don't like are the guys who have yet to play in the AHL and show promise. Subban for instance, who's just ahead of Silfverberg, at 15th. Yes he will probably be a starter in the NHL someday, but he has not yet impressed me and this isn't because Canada didn't finish with a medal at the WJC.
Kuznetsov, who button has 2nd overall. You can't deny he's done great in the KHL, but he's proven no more than Silf did in the SEL and look what Silf has done in the A already this year.
I may take some heat on this one, but Tarasenko. Yes, he's a top end prospect, but he's also avoided the A when he was assigned to Peoria and went back to what he's comfortable with, bigger ice in the KHL.
Then you have Bjugstad who button has at 14th. While the Panthers will benefit on this selection in a few years time, he's not higher than Silf.
I don't know, maybe it's because we are Sens fans and follow every prospect to a T, but Silf is considered a much bigger prospect in the Sens org than it seems many analyst are aware of.
Paul McLean did say today... that the team is still re-building (re-tooling) and developing players. They will not hesitate to play some young Binghamton defensemen.
He also mentioned.. the best goalie in camp will start the season... regardless as to who it is or their contract situation... That's if Anderson isn't ready to go.
Every day I'm getting more and more excited for some Sens hockey. Boycott? Screw that..
We all were excited to see how the young players would manage last season. They exceeded all our expectations by getting into the playoffs. It was such an exciting season.
And that Turris goal in OT in game 4 against the Rangers. SBP erupted louder than I have ever heard --- including the SC Finals.
How can you stay away from this team?
Sure defense is a question.. but the Sens have depth every where else.
McLean was also asked about toughness with no Carkner & Konopka.. He mentioned with a short intense season.. fighters don't get much ice time.
His plan is to use 4 lines & 6 D. That keeps the players fresh and doesn't wear them out. He may need to rotate in players from Bingo if some Sens need rest... or to replace injuries...
I too am wondering if Sunday's practice will be open to the public...
According to Pierre McGuire who called a NCAA game last weekend that included Sustr... he said a lot of high-ranking team officials from Detroit, NYR, Philly, Pitts were all there scouting him.
He will be in demand.. Time for Pierre Dorion & Tim Murray to work their majic...
Pardon my ignorance as I get back into NHL fan shape ... but #50?
Vermette?
Philly - Meszaros is not ready to return from Achilles tear. No Pronger, no Matt Carle, Eric Gustaffson has a deep bone bruise. Marc-Andre Bourdon has post-concussion issues.
So who is in worst shape on defense? The Sens or Philly?
Stop with the Andrew Ladd stuff he is Winnipeg! Also Eric Fehr sucks!
I want too see Corey Perry in a Senators uniform!
Why would Pitt be looking at him they are stacked at D prospect and and have a boatload of defencemen!?
Also the New York Rangers are also stacked at defence also why would they be looking at Sustr?
I kind of understand why the Detroit are looking at Sustr they are also thin on defence!
Same as Philly they are thin on defence also!
As for Pitts, if they are so stacked, then where are all the Gonchar rumors coming from, they wouldn't need him?
These things happen all the time. Who gets him is the bigger story!!
The problem w Hedman so far is that he really didn't have a decent supporting cast to help him transition. He was essentially their #1 D last year and had no one to teach him the ropes.
this year Hedman will be scary good and surrounded by experienced veterans much in the way Subban has Markov and Karlsson had Gonchar.
I can't explain that.. BUT he is huge... skates really well.. He's not physical... but McGuire said he will be a good one... So I guess size counts..
I know Pittsburgh is loaded with D... just like Phoenix..
I realize that's doubtful but I think he's exactly what we need
On some of the highlight videos on youtube Sustr
looks like Chara on the ice.
go out and sign Andrej Sustr this
spring or summer!
The hammer wont come cheap but he may be worth a high end prospect or a basket of mid prospects and smith.
If Chi wants a good tender, Anderson straight up.
Weircoch stays in Ottawa until Lundin gets back. We need the size.
Look for a trade for a d-man by Monday.
Silfverberg gets the first goal of the season.
btw, I have decided to rock "The Southcoast Mullet" this season. That's when you shave your pubes, but grow out your ass hair. It's a sharp look.
Go fuckin Sens.
~Peluso
Maybe it would be better for the Sens to start the season with something like a 3 game road trip. IF they start off good... maybe the fans will attend the games when they come back...
I like our depth up front though. If either of Silfverberg or Lats don't necessarily work on their lines earlier on, you have guys that have played in the top six before in Greening, Regin, and to a lesser extend Condra that have been decent if not good.
I think personally with a top 6 role Peter Regin will look great.
I say Murray should wait and see what happens to the defence or sign someone. Murray should hold onto his trade chips till later in the season and trade for a proven scorer on second line!
I am not a big Latendresse fan.
I would like to see Murray trade for someone like Corey Perry!
play on the top line with Spezza!
stop hyping him up fool! maybe stevie Y reads this and buys into him sucking and trades him to us!
Maybe we can trade for Andrew Ladd??????
Hey Chirp - a little late on the up-date - lol. That news was so 6:30pm!
I'm just pumped to see hockey back!
As Peluso would say .... GO F-ING SENS GO!
The Artist Formally known as Sens Saint.
I was out to dinner and then busy playing hockey. Don't worry, I'll get this silly social life under wraps and shift the focus to all Sens, all the time in the near future haha
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/83577/minor-league-system-for-ottawa-senators-rich-in-offense/#more-83577
Today he was asked about Gonchar and the possibility he could end up back in Pitts via trade. And what does he say? "No way".
I'm happy I'm not the only one who thinks this. I mean, you can see that the Pens have a solid D core and a very solid young presence on the back-end, waiting for a shot. So why would RS take on Gonchar's 5.5 Mil salary for the rest of the year, when they could just wait till he's an FA and get him for free? I know he's friends with Malkin but that's not going to make a trade happen. It makes no sense, and PM even went as far as to say it's Garrioch's story and he's just looking to report something due to the limited amount of info out there right now. Nice!!! Garrioch needs a slap in the face now and again.
The bigger question is what will happen to the Russian born players in the KHL right now? I can't see Dat's not coming back to Detroit, they've treated him WAY too good. But Kovalchuk, he's a different story. Would suck to be Jersey this year if he decided to be a no show.
the Jets now have Enstrom big Buf, Hainsey and Trouba in the mix , couple that with Bogosian is an RFA next year and his stock isn't that high ..maybe it's not that big of a stretch?
I'd certainy like that addition.
Great predictions Peluso!
Southcoast Mullet, man that is funny, but a little disturbing :)
my prediction Peluso drops the first idiot to wear a leafs jersey at an Ottawa Boston game :)
PM talked about it in a news conference, said they would just need to ensure they roll 4 lines more frequent and if need be, do more call ups from the A to keep fresh legs in the lineup. This would let some guys get a day off here and there. I guess they could just hold an extra body or two in the roster who they could swap in and out as well.
It makes sense, but in the end how fresh are the legs of our AHL guys, who are playing a significant amount of hockey already. Add on top of that, they'll be playing a much tougher brand of Hockey once many of the stars are taken from the lineup.
Either way, it'll be interesting to see what happens.
So...Lets say Anderson has an average camps but Lehner is outstanding...w hat does he do...does he go straight to Lehner? All the so called experts are saying if a team has any sort of 5-6 game losing streaks they are probably done for?
So much emphasis has been put on us not being tough enough this season, but we won't even need that in a 48 game schedule, if the brand we are watching is based more on skill.
Now that's sure to change when the playoffs roll around, but if Ottawa gets themselves into a good playoff situation early on, and it looks like we can fall into the top 8, who's to say BM doesn't make a move that bulks up the bottom 6 a little for a playoff push?
I know he said that, but what does Ottawa plan on doing, keeping 3 guys up in our system? Sure, he'll want to play Lehner, especially if he's hot. But if that happens, then we are stuck with two starting goalies on 1 way contracts who aren't playing. This situation also leaves Bingo with no true starter.
On the flip side, they can't send Bishop or Anderson down as a demotion to the farm without clearing waivers and that means someone would snag them up for free.
Leaving Lehner up would force a trade of one of our goalies and in a forced situation, that puts all the leverage into the hands of the trading partner, which means Ottawa would get robbed in the return. I just don't see it happening.
Lehner will get his audition, he will do great, but he will be sent back down to hold the fort in the A. It's not a big deal, everyone expected him to complete the season in the A this year anyway, before the lockout. So why is bringing him up on a short season so important? Roll with Anderson and Bishop, it makes the most sense. By all means, if both of them fail, which I can't see happening, trade one and bring Lehner up.
I am pretty sure that both Lehner and Bishop would not have to clear waivers if they started in Ottawa and then were sent down, neither one qualifies to the waiver dreaft, if sent down as of now, I do believe, correct me if I am wrong.
I think Bishop would have to clear, but even if he didn't he'd get his NHL money.
It's pretty clear that a goalie gets traded unless Lehner emerges from camp as 100% needing an extra year in Bingo.
If Lehner is the hands down starter at the end of camp then Anderson probably gets dealt. If Lehner is too good for the AHL then Bishop probably gets dealt.
On another note, I was reading some 'homer' end of season predictions (HFB) from some delusional Jets fans ..... and I can't believe how many of them think we'll finish in the bottom 5 in the East, while their team makes the playoffs. I guess that winter freeze is really starting to numb those tools' brains in the Peg.
I can't wait for the Senator beat down that's laid on those Jets - Jan. 19th!
F-ing Jets' Fans.
Where's Tookie?
Oh .... I almost forgot, I think we should trade for Corey Perry! ; )
I have a feeling that Anderson is traded by the end of February. Some struggling team is going to need a goalie and I don't think Murray will hesitate in handing the reins to Lehner regardless of the standings.
When your #1 center gets 40 points in a full season, it's pretty ambitious to think you are a playoff team...
Anderson has been by far the best starting goalie we have had play in Ottawa in a very long time.
For once we can boast some great goalie depth, and all most want to do is move on of them.
Easy people, let us enjoy the battle that will ensue for the starting position, let the best man start off, and perhaps we ride 3 goailes, until they decide which two are the best for now and then either send one down, or make the trade.
I really think that writing off Anderson, who arguably, almost single handedly got us into the playoffs and almost helped us get by the NYR, is very short sited... IMO
Lehner can 100% handle going back to Bingo regardless of the circumstances. People who question his mental toughness don't know him well enough. All this hoopla about Lehner being mistreated or him being frustrated is 100% fiction created by uninformed fans (not saying you are among them of course).
If Anderson plays really well in camp and Bishop is solid then Lehner will go to Bingo until such time as Murray has a deal in place to move someone out and bring Lehner up. And Lehner will be FINE with that and continue to work hard in Bingo.
The man who "knows nothing about football" ?
Probably still in his room crying about his NEW YORK JETS.
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Some teams not fully decided on underage juniors to invite to camp - most are - but here's a list that should be more or less accurate:
Jonathan Huberdeau (FLA), Matt Dumba (MIN), Alex Galchenyuk (MTL), Ryan Strome/Griffin Reinhart (NYI), Cody Ceci/Stefan Noesen (OTT).
Dougie Hamilton (BOS), Mikhail Grigorenko (BUF), Ryan Murphy (CAR), Boone Jenner (CBJ), Brett Ritchie/Radek Faksa (DAL), Nail Yakupov (EDM).
Scott Laughton (PHI), Morgan Rielly (TOR), Frank Corrado (VAN), Mark Scheifele (WPG). Most are confirmed but a few are still "likely."
THAT IS ALL!!!
Couldn't have said it better myself. Anderson is one of the main reasons we made it into the playoffs and did as well as we did against NYR
Very well put Hax, these are all professionals, and MANY goalies put in their time in the A before making it up to the big leagues... ask Anderson who spent the better part of 4 years in the minors :)
I totally agree that Anderson is the guy at the moment and expect him to be our starter this year. But it's very possible that Lehner changes that with his play.
I think Lehner will be our #1 in a few years no matter what, and possibly better than Anderson once all is said and done, but that time may come sooner.
Really, I see Bishop as a great plan B (or C) but don't expect him to push Anderson and Lehner out by outplaying them.
Brian Burke fired from MLSE...
You heard it hear first.
hahahahahaha
"Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Toronto Maple Leafs have apparently fired Brian Burke as general manager. Working on official confirmations. "
MLSE wanted Luongo deal done...
Burke vehemently rejected the notion based on contract cost + term + pieces to get the deal done...
Contentious stuff and probably the new buyout provisions in the new CBA were causing even more contention...
that or they didn't want Burke to be the one to blow up the team or make the splash. whoever makes the Luongo trade will have that stain on their shirt for the rest of their career.