Senators Lose Again in Brooklyn

SensChirp March 24, 2016 968
Senators Lose Again in Brooklyn

FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS

-It’s hard to recall a time when back to back losses left me with such a feeling of “meh”.  I mean, this season has been over for a while now but when Eugene Melnyk spoke the other day it was like the final nail in the coffin for fans and players.  It’s now pretty obvious that this is a team just going through the motions.  There are now just seven games left in this painful season and based on what we saw against the Capitals and Islanders, it’s safe to say these remaining games will be pretty much unwatchable.

-If there’s one storyline worth keeping an eye in the next couple of weeks it’s the team’s Captain.  While many other top players have faded around him, Karlsson continues to put up points at an incredible rate.  With an assist on Mark Stone’s goal, Karlsson now has 75 points (three shy of his career high) on the season including a league-leading 62 assists (nine clear of 2nd place).  The Norris Trophy discussion has been derailed into more of a lifetime achievement award this year but Karlsson isn’t going to make the decision an easy one.  He has a legitimate chance of finishing with 80 points.

-Another positive from the last couple games has been the play of Nick Paul.  His slow start in Binghamton had my expectations pretty low when he was called up but I have been legitimately impressed with his play so far and especially in the last couple games.  He seems to be getting a little more confident with each game.  He skates really well for a big guy and does a great job forcing turnovers on the forecheck.  Always seems to be in the right place in his own end of the rink too.  Still not sure how much offensive upside there is to his game but he looks like a legitimate NHLer.  Would like to see him start next season in Binghamton but in a more offensive role.

-Late last night I was sent a rumour regarding a possible Coaching candidate for the Senators, should they decide to fire Dave Cameron at the end of the year.  And honestly, it was a name that sent shivers down my spine.  Apparently the Sens are actually considering Randy Carlyle as an option behind the bench.  Now I’m not sure how much smoke there is to this just yet so I’ll hold off on a complete meltdown for now.  I can put a positive spin on most moves but bringing in Randy frigging Carlyle to be the Head Coach would be my breaking point, I think.  I get that they want a more experienced guy this time around but Carlyle is not that guy. Please. No.

-And now that Ottawa is all but out of playoff contention, the inevitable discussion about “Who to cheer for in the playoffs?” is likely going to begin around these parts.  I want to get out in front on this and declare that I will be cheering for nobody else.  If anything, I’d just prefer to see the Hawks or Kings win again so no new fan bases get to feel the excitement of a Cup win.  Spiteful, I know.  And if anything, I think I may cheer for whoever the Bruins and Ducks play in Round One.  It would be great to add Claude Julien and Bruce Boudreau to the list of available Head Coaches.

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It’s been awhile since we’ve done one of these but as the season winds down, I think it’s time for another SensChirp Mail Bag.  Send your questions on the Senators (or on life, I suppose) to senschirp@hotmail.com and I’ll answer them in an upcoming post. Thanks!