FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-I understand why Coaches juggle their lines. They do it because in reality, a Head Coach has very little control over his team’s performance on a game to game basis. They can implement a general structure but beyond that, there isn’t a whole lot a Coach can do for his team. And sometimes when things start to tilt the wrong way, like they did against New York and Toronto, a Coach will panic. Feel like he has to make a move to send a message or wake the team up. That’s what yesterday’s line combinations looked like to me. Like a Head Coach that panicked. And really, there was no reason to. A back to back, in a must-win game isn’t the time to stray from the game plan and Dave Cameron should know that better than anyone.
-After watching the last month of hockey, it’s dawned on me that we know very little about the sport. I mean, we know what’s happening during the games but when it comes to why things happen and what impacts a team’s performance from game to game, not so much. I had no explanation for the stretch where the Senators had points in 16 of 17 and I really don’t know what happened this weekend. We all have our theories (I think they are tired, more than anything) but losing those two games just didn’t mesh with what we had seen from this team the last month. And I guess it’s that element of surprise that makes the game so fun. Well, not this weekend.
-Some of those interference calls were downright bizarre. Both Chiasson ones, the Gryba call and the one on Cowen were things that happen 50 times a game. Difference this time was the Panthers player kept falling down. Not going to blame the referees for last night’s outcome but those calls sucked.
-That weekend certainly didn’t go as planned. The Senators went from a position of controlling their own destiny to needing some help. They still have a game in hand on the Boston Bruins but with the gap now at three points, they’ll need a bit of help. They just gotta win some games and let the rest look after itself. Detroit, Tampa Bay and Washington up this week. Gotta find another level for those game.
-Call me crazy, but I’m not ready to give up on this team. Not yet. Not after the ride they took us on the last month or so. And really, why the hell would you? Is there some satisfaction a fan takes in being the first one to publicly declare a team eliminated from the race? Is there a reward for being the most realist real of the fans? I don’t get it, personally. Let’s just win the next game and see what happens.
