FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-Well umm that was unpleasant. If that’s what these last 19 games are going to look like maybe it’s time to make this a full-time BSens blog. Home to the Manitoba Moose on Friday night byyyy the way. Despite getting off to a really good start last night, the Senators just looked completely over -matched against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. And looking at the line up they iced last night, that should come as no surprise. It was almost like those two early goals angered the Caps and they decided to shift things into high gear for a little bit to teach Brian Gibbons and Oscar Lindberg a lesson.
-It’s going to be interesting to watch Anthony Duclair for these remaining games. He’s a restricted free agent at the end of the season so the Senators will have to decide if they want to qualify him and keep him with the team going forward. While he had played his way out of favour in Columbus, his two games in Ottawa have been pretty impressive. Consistency has always been the issue with Duclair but you can certainly see the talent is there. Great skater, comfortable with the puck on his stick and a hell of a shot as he showed on that first period goal last night. Just 23 years old too.
-Rudolfs Balcers was a last minute scratch last night in a decision that can best be described as ridiculous. Unless there is some minor injury Balcers is dealing with (which is entirely possible and in which case apologies Guy), this is the type of line up change that requires intervention from the General Manager. Obviously this is an ongoing issue with Guy Boucher but it just can’t happen in these meaningless games down the stretch. Especially when Belleville has so much left to play for. If Boucher doesn’t want to use Balcers, which again is ridiculous, then let him go to Belleville and help that team out down there.
-It seems strange to say about a team that just watched a little over 40% of their offence get traded but there probably is a bit of relief in the Ottawa locker room with the passing of the NHL trade deadline. Not that guys feel better about the team’s chances but it’s just an easier environment to play in when you don’t after worry about what move comes next. They’ll be disappointed to lose teammates and friend but happy not to answer questions about it anymore. Instead, they can just focus on playing out the rest of the schedule without drama hanging over their heads. Not sure what the results will look like but you can guarantee they’ll be a more relaxed group out there. For the record, Washington scored seven quick ones after I wrote this.
-Just when you thought the franchise had hit rock bottom, today sounds like it could be a big day on the LeBreton front. The NCC set a deadline of February 28th for mediation and based on some of the comments from the Minister responsible for the National Capital Commission, it might take a last minute deal to save this thing. Minister Pablo Rodriguez spoke briefly on the topic yesterday and made it clear that no further extensions would be granted. Someone reached out to me yesterday and said if it’s good news, we would hear on Tuesday. Bad news and it’s coming Wednesday. So uhh buckle up. Although at this point, I’m not entirely sure what good news looks like on the LeBreton front anyway.
-Thanks to everyone that entered yesterday’s contest sponsored by Hyperline! I will be reaching out to the winner this morning with more details. Keep an eye on your email!
Boucher’s Post-Game Comments
Player Interviews
Advanced Stats
Boxscore
