FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-For the second consecutive game, the Ottawa Senators looked way too loose in their own end of the rink and while the result wasn’t as ugly as it was in PEI, the Sens definitely got what they deserved last night. Even when they held the lead, it felt like the Winnipeg Jets were carrying the play. Having Erik Karlsson back will help but in the last couple games, this team is having a heck of a time breaking out of their own end cleanly.
-The more I watch the Senators during this preseason, the more I believe that not only should Thomas Chabot make the team because he’s earned it but also because quite frankly, they need him back there. Obviously Erik Karlsson is going to create the bulk of the offence from the back end but they could really use another guy that can make plays back on the blueline, especially in the offensive zone. Chabot’s play along the boards (and on his off-side) on that Kyle Turris goal shows exactly what makes him such a special player.
-During yesterday’s media availability, Boucher mentioned that a guy like Max McCormick having paid his dues in the organization. It’s not that he’s done anything particularly impressive during the preseason but rather he’s a guy that has gradually worked his way up the depth chart in the organization. To the point where he’s finally knocking on the door of a full time spot. That way of thinking is common in pro sports but it sort of gets in the way of legitimate training camp competition. Because right now, there’s no doubt that Alex Formenton deserves a spot before McCormick. At least to start the year. Still think he should end up back in Junior eventually but his performance in Camp is worthy of an NHL audition.
-An increase in penalties has been a league-wide trend early in this season but it has been especially problematic for the Ottawa Senators. They took seven penalties in last night’s game which is almost always going to cost you a hockey game and even more so when your penalty kill is struggling as bad as Ottawa’s did last night. It’s the veteran guys especially that are having a heck of a time staying out of the box. Johnny Oduya in particular seems to having some trouble with the new league-wide slashing crackdown.
-Boucher talked a bit about his line up for the preseason finale in Saturday night and mentioned that everyone who didn’t play in Winnipeg will suit up in Montreal. That means Harpur, Wideman and McCormick are all in. He also indicated that Logan Brown and Alex Formenton will both get another game. So the final cuts likely won’t come till the weekend. And how many guys stick around will really depend on the health of Karlsson and Brassard. Both seem ahead of schedule and neither has been ruled out for the season opener.
#Sens Head Coach Guy Boucher speaks to media following tonight’s 5-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. pic.twitter.com/QR7hWzO6zX
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) September 28, 2017
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