FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-For the second straight game now, I found myself in a general state of awe watching Thomas Chabot. It’s not so much that the things he does during a game are that unbelievable but rather that he’s able to do it at just 18 years of age. I can’t be the only one who watches this guy and thinks, imagine what he’ll look like in two years?! Or when he gets to Karlsson’s age? I really want to be careful making grand declarations after two preseason games but my goodness does this kid ever look like a steal at 18th overall. My mind keeps drifting towards the possibility of a nine game audition with the big club but I would be surprised to see the Senators go that route. He’ll go back to Junior and dominate down there, including at the World Juniors for Team Canada.
-Heading into the regular season it’s sort of assumed that the third line will consist of Michalek-Pageau-Lazar. But last night roster hopeful Shane Prince got a look on that line and I’m thinking it had to grab Dave Cameron’s attention. All three of those guys are young and none of them are gonna push anybody around but they are just so quick. I think Michalek deserves a shot there to start the season but if he falters, Prince looks like a great option.
-I don’t want to talk about Jared Cowen after every game but it’s only fair that if I’m going to point out the flaws I should also take the time to acknowledge when he has a good game. Cowen was quite solid last night and really seemed to be playing a simple game. It’s sort of an underrated part of his game but I actually think Cowen has decent offensive instincts and those were on display on a couple of occasions last night. Let Cowen settle into a 5/6/7 role this season and he should be fine. I hope. Ask me again after the next game, I suppose.
-All the goaltending talk heading into this game was about Robin Lehner (he stunk, by the way) but in the end it was a current Senators goalie that stole the show. Matt O’Connor looked damn good in his half game last night, making several big stops, particularly in the first period. Again it’s a small sample size but I can really see why so many teams were after O’Connor. Goalies with his size and quickness are pretty hard to find. He made one save on a wraparound attempt where he shot out his left pad to rob the Sabre forward at the post. That kind of speed on a down low play is pretty rare for a guy that big.
-If you haven’t seen it yet, TSN has released their latest in a series of sit down interviews between Bob McKenzie and the Canadian GMs, this time featuring Bryan Murray. I’ve listened to just about every Murray soundbite during his time in Ottawa and thought this was one of the best. A lot of the things we question or doubt Murray on he clarifies, including the search for a top six forward vs. Another defenceman. He talks budget, about almost dealing Wiercioch, about the youth on the Hockey team and a whole bunch of other topics. Kudos to the best in business, Bob McKenzie for a fantastic interview. It’s a must watch for Sens fans.
