FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-With all the talk about tanking and draft picks the last couple weeks, it’s pretty easy to forget why we actually watch hockey games. You know, because they are supposed to be fun? For the first time in a few weeks it was actually fun to watch an Ottawa Senators’ hockey game- especially in the third period. It may not have been the result the team was hoping for but you have to admire the way they battled back against a tough Penguins team.
-And now that we have that out of the way, the single point combined with the out of town scores means that the Senators currently sit in 23rd overall which barring a draft lottery miracle, would be the 8th overall selection in the draft. There is still a ton of talent at that part of the draft so regardless of how these last 30 games go, the Senators are going to be adding a significant piece in June. I’m also quite confident that with those two second round picks they have, there could be a chance to move up if there’s someone they really like.
-Erik Karlsson was the elite Erik Karlsson last night. He played a huge role in the third period rally and seemed to find another gear with the game on the line. It’s a damn shame the Senators haven’t played in more meaningful hockey games this year because I’ve really seen that Karlsson has an ability to elevate his play as the game becomes more intense. Watching him and Crosby on the ice at the same time in the third period and the four on four was impressive. Two of league’s best going head to head.
-Another game, another goal for Mike Hoffman. He’s sort of seen his ice time slide a little bit as of late but with his speed and shot, he has an uncanny ability to make the best of his opportunities. The Senators have at least initiated the conversation on a new contract for Hoffman but it seems like the player would prefer to pad his stats a little bit before signing on the dotted line. Can’t really blame him. A new contract for Hoffman is going to be at least three years in length and perhaps even longer than that if the price is right.
-And speaking of price, we’ll close with a quick note on Marc Methot. And unfortunately as has so often been the case this season, it’s not a comment on his play on the ice. Bruce Garrioch tweeted a couple times yesterday that there never was a plan to meet with Methot’s agent yesterday as originally believed and that instead, Murray would contact Mike Liut by email this weekend. No rush here, fellas. Pierre LeBrun mentioned in his column yesterday that if the Senators do make Methot available, there will be plenty of teams interested.
-And a bonus sixth thought today just because it’s Friday! An interesting tweet from Nic St. Pierre last night during the game caught the eye of a few Sens fans. Apparently, Assistant GM Randy Lee suggested that Bryan Murray may have been misquoted in the Wayne Scanlan article and that right now, he intends to return as GM next season. Looking back on the article, you can sort of see how that misquote may have happened as Murray seems to sort of leave the door open a little bit. Obviously a lot of it will depend on how Murray’s feeling.
