FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-There are certain elements of the Senators line up that I have sort of had written in permanent marker throughout training camp and last night’s game had me questioning one of those a little bit. In my head, I’ve just assumed that MacArthur-Turris-Stone would be a trio to start the season but I’m starting to wonder if MacArthur-Turris-Ryan might be a better option, leaving a second line of Hoffman-Zibanejad-Stone. And the more I think about it, the more I think it has to happen, at least at some point. There was definite chemistry between Hoffman and Stone and the possibility of seeing more goals like this, makes it worth a shot in the regular season.
-In a prediction post a couple weeks back I predicted Mike Hoffman would come back to earth a bit this season and finish with fewer goals than he had last year. After watching a couple of the shots he got off last night, I think I may need to adjust that prediction. Hoffman’s release was definitely a strength in his game last season and if it’s possible, it looks even better this year. I now think he’ll score 70. Kidding. I think.
-Last night was just a glimpse into a playoff world where Mark Stone wasn’t viciously slashed by PK Subban and was instead allowed to run wild against Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens. Stone started a bit slow in his first preseason game but like so many of the vets on this team, seems to be rounding into form with the regular season approaching. One of our readers highlighted the Ceci goal in particular where Stone’s hands were particularly non-sensical. No idea how he takes that pass so easily. He’s going to be scary good this year.
-Speaking of veterans rounding into form, Craig Anderson was sharp again last night. That early goal by Markov was probably one he’d like another Crack at but he was sharp after that. It’s only preseason of course but shots against seem to be a bit of an issue for the Senators so far. There are lots of important players for the Sens this year but without Craig Anderson at the top of his game, he could be a long season.
-The Bell Centre is without a doubt one of the most electric buildings in the National Hockey League. And even in a preseason game, the building had an intensity to it from the moment puck dropped and especially after Montreal took an early 2-0 lead. As tough a building as it must be to play in, it must feel just as good to silence them. There was this sort of collective groan let out by nearly 20,000 disappointed Habs fans in the moments after the Clarke MacArthur, Patrick Wiercioch and Bobby Ryan goals that was music to my ears. I’m ready for the start of the regular season now.
