(UPDATE 12:07 PM)- The Senators made a minor announcement this afternoon, locking up defenceman Ben Harpur to a two year, one-way deal. He’ll earn $650,000 in the first year and $800,000 in year two. It’s an odd-time for a one way deal for Harpur but perhaps the organization wanted to have a little bit of blueline certainty leading up to the trade deadline at the end of the month. Harpur has appeared in 31 NHL games in his career including 20 this season.
FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-With that breathtaking flash of speed and nifty little finish from the suddenly red-hot Mike Hoffman, the Ottawa Senators have now won four of their last five games. Ooops. The Senators were full value for the win too, going toe to toe with the Nashville Predators, despite playing without their entire second line. From the moment the puck was dropped you could tell the short-handed Senators came to work. And outside of a stretch in the third where they tried to sit on a one goal lead, they were clearly the better team in a surprisingly chippy game. Mike Hoffman’s overtime winner was the 100th goal of his career, Erik Karlsson moved into 3rd all-time on the franchise’s total points list and in case anyone hasn’t looked above that playoff cutoff line in a while, the Senators are 11 points out. Doubled their playoff chances from 0.1% to 0.2%. Hmm.
-It obviously wasn’t a one-for-one trade and they weren’t really traded for each other, but with Matt Duchene and Kyle Turris playing head to head for the first time, the comparisons were sort of inevitable. And just as most people said when the trade was first made, the Senators clearly got the more skilled player. And it’s not particularly close. Turris is an excellent player and there’s no arguing his ability to elevate his game at key moments but Matt Duchene is a player capable of dominating a hockey game. He did that at times again last night. Just a dazzling mix of straight-line speed, shiftiness (is that a word?) and incredible hands. Quickly becoming a fan favourite too. Turris was unusually quiet for the Predators. No points, two shots and a penalty in just over 14 minutes of work.
-As much as we’re all enjoying watching Matt Duchene fly around out there, last night was also a reminder of the incredible impact Kyle Turris had on the Senators organization both on and off the ice. When you think back to some of the biggest goals in franchise history, many of them include Kyle Turris. Whether it was his overtime winner in 2012 or the OT winner he scored against those same Rangers last post-season, Turris always had a way of finding a way to score in those big moments. The tribute the Senators put together during the first period perfectly combined those moments with his undeniable commitment to our community. Turris could not wipe the smile off his face during the tribute. And I think I actually saw a bit of one after Mike Hoffman’s game winner. Welcome back, Kyle.
-The Senators certainly jumped the gun when they gave Max McCormick a contract with a one-way deal in the second year. The organization was clearly trying to reward a hard working player who appeared to be climbing up the ranks but it was an unnecessary gamble to take at the time even though in reality, it’s pretty harmless. With that said, McCormick has all the makings of a decent fourth line player. Works hard, goes to the net, plays with an edge and is a decent enough skater to get up and down the ice. The problem is the Senators already have like six fourth liners under contract for next season. McCormick has a reputation as a bit of a hot head but he’s actually had a good season down in Belleville, putting up 25 points in 46 games. Nice to see him get rewarded with a goal at the NHL level.
–Plenty of scouts in the building again as has been the case for most Sens games recently. Darren Dreger talked about each of the players Ottawa might be considering moving and offered potential destinations for each. Mike Hoffman- St. Louis and Edmonton. Zack Smith- Calgary and Las Vegas. Jean Gabriel Pageau- Pittsburgh. Let’s add to those while we’re at it. Erik Karlsson- Tampa Bay and Las Vegas. Cody Ceci- Tampa Bay and Edmonton. Dion Phaneuf- Los Angeles. Derick Brassard- Pittsburgh and Columbus. Johnny Oduya- Los Angeles. A little over two weeks until Deadline Day.
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