FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-It’s weird not to feel the usual excitement after a Senators’ win but that’s the situation we find ourselves in with 30 games left in the regular season. For the guys in the room, a win is always nice. But the reality is any points banked down the stretch are going to have an impact on the team’s draft ranking in June. Last night’s win over Buffalo combined with the other results around the league have seen Ottawa climb to 23rd. That’s an 8th overall pick in June.
-You would hope that the whole disastrous second period thing wouldn’t apply against the Buffalo Sabres but apparently that’s not the case. The Sens were able to hold them off the scoresheet but the shot clock told a different story, with the Sabres holding an incredible 21-4 edge. I have no idea what happens to this team in second periods but it was an issue under MacLean and continues to be an issue for the team with Cameron behind the bench. Interested to hear some theories on this in the comment section…
-The Milan Michalek signing has been heavily criticized but he’s played some better hockey of late. He’s never going to blow anyone away with his skill but he’s a smart hardworking player that can contribute offensively. He made a goal-saving play, pulling the puck off the goaline, and then added the game-winner in the third period. Michalek has 8 points in his last 11 games. Biggest difference for Michalek the last little while is his skating ability. Moving much better lately.
-Really sounds like we are approaching a make or break moment in the Marc Methot negotiations. The two sides are expected to meet on Thursday and the thinking is that if there’s a deal to be made, it should get worked out during that meeting. Something in the 4-6 year range at about $4.5-$5.0 mil a season seems to make sense. If both sides continue to hold their stance that resulted in negotiations going off the rails this summer, a trade becomes likely. You can be sure the Senators have already talked to interested teams should they decide to go that route.
-If you’re looking for positives, look no further than the improved play of Robin Lehner. I still see a tendency to sit too far back in his net at times but last night was one of his better performances of the season. He was amazing in that second period when the rest of the team stopped skating. Lehner has been a little on edge lately so hopefully this win helps take the edge off a little bit.
