-Jared Cowen has become a whipping boy of sorts and a lot of it is with good reason. He struggled badly in the first half of the season yet seemed to consistently get more ice time than defenceman playing better hockey than he was. It’s starting to look like MacLean’s patience is paying off though as in my opinion, Jared Cowen has been significantly better over the last ten games or so. He seems to have simplified his game and is playing huge minutes paired with Erik Karlsson.
-Jason friggin’ Spezza. Once again he was one of the best players on the ice. The Captain really seems to be hitting his stride lately and is giving the Senators a legitimate offensive threat beyond their top line. I’ve mentioned previously that it would be nice to see Ryan get a chance with Spezza but I’ve reconsidered on that. I think for MacLean, the key is going to be getting Spezza and Karlsson together on the ice as much as possible. Those two have had some terrific chemistry lately.
-Speaking of the top line, the MacArthur-Turris-Ryan line is pure magic. Was at the game last night and was just blown away by their ability to always find each other on the ice. The goals by Turris and Ryan are obviously great examples but it’s the little passes, breaking out of their zone that are really something. As Ian Mendes pointed out during the post game show last night, they are pretty close to becoming the first line in the league to have all three guys hit the 20 goal mark.
-This game ended a lot closer than it should have. Tampa got the goalie out with about four minutes left on the clock and had the Sens on their heels the rest of the way. Considering the score in the game, you can’t really blame the home side for taking their foot off the gas a little bit. Although by the look on his face late in the game, I’m not so sure Craig Anderson agrees.
-Paul MacLean spoke to the media after the game and aside from some hilarious remarks about the polar vortex, he also indicated that it’s unlikely Chris Phillips will join the team in Toronto this weekend. The defence core has looked quite good with Big Rig out of the line up so I really don’t think they are in any rush to get him back into the line up. Whatever injury he’s dealing with, the team has an opportunity to be super cautious and give him as much time as he needs to get to 100%.
–Playoffs. With last night’s win, the Ottawa Senators are officially in a playoff position. That very idea seemed completely ridiculous about a month ago but this team has stuck with it and battled all the way back. They certainly can’t take their foot off the gas here but it was nice to wake up this morning and see them above that cutoff line.
