FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-Twenty-four hours after cruising to an easy victory on opening night, the Ottawa Senators got a bit of a wake-up call on Saturday. The Toronto Maple Leafs were at their absolute best in the second game of the back to back and it was just enough to the edge the mostly flat Senators. Truth be told, this was a game the Leafs controlled most of the way and even with that, the Sens had a damn good chance to tie the game late. A bounce here (Norris on the 5 on 3) and a bounce there (Dadonov missing a wide-open net) and this is a game the Senators could have easily stolen from the “desperate” Leafs. Wasn’t to be though.
-While the Leafs walked away with the two points, most of the hockey world was left talking about Ottawa’s young superstar. Tim Stützle notched his first goal in the National Hockey League and he did it in style too. Not only was the play he made on that goal something few players could pull off, most wouldn’t even think to try. The kid is just different. While Stützle’s first two games in the league were a little but up and down, it’s almost like you can see him gaining confidence in real time. What jumps out through 120 minutes is that everything he does is just done at a different speed than basically everyone else on the ice. Skates faster, passes harder and shoots quicker. And now with the first one out of the way, he can relax a little bit. Many more to come for Jimmy Stü.
-It’s unfortunate that it took all of two games for officiating to become an issue but certainly not unexpected. Again, the Leafs controlled this game and deserved to win, but if the referees do their job in the final five minutes of the game, there’s a damn good chance Ottawa comes away with at least a point and maybe two. With the Senators buzzing, the officials not only let a blatant Jake Muzzin cross-check on Tim Stützle go uncalled, they followed that up with an even more ridiculous call against Stützle. Tripping apparently. Anyway, it’s a fast game. Mistakes happen. The thing has always bugged me the most about NHL officiating though is just what seems to be a complete lack of accountability. It would be nice if referees had to face the media after the game and just explain the thought process on certain calls. Because this sequence was baffling.
-Random thought through two games- can Drake Batherson play centre? He certainly played the position in the QMJHL but since becoming a pro, he’s sort of been locked in on right wing. But watching the way he plays, and the strength he has clearly added this off-season, I sort of wonder if it might be worth a look at some point this season. He’s a strong skater, sees the ice well and has greatly improved his play away from the puck. All things you look for in good centre. It’s a lot to ask of a 22-year old just getting his feet wet in the National Hockey League but I do think there’s potential there. It’s amazing how much better shape Ottawa’s organizational depth chart is in if one of their talented wingers, thinking Batherson and Stützle especially, can play centre.
-Looking back on the weekend, the Ottawa Senators should be pretty happy with their performance. The second game was obviously a bit of a dud but it was there for the taking against what is supposed to be one of the top teams in the division. The most encouraging development from the weekend games has to be the performance of the team’s young players. Guys like Nick Paul, Drake Batherson, Josh Norris, Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle and Thomas Chabot all look like they’re going to be key players for this season. Not surprisingly, the biggest concerns through a couple games has to be the blueline. They’re physical, which is nice, but the Senators spent way too much time in their own end of the rink this weekend and a lot of it was caused by bobbled pucks, inability to break up the opponent’s cycle game and general issues breaking out of their end. Something for DJ to work on leading into the three-game set against the Winnipeg Jets. Assuming that three-game set proceeds as scheduled, of course.
Smith’s Post-Game Comments
Player Interviews
Advanced Stats
Boxscore
Loading …
