(UPDATE 2:58 PM)- The Ottawa Senators have signed first round picks Stefan Noesen and Matt Puempel to entry level contracts. Noesen was selected 21st overall, Puempel went 24th.
(UPDATE 2:35 PM)- A quick update from practice. Chris Phillips skated with the team and will wait before deciding his status for tomorrow night. Here is how the forwards lined up…Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson, Greening-Turris-Condra, Foligno-Smith-Butler, Daugavins-Konopka-Neil. MacLean did not announce his starter vs. the Flames.
A day after their annual skills competition, the Ottawa Senators are scheduled to practice at 11:00 AM today at Scotiabank Place.
The Sens have a busy weekend ahead of them which includes a home game against the surging Calgary Flames and then a tough road test in Buffalo on Saturday night.
I wasn't able to attend yesterday's skills competition but it certainly sounded like an exciting day for fans of all ages. Team Alfredsson topped Team Phillips 16-13 but there were a couple stand outs performances that caught the eye of those in attendance.
The most surprising result had to be Jason Spezza's performance in the hardest shot competition. His first shot topped 100 MPH and then on his second attempt he registered a team high 103.8 MPH. We all know Spezza has a great shot but I don't know that anyone thought he had that kind of velocity behind it. Spezza is one of the league's premier playmakers but it's pretty clear he also has a very underrated shot.
Spezza also won the team accuracy shooting competition, going four for four. Milan Michalek won the puck control relay and Colin Greening won the fastest skater competition for the second straight year.
While the Ottawa Senators were showing off their skills, prospects in the organization continue to shine at the World Juniors. Coming off a two goal performance in the tournament opener, Mika Zibanejad registered a team high 12 shots on goal against Switzerland.
Sens fans were already familiar with Mark Stone but he has become a household name across the country through two games for Team Canada. After a three goal performance against Finland, Stone scored the game winner against the Czech's last night. Stone will have a chance to add to his goal totals when Canada takes on Denmark tonight.
- With the performance of Sens prospects the last couple of days, I thought it would be good to do a more in depth look at some of the guys in the Sens system. Keep an eye out for that piece later this afternoon.
- In what may be the final twist in the saga that has been Nikita Filatov's season, Dmitry Chesnokov reports that Filatov was hurt just two games into his KHL season and will be sidelined indefinitely.
