FIVE QUICK THOUGHTS
-For the last couple months, the focus of most Sens fans has been on draft lottery positioning. Those extra lottery balls are what it’s all about. And because of that, there really haven’t been many nights where we could just sit back and actually cheer for the Ottawa Senators. A head-to-head game against the New York Islanders provided one of those rare opportunities and the Senators did not disappoint. Just a solid team effort from top to bottom. We’ll get to cheer ’em on again on Saturday night when the Sens visit the Sharks. After that, a quick 13-game losing streak is probably for the best. Speaking of losing streaks, the Isles have now lost five straight and dropped into the second Wild Card spot in the East. Just a couple points clear of the New York Rangers too. Uh ohhhh.
-The Ottawa Senators are getting good at the whole “Welcome back” thing. Guess we’ve had plenty of practice lately. The tribute video for Jean-Gabriel Pageau was perfect, and effectively captured both of his memorable moments in Ottawa. Getting the crowd to do one last Pageau chant was a nice touch too. JGP gave his heart and his soul to this city and in the process, provided moments that we as Sens fans will never forget. He was certainly deserving of the warm reception he received last night. Not sure where he went afterwards though.
-Certainly was nice to see Anthony Duclair back in that first half form. This season has been a bit of a roller coaster ride for Duclair filled with dizzying highs and mystifying lows. An injury has kept him out of the line up for the last couple weeks but he seemed to have a ton of jump in his return. That was some serious high-end skill he displayed on Ottawa’s third goal, beating Pageau wide and then roofing it from in tight. The Senators have a number of tough decisions to make this summer and Duclair is right near the top of the list. There was a time earlier in the year where a long-term extension seemed like a good bet but now something shorter term, perhaps in the 2 to 3 year range, probably makes sense.
-You know who had a hell of a game last night? Ron Hainsey. Yes, really. It’s never going to be flashy with Hainsey but I thought he was a rock back there defensively. I counted at least three instances where he single-handedly prevented a goal either with a blocked shot or an active stick. It certainly sounds like the Senators are intent on bringing Hainsey back for another year on what will likely be a similar dollar amount to what he’s making this year. Basically Ron Hainsey will get whatever amount they need to spend to hit the cap floor. One year, $14 mil sound good to you, Ron?
-Couple roster moves for the Senators this morning as they prepare for their upcoming Western road trip. Christian Jaros was sent to Belleville and Christian Wolanin has been recalled. Goes without saying but it’s going to be great to finally see Wolanin in the Ottawa line up. Before his injury, he certainly looked like he was ready to make the jump to being an everyday NHL player. It has taken him some time to get up to speed in Belleville but by all accounts, he has looked pretty good down there lately.
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