Sens Dumped by Rangers 5-2

Well, opening night did not go as well as planned for the Ottawa Senators. They turned in a lackluster effort and looked to lack chemistry while shaking off some rust tonight.

Pascal Leclaire was awesome in the first period keeping the game somewhat close, but he didn't have much help in front of him.

As for the rookies, Carkner was good and solid, Regin appears to be continuing his preseason success and Erik Karlsson was awkward an best.

Karlsson reminded me of Brendan Bell the way he made be gasp with panic everytime the puck came to him in the defensive end. He was out muscled all night and just plain beaten on several play. He needs some seasoning and Bingo would probably do him some good. Barring a huge turnaround in his play, expect him to be sent down before game #10.

The team looked rusty and needs to gel. No one seems to know how to play with Kovalev. He seems to be passing to no one all night. His linemates never seem to know what he's going to do and therefore, don't know where to position themselves.

Michalek showed some skill, but needs to gel with Spezza. He seemed a little confused out there as to where Spezz was at or coming from.

Coach Cory will certainly be working on his lines over the next few games to try and find the right mix. Cheechoo was OK and made some good defensive plays but seems to be unsuited to his role a little. Maybe Coach Cory will give him a shot with Spezza and Alfie.

This team will be fine once they figure out who's who and what's where. Don't panic Sens fans. We seem to have a good goalie and that's a start, eh?