Ottawa Senators Rumours and Analysis

Sens rebuild underway?

2011-01-23T14:59:00.002-05:00

Hey, it's been a year since I last wrote anything so what the heck. Here's a tidbit for you:

The Sens are working on something with Vancouver for goalie prospect Cory Schneider.

This all fits in with the team's plan outlined by owner, Eugene Melnyk.

Naturally, the team wants to get younger and cheaper for a couple of years.

My opinion is that in the interim, they should chase impending UFA Matt Moulson

Sens Stab Habs 4-2

2010-01-17T02:05:00.003-05:00

A big win for the team tonight.
The goaltending controversy continues for Coach Cory as Mike Brodeur played another solid game. He's now 3-0 with a .966 sv% and a GAA of 1.00 for those of you keeping score at home.
Scoring for the Sens was Smith (his first NHL goal and shorthanded no less), Alfredsson, Phillips and Fisher into the empty net.
Perfect road game and a good team effort tonight. Zack Smith is really finding his niche here so far since his call up from AHL's Binghamton.

Here are some highlights for you to enjoy.

Video Removed

Mike Brodeur shuts out Rags 2-0

2010-01-14T22:05:00.003-05:00

Great team effort tonight by the Sens in getting out of their recent 5 game funk.
Goaltending had been a problem over that stretch and it cost goalie coach, Eli Wilson his job. Long overdue move in my opinion.

The team ended up doing more about their goaltending tonight than just fire an over rated, teflon coach. Starter Pascal Leclaire was injured in practice and backup Brian Elliot was puking his guts out all day with the flu according to the New York media.

Enter: Mike Brodeur on emergency call up. Thank God the Sens' affiliate was in Binghamton, NY and they were playing in New York City.

Now the team has a bit of a quagmire. Brodeur has been absolutely BRILLIANT in his 2 career NHL starts with the Senators, allowing only 1 goal in that stretch and collecting 2 wins, 1 by shutout.

Will the Sens send Leclaire down to Binghamton for a conditioning stint once he recovers from his latest puck-in-the-face injury? Probably not a bad idea.

If Clouston doesn't start Brodeur against the Habs next game, he's crazy.
Both NHL goalies have been sucking large and this guy is red hot.

Over to you, Coach Cory.

Oh yeah...... I almost forgot. Chris Campoli broke the scoreless game with around 2 minutes left in the third frame on a great set up from Alexei Kovalev after some hard work from Mike Fisher. The other Chris.... Kelly dumped in an empty netter to seal the deal.

Karlsson Recalled, Lee Sent Down

2009-11-27T22:41:00.002-05:00

The NHL career of Senators' rookie Erik Karlsson resumes tomorrow in Boston.
In a game that will decide first place in the Northeast Division, Coach Cory wants to have his team firing on all cylinders and obviously feels that Karlsson has more to offer than the much maligned fellow defenseman Brian Lee.

Lee has struggled to find his niche in the NHL thus far in his young NHL career. Is he a puck moving, offensive defenseman? Is he a big, bruising stay at home guy? Is he a power play quarterback? At times, he seems to try to be all three and all three aspects of his game suffer. This has been the story of his career thus far for the former first round draft pick. The kid has the talent and the toolbox, he just needs to put it all together and point it in the right direction.

Karlsson, on the other hand is what he is. A slick skating, offensive defenseman with a great shot from the point on the power play. Although undersized, the young Swede can be a very useful player to his team. Since being sent down to the Sens' AHL affiliate in Binghamton, Karlsson has tallied 11 assists in 12 games while showing a little jam collecting more than his share of penalty minutes at 22 while compliling an even plus/minus rating.

Here's hoping that Erik has adjusted to the North American game as with this call up, he will have 10 games of NHL experience which triggers the first year of his entry level contract.

Sens Put Colombus in a Straight Jacket 2-1

2009-11-27T00:31:00.003-05:00

Sorry about the lack of posts lately, I've been very busy. I promise to have a full team assessment shortly.

Pascal who? Backup Brian Elliot was brilliant in the win and Jesse Winchester continues to impress. The injury depleted Sens played a strong game to get the win. Great team game that we have come to expect from this year's edition.

The Sens are now winners of 4 of their last 5.

Here are some highlights from tonight.

Video Removed

Sens Bolt Past Lightning 3-2 (OT)

2009-11-06T11:31:00.003-05:00

Spezza scores the winner for the Sens after having 2 called back in the dying minutes of the 3rd.

Neil demolishes Hedman.

Hard fought, entertaining game. Here's some highlights.

VIDEO REMOVED

Leclaire Steals a Point for the Sens

2009-10-22T22:20:00.002-04:00

What a crappy ending to an entertaining game! Nice to see the referees flex their small-man disorder urge to play God and decide the outcome of a game by calling a weak penalty in overtime to go along with awarding a 5 on 3 powerplay to the Preds with 2 minutes to go in regulation. Disgusting.

In any event, the Sens were badly outplayed through periods and were down 3-0 with Leclaire being the only reason it was that close. He made some spectacular saves late in the period to keep it do-able with a 3 goal deficit.

Enter the 3rd period where the Sens showed some guts and character by tying it up before it was half over.

The teams then traded goals with the Preds having what appeared to be the last word on their generously awarded 5 on 3 powerplay with a minute left in regulation time.

Enter Mike Fisher who worked his guts out along the boards in the dying seconds, finally kicking the puck to Alfie who quickly dished it to Phillips who scored the tying goal with 2 seconds remaining to gain Leclaire the point he deserved.

Welcome overtime where Carkner is called on a questionable trip as he himself was falling. Powerplay goal by the Preds, game over.

Tough finish for a goalie and team that hung in there and never quit. 5-2-1 is a pretty good start to the season.

Next up: The Savard and Lucic - less Bruins on Saturday. Should be a helluva game.

Sens Hypnotize Habs 3-1

2009-10-17T21:38:00.002-04:00

The Ottawa Senators dumped the Montreal Canadiens in Alex Kovalev's return to the Bell Center.

Scoring for the Sens: Neil, Alfredsson and Kovalev.

OK, this was a pretty boring game and the difference was, once again, Pascal Leclaire.
The Sens were completely outplayed in the first half of the game with Leclaire completely stoning the Habs. Montreal outshot the Sens something like 10-3 in the first, yet the game ended 1-1 after a late Montreal goal. Montreal then gave up a powerplay marker to Captain Alfie and appeared to lose their mojo after that. Kovalev iced his former team's dream of a 3rd period comeback and that was that.

A decent road win for the Sens, lulling their opponent to sleep while allowing their goalie to shut the door. I can't even count how many shots were blocked by Sens' defenders. Nice job.

Who would have thunk that Alex Picard and Matt Carkner would be the 2nd pairing?

All you "fans" who wanted to trade Alex, I hope you enjoy your crow. I liked him last year and like him more this year. He and Carks make a great pairing. Alex seems to play with a little more confidence out there knowing Big Country has his back.

Jason Spezza? Hello? Where are you?

Amazing the team is winning WITHOUT their number one centre firing isn't it.
That speaks volumes to the depth up front on this team.

Sens are still first in the division.... houda thunk that too?

Sens Jolt Lightning 7-1

2009-10-15T22:08:00.006-04:00

Well, well, well.... The hard work pays off for Mach 9, Milan Michalek. After buzzing and threatening all season, he breaks out for a hat trick including 2 shorthanded goals. I wonder when the last time Heatley scored 2 shorties in one game? Just sayin'.

Also scoring for the Sens were: Picard, Foligno, Kovalev and Ruutu. Meanwhile, Alfredsson and Ruutu had 3 point nights.

The Sens were completely dominated by the Bolts during the first 3 minutes of the game until Alexei Kovalev got the good guys on the board and it was all Sens from there.

Leclaire was solid when called upon stopping 16 of the 17 shots he faced. The Bolts also had one disallowed by the much maligned "kicking motion" rule. Guess who the Ottawa defenceman was who was burned on both plays? Rookie Erik Karlsson. I like the guy's skills, I really do but he really looks lost out there. He needs seasoning in the minors to learn the North American game. He really does. I feel bad for the kid. He was cock of the walk when he arrived in town and now is constantly hanging his head. His minutes are decreasing and he needs to be "the guy" somewhere. I remember saying when he was drafted that he was 2-3 years away and I stick by that. He'll be a good one, but just not now.

Speaking of rookies, Matt Carkner continues to impress. He played a solid game and logged some big minutes. Coach Cory really seems to be spreading the minutes around, however. Top ice getter was Alex Picard at 24:24, but after that, all the other defencemen seem to be around 20:00 with the exception of Karlsson at 16:00 or so. On the forward side, Michalek led the way with 18:00, while everyone else was logging 14:00-16:00 with the exceptions of Donovan, Neil and Foligno who were closer to the 10:00-11:00 range mostly due to the fact that they do not kill penalties. Pretty balances attack, I must say.

Highlight of the game? Carkner absolutely pounding Steve "the rat" Downie. Nice to see. In other pugilistic news, Neil got the better of Wilson while Phillips took a rare major penalty in fighting Konopka. While lagging behind in both size and experience, hats off to Chris for holding is won against Tampa's "Big Z"

Another highlight? A-Train Volchenkov continuing his stellar play and absolute demolition of NHL rookies by hammering Victor "Sylvie Bernier" Hedman into the boards. Welcome to the NHL, Sylvie. Keep your head up, ya big wuss.

Is it too early to say that Michalek is the best Sen ever to don the number 9?
I'd like to point out as well, Jason "Giggles" Spezza is really starting to pick up his physical game. I had to double check the number on the back of the jersey when he flattened the Tampa defenceman on the forecheck. Keep it up, Giggles. Your "personal stats" may suffer, but your team will be better for it. His play in all 3 zones is the best of his career. He is becoming a "complete" player and is starting to look more and more like someone named Stevie Y every day.

Next up... who cares... I'm going to bask in this one for a couple days.

Sens iced by Penguins 4-1

2009-10-13T20:39:00.003-04:00

Well, all good things must come to an end and for the Sens, their modest 3 game winning streak crashed to a halt last night at home against the defending Cup Champs.

The 4-1 score wasn't indicative of the effort level however as the Sens buzzed all night and hit numerous posts in the process.

Like I said in the preseason, a Michalek-Spezza-Cheechoo line could be super and I was proven correct last night. That line was by far Ottawa's best and accounted for the team's lone goal and a beauty at that by Milan Michalek.

Alexei Kovalev seemed to take one of his patented nights off and hopefully having him surrounded by probably the best team players as line mates in Mike Fisher and Captain Alfie they'll drive him to be more consistent.

A totally deflating goal to make it 3-1 Pens when Leclaire had his first brain fart as a Sen was the difference here in the game.

Matt Carkner continues to impress with his simple yet effective play while Chris Campoli and Erik Karlsson continue to scare the crap out of me when they have the puck in their own end. At least the latter has an excuse in being a rookie and is probably best served to learn the North American game in Binghamton enabling a call up for a legit NHL'er in Brain Lee.

Next up.... Tampa Bay on Thursday. Look for the boys to bounce back.

Ottawa Thrashes Atlanta 4-2

2009-10-10T21:47:00.003-04:00

We have a winning streak, folks.

The Sens handily beat the Atlanta Thrashers 4-2 in Ottawa tonight in a non-televised (Thank you, CBC) game.

Was it just me or did it seem like every Senator was taking a run at former team mate, Christof Schubert?

A little line shuffling from Coach Cory and the Sens seem to have found a balanced attack. This had been the achilles heel of the club over the past couple of seasons, but now they look like the can roll 4 dangerous lines. Kovalev, Fisher, Neil and Ruutu scored for the Sens tonight. The newly formed line of Kovalev - Fisher - Alfredsson seems to be clicking quite nicely while the Cheechoo-Regin-Neil line continues their strong play. Even the "fourth" line is kicking in lately with timely scoring.

Brian Elliot was solid tonight providing a nice alternative to the hot-handed Pascale LeClaire. The Sens seem to have good goaltending for the first time in years as well.

This team could surprise a lot of pundits this season if they can shore up their defense. If BM the GM can do that, this team could do damage in the playoffs.

Enjoy it, Sens fans. The defending Cup Champs are up next on Monday.

Sens beach Isles 3-2 (OT)

2009-10-08T21:38:00.002-04:00

Fisher the OT hero scoring shortly after the extra frame got underway.
Ottawa's best line of the night? Cheechoo - Regin - Neil
Ottawa's best defenceman of the night? Matt Carkner

Regin and Carkner put the Sens up 2-0 before the game, young Isles got on the board late in the 2nd. Isles then tied it up 5 minutes into the 3rd.

LeClaire was again, stellar in goal for the Sens.

Powerplay is a serious concern for the Sens and they have to work on that, but this team is coming together.

Next up.... Schubie and the Thrashers before their big test in the defending champ, Pens.

Sens Rake Leafs 2-1

2009-10-06T21:36:00.003-04:00

Well, I can tell you one thing for sure. Pascal LeClaire is the best goalie the Sens have ever had. How do I know this? How can I make such a bold statement? Because Pierre McGuire of TSN told me so 8,539 times during this game.

The game itself was on the dull side. Very little in the way of odd man rushes, very little in the way of tough, physical play, very few quality scoring chances on both sides of the ice but it was a perfectly played road game by the Sens.

Coach Cory had the boys slow the tempo of the game down to a crawl and never let the game develop any kind of flow. They controlled the neutral zone and allowed very little in the way of offense to develop for the Leafs.

Good on Shean Donovan scoring for the Sens. I've said many times in many venues that he is a superb 4th line energy guy for the cap hit he brings. Alfie tallied the other Sens marker on a penalty shot. Was it legitimately awarded? Maybe, but who cares. Leaf fans wil cray about until the next "Battle of Ontario".

In all seriousness, LeClaire was the main reason for the Sens victory, completely shutting the down when the Leafs finally woke up in the latter half of the third period.

The Sens' offense still looked rusty and out of sync. Kovalev seems to do all kinds of great work with the puck only to see nothing develop out of it. He needs some linemates who are used to playing or can adapt to playing with such a creative and unpredictable player.

With the exception of the Philchenkov pairing and Carkner, the defense plays a pretty small game. Rookie Erik Karlsson was much improved over his shaky opening game but still has way to go. I wish one of his monster shots would actually make it to the opponents' net instead of just hitting opposing defensemen.

All in all, this was a rather tame installment in the "Battle of Ontario". If this keeps up, I'll be forced to rename it to something clever that reflect just how much of a non event this is becoming. Not even one fight.... geeeeeeez.

Sens and Leafs!!!

2009-10-06T17:01:00.003-04:00

Let's get ready to rumble!!!

Finally, the battle of Ontario resumes. Will the newly toughened up Leafs bully the Sens? Will "The Monster" out-duel "Snoopy"? Will the Sens offense start to gel and play up to capabilities? Will Karlsson settle in or will he get run over by the hard charging Leafs? Will Carkner pound new Leaf tough guy Rosehill? We shall all find out tonight.

The stream is available here?

http://sports.offmytv.com

Sens Dumped by Rangers 5-2

2009-10-03T22:43:00.003-04:00

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?

Sens Vs. Rangers

2009-10-03T16:01:00.001-04:00

Tonight, our beloved Sens take on the New York Rangers. The wait is over! I'll post a review after the game.

Here is a stream to the game:

http://sports.offmytv.com

Zubov Asks For a Trade

2009-09-30T20:39:00.003-04:00

As if further proof is required that for the most part, drafting Russian players is a complete waste of a pick, Ilya Zubov has apparently asked for a trade. How many Russian picks do the Sens have sitting over in Russia or out of the organization due to trade demands when their under conditioned, indiffernt and unmotivated asses were demoted to the AHL?

Off the top of my head:

Mirnov, Nikulin, Kaigorodov, Lyamin, Anikeyenko, Bashkirov.

All I can say is, "Thank God old man Muckler is no longer in charge of our draft".

What bothers me the most is that, for the most part, these picks show up in camp out of shape, lack effort on a consistent basis, need their brother on the team or can't seen to find their way to the airport out of Moscow. Then, when they're told to work harder, get in better shape, play more of a team game, play some defense, play more physically and then you might make the team, the bolt home or cry for a trade.

Hey, now that I think about it.... is Heatley part Russian?

Brian Lee Sent to Binghamton of the AHL

2009-09-29T19:19:00.002-04:00

Joining the newly waived Christoff Schubert and the apparently sophmorically jinxed Zach Smith in Binghamton is former first rounder defenceman Brian Lee.

Lee is more the victim of a numbers game than anything here. His two way contract helped the decision as did his style of game. The Sens suddenly have a plethora of puck moving and soft defensemen in Chris Campoli, Filip Kuba, Erik Karlsson and Alex Picard. His offensive upside is far less than Karlsson and his physical game, although it did pick up in the latter stages of last season, is FAR less than Matt Carkner. Carkner's ability to sing up to forward as well was a clinching point for his sticking with the big club for now.

In my opinion, Lee is running out of time with the Sens and HAS to have an impressive stint in Bingo to earn a shot up here. Failing that, the Sens need to move a defenseman which is unlikely at this point. The prime candidate to move is Picard and for better or worse, he plays the same game as Lee. Picard also possesses a wicked point shot which helps his cause. If Picard continues to develop and isn't moved, Lee is stuck in Bingo. The Sens badly need some meanness back there and Carkner addresses than need, however his offensive upside is very limited. Bryan Murray would like a Pronger-lite type who can move the puck, help out on offense as well as punish opposing forecheckers and drop the gloves when called out. If Lee can the latter part to his resume, he'll be fine.

Watch for Chris Neil to have a big season. He finally has some help in the knuckles department as he did when he was his most productive offensively. I've heard him say himself, it's hard to show how good your hands are when they're swollen and bruised all season. I'll try and get in interview with him and talk about this among other topics.

Schubert and Smith Sent to Binghamton

2009-09-28T20:25:00.002-04:00

The changing of the swingman guard appears to be in full swing here in Sensland. Christoff Schubert has been waived and sent to the AHL affiliate in Binghamton to make room for his heir apparent, Matt Carkner. IF the Sens want a player who can be a 7th defenseman or a 13th forward at a moment's notice, Matt brings more to the table than Schubert. Carkner is nothing spectacular, but makes few mistakes out there and can go toe to toe with anyone in the NHL. He brings a meanness to the backend not seen since the days of ** gulp ** Chara. Good luck to the local boy turned 28 year old rookie.

In other news, Coach Cory seems to think that there will be a move made in the next 24-48 hours to finalize the roster at 23 to start the season.

We'll keep our eyes out for any updates and are speculating nothing but picks/prospects coming back to Ottawa in any deal. Look for Brian Lee to be sent to Binghamton as well due largely to his 2 way contract. Don't worry, Lee fans, he'll be back once the Sens clear some roster room. The Murrays seems stuck on keeping rookies Erik Karlsson and Peter Regin with the big club at least to start the season.

By the way, we have found a new site sports.offmytv.com that promises to post links to NHL streams on game day. We spoke to the webmaster and he assures us that the Sens games are a priority for him.

Sens Lose 2-1 to Bruins

2009-09-26T09:05:00.002-04:00

Good effort, stoned by Bruins' goalie Tim Thomas. Enough said there. Preseason over and let the games begin in earnest next week.

If anyone wonders why Chris Neil makes $2 million a season, here's why:

Who Stays, Who Goes?

2009-09-22T21:57:00.002-04:00

Senators GM, Bryan Murray has said that he will wait until after Friday's final preseason game to make his final cuts to the team. By my count, there are 16 forwards and 8 defensemen still in camp. Making a strong case to make the team is forward Peter Regin. Regin has been on fire, finding chemistry with the chemistratically challenged Mike Fisher and Nick Foligno. Fisher has yet to find a linemate with whom he can gel on a consistent basis. Having seeming found one in Regin makes sending him down to the farm a really tough call. To make room, look for Chris Kelly to be dealt or waived.

Speaking of tough, Matt Carkner has made a case for himself as well. Murray wants to get tougher on the back end, and Carkner fits that bill to a tee while not being a detriment to the team and able to play a regular shift. Watch for Schubert to be waived or traded to make room for the new swingman who can play forward or defense. When was the last time the Sens had someone this tough on defense who could also play the game. Sherrif Shane Hnidy perhaps? Todd Simpson for a brief period? Ok.... Chara too, be he is in a league of his own and don't get me started on why he's no longer in the nation's capital. Damn you, Muckler!! Damn you and the sweaters you rode in on you senile old fool!!! But I digress. Here's Carks in action:

Sens Down Bolts 3-1

2009-09-22T06:36:00.001-04:00

Recap of Sens Scorers:

Fisher from Regin
Kovalev from Spezza
Spezza from Fisher and Karlsson

Notes:

Shots 29-12 Ottawa
Neil pounds Downie

Some highlights:

Senators Trim Roster. Bass Sent Down

2009-09-19T22:43:00.000-04:00

The Ottawa Senators reduced their training camp roster by eight players today.

Six players were assigned to attend the training camp of the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators, which opened on Sept. 16 at Binghamton’s Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. Two other players will return to their major junior teams

The group headed to Binghamton includes defenceman Geoff Kinrade; forwards Cody Bass, Ryan Keller, Jeremy Yablonski and Ilya Zubov, and goaltender Andy Chiodo. Returning to their Ontario Hockey League teams are goaltender Robin Lehner, to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, and forward Brett Parnham, who will report to the Oshawa Generals.

The Senators camp roster is now comprised of 32 players: three goaltenders, 10 defencemen and 19 forwards.

Sens Blast Habs 6-1

2009-09-19T21:30:00.004-04:00

Scoring for the Senators were Kovalev, Fisher(3), Regin, Hennessey

Foligno-Regin-Fisher as a line had 12 of our the Sens' 23 shots and combined for 4 goals/11 pts. They were by far the best line on the ice all night. Mike Fisher with the hat trick led the way and looks poised for a great season. Regin is making a strong case to stay with the big team this season as is Matt Carkner. Matt is adding some much needed toughness on the back end while not being a liability defensively. He should replace Chis Schubert as the team's swing man. Plays a similar game minus the dumb plays and adding the willingness to drop them.

Leclaire was sharp tonight. While not overly busy, he made some spectacular saves. He looks poised to give the team the best goaltending they have had since The Dominator, Domenic Hasek.

2008 first round pick, Erik Karlsson is improving with every game. Tonight was by far his best game as a Senator. He too is making a strong case to stick with the big club. Slick skater, excellent passer and has a wicket shot from the point. He is adjusting nicely to the North American game.

After tonight's effort, it looks like the team is starting to find a little chemistry and coach Clouston is settling on his lines as he gets to know his players' strengths and weaknesses.

I'll blog a season prediction once the lineup is finalized next week.

Cowen to Play Tomorrow

2009-09-17T20:49:00.002-04:00

According to The Team 1200 Sports Radio, 2009 first rounder, Jared Cowen will dress for the Sens upcoming preseason game against the much maligned Montreal Canadiens.
Don't get too excited, Sens fans, the hulking manchild won't make the big team this season. The team just wants him to gain some experience and confidence before heading back to his junior team in Spokane. It will be interesting to see the highly touted prospect in action and how he's recovered from last season's devastating knee injury that caused the talented blueliner to fall into the Sens' lap at 9th overall. Originally predicted to go top 3, a late season injury sent his stock downward. Be patient, Mr. Murray, the 6 foot 4 inch rearguard will be worth waiting for and could be the gem of his graduating class in 2 years.

Sens Robbed, Lose 2-1 to Cats

2009-09-16T21:26:00.002-04:00

The Ottawa Senators attempt at a comeback was halted with 20 seconds to go by a horrendous call by the officials. Down 2-1, Spezza appeared to have whacked in an Erik Karlsson point shot with around 20 seconds to go in the game, but it was immediately waved off by the referee. Good on Karlsson appealing to the ref. The scoreboard replay showed an obvious goal, Coach Cory threw a few choice words at the refs, but to no avail. The Sens lose their second straight to start the preseason.

On other notes, the team was otherwise OK. A little rusty looking and a little uncomfortable together yet, but I can see Fisher and Kovalev getting along well in the future. Kovy played a great game as did Ilya Zubov. Erik Karlsson continues to slowly improve and new addition Jonathan Cheechoo seems to fit in well at this early phase. He had an assist on Chris Phillips lone Ottawa goal.

Good thing it's only the preseason or Sens fans will start to panic. This is what the preseason is for. Trying new line combinations, giving some youngsters a look and fine tuning some coaching strategies. This team will be OK.

You Want the Truth, You Can't Handle the Truth

2009-09-14T18:30:00.003-04:00

A little light shed on the why part of the Heatley trade demand. Dany alluded to some "personal issues" contributing to the demand. Well according to Fanhouse.com, a former teammate has stated:

"Any of the stuff you might hear or see on the internet is garbage," one of his ex-teammates told FanHouse last night. "The stuff with Cory and his decreased role? A joke. You think he was coming off the first line? Dany didn't have any real problems. He was our problem."

Let the rumours begin. Will he ever come clean as to why the demand? The only people who know the whole story are him and maybe a select couple of Senators. Knowing the media in Ottawa, someone will have it beaten out of them this season.

Heatley for Michalek and Cheechoo : Analysis

2009-09-14T11:27:00.004-04:00

The Skinny

This weekend, the Ottawa Senators traded disgruntled problem child, Dany Heatley along with a 5th round pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo and a 2nd round pick.

The Contracts' Value in a Cap World

First, let's look at the contracts. Heatley is signed, I believe for 5 more years at an annual hit of $7.5 million. Michalek is $3.5 million for 4 years and Cheechoo is $3 million for 2 years. Basically a wash, cap wise, EXCEPT that the if things don't pan out, the Sens are out of Cheech in 2 years and left with Michalek's hit of $3.5 for another 2. The Sharks, win, lose or draw, are stuck with Heatley for 5 years at $7.5 million with no relief in sight. He will never be able to be traded again. He pushed his luck this time and 3 strikes, you're out. No one will want him should he ask for another trade. Michalek's contract is actually quite good for what he brings to the table: speed, 25 goals/60 points on a consistent basis to go along with excellent 2 way play. He also has youth on his side at age 24. This may be debatable, but he alone may have been worth getting rid of Heatley. Sure, his goal totals are roughly half that of Heater, but so is his price tag. He may also improve with age as he has yet to hit his prime. He could be dynamite alongside Kovalev.

Cheechoo is the wild card here. After a 56 goal/93 point Rocket Richard Trophy winning season in 2005-2006, his goal totals have dropped to 37, 23 and 12 last season. Apparently, however, late in his 37 goal season, he began having sports hernia trouble that he tried to play through being the tough competitor and team guy that he is. That decision only hurt him in the long run as he production suffered.
In 2007-2008 he struggled to hit 23 goals while battling the injury bug. Last season was a disaster. The offseason "fix" didn't seem to take and he was relegated to the 3rd line while missing significant time early in the season as well as late in the season. According to reports, his main issue of the sports hernia has been addressed and he is feeling great for the upcoming season. Watch for the Sens to try him with Spezza to see if he can still be a trigger man for an elite playmaker as he was with Joe Thorton in San Jose. If healthy, I see him netting 30 plus goals for Ottawa while playing with grit and passion. I can also see him thriving under coach Cory Clouston's aggressive forecheck system.

People talk about Cheechoo "declining" but this is mostly due to injury and being miscast on the third line. We should also not that Heatley's totals have been declining as well since his back to back 50 goal seasons.

Where Do They Fit?

OK, we all know Princess Heatley will play along side Joe Thorton on the Sharks top line. Enough said on that. We wouldn't want Dany to feel like his role is going to be diminished before he gets there.

On the Sens side, magically, all of the sudden, they have depth up front and are much more than a one line team flanked by a one trick pony.

I could see Cheechoo playing on the right side on Spezza with Michalek possibly flanking the left side. The Sens will want to showcase their new acquisitions early on and this will give them every chance to succeed. If they struggle, Alfie and possibly Foligno could be slid in to help out.

On the second line, I see Mike Fisher along with Kovalev and perhaps Shannon. I would like to see Fisher go in on the forecheck and start the play for Shannon and Kovalev while parking himself in front of the opposing net.

The third and fourth lines could get interesting with rookies Peter Regin, Zack Smith and Cody Bass all chomping at the big league bit and all listed as centermen.

Basically, the Senators have a forward group of:

Michalek - Spezza - Cheechoo
Foligno - Fisher - Kovalev
Shannon - Smith - Alfredsson
Ruutu - Bass - Neil

I know, I know. Alfie on the 3rd line???? Well, he isn't getting any younger and the grind of the long season will start to take a toll on him. Same goes for Kovalev. Watch for coach Cory to give even ice time to the 2nd and 3rd line if not roll 3 dangerous lines with almost equal frequency. Alfie was doing all the grunt work for Spezza and the incredibly lazy sniper, Heatley. By rotating him with Kovalev and playing with either Fisher or Smith who can do the dirty work, Captain Alfie is free to quarterback things and play a more positional game, getting himself open in the sweet spot for the one timer. Alfie and Kovy will also make up ice time on the power play.

Just noticing how tough this line up looks down the middle (I know even Giggles has been known to goon it up lately)and that fourth line looks just ugly to play against yet has a little skill to go along with it.

Watch for Chris Kelly to be dealt.

I'm also going to go out on a limb here and say that this roster is a playoff club and could actually do some damage once they get there. Some big "IFs" come in to play here. IF LeClaire regains his form. IF Cheechoo is healthy and regains even half of his 56 goal pinnacle and IF Michalek moves a little closer to his potential, this will be a good "team". This is a balanced team that boasts seven players who have had season of at or around 20 goals. You wanted balanced and secondary scoring, Sens fans? You've got it.

I'll post a more detailed season forecast once rosters get finalized after training camp.

The Back Pocket Has a Hole in it

2009-09-12T23:21:00.001-04:00

Heatley gone to SJ for Michalek, Cheechoo and a 2nd round pick according to TSN.

My take tomorrow.

Ottawa Heats Up

2009-09-11T22:32:00.002-04:00

Apparently, The Disgruntled One met today mano e mano with BM the GM today and reports are saying the reunion was less than a happy one. I have a feeling that Bryan Murray is just making the baby pay for his tantrum and has an acceptable deal in his back pocket waiting to be unleashed once he feels The Douche has squirmed enough. There have been so many rumours out there and even a nixed trade that there must be something to one of them.

The Sens organization set the standard for dealing with selfish prima donnas (hello.... calling Yashin.....) and this episode is just another exclamation point on the Sens crown as King of the Crybaby Killers.

My bet is he makes his Royal Doucheness suit up for an exhibition game or two before shipping him off to somewhere NOT on his alleged list. Someone has to teach these pricks a lesson and once again, it shall be the Sens.

The team holds all the cards here. Princess is under contract and the team does NOT have to trade him. Murray doesn't have to accept crap offers. Well played thus far by BM the GM. Don't worry Sens fans, Dany Douchebag will be outta here once you've all had your shot at him. Don Brennan included. Kick the Douche in the vag once for me will ya, Donny.

Go Murray!!

Heatley Gone to SJ?

2009-09-10T21:36:00.004-04:00

ESPN is reporting that the 3-way between the Kings, Sharks and Sens is DONE!!!

TO OTTAWA: Alex Frolov, Jarret Stoll

TO SAN JOSE: Dany Heatley

TO LOS ANGELES: Patrick Marleau

My take on this will be posted as soon as it's confirmed by Sens management. Don't hold your breath though, Sens fans. This Shark story smells a little fishy to me.

I'm kind of sad, however. I was hoping to watch the little princess squirm for a few weeks playing an exhibition game in front of a boo infested crowd while facing an uber-hostile Ottawa media. Aw well. You can't win them all. Maybe this will all be BS as Lombardi has retorted and we will get to egg Dany Douche on opening day after all.

Sens Rookies beat Pens Counterparts 4-1

2009-09-07T22:01:00.005-04:00

The Ottawa Senators rookie squad soundly defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins freshmen 4-1 in a fight filled contest at the annual Rookie Tournament in Kitchener.

I'll do my bet to recount as there is no official scoresheet for me to fall back on.

2008 first rounder Erik Karlsson had a goal on a laser shot. At the same time, he was borderline awful in his own end. This kid has a lot to learn about the North American game. A little too cute for his own good. That may fly against the ladies in the SEL, but won't fly here. Unless he gets remarkably better in the next couple of weeks the best thing for him would be to play a season in the AHL before hitting primetime.

Robin Lehner, a Sens 2009 draft choice, was absolutely stellar in goal. 40 some shots his way and only power play marker beats him. A Lehner-Elliot tandem in 3 years could be awesome. Best player on the ice in my opinion.

Peter Regin was probably the best skater for the Sens. He was everywhere and, along with Erik Condra worked their asses off and were solid at both ends of the ice.

Scoring for the Sens, Karlsson, Dansereau (2) and Kinrade. Nice to see 2 from the defense corps and Kinrade looked pretty good out there.

Zack Smith was chippy and was in a couple of good fights. I'll give him a 1-1 record there, but was largely invisible offensively. He did a solid job, however, defensively and leading his team with his physical play.

Casey Lee laid a pounding on some poor Pen after fellow Ottawa rookie, Brett Parnham was pounded and appeared to suffer a shoulder injury in the process.

You can see the Sens tounament lineup here : http://senators.nhl.com/v2/ext/PDFs/2009_Rookie_Camp_Guide.pdf

A different point of view on Dany Douche

2009-08-30T22:04:00.003-04:00

I don't usually link to other bloggers, but this really knocked me on my ass.
Read it and discuss.

Another Sens Blog

Heatley to SJ?

2009-08-06T22:22:00.003-04:00

I am hearing that Bryan Murray is holding out for Ryan Clowe in the deal.
He wants Clowe, Vlasic/Erhoff and Setagouchi, Wilson doesn't want to give up both Clowe and Gouch as well as being adamant to dump Cheechoo on the Sens.

Something should be done by Monday as Wilson is trying to pry another cheap, serviceable asset from Murray to even things up.

On another note, I hear the Rangers have interest, but Murray wants nothing to do with what Sather has to offer thus far.

League GMs are starting to believe that Murray would rather have #15 come back to Ottawa than let him go for scraps. The offers are stepping up in this game of GM chicken. None of them thought BM the GM would want Heater back in Ottawa for camp, but the longer this drags and the more hardball he plays, it becomes obvious that Murray will force the Douche to come back to town like it or not if an acceptable deal is not reached.

What are they thinking?

2009-07-11T22:10:00.002-04:00

Kovalev a Sen!?!?!?

2009-07-07T22:13:00.002-04:00

A decent addition here by BM the GM. Talented? Yes. Enigmatic? Perhaps.
Bottom line, this team was lacking skill and Kovy brings it in spades. He is a decent all around player as well, killing penalties from time to time in Montreal.
Keep in mind, Sens fans, Kovalev hasn't exactly played with top tier centermen over the last few years. Spezza is probably the best playmaker he's played with since his 90+ point season several years ago. Word has it Coach Cory's system intrigued him and was a big factor in his signing here.

On the Heatley front, rumour has it that Columbus has entered the fray. My guess is that BM the GM asks for Brassard in return.

Douchebag Dany Cleans out the Senators

2009-07-02T20:01:00.002-04:00

The Sens are left with that "not so fresh" feeling after Douchebag Dany demands to be traded then nixes the best trade Murray could get for him.

This guy unbelievable. He is a team mate killer, a coach killer, and now a killer of an entire team's hopes of landing a decent free agent and perhaps killing their hopes of returning to the playoffs.

There is no way that Murray gives him away for nothing especially after paying his royal doucheness a cool $4million for the upcoming season. There is no way Murray wants him back into the Sens locker room this fall. So what is BM the GM to do? Send Dany in all his douchebaginess to the AHL. Call it a conditionning assignment to recondition is obviously dysfunctional brain. Of course his royal doucheness will never report to ply his craft in the vagina that is Binghamton so, BM the GM will suspend him. Hell, Edmonton is a way nicer vag than Bingo and he couldn't be drawn to go there, right?

The Sens own his vinegar and water until 2013-2014. I for one would rather see him suspended for that entire time than see him traded to LA for a couple of California State IOU's and a free boob job from Dr. 90210.

Don't think for a second that Melnyk isn't thinking of a way to drain this douchbag dry while clearing his salary off the books.

Heatley wants out!

2009-06-10T19:59:00.004-04:00

Word has recently surfaced that Sens winger Dany Heatley has requested a trade through his agent. Citing a difference of opinion with new coach Cory Clouston as the main reason, Heatley wants out. Difference of opinion being that Clouston wants Heatley to work for his goals and Heatley couldn't be bothered because he has Jason Spezza doing all the work while he stands in the slot waiting for the one timer, that 9 times out of ten, he misses the net with or fans on. Of course, a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then and he gets a few goals out of it (sarcasm). Opponents have been getting wise to this strategy and Clouston wants Heatley to mix it up a little and find other ways to use his unquestionable knack for finding the net.

The debate has gone on all year over who has to go.... Spezza or Heatley. Well, Sens fans, now you have your answer and in my opinion, things could not have worked out any better for the Sens. Jason Spezza is improving every year and is among the premier playmaking centers in the league while becoming less and less of a defensive liability out there at the same time. Spezza is the main reason Heatley has had back to back 50 goal seasons and all the while he lets Spezz take all the criticism during the bad times. Nice team mate. Maybe now we'll see Spezza for what he is: a potential leader on this team who is an natural talent and one of the best players to ever pull on a Sens' Jersey. And to think, management gave Mr. Selfish, Spoiled, Lazy Multimillionaire the A this season. Probably because he whined or threw some sort of tantrum.

All of this brings up interesting options for Bryan Murray. What will he get in return for Heatley? I'm hearing the Oilers, Sharks, Flames and Blue Jackets are interested at this point. Nash for Heatley would be interesting, as would Camalleri plus prospects or maybe even Patrick Marleau. How about Lecavalier for Heatley? All these are possibilities along with moving up in the draft or getting a stable of young, cheap, blue chip prospects and using the new cap space to sign say.... Hossa (how ironic would THAT be) or another top tier free agent.

Discuss among yourselves, Sens fans. This should be a crisotunity for our teama meaning what looks on the surface to be a bad thing could turning out to be a blessing in disguise.

Chris Kelly to be traded?

2009-03-01T14:44:00.001-05:00

I am hearing rumblings of a deal between the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings is brewing. Some names I've heard is Chris Neil and Chris Kelly. Detroit currently sits last in the NHL in Penalty Killing percentage and could use Kelly. From what I've heard, a bona-fide prospect is on his way to Ottawa in return.

Columbus management was spotted at Scotiabank Place last night to take in the Leafs/Sens tilt. Speculation there is that the Blue Jackets are also interested in Chris Kelly with Bryan Murray looking at Jared Boll as a return. This could make sense as Murray plans on trading Chris Neil and Boll is showing to be a suitable replacement.

Vancouver is apparently interested in Antoine Vermette to boost their penalty kill and provide some secondary scoring with Kevin Bieksa being mentionned as a return.

Bill Guerin traded (m4)

2009-02-28T23:55:00.002-05:00

Bill Guerin was a scratch tonight after the warmup. My sources tell me that Washington is the destination.

Chris Neil to the Wings (M3)

2009-02-28T23:33:00.003-05:00

My sources are telling me that Bryan Murray has had interest from the Detroit Red Wings in rugged winger Chris Neil. The Wings are looking to toughen up for the playoffs and are willing to ante up a second round pick to do it. More to come. Chris Neil is about to become a hot commodity in the coming days as sources also tell me the Ducks have also called.

I wouldn't be surprised if Neil garners a 1st round pick or decent prospect as a return.

OK, Now what for the Sens.

2009-02-22T20:29:00.005-05:00

Since my last writing, the Ottawa Senators have fired the morbidly awful coach Craig Hartsburg and replaced him with AHL affiliate Binghamton's head coach, Cory Clouston. One reason I like this move so far... OK, two reasons... one, they fired Hartsburg and two, Coach Cory, like myself has trained trotting and pacing race horses.

On to my thoughts on the latest shakeups in Sensland.

I was a fan of the firing of Hartsburg, but wasn't sure what to make of the hiring of Clouston, a no name minor league coach when bigger named, proven coaches were out there. I couldn't help but think that perhaps Sens owner, Eugene Melnyk handcuffed Murray and forced him to bring in an interim guy as a premonition to his imminent firing leaving his successor free to bring in his own coach. In retrospect, however, I am under the impression that Murray has been looking for his next Babcock and figured the third try was the charm after failing miserably with John Paddock and the aforementioned Hartsburg.

The team responded with an unbelievable 9 out of 10 points on the road of all places and provoking talk of a run to the playoffs.

Since returning home, the Sens have lost two straight making them 5-3-1 under Clouston.

To further the shake-up, Murray has managed to become both a buyer and seller nearing the trade deadline by unloading little used veteran Dean McAmmond along with the San Jose 1st round draft pick in the upcoming draft to the Islanders for center Mike Comrie and defenseman Chris Campoli.

Good trade in my books as McAmmond and Comrie are unrestricted free agents at season's end with Comrie bringing more to the table now in his second stint as a Sen while Campoli is a puck young moving defenseman who is under a cheap contract for two more years. All things being equal, if Comrie and McAmmond both don't re-sign with their new club, the Campoli for the SJ first is a good deal as Campoli has NHL experience and is closer to helping the club than anything Murray would pick up with a 26-30th pick in the draft. The Senators simply don't have 3 or 4 years to do a full rebuild via the draft. The fans and ownership simply won't stand for it and with a decent core locked up long term, a minor retooling is more in order.

Campoli immediately proved this by potting 2 assists in his debut against Montreal.

Does this signal more moves by Murray prior to the deadline or on draft day? You bet. What will he do with impending unrestricted free agents, Chris Neil and Filip Kuba? Mt thoughts on that later.

Something to ponder in the meantime, however. I challenge all you anti-Neilers to the following:

Find me a player with the following criteria:

NOT on an entry level contract.
Has a minimum of 20 points for 3 seasons in a row.
Scored more than 15 goals at least once.
Has a minimum of 150 PIMS in EVERY one of his NHL seasons.
Has a mimimum of 8 fighting majors EVERY one of his NHL seasons.
Contributed to a SCF run.

AND makes under $1.5million/year.

Off you go now......... good luck!

While I gather my thoughts, Enjoy.

2009-02-22T20:26:00.000-05:00

Hartsburg Fired..... FINALLY!!

2009-02-03T20:24:00.003-05:00

Thank the lord above, Murray finally woke up and fired coach Craig Hartsburg. As this blog has mentioned for months now, this coach was simply not suited to this team. He
was trying to force feed a system that was not only boring as hell to watch but it was not suited to the team he had before him.

"You can't coach the players you wish you had. You have to coach the ones you have." - Brent Sutter

Having one guy go in on the forecheck only to have his linemates wait inside the blue line for him to gain possession BEFORE going on the offensive was ridiculous. Having all the forwards backcheck at the same time gives the defense no one to spring the breakaway pass to once they gain possession. No puck moving defenseman? What good is one when he has no one up ice to move the puck to? Antoine Vermette scored many, many goals on the breakaway over the past two seasons. Hard to start a breakaway from your own faceoff circle.

Bottom line: the players hated the system, knew it wouldn't work and quit on their coach when he refused to adjust.

Cory Clouston is a band-aid for this season as for as coaching goes, but I suppose there was no sense paying for a big name NHL coach like Quinn or Hartley when the season is already toast and Sens owner Eugene Melnyk is already paying two coaches NOT to coach on top of two goaltenders NOT to tend goal.

Let the rebuild begin in earnest. This should be a very interesting trade deadline, Sens fans. Stay tuned.

A Ray of Hope?

2009-01-22T12:36:00.003-05:00

Well, well, well.... the Sens head in to the All-Star break with 7 out of their last 8 possible points while beating top conference rivals Montreal and Washington in the process. The team currently sits 12 points out of the final playoff spot with about half the season left to play. Boding even better is the fact that the Sens have 2 to 4 games in hand over teams above them in the standings. Win those games, and the team all of a sudden is within 6 or 8 points of the 8th and final playoff seed.

The arrival of Brian Elliot has really sparked this team who looked hesitant with both Gerber and Auld in nets, although they did look a little more comfortable in front or Auld for a short stretch.

Just knowing that their goalie will bail them out of mistakes allows the team to play more aggressively and offensively minded.

Mistakes are magnified when they end up in your net 90% of the time.

For those Sens' "fans" who were hoping to tank and get a lottery pick, I say, "move to Long Island or Tampa Bay and enjoy your Hedman or Tavares." There is no way the Sens, even if they dress the entire AHL lineup will finish worse that Tampa or the Islanders. The Leafs suck large and are finally achieving to their capabilities (sorry Tim) and the Penguins are struggling mightily and could fall further. That leaves the Sens with a 3-6 pick at best anyways. Why not go for it and try to make the playoffs? It's not like any of these first round draft picks will help the team next year. (right, Steve Stamkos?)

In any draft, picks 3-12 in the first round are a wash and if you have decent scouting, you can get the better player with a later pick (Marian Hossa and Martin Havlat).

I believe Bryan Murray is waiting another week or so to see how close the team is from 8th place in their conference to decide if he is a buyer or seller at the trade deadline. I would not be surprised if he becomes a buyer prior to the deadline and grabs a puck moving defenseman to make the final push if the team is within striking distance.

By the way.... thanks to Coach Craig Hartsburg for finally listening to fans and bloggers alike and playing Brendan Bell instead of that lunkhead Chris Schubert on defense as well as taking Mike Fisher off the point on the power play among other things. Thanks, coach.... keep reading the blogs and forums out there for advice and maybe you'll still have a job here next season.

Matt Carkner Called Up From Binghamton

2009-01-07T18:52:00.005-05:00

Could this mean a trade of Christoff Schubert in imminent? They both play a similar role with Carkner being the more physical of the two. It is hard to see another reason to call him up besides replacement of a recently traded player. There must be a forward coming back in the prospective deal hence the need to bring up a defenceman from the farm to fill in for Schubert. Stay tuned.
In other news, rumours continue to swirl that coach Craig Hartsburg is about to be replaced by Pat Quinn. Quinn and Sens' owner Eugene Melnyk were seen chumming it up during the World Junior Tournament with Bob Nicholson of Hockey Canada never far behind. Perhaps Nicholson steps in with the Sens to guide them through a youth movement with a very deep draft coming up. Does anyone know young talent more than Bob? I doubt it.

Fisher not scoring.... or is he?

2009-01-05T20:15:00.003-05:00

Reports today speculate that Carrie Underwood was sighted as the recent Sens/Leafs game to watch her.... get this.... boyfriend, Mike Fisher.

Could the Underwood curse be affecting Fish as it did Dallas' QB Romo?

BULLSHIT!!! Leafs beat Sens

2009-01-03T21:46:00.004-05:00

The true sign that you are insane is when you do the same thing over and over and expect a different result. I think Sens' coach Craig Hartsburg is now officially insane. Why is Mike Fisher still playing the point on the power play? Why did this great, wise coach pair Jason Smith with Anton Volchenkov? They both play the same game and are slow as molasses in January. Why is Gerber still in the NHL? This guy never seems to know where the puck is. The Leafs' second goal was soft, their third goal was a wrap around you could see coming from the upper deck and he never even reacted to the first goal.

Mike Fisher and Nick Foligno were the best Senators on the ice and I think I actually saw Antoine Vermette hit an opponent. The effort was there from the players but Hartsburg was simply out-coached by Ron Wilson. Everything from his choice of starting goaltender to his line combinations and matching. Using a rested and previously struggling Vesa Toskala versus using the Swiss Cheese known as Martin Gerber was Wilson's coup de grace. Toskala was superb in the win and was probably the main reason his team has 2 points.

Let the drive for Tavares begin in earnest.

Do or Die Road Trip Begins

2008-12-26T13:25:00.003-05:00

After the Sens last game in Philly, The Sens have a daunting task ahead of them to get themselves into the the Playoff race. The Philly game gave me heart attacks, hope, joy, elation then utter frustration. The team found yet another way to lose. Daniel Alfredsson of all people gave the puck away with a boneheaded play to gave away also a hard fought point and effectively kill the Sens comeback. The Chris Phillips goal moments before to tie the game late in the third period sent me in to an amazed euphoric happy dance only to throw myself to the ground, riling in agony mere moments later. Some strange coaching moves in this game, including pulling a successful powerplay unit off the ice after on 25 seconds of time and scoring a 5 on 3 goal. More ammunition for the Fire Hartsburg Petition, perhaps?

If this road trip yields less than half of its possible points, look for big changes on this team. Firing Hartsburg is one option as is the always mentioned and incredibly stupid move to trade Spezza. This is a guy whose talent is so rare and under the right coaching, is a superstar. He was drowning under Jacques Martin, flourished under Bryan Murray and is struggling, albeit in a minor way, under Craig Hartsburg. Spezza is what he is and when allowed to play his game, he will mature in to one of the greatest playmaking centres in the game.

What I do see transpiring and as a more sensible option is trading Antoine Vermette and Brian Lee to Florida for Jay Bouwmeester. Jacques Martin's man crush on Vermy is legendary and he may see Lee and a project who could help replace the loss of Jay Bo. If Bouwmeester is dead set against signing in Florida, which is reported to be the case be his father of all people, GM Jacques is not dealing from a position of strength and this would probably be the best deal he will see as the Sens are also dealing from a weak position. Hopefully the Sens can sign Jay Bo to a decent contract in the 3 year/$16million range after the trade. Here's hoping. Good luck in the road trip, boys. You have the tools to succeed and if you put it all together, you WILL make the playoffs and could last a round or two.

Great Effort! - Sens 5 - Stars 4 (OT)

2008-12-21T16:25:00.004-05:00

And Gerber almost blew it. Chalk it up to another poor decision by coach Hartsburg for starting this clown. The Sens "netminder" almost completely wasted a decent performance against a struggling Dallas Stars team. Had it not been for Marty Turco being equally bad at the other end, the Sens would have lost.
Hopefully, the team can build on this moral victory and have some success on their upcoming road trip.
The line juggling continued to with varying degrees of success. Jason Spezza and Antoine Vermette both scored, however, were on the ice for 3 Dallas goals. Foligno looked super with his new linemates.
The fact that no one stuck up for the captain getting absolutely creamed speaks volumes about the team play here. Someone at least has to go talk to the offending Dallas player. Even better, someone drill him on his next shift. Alas, neither transpired.
The fact that the Sens needed overtime to beat a depleted and struggling Stars squad speaks volumes, but two points are two points and hopefully some of the slumping players can build some confidence from the effort. At least the team looked like it was trying. You have to start somewhere and that's as good a place as any.

Don't forget to visit our Fire Hartsburg page.

Fire Hartsburg Petition

2008-12-20T20:48:00.003-05:00

We have created a petition to send to Sens management and ownership to have coach Craig Hartsburg put out of his misery and sent down to the minors.

Read the reasoning and sign the petition here.

What's wrong with the Senators

2008-12-18T20:22:00.003-05:00

Wasn't this the coach who promised accountability? The problem of team bonding lies squarely with the coach and captain. They are the leaders. A coach giving someone like Vermette and Fisher 20+ minutes of ice time when they clearly don't deserve it. Couple that with a guy like Donovan getting 4 minutes while working his ass off will cause hard feelings within the team. Bass doing everything asked of him and getting 2 minutes of ice time, made a healthy scratch or sent to Bingo will make him bitter. Schubert's bitterness is self explanatory. There is no incentive to work hard when you do and get scratched or 3-4 minutes of ice/game. There is no incentive to work hard when you float and get 20+ minutes. Lazy play is rewarded and hard work is punished. Nice coaching.

This coach sucks and the captain should have spoken up to him.

This is essentially the same team who went to the Stanley Cup Final 2 seasons ago minus a few spare parts up front and the defense corps. Granted the defense corps back then was more mobile, this group is better defensively. Call it a wash. All of the sudden, these same forwards can't score?

There is a distinct lack of effort and teamwork evident on this team and that is a coaching issue. This coach is sending mixed and misguided messages at his players and pissing them off in droves. They don't want to work for him. It is obvious.

I would love to see some stability in the coaching ranks of the Senators, but this hiring was another mistake. Bryan Murray seems quite adept and making player moves, but sucks royal ass at hiring coaches. I hate the Paddock signing and hated the Hartsburg signing even more. Both coaches are proven losers at the NHL level. This team needs a Nolan, Quinn, Hartley or Burns. My personal fave is old Patt Burns. He's local, has a winning history, The Jack Adams Trophy and beaten cancer. If he can't get them going, no one can.

A decent coach a puck moving defenseman and a decent 2nd line forward and this team is a contender again.

Just my two cents. Something has to be done.

Thoughts on The Sens Thus Far.

2008-10-29T10:50:00.003-04:00

First of all, I'd like to state that, contrary to another blogger's statement, Jason Spezza is NOT going anywhere. He is among the top 5 centermen in the league and unless there's a bigger deal in the works wherein someone like Crosby and Luongo comes back, it isn't happening.

OK, enough with that nonsense.

To me, this years' Sens have looked like a team with no direction and no identity. The team was assembled to be one thing yet played like another. New defense partnerships, new forward line combinations, new coaching strategy and so on. With their last game against the Sabres, the team played the way they were designed and built to play. They got solid if unspectacular goaltending from Alex Auld, they got points from their defense, they got secondary scoring from the fourth line and the big line dominated, especially Spezza. The team played an in your face, simple game that worked hard and took advantage of their opponents' errors.

What is up with Mike Fisher? OK, he stuck up for Alfie by jumping Weber, but how about, Mikey? $4.2million/season should be good for a decent 2nd line center. Mike is playing like a fourth line grunt who could be replaced for $3.5 million less by Cody Bass.

Speaking of guys with recent big contracts..... Antoine Vermette and Chris Kelly.....hello...... where are you guys? Although Vermette had a better game last time out, he needs to be used properly by the club and play a little tougher. Nice to see him knock someone off the puck to set up a goal. Keep it up. Don't let us regret taking you over Meszaros like we cried over choosing Redden over Chara.

I liked Schubert on defense. Please keep him there and let him develop. He does have some skills. Please, coach, give him till Christmas.

I also like Alex Picard. I know, I know, he s prone to defensive lapses, but come on, he is very young and adjusting to new teamates. He will be a solid 2 way defenseman in the future. Book it. Picard for Meszaros straight up seems like a decent move, but throw in Kuba and did Bryan Murray ever stick it to Tampa.

Speaking of Kuba, I know he has 8 points to start the season, but it really bugs me that a guy that big can be so soft physically. If he played up to his size, he'd be AWESOME.

Hats off to Chris Neil, taking a puck in the face only to return for his next shift to fight Buffalo heavyweight, Andrew Peters. Good on ya, Chris.

I knew the Sens were going to beat the Sabres as soon as Afinogenov was jumped for a shot at Auld after the whistle. A team that sticks up for each other is destined for great things. It shows a will to win. Same goes for Fisher defending Alfie.

Hopefully this game was a sign of things to come this season and the Sens have finally found their groove after an awkward start to the 2008-2009 season.

Completely Off Topic, But.....

2008-10-26T20:56:00.002-04:00

I highly recommend that everyone watch this movie. It explains how we arrived at this economic crisis and how we can get out of it.

For more videos and information, please, take the time and visit:

http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com

Following the Game Vs. The Panthers..... One word Post:

2008-10-22T21:30:00.005-04:00

Aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Hartsburg Tinkers.....Message to Spezza?

2008-10-20T21:32:00.002-04:00

OK, I'm going to get off of Gerber's back for a bit and plant a couple observations on you all.

It was reported today that Spezza will be "demoted" and play on a line with Foligno and Winchester. Mike Fisher will "move up" and fill in for Spezza on the top line with Heatley and Alfredsson.

My thoughts?

Spezza has been super and super-awful in this young season. His offensive prowess has flourished yet his defensive responsibility has been, well, less than responsible.

Is Mike Fisher a number one center? Probably not. Is Jason Spezza not a true number one center? Of course he is. What is coach Hartsburg's thought here? Spread out the offensive threat. Opposing teams will fear the threat of Fisher using his speed and physical play to retrieve the puck on the forecheck and dishing it to either Alfie or Heatley. Does the opponent use its "shutdown" line against this line or do they fear Winchester digging the puck off the boards, sending it to Spezza who throws it at the net where Foligno is charging hard for spillage.

Could this be the end of the Sens quest to become more than a one line team? Perhaps. If all pans out according to the coaches plan, this team will have a 1 and 1a line and that's not a bad spot to be in.

The Gerber Baby Wets The Bed

2008-10-07T19:04:00.003-04:00

For those of you who missed Ottawa Senators' goaltender Martin Gerber's season debut this past Saturday, you missed the most horrifying display of inept goaltending ever put forth by a member of the Ottawa Senators. Keep in mind, we had Daniel Berthiaume and Don Beaupre as goaltenders in the past which says a lot.

It turns out the Sens lost in OT 4-3. Here is the winning goal:

Just for fun, here's the first goal of the game as well:

An NHL goalie NEEDS to make those saves. Imagine how disheartening it is to the rest of his teammates that they work so hard only to lose in OT after their goalie lets in not one, not two, but THREE soft goals.

Everyone is entitled to a bad game here and there, but this guy lets in more softies in one game than a Luongo lets in all season. He also does it often. The team is constantly working from a 1-0 deficit early in the game due to his first shot of the game follies.

What are the options for the Sens? Many are saying Chicago Blackhawks 'keeper Nicholai Khabbibulin can be had, but his $6 million plus salary is handcuffing.
Apparently, Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec is unhappy about going to the minors and wants to be traded. Is he the answer or should the Sens stick with Elliot as the goalie of the future?

Will the Sens swing a trade for a legitimate number one or will they ride out an Auld/Elliot tandem for this season and test their luck with the free agent market this summer?

The status quo is probably not an option for Sens fans as the message boards are rife with posters calling for Gerber's head. Fans won't sit by and watch these goaltending follies any longer. Something needs to be done. Can Auld carry a starter's load all season? Can he work in tandem with Elliot? Can Murray bring in an elite goaltender this season? Many questions and even more answers. Hopefully, the Ottawa Senators can come up with something because this team is a decent goalie away from being a legitimate threat to make another Stanley Cup Final appearance.

Nikulin Unhappy? Quelle Surprise!!

2008-10-03T23:57:00.004-04:00

Alex Nikulin has apparently expressed his desire for a trade or he's heading back to Russia. I think I eluded to that in an earlier Blog. In any event, here is a translated version of Nikulin's personal Blog;

"Goodbye, Ottawa.
October 1, 2008.

I will say right away that if I’m going back to Russia, it’s only to play for the CSKA. When I’d be able to join the team I don’t know. Maybe in about two weeks, but perhaps more time needs to pass.

One thing is clear: I will not be playing for Ottawa. A lot of stuff’s happened during this time. Ilja Zubov and I were sent down to the farm, prior to which I was told they were unsatisfied with the results of my tests. That was rather strange to hear, because I improved all my results from last year. And anyway, tests are one thing; playing the game is another. They didn’t give me a chance to play in the exhibition games. But did give that chance to Ilja Zubov. Put him on the fourth line with the tough guys—try and prove yourself there. I don’t even know what’s better; maybe, like in my case, to never take to the ice at all. And could the tests really matter that much? Especially given the fact I played on the big team last season, having worse conditioning status than I do now. Plus, players with better results were sent down. So it’s not just the tests.

Only afterwards did it become known that the coach just doesn’t see me on his team. Just doesn’t see me there, and that’s it. He didn’t explain anything to me personally, my agent was told of this, but that’s the official version. That seems a lot more like the truth, but I still don’t understand why I couldn’t have been given just one chance, why I was simply crossed out.

So, I’ve asked for a trade, and the General Manager of the Senators Bryan Murray has agreed. But for some strange reason it’s been really dragging. Because I was supposed to have been traded last week by Friday. Then they moved the deal to Monday. But then on Monday nothing was clear again, so I wait. Now the team has left for Europe where they’ll start the season. I’m hoping everything will be settled there. For now I’m training with the farm team. But I’m not prepared to wait a long time for a deal, two weeks at most. If Ottawa can’t find a deal, I’m heading to Moscow.

But then again, a lot depends on where I’d be traded. For instance, if it’s Detroit, then I can buy a ticket to Russia right away. I won’t have a chance to play for that team. I would like to get on an average team, so I can play. By the way, should the new team also send me down to the AHL, I’ll again have to think. I will find out for how long this would be. I’m not going to waste a season in the minors.

Obviously, I’m hoping everything works out in the best way. I won’t say where I would like to end up. I’ve become a bit superstitious lately. At any rate, I’m waiting now, but it’s apparent now that I’m spending my last days in Ottawa."

=====================================

Apparently, this kid just doesn't get it. He is a perimeter player, the coaches wanted him to get more involved, he didn't and winds up back in the AHL to learn how to dig. He obviously thinks he's too good to play on the 4th line with "the tough guys". Maybe he'd learn something about desire and heart from some of those guys.

Like I've often eluded to, drafting Russians is more often than not, a wasted draft pick.

Did he even think of going to Binghamton, working hard, getting more involved in the game and wait for his shot in the bigs as an injury call up?

Bah!!

Now this cry baby has published his trade request on his blog which in turn hit the local news media thus driving down his trade value. Thanks, kid.

The NHL needs to put its foot down with these players who are under NHL contracts bolting back to Russia and playing hockey over there. The IIHF needs to step in and not allow these players to play. Anywhere. Period.

Would anyone like to start a pool as to when Zubov pulls the same stunt?

Easy Now, Everyone.

2008-09-29T15:47:00.003-04:00

I'm catching some heat regarding my last post on a possible Hawks/Sens trade. Everyone relax, this blog is just food for thought and entertainment. I do have a couple decent sources around the business, but am by no means the Nostradamus of trade predictions.

Sit back, enjoy and discuss amongst yourselves.

TSN's Bob McKenzie reports the Chicago Blackhawks have placed goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin on waivers, suggesting GM Dale Tallon either knows a GM who might take him off waivers or perhaps via re-entry waivers if he goes unclaimed.

At half his $6.75 million salary upon re-entry waivers, would Murray be interested? Works out to even less than Gerbs is making now.

Darth Gerber On His Way Out?

2008-09-28T23:42:00.003-04:00

Word out of Chicago has Khabibulin scratched tonight when he was declared the starter earlier this week by Savard. No reason given and no admission of injury on the part of the Hawks. Could Bryan Murray have been working the phones earlier today?

Gerber has looked shaky in the pre-season and the Sens will have a couple of disgruntled Russians sitting in Binghamton if they don't get some NHL time in this season.

The Hawks would like to move some cap space and the Sens need an upgrade in goal as well as having a ton of depth.

Could we see Gerber and maybe Schubert plus a prospect(s) heading out west for Khabby and Barker?

Something to ponder. What's worse, a year of Gerber at $3.7 or a year of Khabby at $6.75?

Fight Club

2008-09-28T21:47:00.006-04:00

To celebrate the beginning to the upcoming regular season and the apparent popularity of my new blog, I started a YouTube Channel that will feature some highlights and lowlights of YOUR Ottawa Senators. Especially FIGHTS!! OK, OK..... I'll(maybe) post a pretty Daniel Alfredsson goal every now and then.... but come on, who wouldn't rather see a good scrap. The link to the channel is:

http://ca.youtube.com/ottawasenatorsrumour

This first video is part one of the famous Mar 05, 2004 brawl between YOUR Ottawa Senators and the big, mean Philidelphia Flyers.

Check back, I'll post the other 4 parts in succession over the next couple of days. Stay Tuned and if this doesn't gear you up for the next season where the Sens will be rougher and tougher than ever, nothing will. Enjoy!!

Here is Part One, check the YouTube channel over the next few days for the 4 remaining parts. You can find the link to the right under "More Cool Hockey Sites"

Chris Neil Expendable?

2008-09-27T22:05:00.007-04:00

I don't think so. There has been much Neil-hate on the forum boards and even in the local newspapers. "Losing his edge", "Thinks he's Gretzky", "Too many dumb penalties", they all yelled. "$1.1 million for him? TRADE HIM!!!" They all screamed.
Granted, he may have lost his way a little last season, but which Sen didn't to some degree or another? Let's start off with some stats:

Detractors said with the acquisition of Ruutu and the emergence of Cody Bass, the writing was on the wall for Neiler to become trade bait. Which NHL GM wouldn't want this guy, right? He hits, he fights, he agitates, he chips in the occasional goal or assist and isn't a defensive liability. A team can't have too many of these types.

What I think happened last year was basically a coaching issue. Paddock seemed to send mixed messages to his players and they lost their roles. When used in his proper role, Chris is one of the best in the league among those in that role. I could hear Paddock now: "Go poke that guy with your stick, Chris....... oh not that hard, OK, OK, OK.... try using that Gretzky wrap around play every time you're around the net....OK OK OK..... that didn't work..... try creaming the opposing defenceman into the end boards on the forecheck, get a good run in there....Ooops, not that much of a run....OK....try fighting George Laraque....Hmmmmm."

This being a contract year, watch for Neil to step it up large and redeem himself big time. He is great at what he does, when he does it on a consistent basis. Expect 15 goals, 15 assists, 200 PIMS and to be among the top 10 in hits this year in the NHL....Book it.

Who's In and Who's Out?

2008-09-09T22:41:00.004-04:00

As most Sens fans are aware, the team has an abundance of NHL caliber players signed for this season. Compounding that quagmire is the fact that the team also have several rookies who are NHL ready or close to it. Obviously, some players are guaranteed a spot on the big club come training camp. The likes of Spezza, Heatley, Alfredsson, Vermette, Kelly, Neil, Fisher and Ruutu up front and Phillips, Volchenkov, Smith, Kuba on defense.

That leaves 1 forward spot and 2 defensive jobs open.

Waiting to fill those spots are NHL experienced forwards Foligno, McAmmond, Donovan, Bass, Isbister, Shannon and Schubert as well as NHL ready rookies like Winchester, Nikulin and Zubov battling for 1 forward spot.
Couple that with NHL defensive veterans Schubert, Lee, Bell, Carkner, and Picard all fighting it out for 2 jobs on the blueline.

Something has to give. Players will not be happy no matter how you slice it. Guys patiently toiling in the AHL waiting for their shot will tire of the buses and others will be sitting in the press box on a regular basis which never bodes well for their morale.

In goal, Brian Elliot is chomping at the bit to get more NHL action and he's almost ready. Behind Gerber and Auld on the depth chart, can Elliot be patient and wait until Gerber's contract expires at season's end or will he push for an NHL job sooner.

Even worse, some of these players like Winchester are on one way deals. That deepens the conundrum for Sens management. Could a trade be in the works? My sources tell me me YES, but who and where?

Look for Russian forwards Nikulin and Zubov to threaten to play in the KHL if they are forced to wait too long for NHL action. Isbister will be chomping at the bit to return to the NHL as will Picard and Shannon. Schubert won't be happy switching from defense to forward all season between his time in the press box.

My feeling is that a package of vets like McAmmond and Schubert will be packaged with promising young talent like Nikulin and/or Zubov to a rebuilding team for a marquee goalie, stud defenceman or a true top 6 power forward.

It's not a question of IF, but WHEN. Stay tuned, training camp opens later this month and should prove very interesting.

My Buddy's Entry to the HNIC Theme Contest

2008-09-09T22:22:00.002-04:00

Voting starts October 4th, 2008. Vote for our local boy's theme.
Here is the original link and how to vote: http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/mediadetail/326723

Analyzing the Andrej Meszaros Trade.

2008-09-05T20:19:00.002-04:00

Andrej Meszaros for Filip Kuba, Alex Picard and SJ's first round draft pick in the 2009 entry draft.
Meszaros promptly signs a 6 year $24million contract with th Lightning.

What the Sens get is a suitable short term replacement for the greedy Slovak Defenceman in Filip Kuba. Their career stats are compared below:

Season	Team	Lge	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1994-95	Vitkovice HC	Czech	4	0	0	0	0
1995-96	Vitkovice HC	Czech	18	0	1	1	2	--	--	--	--	--
1996-97	Carolina Monarchs	AHL	51	0	12	12	38	--	--	--	--	--
1997-98	New Haven Beast	AHL	77	4	13	17	58	3	1	1	2	0
1998-99	Florida Panthers	NHL	5	0	1	1	0	--	--	--	--	--
1998-99	Kentucky Thoroughblades	AHL	45	2	8	10	33	10	0	1	1	4
1999-00	Florida Panthers	NHL	13	1	5	6	2	--	--	--	--	--
1999-00	Houston Aeros	IHL	27	3	6	9	13	11	1	2	3	4
2000-01	Minnesota Wild	NHL	75	9	21	30	28	--	--	--	--	--
2001-02	Minnesota Wild	NHL	62	5	19	24	32	--	--	--	--	--
2002-03	Minnesota Wild	NHL	78	8	21	29	29	18	3	5	8	24
2003-04	Minnesota Wild	NHL	77	5	19	24	28	--	--	--	--	--
2005-06	Minnesota Wild	NHL	65	6	19	25	44	--	--	--	--	--
2006-07	Tampa Bay Lightning	NHL	81	15	22	37	36	6	1	4	5	4
2007-08	Tampa Bay Lightning	NHL	75	6	25	31	40	--	--	--	--	--

Andrej Meszaros:

Season	Team	Lge	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2002-03	Dukla Trencin	Slovak	23	0	1	1	4
2003-04	Dukla Trencin	Slovak	44	3	3	6	8	14	3	1	4	2
2004-05	Vancouver Giants	WHL	59	11	30	41	94	6	1	3	4	14
2005-06	Ottawa Senators	NHL	82	10	29	39	61	10	1	0	1	18
2006-07	Ottawa Senators	NHL	82	7	28	35	102	20	1	6	7	12
2007-08	Ottawa Senators	NHL	82	9	27	36	50	4	0	1	1	6

As you can see, they have similar numbers and Kuba is a one year deal with $3million remaining on it as opposed to gambling on Meszaros for 6 years at $4million per. Simply put, if Kuba doesn't pan out, he's gone next season and there is cap space available to sign a covetted puck moving D-man and Powerplay Quarterback. But wait...... The Sens also received Alex Picard in the deal. This promising youngster could flourish under new coach, Craig Hartsburg. Picard is signed for 2 years at well under $1million per. But wait, the Sens ALSO got SJ's first round pick which would in all likelihood be a late pick, but that's exactly what Meszaros was in the first place.

Murray did some smart managing here.....again. Not only did he plug the hole left by the departed player in the short term, while avoiding a cap-unfriendly albatross of a contract in the long term, he also received potential long term replacement for said departed player in the terms of an NHL ready young defenseman and a draft pick that could also be used to replace said player long term. All under cap friendly terms.

Simply put, Meszaros was not worth the contract he signed with Tampa Bay. Murray refused to handcuff himself long term by caving in and moved him. Meszaros is as much a gamble as Picard or any other promising young defenseman. He had a great rookie year followed by 2 sub-par seasons. Would you be willing to risk 6 more years of sub par play? Would you be willing to handcuff your cap structure to find out? Would you be willing to gamble a good chunk of your teams cap space that Meszaros will rediscover his rookie form? Murray was not and took the safe road here. Kuba will be no worse than Meszaros was the past 2 seasons and has never really played on a decent team. He could surprise fans this season. Same could be said for Picard. He played on terrible Flyers team then on a horrible Lightning squad. I'd bet he steps it up playing for his hometown team with a decent defensive system in place. Both these players can easily replace a Meszaros even when he was at his best. Failing that, they can't be any worse than Andrej was at his worst. And if all that fails, the Sens get a third kick at the can with the draft pick. Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.

Analysis of 2008 off season moves....so far

2008-09-04T21:14:00.000-04:00

Bryan Murray has done an admirable job this offseason re-tooling the Sens while leaving the team in a great position for the future. The signing of Jason Smith provides the team with a no-nonsense, play your guts out leader. Something this team has sorely lacked over the years. This guy will play on a broken leg if he has to and will always take one for the team. Jarkko Ruutu is a decent player who will drive opponents nuts. Jesse Winchester will be a sleeper in the bunch. He will impress in camp and will play a big role with the club. Book it. Ryan Shannon is a slick cat and could land a job on the first two lines. He's a boom or bust project. He's not suited to a 3rd or 4th line role, but has all the talents to be a 2nd line player IF his game is more suited to the Eastern Conference. He'd look good lined up with Vermette and Fisher. Vermette and Shannon using their slick speed and playmaking abilities to get Fish some garbage in front. All Shannon cost the Sens as Nycholat. Murray should be charged with grand larceny fleecing Gillis out of a roster player for a guy who was constantly whining about not being in the NHL all the while not deserving that shot.

Filip Kuba and Picard plus a first rounder for Andrej (did I do that?) Meszaros was another steal. Murray stuck to his guns and refused to over pay for this underachieving, over demanding d-man. Hats off that he got a similar player in Kuba at a lesser salary with but 1 year until UFA, but also a blue chip prospect in Picard who will replace Meszaros' game (when it was good) for several seasons. It bothers me when players demand a big raise after 2 sub par seasons following an excellent rookie campaign. Good riddance.

Bank on Brad Isbister turning his game around as well. A stint in Bingo may motivate this enigma.

Speaking of Bingo, they will ice an uber-competitive team this season with an excellent mix of young players and experienced vets to guide their development into future NHLers

Goaltending is an issue, but Elliot could surprise and be with the big club come the second half. Hopefully, someone will take Gerber off Murray's hands and the Sens can finally work on getting a decent goalie until Elliot is ready. Alex Auld is a decent #2 at a decent price.

This 2008 team is very deep with several players in the AHL who, on a lesser team, would be NHL'ers. They're chomping at the bit and will push the regulars on the big club to play at their best. Brendan Bell is one such character. With the log jam at the #6/#7 defenseman position, he'll keep everyone on their toes while trying to steal a job. The same can be said for Matt Carkner. The organization also has a glut of 4th line forwards. Expect one more trade before October. Perhaps for the goaltending upgrade we so desperately require.

There are simply too many NHL capable bodies on this team and something has to give. It's just a question of who and who will come back.