Brian Lee Sent to Binghamton of the AHL

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

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.

Who Stays, Who Goes?

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 Blast Habs 6-1

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.