No doubt, with a little more effort, this team can do it!
#1 in penalties taken, it is within their grasp.
Keep your eyes on the prize boys, no doubt those paying $500.00 to watch will be thrilled to be able to say “I was there when they drew that minor, it was a thing of beauty!”.
That was a stupid performance, absolutely brain dead.
The worse part? They really don’t seem to get it.
GN
With the Sens regular season about to begin (at least, with this BS schedule so far, it seems that way) the Sens will face one of their toughest competitors to date, and an opponent who may well represent a play-off match-up this spring.
NJ is always a tough team to play, because, although you know it will be a tight defensive match, Brodeur can eliminate any chance you have to win. This is a game which you absolutely must make every opportunity count. Go down early against the Devils, and it quickly turns into a long night of icings and dump ins.
As for special teams, neither squad is lighting it up on the PP, with both teams currently ranked in the bottom half of the league in PP%, although to date the advantage, slim as it is, goes to Jersey.
The real battle of the special teams is in PK, with both of these teams sitting top 10 in the league, Ottawa having the slightly better record.
One of Ottawa’s number one goals in this game, and going forward, will have to be cutting down on the number of minor penalties. As it stands, they are the 16th most frequently penalized team (minors) whereas NJ is the least penalized team (minors) in the league.
Clouston absolutely must get this roster to quit taking penalties. It’s already cost them points, and if it keeps up, the habit will be too hard to break.
Win the 1st, win the game.
The strength of the data supporting this statement is overwhelming, and Clouston must drive this point home. Too often the Sens have come out flat footed in the 1st period, often taking as much as 10 minutes to get their game going. If the Sens want to start securing more wins, and reduce the need to fight in the late stages of matches, they’ll have to begin hitting the ice ready to win.
With a much tougher schedule ahead, Ottawa must do what they can to conserve energy, and putting games away early will go a long way toward keeping them energized for the next match.
After 13 games, I have to say I’m happy with the record of the Sens. This isn’t to say there isn’t room for improvement, there is;
FO% – 47% (29th). Some of this is attributable to the loss of Spezza for a number of games, but one of Kelly, Regin or Foligno have to step it up in this department.
PP% – At 16.3%, Ottawa sits in 23rd place for PP%. That’s not good enough. 20% is the bare minimum of acceptability, and with Kuba and Spezza back let’s hope they start making their way up in this ranking.
Enjoy the game.
GN
That was a close one, well, as close as a 4-2 OT victory can get, I guess.
For the most part, the Sens won that game because they’re the better team. Nobody in particular looked great, but nobody in particular looked bad either.
One area of concern was the neutral zone. I felt the Sens allowed far too many easy outlets get through the neutral zone, and far too often the Bolts gained the offensive blueline with both speed, and unimpeded possession. But, this is a departure from past games, so I’d chalk it up to the lay-off.
As for the Neil hit. It was absolutely predatory, and as such, I believe should be made a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, IMO.
No doubt Neil could have taken some off of that hit, but, ultimately, it was Nitty who hung Hedman out to dry. By stopping that puck behind the net, then returning to the blue paint, Hedman was forced to play the puck, and Neil was given a clear path to land the hit.
Neil did not target the head, but he knew Hedman was vulnerable, and he took advantage.
I can’t change my tune, just to suit my fan preferences.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Neil should be suspended, or that he’s a dirty player, just that, a hit like that should be considered unsportsmanlike, and merits a 2 min penalty.
GN
On todays HockeyCentral at noon, Mike Brophy did the best job of putting my thoughts to words.
Hits to the head, and predatory hitting.
This is a major issue, and trust me, I’m no shrinking violet who doesn’t enjoy the physical side of the game, but I’m also not a blood lust kinda guy who finds any enjoyment, whatsoever, in seeing a player laid out in a predatory hit, and leaving the ice on a stretcher. I love this GAME. I don’t love the idea of a person suffering a life long injury for no good reason, and least of all for my entertainment.
Some argue, and fairly, that every player who skates onto the ice knows the risk they’re taking, and in going over the boards, accept this risk.
Fair enough…but to a point.
I know, when I drive my car, I could get into an accident, where the other driver, or myself, did not do anything purposely wrong to cause the accident. I know this could cause my death, or a life long injury. I drive every day.
But I don’t expect somebody to T-bone me, if I run a red light by accident, because they can. Honestly, if they sped up, knowing I was running the red, so they could hit me, for whatever reason, they’d, legally, still be in the clear (unless I could prove their intent, which I can’t).
This is the same for a player who makes a predatory hit. They know they can, they know it would be impossible to prove they meant to hurt the player, and so they get away with a “clean-hit”.
But, it wasn’t clean. We ALL know that.
In all likelihood, that hit could have been made, in such a way as to remove the player from the puck, and probably even make a good “show”, without running them over.
So what’s to stop a player from making the hit to hurt vs. the hit to both win, and entertain? Seeing a player hurt is NOT entertaining. It’s sickening.
I can tell you honestly, if a player was “hit to hurt” every game, resulting in a stretcher evac…I’d quit watching, and I’m a guy who loves the UFC.
So, how do we deal with this?
One way is the OHL way, where by, after the recent predatory hit on a player, D. Branch suspended the offending player for a year. Now, that’s heavy handed, but here’s what Broph had to say about it, and I agree completely;
“It’s a tough one (the suspension), and I feel very, very bad for Mike Liambas (the hitter) because , as I said to David Branch (OHL Commish.) when I spoke to him yesterday, I was working the night of the hit, and we all got ‘hey, did you hear what happened in an OHL game?’, and we went over (to review the hit)…I’ve seen way worse hits…(goes on to tell some stories of past hits in the OHL). At the end of the day, here’s where I go with this one, the game has changed. Because they’ve (the OHL) opened the game up, they don’t allow players to hook and hold, so you can’t hold guys up anymore. Players need a reason, they need a reason to stop, for one split second and think about what they’re doing on the ice, and now they have that reason. Micheal Liambas, unfortunately, you can call him a scapegoat, or whatever, but players now have a reason to stop and think before they hit a player who’s in a vulnerable position, and as I say, this is not the worst thing I’ve ever seen, obviously the result of the hit was horrible, with this young man lying in a hospital today…That’s what David Branch has done, he’s given players a reason to stop and think before they act…it blows my mind when you see players who are vulnerable, and players attack…they’re only doing what they’re instructed to do by their coaches,’take your man out, and take him out hard’. But now they have a reason to stop and think about how hard they’re going to take a guy out, it could cost you a season”
Yeah, some will say it’s a slippery slope, but c’mon, this is life and death were talking about, and there’s nothing slippery about that.
The laws of cause and effect dictate that you cannot remove one aspect of the game, without there being some result. Sure, the reason was to improve the skill, and increase scoring opportunities, all laudable objectives, but, unforeseeable, it has created this other issue, and it’s about time the NHL acknowledges the reality of the situation, and acts in a responsible manner to mitigate this new risk. Undoubtedly the players need to do the same, and behave with more concern for the safety of each-other, and by default, themselves, but as long as the NHL allows it, the management will demand it, and a multi-million dollar lifestyle is one hell of a motivation to do what you’re told to do.
GN
Over the past few seasons, Ottawa has suffered two major woes;
1. Soft Goals;
2. Lack of offense.
Fortunately, offense has not been an issue, which is surprising, considering the off season issues. For the first time in years this team has had little problem producing sufficient offense to win games, and that has been the major force behind this teams early success.
Unfortunately, goals against has become an issue. At 3.00 GA/g, Ottawa has actually worsened its position from that of the past few seasons. It is this area, without affecting GF/g, that must be improved, and the bulk of this burden will fall squarely upon the shoulders of Leclaire. There does not appear to be any short term improvement in defense on the horizon, and moving into a defensive shell, a la Hartsburg, is no way to maintain offense, so, it’s the last line of defense that will be called upon to improve the teams fortunes.
We all saw this coming, but the recent losing skid, while those around them are improving, is making the need for wins all the more obvious.
Pascal needs to put together some big games, and start stealing some points for this teams woeful defense.
GN
Fisher & Cheechoo
For
Vinnie
Would you do it?
Word has it, he’s available…
GN
So who’s it gonna be?
‘Cause this team needs a saviour, both at defense, and at forward.
These are the moments supposed “depth” players dream of, the chance to get more ice-time, improved linemates, and a chance to show they’re not 3-4 guys, they’re 1-2 guys.
So far, if the games versus Atlanta and Tampa are any indication, this teams bottom tier depth players are exactly that, and only that.
What about you Shannon? We all hoped you could be a surprise 2nd line offensive guy, but no goals yet…not exactly inspiring.
Hey Foligno, remember the top line? If I were you, I’d savour the memory, because unless you do something with those minutes, and linemates, it’ll be a long time before you get another sniff.
Regin, I know it’s a lot to ask of a first year rookie, to fill the boots of a proven #1 centre, but it sure would turn some heads if you at least looked ready to aspire to such lofty heights in the future, so far, checking centre seems the more appropriate slot.
Unless one or more of those 3 names steps it up, and soon, this team will exist in constant fear of an injury to the top 2 offensive lines, and that’s no way to excel.
I honestly believe any one of those players could do the job, on any given night, but believing, and knowing, seem miles apart right now.
And on defense, although only one game without Volchy, the future looks no brighter. Lee was called up, and still looks unable to accept he’s not going to be an offensive dynamo in the NHL. Too many pinches, bad reads, and picked off passes. Hell, the same can be said for Camps and Picard. Right now it’s a pick ‘em for who’s better, or worse.
Can’t one of these three get it together? They don’t need to replace Volchy, they just need to play a sound defensive game, along with the ability to transition the play from defense to offense. So far it’s lacking in both departments.
Hey, did anybody by chance get a top 4 Dman for Halloween? If so, call BM, he may be willing to listen to offers.
GN
Smell my feet,
Play more than 30 minutes and you won’t get beat.
Another loss.
It’s official, this team is on a losing streak.
1-4.
Oh sure, when the game was still within reach the Sens decided it might be worth trying to win, and yes, Pavelec was lights out, but how many losses will it take before this team realizes they can’t win by playing only one or so periods a game?
Some of you may still want to look at that game like getting an apple on Hallowe’en, it may not be great, but it’s not all bad.
Personally, I think I got a rock.
GN
p.s., this team is in desperate need of another top 4 dman. The more Camps & Picard are asked to play top 4 minutes, the worse they get. The fact that Phillips played less EV time than either just shows how the team needs a competent defenseman that can also provide offense.
p.p.s. Sens are now 7th in the east, and on pace for a 96 pt finish. There is no buffer room for good games with no points if the play-offs is the desired goal.
They’ve both been used generously by the more “frugal” of those among us. In fact, sometimes their ability to do a job, in a pinch, leaves one wondering why the original was ever needed. Sometimes they get you just far enough away from home to discover…you’re screwed.
And that’s what a couple of teams are going to find out tonight.
Atlanta is without their only proven elite player, Ilya Kovalchuk, and their supposed #1 goaltender.
Ottawa will hit the home ice minus their number one centre, and number one defensive defenseman.
This injury situation will leave both teams struggling to play their games. Atlanta, a run and gun team, will be without their biggest gun, and will be worried that without him, they’ll be firing blanks. Ottawa, despite the loss of Spezza, still has decent offensive talent in Mich, Alfie and Kovalev, but their defense is acutely diminished without A-Train. When fully healthy along the blue line, Ottawa still has issues when trying to contain offensively dynamic teams, remove A-Train, and suddenly a role playing D-man is tagged to play against opponents well beyond his ability.
So, who will win the battle of the busted?
With both teams coming off of losing skids (ATL 0-4, OTT 1-3) no doubt neither dressing room is prepared to see some early season success fall to the wayside due to injuries.
The advantage would have to go to the Sens, who have their #1 goaltender, and home ice advantage, allowing Clouston to manage the all important defensive matchups.
In order to win, the OTT defense will have to play a strong physical game, as this will likely be the style employed by the wounded Thrashers. Look to Armstrong for another predatory game, it’s what he does well, no offense, and hopefully Neil can one up the intensity. But don’t expect Carks to drop ‘em, as his size and shut-down ability is too important to lose for 5 plus minutes, at least until Volchy returns. Roots and Chum will have to pick up the pugilist slack should it be required.
Should it come down to a battle of special teams, which, if recent history is any indication, may be the case, Atlanta has the clear advantage. While all of the penalties against has fire tested Ottawa’s PK’ers, their power play remains rarely utilized, and feeble when called into action. Although statistically strong on the PP, Atlanta, without Kovalchuk may not be the threat they were previously.
Prediction?
5-2 Ottawa win.
GN
There certainly could be a case made for the Sens quick start beginning to show signs of sputtering.
With loses to NSH, BOS, and now TB, the Sens are 1-3 in their last 4 games.
That’s the way losing streaks begin, they sneak up on you, and by the time you’re in the middle of a full fledged slump, the damage is done.
This roster has to pull itself up by the bootstraps, and soon, or the Sens already challenging road to the post season could become impassable.
I’m not inciting panic here, there are legitimate reasons for last nights horrendous performance, and trust me, it was completely horrendous, taking any salvation from a couple of meaningless late game goals is nothing any team with a commitment to winning should do. They were schooled last night, actually, they were embarrassed, and that’s what they should be focusing on.
The fact remains that this team doesn’t have the buffer it once did. Back in the good ‘ol days this team could sit idle for 2 periods, still look competitive, then pour it on in the final frame to lock up a win. Those days are loooong gone, and now it’s a matter of beating your opponent by a thousand cuts, not one big dramatic swing.
But in order for these thousand cuts to be made, certain players need to do more, much more.
You’re a big boy Kovalev, so don’t get all pouty when I say you’ve sucked lately.
That stroll through the neutral zone you call a back check has got to stop. You are being payed to work, not play, and that’s all I’m asking for here, some work. Quit floating, if nothing else, at least look like you give a shit.
Cheech, look, I’m pulling for you kid. I’ve tried to stay off your back, used the saying nothing if you have nothing good to say strategy, but times running out. You’re flat-lining here. Show a spark, ignite your passion for the game. Forget about who you “were”, are how much pressure you’re feeling, from all sides, and just go out and have fun. You’ve lost that loving feeling kid, and it shows, but I know it’s still there, and playing from that mindset will get you back into the game you used to love. Nothing has changed, just let it all go, and play, whatever will be, will be.
Kels…you’re killing me. What are you, a defensive specialist, a checker, a two way forward? Just pick one, any one, and excel at it. But right now you’re a hot mess on a cold streak.
Roots…make me laugh, bite somebody, punch a goaltender, spray water at a passing player, cough in somebody’s face…just be all you can be, a huge PITA. I’m not saying you haven’t been good, because you have, but this team needs a little spark from you, a laugh, a rallying cry, and you my frustrating friend, are just the kinda nutcase for the job (no offense, lol).
Neil, it’s time to smoke somebody. I’m talkin’ Train vs. Cow kinda hit, you know, the kind that get’s players like you on the highlight reel. Don’t kill anybody, but a nice “did you see that hit!” kind of legal check would go a long way right now.
And lastly, Foligno. This is it kid. These are the moments you make you name in. You know what to do, now just do it, and it’ll pay dividends for years to come.
Boys, it’s time to decide whether you’d rather work and win, or float and lose, ’cause there ain’t no door number three.
GN
