Game two: Ottawa Senators @ Toronto Maple Leafs
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 5:15 PM EDT
177 comments
Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs, Oct 6, 2009 7:00 PM EDT
Whatever anyone says about the Battle of Ontario being dead, I'm still pretty stoked for the game tonight. I don't care if we're both teams that missed the playoffs last year; I want to see how we stack up.
As you may have read in today's Silver Nuggets, Shean Donovan is in the lineup, and will be counted on for a little physicality against the Leafs--as will Chris Neil, Matt Carkner, Mike Fisher, and Jarkko Ruutu. And the monster Jonas "Burnin' Up" Gustavsson will make his NHL regular-season debut tonight.
I'm excited. Can't wait for the puck drop.
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Do we have confirmation on Kuba’s status yet?
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 6:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nope, but TSN Ice Chips has Picard starting, and the Sens’ official Twitter said Kuba is likely out tonight (but it will be a gametime decision)
by DarrenM on Oct 6, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clou-Clou said he's doubtful
Which, to me, means he’s not playing. So Picard’s in.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope I’m wrong, but I really predict the Leafs to win the game tonight. Not only do they have home ice advantage, but they’re also facing a Senators team that has yet to really gel and find its identity, is missing arguably their most important defenseman, and has a shuffled around second line that I’m not very confident with.
by DarrenM on Oct 6, 2009 6:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
VOLCHENKOV!
Apparently the A-Train is on the tracks again. He just stepped up and smoked a guy.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 7:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ANOTHER ONE!
Just hit Stalberg big time. Big time.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if we’ll see any Senators highlight replays tonight. Or if it will continue to be basically Leafs TV on TSN.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 7:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
End of one, 0-0
Shots: TOR 8, OTT 7
Penalties: Kelly (Ott); Ruutu (OTT)/Orr (TOR)
Hits: TOR 12, OTT 11
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 7:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Stars for the first: Alfredsson, Donovan, Volchenkov
Alfie’s got credit for one hit, has more. He’s on tonight.
Donovan’s the only one doing what Clouston’s asking for: Driving the net.
Volchenkov has two huge hits (only credit for one) and decent defensively.
Regin’s looked good, too. As has Leclaire.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 7:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Could someone recap the first – how are we compared to Toronto? The stats make it look very balanced.
by DarrenM on Oct 6, 2009 8:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It was pretty balanced.
There wasn’t many chances either way, it was largely even.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Phillips really working the coverage on the PK
by Matthew on Oct 6, 2009 8:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Him, Anton, Fisher and Kelly are a formidable PK line.
They’ll never score a short handed goal, but…
by Matthew on Oct 6, 2009 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
TRUCULENCE!
Ruutu injures Blake, the fourth line keeps forechecking, and SHEAN DONOVAN SCORES A SCRAMBLER!
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't know if Donovan actually hit that
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 8:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That’s what my girlfriend’s saying… might have been a Leaf defender who knocked it in. Still, it’s got to be conclusive…
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
SheanDon! Playing for a roster spot.
And earning one. Terrific first game.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
… if he’s okay… come on, Milan! You’ll be fine!
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And he's back!
I’m glad he’s back… I like Michalek.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like that'll make him less likely to score.
He’s a Sen now
by Matthew on Oct 6, 2009 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have literally never seen this before
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 8:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
SCORE ON THE PP AND MAKE THIS SHIT UGLY
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 8:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hell of a move.
It’s great when he shows those moves off once in a while. I’d like to see them more often.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Maguire cheering for Toronto?
Sure seems that way. He’s getting on my nerves.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That’s not very truculent. Downright untruculent.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeff, you’re becoming my favorite poster. Keep it up.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So Milan is now at a breakaway-a-game pace. Think he can keep it up?
by DarrenM on Oct 6, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of the many questions pundits are posing about this 2009-2010 Ottawa Senators team.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speed is his game, and he’s on a line to use it. I like his play so far. This “backchecking” thing is unusual from the LW on our top line…
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do we have two unassisted goals?
Seriously? Come on, guys, let’s pad the stats a bit here. My fantasy hockey team needs some help.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Is it just me or is Volchenkov shooting a lot more these days?
by DarrenM on Oct 6, 2009 8:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It's not just you...
I think he’s back on this year. I hope he’s back on this year. Add a bit of offence to his game-changing physicality, and he’s going to cash in on his contract next year.
Oh yeah, and that big hit he threw on Stalberg? That kid’s not coming back tonight.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he's shooting a lot
… and I have no problem with that. With the rockets he’s unleashing there should be some rebound goals generated.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Karlsson’s also playing a LOT better tonight. He just had a terrific sequence in his own end.
by DarrenM on Oct 6, 2009 8:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He's also had a bootload of ice time.
Over ten minutes so far tonight. It’s pretty nice to see.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Karlsson seems like a true rookie. He’s jittery but I think he’s settled down a lot between game one and this one. His poise in a year or two is going to be stupid good. STUPID GOOD.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A bit different than Gerber.
Oh Martin… I won’t miss you. I’m sorry.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm confused by the things Spezza just did with the skating and defense
by Matthew on Oct 6, 2009 8:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Isn't it nice?
Unlike some recently-departed players, Spezza appears to be responding positively to an increased role on the team. And he didn’t even need a letter. So he gets some penalty-killing time, and all that jazz.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Michalek deserves some credit there too. He’s backchecking, Alfie’s back there… what’s Spezza gonna do? If all three of them do it consistently, that line has the speed to generate some breakaways off of turnovers, like we have seen already.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree.
I said it before, I think Spezza tailors his style to who he plays with. He was a bit slower with Heatley, looking for the pass, and he’s stepped up his speed with Michalek. Big time.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's not get too crazy yet...
This is only the Leafs, after all…
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Karlsson's got some kind of hand-eye
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sounds painful...
Is that like the thing in Pan’s Labyrinth has?
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, i thought that last pass to him (by Kovy?) was gonna bounce over his stick for sure.
Great second period. Damn.
by DarrenM on Oct 6, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We wouldn't get into these situations if we could keep the puck over there instead of over here
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"Now this is managing the puck"
:turnover:
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hahahahahaha...
I want Kovalev to score.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Kovalev's a monster with the puck"
We do not eat the puck, Alexei
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Seriously baseball you had a two hour head start
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Baseball's still on?
They should cancel that sport.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did Ruutu lose his roster spot?
He lost coverage, Komisarek (I hate that guy) shoots and hits both posts, and Donovan’s playing like a beast. Well, a moderate beast. I love Ruutu, but… yeah. Once he becomes a liability, it’s tough to justify the hilarity he causes.
Plus there’s actually a trade market for him, unlike many other Senators players.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If this were Resident Evil: Mercenaries the Maple Leafs would be spraying us with a first aid canister right now
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Will need some "major dental work" on his two front teeth
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He says in reply to the wrong comment
The Maple Leafs are handing us chances right now.
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The next Chris Neil?
At least dentally.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maguire's right about something!
Foligno and Kovalev have clicked.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Neil just about cost us the game.
That was awful.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Be optimistic!
Only three years and 80.25 games!
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope this isn't the part where we suck
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He’s the real deal. I can’t wait to see what this team looks like as they gain confidence in him.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did not think I would fall this hard this fast for a goalie
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Binghamton's not that bad.
Zing!
No, seriously, I love Binghamton. Or at least I would love to go there.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t give up on Elliott. He set a record last year. He just needs experience. But honestly, he’s trade bait if Leherer keeps up his play.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course it was. I don’t know how I missed that the first time around. Giddy from beating the Leafs, I guess.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did anyone read my prediction in the Citizen?
I said 3-1 with an empty net goal. I was so damned close.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Old Man Fletcher doesn't know what's happening.
“Where am I? Who are you? These crab cakes don’t have real crab in them, do they?”
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could get used to .giffing this box
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You offer a hell of a service with your animated .gifs
Tremendous. Perfect timing, great execution.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who I loved in this game:
Volchenkov – It’s like he was sent back to our time by Skynet for the purpose of playing defence correctly.
Leclaire – Cause you know Gerber would have let that in to send it to OT. Timely, timely saves.
Alfie – I wish he’d never retire because he’ll always be awesome.
Who I didn’t like:
Cheechoo – Come on, Cheech. I want to love all the Sens, even our overpaid 4th line.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 9:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of that 4th line, it sucks Kelly is paid so much, but I like him a lot as a 4th liner.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who else just knew that final shot was going to go in?
Damn you conditioning
by Jeff Sullivan on Oct 6, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But it makes the victory feel so much better!
by Matthew on Oct 6, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Volch, Leclaire, and Alfie. I don’t think Cheech was bad, at all.
I’m so impressed with Carkner. I thought the guy was going to STRUGGLE, and he’s been extremely solid in both games.
by DarrenM on Oct 6, 2009 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, Cheech was fine.
He’s going to have to work hard to get off the third line, and I don’t think Chris Neil is going to offer him much help. We’ll see if Cheech can do it, but he’s fine for the time being.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Neil, guy has been great in these first two games.
by DarrenM on Oct 6, 2009 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe my expectations for him are too high? I’m not asking that he score 56 goals again, but I guess I’d like to see a little more than just holding the puck. Neil generated more chances than he did tonight. He’s responsible defensively and that’s good for this team, but he looks… lost? in the offensive zone to me.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to think part of Carkner’s play is due to knowing Clouston’s system. He’s been just straight up solid, like you said, and that probably comes from the confidence of knowing exactly what he’s supposed to do.
by Mark Parisi on Oct 6, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, with both.
Totally did not think Carkner would fit in as well as he has so far. It’s interesting to see.
by PeterR on Oct 6, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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