Senators remember how to win, beat Oilers 4-1
by DarrenM on Mar 10, 2010 12:31 AM EST
in Senators recaps
61 comments
The first period was dominated by Ottawa, but they were unable to take advantage of it because A) the powerplay was useless despite four chances (including a half-minute of 5-on-3), and B) goalie Jeff Deslauriers was on top of his game. The highlight of the period, though, was probably Brian Elliott stopping Mike Comrie on a penalty shot near the end of the period. A goal would have swung the momentum in Edmonton's favour, but Elliott didn't let it happen.
The second period, however, started with an Edmonton goal by Fernando Pisani in the first 5 minutes. The Ottawa Senators then took control of the game and near the end of the period Chris Kelly sniped one into the back of the twine -- except by "sniped" I mean shot from an impossible angle and got a fluke bounce.
That opened up the dam for the third period, so to speak, as the Senators managed to put three more past Deslauriers, including power play goals from Milan Michalek and Matt Cullen. Mike Fisher had the other goal for the Sens.
Although the Senators controlled the game, a lot of that can be credited to the Edmonton Oilers' undisciplined play. The Senators had 9 powerplay opportunities (including a couple of 5-on-3s), and so it's no wonder they dominated the shot count (39-19). The Senators are lucky that they got a couple of goals on powerplays in the third period, though, because their powerplay was miserable prior to it. The Senators desperately need to work on their powerplay so that they don't continue to blow as many chances as they did tonight.
Sens Heroes: Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, Brian Elliott
Alfredsson didn't get any goals, but he managed to put up three helpers, including a dandy pass on the Milan Michalek goal. Karlsson moved the puck with incredible ease tonight and racked up two assists of his own while firing six shots on goal and logging a team high 23:30 of icetime. Brian Elliott deserves recognition for being solid when he had to be, and making that key save on the Comrie penalty shot.
Shot Chart!
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To be fair
that 5 on 3 was only 30 secs. I always love coming to this blog after a game and read the summaries and opinions. Thanks.
Will fix that error!
Should’ve said half minute. Thanks for the correction, and for the positive comments!
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Karlsson is going to be a stud before we know it
There’s nothing to dislike about the kid once he adds some muscle. And if he stays with Sutton… that might be a scary pairing.
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"His offensive awareness is off the charts!"
Silver Seven: the Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators blogs.
No kidding
The kid is just phenomenal – his confidence is amazing, but he never seems to get cocky, he just plays smart. He’s also getting extremely good at keeping plays alive in the offensive zone on the PP. He always seems to be able to find a way to keep the puck in and make the play.
I think he still has to work on keeping the puck in the zone
He’s fast enough to get over to the boards on the PP, but it hops his stick all the time. Drives me crazy.
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I wonder if he might be getting too much ice time
I mean, the kid’s still young, but he’s played, what, 60-game long seasons the past couple years? I’m wondering if he might get worn out when this season comes to an end, and we’re getting into the playoffs.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 10, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Stat I Didn't Realize Until I Just Saw It
Jason Spezza had 2 assists.
Silver Seven: the Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators blogs.
Was Cullen better tonight?
The stats look like he was good. If he can give us scoring depth, that is absolutely huge. He’s improved every game so far… I hope that’s continuing.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
Well he’s already got 2 more goals then Tyler Arnason got as a Sen, so he’s doing something right.
by modsuperstar on Mar 10, 2010 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
Well he’s alreadygot 2 more goals thenNOT Tyler Arnasongot as a Sen, so he’s doing something right.
Fixed that for you.
SNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE!!! - ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Mar 11, 2010 2:50 AM EST up reply actions
Cullen...
And the PP didn’t get going until Cerebral Clouston made the smart move to put Cullen on the point with EK and shift Alfie to the half boards in lieu of Kovalev. There’s your new first unit CC, STICK WITH IT!
by Dr. Hansum B. Wunderful on Mar 10, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
DesLauriers was everywhere. He had some entertaining saves. Spezza got me pool points (Y) and Carkner tearing Stortini’s jersey was hilarious.
And Edmonton…paper fans? XD
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
An old thought, but the Sens sure do miss a big shot from the point on the powerplay. Most teams just keep lining them up from there, get traffic in front, and everything else is icing. The Sens are forced to play a perimeter game instead, stickhandling through the clogged slot or passing from down low. I think most teams have it figured out. But I guess even the Sens can score against the worst PK in the league if they get 9 chances.
Karlsson is playing with an enormous amount of confidence right now, and plays extremely smart. Lee, by contrast, was solid but unremarkable, and was caught up in the play more than once, forcing all the forwards who were setting up to come back. Mind-blowing that he went 9th overall and has a couple of seasons of pro under his belt, while we got Karlsson 15th.
Good to see Fisher get a goal. He was all over the ice, and deserved it for all the hard work.
I knew The Oilers were bad, but I didn’t know they were this bad. Stupid penalties, couldn’t get anything going at all, no breakout strategy. Quinn has wrecked that team. If it hadn’t been for Deslauriers through the first two, it would have been 6-7 goals easy.
Yeah, Lee deserves credit for his play this game
He’s no Karlsson, for sure, but this was his best game of the season. It was far from spectacular, but we noticed him for things he did well, instead of things he did wrong. Which is a very positive development.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 10, 2010 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Really?
Wasn’t Lee the one who caused the penalty shot? And THIS was his best game of the season?
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Penalty shot was a weak call
but he should’ve been back covering it.
Silver Seven: the Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators blogs.
Watching the highlights that penalty shot definitely was a phantom call. Probably would have never been called if it was the road team.
by modsuperstar on Mar 10, 2010 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. When it comes to Lee, some people are just aching for a reason to be critical
Cannot play with 'em, cannot win with 'em, cannot coach with 'em. Cant do it.
And he gave us so many in the first part of this season...
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 11, 2010 8:39 AM EST up reply actions
When he was playing well and got sent down as a result?
Cannot play with 'em, cannot win with 'em, cannot coach with 'em. Cant do it.
When, exactly, was that?
I can highlight a few times when Lee appeared to be a bona fide NHLer: The 2008 stretch run and playoff loss to Pittsburgh, when he was among the most consistent players on the team; last season’s stretch run, when he was a part of the team that rebounded nicely; and Tuesday’s game against Calgary.
The first two instances he followed up with poor showings in training camp, the latter continues to be a trial for him.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 11, 2010 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
Yessss! They won!!
We won!!! I dreamt intensely I guess haha!
The boys seemed to have played well even though the Oilers may have Bern undisciplined… Regardless it’s setting the game on track for the boys!
I’m happy about Cullen.. I think he’ll do well with us! And I’m so excited to see Jarlsson continue to grow!
looking forward to Thursday’s game!!
by Los Blancos Chicca on Mar 10, 2010 10:11 AM EST via mobile reply actions
*Karlsson
Stupid typos!
by Los Blancos Chicca on Mar 10, 2010 10:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Jarlsson would be an awesome name, too
Reminds me of Jarlsberg cheese, which is awesome.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 10, 2010 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Eriksson is the most common mispronunciation of his name, apparently
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Mmmmm
Cheese!!! Jarlsson what a dork I am with this touch screen
by Los Blancos Chicca on Mar 10, 2010 2:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Peter R
I see you fell asleep! Haha where was your commitment! Just playing!
by Los Blancos Chicca on Mar 10, 2010 10:12 AM EST via mobile reply actions
dreams and notification
So, I had a dream the night before last that Elliott went on a tear for the rest of the season, then got hurt early in the play offs. Leclair stepped in and was ignited. He was dominant. I woke up before the finals, but we did win the conference (with circles).
Also, I think this years edition of “Ottawa’s Goaltending Controversy” is a good one. Elliott has developped the “Goaltender crazy eyes” the “twitches” that seem to be present in every excellect goaltender I’ve ever seen. I take it as a good sign.
To be clear, I don’t want Ells to get hurt, I’m just pointing out my subconscious ramblings and interpretations… And knocking on wood, too.
Thanks for another terrific recap, guys. I read both the sun and citizen and your post is better written and the writers are better read. Keep it up!
by High Priest of Alfie on Mar 10, 2010 10:21 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Do you often have premonitive dreams?
Because that sounds like a great outcome, even if the road there is crappy for Elliott.
And thanks for the positive feedback, Darren’s always good for a great recap.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 10, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
i did...
Dream them into the cup final with emery in net.
Just sayin’, is all.
by High Priest of Alfie on Mar 10, 2010 2:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Cullen was a hero!
Dude, Cullen deserved a Hero call-out! He was all over the ice last night, killing penalties, on the PP, etc. Plus he scored the game winner! Great acquisition by B. Murda and I hope they resign him and Mount Sutton.
Speaking of Mount Sutton, him and Karlsson make a great pair! Keep em together Clouston and Murray for the long term!
Also, I thought Lee is improving game to game, he can be a solid d-man if he’s given the opportunity to develop like Karlsson is. In my opinion he’s already as good as Kuba. Speaking of Kuba, does anyone really miss him? I don’t. Ship him off the minute his NTC expires and use the money to re-sign Sutton and Volchenkov. Let Campoli walk too. Don’t miss either of those two at all!
by Dr. Hansum B. Wunderful on Mar 10, 2010 10:26 AM EST reply actions
Lee isn't as good as Kuba
Lee might be about the same defensively, but he’s nowhere near as good as Kuba offensively. Kuba has 28 points, more than Regin or Foligno, and far above any other defenseman.
Silver Seven: the Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators blogs.
Kuba stinks
Sorry but 28 points for a guy who’s had plenty of time on “manning” the first PP unit and supposedly our “offensive d-man” is pathetic. I’m tired of Kuba’s game and his non-physical play that somehow still manages to get him injured. We need to cut bait with his cap hit and move on with Lee and Karlsson as inexpensive replacements. I think Lee’s offensive game will come with confidence. He shows signs of having a good first pass and offensive zone awareness.
If moving Kuba means keeping Sutton, then management HAS to move Kuba.
by Dr. Hansum B. Wunderful on Mar 10, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed
I actually don’t mind Lee. I think the kid can still get it together and I’m glad they signed him for two more years. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if going the college route stunted his growth. Look at Jack Johnson, he went the same route and he he really struggled there for a while. he was ranked high for a reason, and I don’t think we shoud give up on him just yet. While he did make some mistakes, I thought over all he had a pretty solid game last night. Oh, and his play on Comrie before the penalty shot should NOT have resutled in one – I thought Lee played that very well and he managed to get his stick in under Comrie’s.
Plus he was drafted out of high school
I’ve heard criticisms of his college’s program, too, and the lackadaisical approach the people behind it took to player development—all rumours, of course, but ones that make a bit of sense. It may very well have set him back a bit, but it’s become quite evident that he’s not among the top players in his draft year.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 10, 2010 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
Don't forget that the Senators have not done a very good job of developing him
He was an AHL All-Star at one point.
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I don't buy that
He’s been coached by Cory Clouston, who’s obviously a good coach, and he was an AHL All-Star playing alongside Lawrence Nycholat. He was a supportive player on that pairing, and the team expected him to respond positively to being given a bigger role. He took a step backwards, and there’s little the team can do to get a player better, besides putting him in a position to excel. He was put in that position.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 10, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
Come on, really?
There’s no doubt that he hasn’t taken advantage of any opportunity presented to him, but he was up and down to the tune of only 53 games last year. He had played well in the playoffs the previous year and instead of getting an opportunity to build on that, he was pinballed between the AHL and NHL.
Look… at some point, a player has to actually play, and only Lee has control over that, but how do you expect the kid to have confidence when the team hasn’t shown any in him?
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I agree with Mark on this one. Sometimes the team needs to ride out some crappy play first, and it seems the Sens have been unwilling in the case of Lee
I am AWESOME! Are you?
I really think it's a two-sided argument, though
The player has to make it worth the team’s while. Lee couldn’t beat out Karlsson, Picard, Campoli, or Carkner for a roster spot this year. Do you really dump one of those guys for a kid on a two-way contract who showed you nothing the previous year?
It’s hard to justify handicapping yourself in a situation like that. With Karlsson, they gave him another chance this year and he rose to the occassion to the point where the team is willing to take the bumps in the road. Lee has had several more opportunities to do the same thing than Karlsson has, and has not capitalized on any of them. He has to help himself, too.
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But Lee has been playing, just in the AHL
It would be one thing if he was dominating in the minors, but he wasn’t. He was getting by. Had he played well enough in the pre-season, and in his shot while Karlsson was in the AHL, the Senators would have found room on the roster for him. As it was, he wasn’t significantly better than Campoli or Picard, so his two-way contract meant he was back down.
Same thing at the start of last season; he played very well during the Senators’ loss to the Penguins in 2008, but all that progress was seemingly lost by training camp the following season.
Bottom line: He hasn’t earned much yet.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 10, 2010 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
That much is true
Which only makes his new contract more mystifying.
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Definitely an interesting one. But I guess the thinking is that just because he hasn’t earned anything yet doesn’t mean he won’t over the course of the rest of this season and the next two, too.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 10, 2010 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
Ya
but that is like going to your boss after a year of losing the company money, asking for a raise, telling him that you promise you`ll do better next time. Makes no sense.
And he got it too. At least his extension is only $875k, not something crazy like $1million+
I think it’s one of those can’t lose situations though. If he never gets better, then you bury him in the minors and let him walk later on. But if he finally breaks out, then you have a good d-man at under a $1million hit. I just don’t think it will hurt them to keep him on, is all.
Filip Kuba GP 52 PPTOI/G: 3:30 PPG 2 PPA 9
Erik Karlsson GP 45 PPTOI/G: 2:54 PPG 0 PPA 4
Kuba had 26 powerplay points last year.
I realize that Kuba has gotten more 1st unit PP time than Karlsson (and I don’t necessarily agree with it), but Karlsson has gotten a lot of time as well and has yet to put up as many points.
I don’t like Kuba’s game much, but he still is the team’s best point producing defenseman, and has been for two seasons now. Lee cannot replace that.
Silver Seven: the Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators blogs.
I'm as critical of Kuba's foibles as the next guy, but he does bring something we need
Kuba’s 28 points has him around 31 in the league in defencemen scoring; our leading skater is more like 40 in the league. His assists are mostly secodnary assists, but he is able to move the puck up the ice fairly well, and he can control it well on the powerplay.
That’s not to say I’m against trading him, but we’d have to be absolutely certain we can fill that void before he’s sent packing, because he’s still a good defenceman even if he’s not great.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 10, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
While I agree that Kuba should be moved the second his no-trade clause expires
But there’s no way that Lee is going to replace him. Lee is simply not capable of the precision passing that Kuba demonstrates. Karlsson may get there someday, but he’s not there yet.
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