Senators finally complete a third-period comeback, beat Minnesota Wild 4-3 in shootout
by DaveYoung on Oct 12, 2011 12:11 AM EDT
in Ottawa Senators game recaps
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PrintI think I speak for all Sens fans when I say... WOOOOOOOO!!!!
The Ottawa Senators finally pulled out a win, giving head coach Paul MacLean his first National Hockey League victory in his third game as the Sens bench boss. Once again, however, this game was for sure an interesting one, with a wild (pun!) finish, and an exciting third period.
The Sens came out flying. I'm unsure if they were playing well, or if the Minnesota Wild just looked tired after playing against the Islanders the night before. Regardless, less than six minutes into this game, the home team held a 10-2 lead in shots.
However, much like the first two games of the season, the Sens had nothing to show for it. The Wild struck first, after David Rundblad failed to clear the puck, and Kyle Brodziak made a nifty redirection to put it past Anderson. It was a crushing goal (for me at least) because up until that point, it had been all Sens. The Wild were not done there. After a cheesy slashing penalty was given to Jason Spezza, Devin Setoguchi capitalized on a poor clearing effort by Sergei Gonchar, and fired a bullet past Anderson. Just like that, despite outshooting the Wild 16-13, the Sens were down 2-0.
The second period saw the Sens FINALLY score a goal in a period that isn't the third one (update the chart Darren!), when Nick Foligno scored, but for me, the big story of the second period was the Chris Neil hit on Clayton Stoner. It seemed to energize the team, and the Sens went on to outshoot the Wild 13-2 in the second period.
In what is becoming a trend, the Sens started the third period down, and clawed their way back. After Nick Johnson scored early in the third, the Chris Neil show continued when he buried a snipe on a rebound to make it 3-2. Finally, on a powerplay (again!) Colin Greening banged in a rebound for his second of the year, and the game went to overtime at 3-3. After some scoreless 4-on-4, the Sens scored all three attempts on the shootout (Michalek, Spezza and The Captain), and the Sens picked up their first win of the season, in dramatic fashion.
Sens Hero: Chris Neil: When Chris Neil has performances like he did against the Wild, he makes me eat my words and demonstrates how he can be a valuable contributor to this team. He seems to have completely embraced the leadership role he currently finds himself in, and is having a great start to the year after a great preseason. A goal and an assist tonight, as well as a HUGE hit behind the net, to give the Sens a boost. Not to mention he was at his absolute best getting under the skin of Dany Heatley tonight, hitting him at every opportunity.
Sens Hero: Stephane Da Costa: Though he did not get in on any of the scoring tonight, Da Costa dominated the first two periods. My roommate started calling him "The Magic Man" because he created every time he was on the ice. His line, with Michalek and Alfie gave us a glimpse of the puck possession game MacLean is selling. I'm buying it for sure.
Sens Hero: Colin Greening: Peter sent a very prophetic text to me during the game. It simply said "Soylent is awesome." I couldn't help but agree, and in the third period, Colin made us both look very smart. He used his size, went to the net, and created chances, in addition to getting the game tied with 12 minutes to go.
Sens Killer: Niklas Backstrom: When you outshoot a team 29-14 through two periods and 44-27 overall, you shouldn't need a shootout to win. The Sens did, and it was because of the Wild's tender.
Sens Killer: Turnovers, and the First Period: Still. Both first period goals came off poor clearing efforts. Hard to win games when you give the other team the puck.
Strong Debut: Peter Regin and David Rundblad: Regin's line was very good tonight, and I thought he played well. Rundblad was not nearly as error prone as in the preseason and played a good game.
Hardly Noticed: Dany Heatley: Had an assist, and one shot that went wide, but thought he was nowhere to be found in the third period. Don't miss the guy at all.
Next up, the debut of the O sweater, and a game against Craig Anderson's old team, and hopefully, another Sens win!
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Sens Zeroes, IMO
The fans who booed Kuba and Gonchar during the player introductions…
… but also Gonchar, who was absolutely awful. Don’t know what’s up with him but he was making bad decisions and executing terribly. I was at the game with a buddy and we couldn’t believe how shaky he was nearly every shift and how badly he mangled the powerplays.
by sensory_experience on Oct 12, 2011 12:22 AM EDT reply actions
Not super impressed with Konopka, either, I should add.
MacLean may have felt the same way judging by his ice time, even factoring in the misconduct, although Condra and Smith were also limited as he didn’t really roll four lines in the latter stages of the game. Regin and Foligno and Neil were out a lot, esp. against Heatley.
by sensory_experience on Oct 12, 2011 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm personally more confused by fans who boo Hossa and Chara
Gonchar should know exactly why he’s being booed. He’s done nothing to endear himself to these fans. Playing out of position and looking lazy and disinterested is how you earn yourself some boos from home fans. If he’s going to be a $5.5 million anchor on this team for the next 2 years, he should know that we’re not going to clap politely while he mails in his last 2 years of his contract. If he doesn’t want to be booed, he can step up, be a presence on this team and at least look like he’s trying to backcheck. Otherwise, he can finish his career in disgrace while we all resent him for it. I don’t feel sorry for a professional in a high pressure situation getting some honest feedback in humiliating fashion. There are tougher punishments out there.
Diffrence
I just feel there’s a difference between in-game booing of his (awful, awful) performance (even that some fans disapprove of, which I respect, but personally I think it can be warranted sometimes) and booing him during player introductions — especially 20th season opening ceremonial player introductions three games into the season.
by sensory_experience on Oct 12, 2011 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
The booing lets them know that the pressure is on and we expect more from them
This team bombed last year, and those two players took the brunt of it based on high expectations and high salary. I don’t think they take it personally. They’re paid to put up with our crap. I’d be more than happy to cheer for them if they were earning it. If the 20th anniversary celebration was a boo-fest, I’d agree with you. But those two players, especially Gonchar, should not be proud with who they are on this team.
They don't get paid to put up with our crap
They get paid to play hockey. – He’s not doing it well, so I don’t have a problem with those that choose to do it – in game – when he messes up a play. But to get booed by your home team fans during player intros regardless of the occasion, is just classless. I don’t care if its a home game vs Florida in January, it shouldn’t ever happen during intros. I’m dissappointed in Gonchar’s play, Kuba has been not good, but not bad. You let them know that when they screw up, not all the time. Think of how it would feel if you were constantly told how bad a job you were doing at work. If everytime you walked into a meeting you were introduced as John Smith – and everyone who knew you in the room booed? I don’t think that would inspire your best performance. Do you?
Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.
by havey03 on Oct 12, 2011 7:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
They ABSOLUTELY get paid to put up with our crap.
Our investment (and I mean monetary) into the team pays their salaries. By extension, we are their bosses.
So, yeah. Put up with our crap.
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
He is a human being and shouldn't have to put up with abuse.
When I have a problem with Bell, I don’t go into the Bell store and ream out an employee working the retail floor because I invest in the product that Bell offers, and therefore, by extension pay the employees wages. It is not my right to scream & yell at that employee. They shouldn’t have to put up with my crap.
I am a passionate, emotional fan. But more than that, I am a supporter of my team. They may drive me nuts and frustrate the hell out of me sometimes. But I pay money to go and see my team play and hopefully entertain me with a win. I don’t pay money to verbally abuse someone – nor do I want to.
Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.
Well, like it or lump it
that is what comes with signing a big contract with big expectations. You have thousands of people watching you perform, and they are encouraged to be vocal. It’s not like it’s a play, where they are encouraged to be silent.
They cheer when you do well (which is a bonus of signing that contract) and they boo when you do poorly (which is a risk of signing that contract).
To equate that to a Bell employee is apples and oranges. You don’t yell at a Bell employee because it is not the employee’s performance you are likely annoyed at, it’s the policies of Bell Canada. That said, if the punk behind the counter is being a right-royal @#$% to you, then chances are you’ll tell him what-for.
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
This isn't a professional setting for us, as fans
In a situation where it’s appropriate to cheer when you’re happy and boo when you’re not, booing makes a lot more sense than being booed at a Board meeting. Booing Gonchar doesn’t reach the level of verbal abuse. It’s mean, and it’s intended to be that way because he’s pissed a lot of people off by looking disinterested.
Exactly.
You can’t really cheer spontaneously at a board meeting, either.
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
BS
We are the customers of their bosses. That does not make us their bosses by any extension.
They’re paid to play hockey, not to put up with crap fans want to throw their way.
"BS", even.
They are on the ice to entertain us. That is their entire purpose.
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
It still doesn't make us their bosses
Not by any stretch of the imagination.
You don’t have the right to subject them to abuse or have them “put up with your crap” (note: this is very much different from “voicing displeasure”). You do have the right to stop putting money towards the product they’re putting forward.
Hell, even if we WERE their bosses, in any standard work place “being paid to put up with our crap” would be pushing up against workplace abuse laws.
The kind of person who thinks they have the justification to do this has got some serious “me first” entitlement issues, and they are people I feel absolutely disgusted to have cheering for the same team as I do. They’re a discredit to the fan base.
Maybe I should have put "bosses" in quotes.
They are put on the ice to please us, specifically. To put our butts in the seats.
So you call “booing” abuse?? Really? Would it fall under bullying legislation? What is the line, pray tell, where we, as paying fans, are allowed to “voice our displeasure”?
Now, I’m not going to go on record by saying that any or all of the booing last night was justified (even though I’m sure it sounds like I am), as I just wasn’t able to be focused enough on the game to state one way or another with any certainty.
But, in the broad sense, to say that a paying fan who is vocal about his or her disgust at a player who seems to be phoning it in has entitlement issues is elitist.
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
You say "elitist", I say "respectful"
So you call "booing" abuse?? Really?
Absolutely. Negative reinforcement is, at best, a mild form of abusive behaviour.
But, in the broad sense, to say that a paying fan who is vocal about his or her disgust at a player who seems to be phoning it in has entitlement issues is elitist.
For the record, I’m not saying that. I’m saying a (so-called) fan booing them for touching the puck or for being introduced has some serious entitlement issues. Booing them for a specific play or finding other ways to be vocal about their displeasure not the same situation, and are not signs of entitlement issues.
Well, then, in the end our views are really not that far apart.
I stated in many places between this post and the larger Gonchar post that booing during the introductions (ESPECIALLY in the third game of the season) makes us look like clods. Furthermore, booing every time the guy has the puck is @#$%ing moronic. And, absolutely, counterproductive.
But booing a guy who, as Mark himself in the article stated very clearly, deserves to be booed is not, in and of itself, wrong. The situation, often times, is completely wrong.
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
*handshake*
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
Hahahaha...
Couldn’t help but laugh at “That is their entire purpose.” I think I understand what you’re saying, but… pretty cynical way of looking at things. They’re not hockey-playing automatons without other things going on in their lives; their people.
It’s not like I think the bus driver’s entire purpose is to get me to work on time. His job is to get me to work on time, but he’s just a guy going to work. Hockey’s a job, too; a fun and extremely rewarding job, but still just a job.
Silver Seven | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | eBay
by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 12, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Ha ha...okay. That's a good point.
I’m sure he’s got some, like, secondary and tertiary purposes like being a good husband and father or some crap like that. ;)
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
by Bloggy on Oct 12, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
peter misused "their"!!!!
wahhhhh wahhhhhhh.
sorry i just like calling ppl out for the there/their/they’re mistake and you so seldom make these types of errors i had to poke fun
I am ashamed.
Silver Seven | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | eBay
by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 13, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Because a veteran like Gonchar can't tell on his own that we expect more?
Give me a break. He expects more of himself, the whole team and staff expect more (and I’m sure that someone from the coaching staff has told him in a much nicer way than going “BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”), and of course the fans expect more. He may not be an astrophysicist, but he knows he needs to be better without having the fans boo him on home ice.
Oh Captain, my Captain!
One more!
Sens Zero: The score board, which kept going haywire (mostly between periods, thankfully, at one point posting a 5-2 score where the game score goes between two weird team names I’d never heard off).
It’s going to be sad/embarrassing if it’s still there for the ASG.
by sensory_experience on Oct 12, 2011 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions
The Minnesota announcers kept mentioning the wonky scoreboard.
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
That was ridiculous
Season opener, and we’re booing the guys? Get a grip, people who booed them.
Silver Seven | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | eBay
by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 12, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I think you forgot something:
from Ryan Classic
by HaBla on Oct 12, 2011 12:23 AM EDT reply actions 7 recs
On the other hand...
… solid games from Phillips and from Cowen, who is impressively simple and steady. Karlsson is awesome.
Neil was just on a mission tonight, and watching him antagonize and wrecking-ball Heatley repeatedly was great fun.
And as if we went 3/3 in the shootout! Great poise by the big guns.
by sensory_experience on Oct 12, 2011 12:27 AM EDT reply actions
I don't ever remember the team being 3 for 3 in the shootout before.
Does anyone know if this team has ever done that?
Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.
This team? Shit no
I’d be surprised if this team has ever gone 2-for-3 before.
Silver Seven | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | eBay
by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 12, 2011 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It was good watching Phillips play capably
Maybe it was his assignment to cover for Rundblad or something, but he looked markedly different from the player wearing his jersey in the first two games.
Silver Seven | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | eBay
by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 12, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
he did look great.
I missed that in the recap.
As an aside, did anyone really miss Brian Lee last night?
Depends what you mean.
I would have rather had him playing than Gonchar, as impossible as that is given their relative status.
by sensory_experience on Oct 12, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
When we were hemmed in our own zone and Rundblad was out, I did
Rundblad made some awful plays defensively, but was lucky that the Wild didn’t score. He just gave the Wild players so much room to do what they wanted.
Co-manager, Silver Seven
Exciting game! I thought the best part was seeing the huge smile on Neil’s face… I think it was after his goal was “reviewed” and then confirmed, though it might have been after that big hit. That smile… those missing teeth… pure awesome.
Sens record when I attend games: 1-0. This might be an excuse to start going to more of ’em :)
Fan since day 1 - Colour me impressed
Boy, it sure feels like a long time since a win felt that encouraging. Let’ remember that this was the home opener and some of the rookies probably had some jitters. I thought that the game plan laid out by MacLean was well executed by our veterans, especially Spezza, Neil, Michalek & Alfie – I also thought Kuba played well and Gonchar looked very confident on the PP. Let’s not be too quick to jump on our veterans and leaders IT’S EARLY!!! And I actually thought Zenon and Zbad both played very well and the whole team showed more jump which bodes well for the 84 game schedule.
It looks like the Alfie of old is back...
In the first three games he looks a lot better than he did last season, and im happy to see that it looked more like it was his injuries than his old age that was slowing him down.
I agree. He showed his smoothness and playmaking abilities.
by Pmoron on Oct 12, 2011 1:45 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Pretty solid debut from Rundblad I thought
Wasn’t outstanding or anything, but played 20:59 in his first ever NHL game. Had a few dangerous rushes, not a bad debut. Hope he stays in the lineup on Thursday.
It was an awesome atmosphere but I was pretty disappointed by those who booed Gonchar at the introductions as well as throughout the game. He didn’t have a great game, but he was alright tonight and deserved better I thought. Actually, I was pretty pleased with all the defencemen tonight.
Also, while I mock him a lot, I have to say, Neil was simply incredible tonight. I wish he could do this regularly rather than some of the other shenanigans.
An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.
by Adnan on Oct 12, 2011 2:14 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Loved Chris Neil
Glad he’s getting some recognition for his contributions. Neil’s a good player and he has some skill. He played well back in ‘05-’06 & ‘06-’07 when he was getting some PP time and stepping up to the second line at times when it needed a net presence. It looks like PM is willing to use him in that role again, he’s certainly very effective at it. Glad we have a coach that is good at recognizing players strengths & using guys in ways that will make them successful as opposed to trying to get players to play roles that don’t suit them.
Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.
That game was awesome!
I just finished watching the game (i know… tad late. but i worked tonight until after the game had ended) and I was so happy I watched that game! Only 3.5 hours until I have to get up for school…. worth it!
On a side note, I am SO excited for the sens to come to Winnipeg at the end of November! I can’t wait! I’ve liked the sens for almost 15 years and this will be the second time I will see them live…. what gives?! And yes, I will be wearing my Alfie jersey!
Woo!
Great game. We’ll have to do that again some time. Although next time we might organise a more coherent Silver Sevens approach, maybe make a banner. It was great to at least smile and nod at most everyone.
Great positives
I sat with a raucous group of SilverSevenSens fans… thanks to Erin (Alfie Girl). It was a blast from start to finish. The game was entertaining with an avalanche of offence from our side that was thwarted by some “stand-on-your-head” goaltending by Nick Backstrom.
In past years, in games where the Sens generate alot of offence and get continually thwarted, they have shown their frustrations with alot of stupid frustration penalties. Not this time, as the offence was relentless.
Some wonderful positives from this game:
1) Chris Neil seems to have found a new gear and easily deserved first star if it weren;t for Backstrom’s heroics.
2) Peter Regin was dominant, taking the lead and powering his line.
3) Phillips had a solid game and so did Rundblad.
4) Da Costa created alot of offence.
5) Overall, the defence was better. Even Karlsson looked like a 6’ 3" defender on a couple of ocasions stopping a rush physically.
6) Colin Greening is emerging as an offensive and physical Power Forward type threat.
7) Alfy looking like he’s in his 20’s again. I was struck by just how many #11 sweaters there were in the building. He could easily be mayor if he wanted to be.
Some alarming stuff:
1) Spezza back to his old tricks giving the puck away into our own crease area.
2) Gonchar lolling around playing like an idiot. He has taken over as the whipping boy and deservedly so.
on that play in the crease
spezza actually stopped the puck from going in. He didn’t give up on the play, and made up for his mistake.
Thoughts on the game:
Great to be there with the SilverSeven faithful. Thanks again, AlfieGirl!
-Heatley Sucks
-Dany Douchebag
-Not a big fan of booing Gonchar, to be honest. Not this early in the season at least. You can hardly say it’s entirely Gonchar’s fault that we lost our first two games. If Anderson had played like crap in the first two games, I don’t think he would have been booed. I think the fans are being too quick to jump on Gonchar.
-Chris Neil makes me happy.
-Michalek quietly had a very good game. He didn’t end up on the scoresheet, but his shootout goal was a beauty, and every time he had the puck he seemed to be doing something good with it.
-Rundblad looked very competent at both ends of the ice.
-Nice to see so much Heatley hate from the crowd.
-Good to see the team continue to not give up despite getting in an early hole. That said, I’d like to start hockey games with leads in the very near future.
Things that surprised me:
I saw as many people wearing Heatley jerseys as were wearing Leclaire jerseys (2).
Mad props to the guy with the Shawn Van Allen 3rd Jersey.
Seriously, people? Booing our own players during the home opener? Get a grip!
Peter is taller in person than I expected.
We went 3 for 3 in the shootout. Unprecedented.
Shawn McEachern: The best Senator to ever wear 15.
by Speedy_McEachern on Oct 12, 2011 7:57 AM EDT reply actions
haha
Peter is taller in person than I expected.
The Minnesota broadcast team
were either completely oblivious to, our chose to completely ignore, the reason the Sens fans were booing Heatley. Probably the latter. They merely commented that it was odd that they felt that way for a guy who scored so many goals for them.
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
Yup.
No background info at all. More of a “he even played with another team before coming to Minnesota…odd that they would boo him.”
Galactus does as he pleases. Because Galactus is drunk.
@#$%ing Twit: @blogtard
OTM | Silver Seven
It was so bad...
They were even upset that Mikko Koivu was getting booed in the shootout…its a shootout!!! who cares who’s shooting BOOOO they also said that they were just likely warming up to boo Heatley
Really happy with the win
I was at work, and only got to see the last 13 minutes of the 3rd & then overtime. Was really happy to see the boy’s tie it up; but was dissappointed with their play through the final minutes of the 3rd. It looked to me like they were playing not to lose instead of going for the win. The Wild looked like they just might keep it from getting to overtime. Even into overtime, I wasn’t overly impressed with the play. It seemed to me the passes they were attempting were low percentage, and the guys on the point continually mishandled the puck in the offensive zone.
Negativity aside; great to see the boys do well in the shootout! It has been getting to the point that I’ve actually been dreading the shootout as historically we’ve been so bad at it. I couldn’t believe it when Michalek scored and then Minnesota missed. Then when Spezza scored I was really jazzed! Minny scoring again led me to that ‘oh no’ feeling again before Alfie put it away. Loved sitting on the edge of my seat! Great to see the boys win the 20th ann. home opener!
Hope that PM keeps the boys practicing the shootout moves, I think a lot of games may end up there this year.
Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.
Regin was great tonight
Hopefully it means he’s getting back to the kind of play from two seasons ago.
Silver Seven | Twitter | Facebook | E-mail | eBay
by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 12, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
There was certainly some resemblance to how he was playing when he was so successful. He seems to have the most individual success when he circles back once his wingers are up ice and then attacking at speed. Maybe there’s some truth tio the idea that his previous coach tried to get him to play differently or in a way that he couldn’t adapt to.
I noticed that. He circles around, get the puck just before the half way point
Turns on the jets and by the time the enemy has realized, he’s right on top of them. He’s FAST.
Yay for Regin
Regin is really important to this team. The other guys vieing for top six spots need time to develop, and a really good year from Regin would really help springboard us into some consistent offence.
Up until yesterday I was down on Regin, but he really surprised me with how he can carry the puck with authority up through the middle. Of course it helps having Neil riding shotgun alongside. Neiler REALLY showed his value last night. I guess that’s why they resisted making him part of the dumping of bodies last year.
Great job, Alfiegirl!
My exact choice of seat location. Thanks for organizing. The game? Yea, it’s okay…….it’s Fantastic!! What do you think if the whole team shaves their heads like A & A?
Why thank you
I seriously think my account manager puts every ticket order in the corner sections for me now.
Oh Captain, my Captain!
Great Win
What an atmosphere, I had around 100 people in section 318 whopping it up all game and everyone had a great time!
Turning point of the game was Neil’s big hit, as I said in another post recently “he is the heart and soul of this team” and I don’t know why anyone would not want him on their team! If it were me he would be wearing an “A” on his jersey.
I don’t know a whole lot about MacLean but the one thing I like about him is his background as a power forward. He obviously understands that you need a net presence on the PP and I love him having both Neil and Greening on those units.
I have to be honest, the way our D had been playing I was worried about inserting Runblad into the lineup for his first NHL game but he played outstanding. He showed enough positives that I think we can live with the mistakes and move forward. The benefit of him playing well is it gives us options if Kuba doesn’t play up to par by putting a more mobile Lee in the lineup until Carkner comes back.
As I have said before, I really like the grit level on this team right now and it will only improve when Carkner comes back. Great call by MacLean to take Filatov out of the lineup last night. My personal opinion is we are better off without him since I am not a fan thus far from watching him in pre-season and regular season. Zibanejad is going to be a star but I would probably send him back for another year and insert Butler in the lineup to give us another potential scorer.
Hopefully we can build on this win!
Filatov
I was so impressed with the way Filatov skates when I saw him. But it takes SO MUCH MORE than talent to be a top six forward.
As I said before, the REAL test for him comes when he gets demoted to a lower line, or sat down, or when he gets sent down. Then we find out the character that goes along with this tremendous ability. Does he respond by showing up or by responding with more of what got him where he is today?
Karlsson and Rundblad
Rundblad’s offensive gifts are incredible… kind of like Karlsson with his poise out there. However, I really feel that there were a number of times — particularly in the third period and OT — where Rundblad showed that he has a long way to go defensively. Gave the opponents far too much time and space too often, and looked hesitant in his own zone.
I felt like pointing out that Karlsson had an incredible game, particularly in his own zone. Karlsson was playing like he was twice as big as he really is, throwing his weight around and hitting players. I was quite impressed with his physicality and tenacity last night.
Co-manager, Silver Seven
It was his first NHL game after all
And based on pre-season did we really expect much else from him?
As was mentioned above, I think getting Runblad into a few games to give him an idea of the time and space that exists before sending him to the AHL to get a handle on it is a good way to go about things.
Didn’t see the whole game, but Karlsson particularily frustrated me in the late 3rd period and overtime. I don’t know if the ice was bad or what the problem was, but he didn’t seem to be able to get a handle on the puck. Really glad to hear he was throwing his weight around however!
Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.
Things Rundblad has over Karlsson:
1. He’s not afraid to try and make a big hit. He was 1-for-2 on attempts I noticed last night, but it was pretty cool to see.
2. He’s really good at seeing openings to jump up into plays, and really quick to do so when he sees those openings. I liked that, too.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 12, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
i would say, however
he looked terrified of TAKING a big hit. he looked very uncomfortable around his own net when handling the puck, struggling to make the safest play possible. he held on way too long and one two occasions even left the puck to avoid a big hit (then pursued it immediately after, mind you). not that i blame him for any of this, it’s certainly just rookie nerves, but it made me nervous as well.
He didn't brace himself well, either
I noticed one point when he was behind the net, about a foot from the boards, and just hucked the puck away and clenched his muscles in anticipation of a hit he saw coming.
Players are supposed to get right up next to the boards when they get hit, so the boards and glass absorb some of the impact; as it was, Rundblad took the initial contact, and then slammed into the boards, too.
That will come with time, though. Doesn’t take many hits for a kid to learn.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 12, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Karlsson was playing like he was twice as big as he really is
So he was playing like he weighed 100 lbs? :P
by The Tif on Oct 12, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Are you making fun of DarrenM?
Are you saying DarrenM can’t do math? It’s okay, DarrenM, I got your back. Okay Tiffy, let’s step outside.
by whatsinaname on Oct 12, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Karlsson was indeed surprisingly physical last night.
It’s interesting to see that he can contain guys bigger than him along the boards. Impressive.
by sensory_experience on Oct 12, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Took care of Cullen pretty well
Cullen’s not big, either, but Karlsson gave him a pretty rough ride behind the Sens’ net.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 12, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Who should be sitting?
Whatever Rundblad’s shortcomings right now, he looks to me like he will develop into a top dman. So why not play him? As opposed to Gonchar, what is the purpose of playing him? So as not to look bad so we don’t admit we screwed up big time?
Lee should have been in that game last night… not Gonchar.
And if Karlsson keeps playing the way he did last night, we are looking at a true All Star… not just an All Star by default. Karlsson is now listed at 6’ 180. So he’s grown since we drafted him in more ways than one.
Tough call, and that's without Carkner in the lineup.
Rundblad could use some time in the AHL. He reminds me of Karlsson when he arrived. Hopefully the NHL taste he got will convince him to stick around.
In the meantime, hope somebody becomes tradeable… but that will probably be Lee or Carkner, not Gonchar/Kuba unless they turn it around this season.
by sensory_experience on Oct 12, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Cowen might come out
Not because of anything he’s done (although he has slowed down a bit since the pre-season), but because it’s his turn.
The Senators are waiting for something to happen. They’re not hoping for an injury (obviously), but I’m sure they’re aware one might not be too far off with guys like Gonchar and Kuba in the lineup. Other than that, they’re hoping one of those two (and perhaps Lee) impresses well enough to get a good offer from another team.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 12, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe he just had an amazing game last night
But I’m even more impressed with Da Costa after seeing him in person last night. Love it. I hope we keep him around for a good, long time.
Also that Neil hit was very nearly perfection. The only way it could’ve been better was if Heatley was on the receiving end. Oh well, a girl can dream.
Oh Captain, my Captain!
Phillips deserves more credit
Phillips had a huge game defensively, especially after the criticism that has shown up again after his first few games of the season.
Regardless of how you feel about the fans’ treatment of Gonchar last night, he’s not playing like the mentor and teacher that he was brought in to be. Chris Phillips is. For a franchise that is basing all its hopes for the future on its young defensemen, this is key.
And my favorite moment of last night, above even the Neil hits on Stoner and Heatley and the impressive emergence of the Petit Prince (DaCosta, of course), was Chris Phillips staying on the bench to shake Paulrus’ hand after the game. Pure class.
by RogerTheShrubber on Oct 12, 2011 2:22 PM EDT reply actions
Wicked, Wicked Game
To come complete the comeback in front of a home audience and score all three times in the shootout and stopping douchely from taking his shot. The winning goal by Alfredsson. What more could you ask for?
i don't care what annnnybody says
i’m terrified every time heatley touches the puck… and when spezza is streaking into the opposition end controlling the puck and makes one of his patented crazy-passes into the slot… i still wish lazy loner piece of shit heatley were there to rifle it at the net. watching him last night mozy around the neutral zone and showcasing his inability to do anything but meander into the high slot comforted me a little… but the threat of his robot eye is still something to marvel
When we went into the shootout
I was terrified that Heatley was going to score the winner. Thankfully it did not happen.
An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.
Agreed
Great to see.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 13, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
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