Sterling Predictions: Ottawa Senators at the 2012 All-Star Game

by Silver Seven Staff on Oct 5, 2011 10:01 AM EDT in Opinion

Despite the fact that the team might be abysmal, it's a special year for the Ottawa Senators as the team hosts this season's All-Star Game at Scotiabank Place. With that in mind, we've got a special question in the 2011-12 Silver Seven Ottawa Senators Pre-Season Prediction Panel series: Which Ottawa Senators player(s) will suit up in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game?

DarrenM:

As far as merit goes, it should be Erik Karlsson. However, I think it's just too tempting to put Daniel Alfredsson in the game, since it is in Ottawa. I think fans would love to see Alfie in an all-star game one last time before he retires.

DaveYoung:

Pretty straightforward question. Karlsson is the only All-Star this team has, and while he made it last year only because we needed SOMEBODY, I think this year he'll deserve it. Alfie should also make it, if fans in Ottawa have any souls, and he should be one of the two picking Captains. The only others with even an outside chance would be Spezza (if he has a great start) and Anderson.

Mark Parisi:

I've got to agree with Dave. Karlsson has to be considered a lock, and if Alfie doesn't get in as one of the captains, I'd be shocked. Spezza and Craig Anderson could make it on performance, but I doubt they will -- there's too many other elite players in the east.

Ryan Classic:

Totally Brian Lee. But honestly, I'll take the easy answer and go Karlsson and Spezza. I think you'll see an abundance of Senators in the rookie category. Either Mika Zibanejad or Stephane Da Costa, depending on who sticks, and one or both of Cowen and Rundblad. Whoever's rocking it the most in mid-November onward should make it.

Adnan:

I think Karlsson will both make it on merit and be voted in. I also think Spezza will make it on merit. After that, if Alfredsson is not voted in and gives the selectors even the smallest reason to pick him, then he will be a captain.

Varada:

How did it work last year with more than one Cane making it? Was it just a matter of Carolina fans stuffing the ballot box? If that's the case, I could see Karlsson and Alfie both making it, and it being played up as a passing-the-torch moment. In fact, at the end of the All Star Game they could shoot Alfie into space.

BobbyKelly:

When you have an All-Star Game in Ottawa, you have a Team Alfredsson. Erik Karlsson will play on said team.

Peter Raaymakers:

I think we'll see three Senators in the game: Erik Karlsson, Daniel Alfredsson, and Jason Spezza. Assuming the health of all three holds up, of course.

So there you have it. We're all sure Erik Karlsson will be there, most agree Daniel Alfredsson should be, and some of us think any of Jason Spezza or Craig Anderson might be (plus whichever rookies take part in the YoungStars event). Who are you expecting to take part in the festivities?

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Comments

I think Karlsson and Alfie should make it.

And we have a bunch of rookies who could too. Cowen, Rundblad, Mikachu and Da Costa all could find a way to sneak in.

But damnit, we need to stuff that ballot box for Alfie. TO THE INTERTUBES!

by The Tif on Oct 5, 2011 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

Je suis l'agree!

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 5, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Voting war

Me too. I think Ottawa fans need to put forward a serious effort to vote Alfie into the starting lineup. It’s the least he deserves. (The captaincy would be a nice touch and can be bestowed regardless of the voting, right?)

I have to say, however, that between the Montreal all-star game experience and the recent goal song vote fiasco, I would not be surprised to see an ABA (anyone but Alfie) voting campaign take shape among our divisional rivals.

by sensory_experience on Oct 5, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions

I hope that a voting war doesn't happen

But I could easily see it occurring. This will be a true test of Sens fans.

Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs

by Mark Parisi on Oct 5, 2011 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Don’t see how we could possibly win such a war. The two most popular teams in the NHL are in our division.

I guess we would be more enthusiastic since we are hosting though.

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 5, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

That's the trick.

Hopefully we’re paying more attention and care more.

by sensory_experience on Oct 5, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

YES WE CAN

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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 5, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I am very concerned about this.

You know as soon as any of our players appears to be the leading vote getter; fans of the Leafs will get on their voting wagon cause they hate us, and fans of the Canadiens will get on their voting wagon cause they’re just like that. It is a sheer numbers game, and no matter how noble the effort, I don’t see us winning that battle. I do believe with the game in Ottawa that Alfie should definately be on the team. Karlsson will depend on his play, but he’ll have to be in the top 6 in performance of the Eastern Conference to merit it. Something he can do, sure. But something he will do? We’ll see. Spezza can make it too. I think we’ll have to start a serious campaign. Vote early and often. All 5 starting positions in the East for Sens… that would be a great show of support to see!

Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.

by havey03 on Oct 5, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

You know what? Bring it.

At least we’ll be voting for someone we believe in.

Alfie is one of, if not the greatest Senator ever. Sure, King Clancy and Frank Finnigan were legends, but Alfie is up there IMO. And he deserves to be in the starting lineup, as a Captain when the All Star Game comes to the city where he has spent his entire professional career. A city that may not even have a team if he hadn’t taken a pay cut. A city that has benefited off the ice from the community and environment he has made possible with the team’s support.

I’ll gladly spearhead this campaign when voting is announced. Between SSS, the other Sens blogs and the RSA we have a huge voice. If the media gets in on it too? We can do this.

~~THE LOUD! THE PROUD!~~

H0CKEY MAKES US!

by The Tif on Oct 5, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Karlsson is overrated.

Dont get me wrong, he is offensively brilliant, but is defensively lackluster. Between him and Spezza, Spezza is the better player at this point in their careers, however, I feel like the competition for Spezza to get in is tougher than for Karlsson and so Karlsson will make it. I really hope Alfie makes it too.

by alfie4PM on Oct 5, 2011 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

I can't really agree.

It is unfair to compare a 21 year old defenseman entering his 3rd season with a 28 year old centre entering his 8th season as to who is better. Though I don’t begrudge your thoughts on the level of competition for the spot based on competition, I will say there are 12 forward spots open on the roster & 6 defensive positions. So who needs to have more of a standout season to gain consideration?

Also, try not to get to caught up in Karlsson’s defensive shortcomings. His +/- doesn’t really tell the whole truth. Check out the post from earlier this week re: advanced statistics & corsi numbers http://www.silversevensens.com/2011/10/3/2461198/introduction-to-advanced-hockey-statistics-corsi-ottawa-senators
Not to mention the goaltending was brutal last year, so the goaltenders performance tends to slant perception of the defense.

Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.

by havey03 on Oct 5, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

can someone fill me in on how to do the 'link' function please?

Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.

by havey03 on Oct 5, 2011 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions

The link works but

If you want have words appear instead of words:

- after you click on the little attachment button and enter a URL, it will put something like

< a blah> So you want to put the words right before the < /a > (of course there shouldn’t be space in the tags.

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 5, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Day job

Adnan, do you by any chance write technical manuals for a living?

(Joking.) (Sorry.)

by sensory_experience on Oct 5, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I make microsimulation models for a living!

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 5, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm more into macrosimulation, personally

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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 5, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

You are a big picture kind of guy Peter

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 5, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I used to play The Sims

by bobbykelly on Oct 5, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm sorry... that is french to me

I’ll need more information… lol – + I’m at work with an old browser and limited functionality, if that makes a difference…

Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.

by havey03 on Oct 5, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

You basically just need to stick a title between your < a > and </ a> tags.

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 5, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

!sfdddfa

afda

Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.

by havey03 on Oct 5, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

clearly that didn't work... lol

Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.

by havey03 on Oct 5, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Here's the dealio.

Whether you use the little metal-links button available when you’re composing or just type this in manually yourself, in the end you want this text in your box to do what you want with a link:

<a href=“http://LinkYouWant”>Words You Want to Appear</a>

For example:

<a href=“http://www.ottawasenators.com”>Alfie’s Team!</a>

Which actually comes out as:

Alfie’s Team!

by sensory_experience on Oct 5, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Select the text you want

And click the little ‘chain link’ button above the main text box. A dialogue box will pop up, asking for the URL (or web address); paste that in there, and please click the ‘open in new window?’ check box. Click ‘submit’ and this thing automatically generates the code. Just don’t screw around with anything inside the angled brackets and you’ll be fine.

For the record: Hyperlinks don’t work in the title field.

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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 5, 2011 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Ha, I didn't know that

Thanks Peter!

Also, not sure why they don’t allow the enter text option in the comments box like they do when writing posts.

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 5, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Easy peasy

Write a word or phrase you want to be a link. Highlight them with your mouse. Then click the chainlink looking icon above the compose box. Insert the link you would like to link to. Click submit and you’re done.

modsuperstar dot ca | SlideawayMedia

by modsuperstar on Oct 5, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I think his lacklustre defence will really be exposed in the All-Star Game

… not really.

Seriously, though, Karlsson really came on defensively towards the end of last season, if you ask me. He’s never going to be a shutdown defender, but he was even killing penalties. He’s got the speed, quickness, tenacity, and intelligence to at least hold his own in the defensive zone. I think we’ll see that continue this year.

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by Peter Raaymakers on Oct 5, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Spezza isn't a lock?

As a ~0.9 point per game player the last 3 years, he’s consistantly ranked in the top 20 in production. If there are 8 centres how does he not get a spot as a host for the all-star game.
Sure he’s been injured of late so his point total isn’t as high, but if he maintains his 0.9 pace before the all-star game then I’d say he’s a lock.

by BD Rebuilders on Oct 5, 2011 11:37 AM EDT reply actions

The crazy thing is he apparently isn’t even one of the top 100 forwards in this years Hockey News season preview. I thought that was ridiculous, but I guess PPG production doesn’t trump being injured a quarter of the season 2 seasons in a row.

modsuperstar dot ca | SlideawayMedia

by modsuperstar on Oct 5, 2011 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I just don't see him as a lock

You have to think Crosby goes in on popularity if he plays at all. Henrik Sedin is in. Stamkos is in. Toews, Sharp, and Thornton are all All-Stars. Malkin has looked like a stud so far, so he’s probably in. Brad Richards in New York could easily make it in. That’s eight right there, and it’s not including young guys like Kopitar and Nicklas Bäckström, who could both shine this year.

Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs

by Mark Parisi on Oct 5, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not sure Thornton is any more of a lock than Spezza.

by sensory_experience on Oct 5, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Or Sharp or Toews for that matter. Especially considering the game is in Ottawa.

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 5, 2011 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions

That's probably fair

I’m not trying to say that list are all locks above him, just that there’s a lot of good centers out there, and there’s no guarantee he’ll make it.

Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs

by Mark Parisi on Oct 5, 2011 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

There a number who COULD make it.

Karlsson: All Star last year still getting better every game he plays.
Spezza: Sens best player past All Star almost point a game. I could see Team Spezza happening just as much as Team Alfie
Anderson: If he plays even 20 games the way he finished last season he is in. Remember Ward made it in last year, however the EAST goalie competition has gotten tighter with the addition of Bryzgalov (Thomas, Price, Lundqvist, Ward, Vokoun, Miller, Fleury)
Alfredsson: I only see being voted in and assigned captain.
Gonchar?? If he rebounds and plays the way he knows how to the past All-Star could possibly show up

As for rookies Cowen and Mika (if he stays), as well as Rundblad and DaCosta if they play 25+games before the big show

All in all should be fun! Assuming we stuff the ballot box

by Beanster on Oct 5, 2011 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

When does voting start?

by DW19 on Oct 5, 2011 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

Okay, we are really going to need an organised effort

Chemmy from PPP is trying to organise an effort to vote in a team of ex-Senators, especially Dany Heatley.

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 5, 2011 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

Ugh.

I didn’t expect to have my fears realized so soon.

by sensory_experience on Oct 5, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Can you imagine?

Though I don’t think there is a big risk of that.
EAST:
Brooks Laich – nothing against him
Chris Kelly – the guy is loved here
Chara – ok, but there’s a good chance of that anyways.
Corvo – we didn’t like him, he didn’t like us
Volchenkov – we loved the guy, but he’s overpaid for what he brings – can’t fault a guy for taking the money.

The better team would be from the West, and that’d be pretty cool, assuming we can vote 6 Senators into the starting line for the East:
Hossa – Fisher – Heatley
Salo – ??
Emery
Elliott or
Gerber

A current sens vs former sens All-Star showdown! How cool is that!!! lol assuming we win ha ha

It isn’t like they can vote in former players like Yashin, LeClaire, Kovalev etc…

Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.

by havey03 on Oct 5, 2011 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't forget Havlat

An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.

by Adnan on Oct 5, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Didn't forget him

Just took Hossa & Heatley over Havlat.

Common sense is the most evenly distributed quality in all the world.
Everyone thinks they have enough.

by havey03 on Oct 6, 2011 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions

It's like Yankees fans deciding to pick on Jays fans.

They really are a tough bunch over there. Maybe next they’ll take on a big-time menace like the federal Liberal Party or something.

by dzuunmod on Oct 5, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Topical humor! I like it!

by The Tif on Oct 6, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Why is everyone talking about who "should" make it?

The season hasn’t even started yet! It’s never too early to make predictions, but the players who make the team will (for the most part) have merited it with their play the first half of this season – not last season. Sure there will be players who have name recognition votes and all, but generally, the best players from the first half make it one way or the other. So Karlsson can’t be a lock and Spezza can’t be forgotten.

As for my predictions, I think two of Karlsson, Spezza and Alfie will make it. My thinking: one all star is too few for the host city, and the decision makers will look at our place in the standings and decide we’re not worthy of three all stars.

I hope Alfie makes it, and is a captain. One of the captains should be a Sen regardless… How else do you justify naming Staal captain last year? He was from the host city.

by Sports Fan! on Oct 5, 2011 5:04 PM EDT reply actions