Senators fall 4-2 to Leafs in pre-season opener
by Peter Raaymakers on Sep 19, 2011 10:00 PM EDT
in Ottawa Senators game recaps
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Ending up on the wrong side of a 4-2 score obviously wasn't what the Ottawa Senators were looking for in their pre-season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it gave team brass the opportunity to see plenty of the young blood in the prospect system. Some of it was positive, some of it wasn't so great.
In the former category was Jared Cowen, who led the Sens offensively (yeah, seriously) with both goals on the night. It wasn't enough, though, as Tyler Bozak notched a couple goals of his own while Colby Armstrong and Carl Gunnarson had the rest for the Leafs.
The biggest issue for the Senators tonight was the breakout, and lots of giveaways on outlet passes (especially by Patrick Wiercioch, Tim Conboy, and David Rundblad) combined with a lack of forward support down low cost the Senators big time tonight. Because of the giveaways and far too many penalties, those of us watching the game didn't get to see anything resembling a Paul MacLean-implemented system. So we'll have to wait through more than one pre-season game to start calling for the Paulrus to be fired draw any conclusions on that front.
Sens Hero: Jared Cowen
TWO GOALS. There is no doubt in my mind that Cowen is ready to play in the NHL right now. His size definitely makes up for any lacking positioning, but he looked confident and coordinated tonight. Dropping the gloves with Dion Phaneuf was ill-advised, but Cowen was hitting guys all over the defensive end when he wasn't hitting the Leafs' net at the other end. Opponents will not like heading into the zone against this kid.
Sens Hero: Nikita Filatov
Had the look of a top-six forward tonight, that's for sure. He had two assists, and although he took a penalty, it was while backchecking, so it's not so bad. More importantly, his speed is out of this world, and his puck control and poise are also very strong. He even showed a bit of a nose for the net, which is a good sign.
Sens Hero: Erik Karlsson
Despite Cowen's two goals tonight, Karlsson was the best Senator on the ice. He slowed down after a very good first period, but his shooting, puck control, stickhandling, positioning, and even his strength all impressed tonight. Definitely a good sign for the upcoming season.
Sens Hero: Peter Regin
Terrific game for Regin, even if he didn't end up on the scoresheet. Good drive, good 'compete level,' basically a complete 180-degree change from last season. Bodes well for Regin, because he'll have stiff competition from Mika Zib... Ziba... Zibanejad and Stephane Da Costa in camp.
Sens Hero: Mike Hoffman
I didn't see much of Hoffman in the latter half of the game, but he stood out for good reasons in the first part of it. He was driving the net well pushing for chances, and just generally working his butt off. Little doubt that he's headed to Bingo this season, but it's obvious why he's at or near the top of the call-up list.
Sens Zero: Patrick Wiercioch
At the opposite end of the spectrum from Cowen is Wiercioch, who looks far from ready for prime time. He was directly culpable in the Tyler Bozak goal because he was just completely out of position, and I lost track of the number of giveaways he made. On the plus side, I'm certain he'll get loads of ice time in Binghamton this season, and it will serve him well in his development.
Sens Zero: Tim Conboy
Tough game for the one-man Conboy. He didn't get much help from his partner Wiercioch, but Conboy took a big hit early on, and made some pretty ugly giveaways. He'll still see a few pre-season games (and he's probably hoping he'll play with a different D partner), but tonight wasn't a great showing.
Sens Killer: Tyler Bozak
Had two goals, which were pretty good ones and representative of some good vision seeing openings. His line, with him in between Colby Armstrong and Nazem Kadri, had the Senators hemmed in their own zone for extended periods of time on a few occasions.
Sens Killer: Jake Gardiner
An impressive showing for Gardiner, who finished with two assists and was showed off why the Leafs are pretty excited about him.
Sens Killer: Joe Colborne
This guy is big. He didn't really do much offensively, but when he was on the ice and near the puck, the Senators weren't able to do much, either.
Water is Wet: Milan Michalek is injuredThis guy just can't catch a break. (Ed.: Poor choice of words.) I'm not sure what Michalek did in his past life to deserve such bad luck, but it must have been pretty terrible. He went down with an apparent knee injury late in the game.
Game highlights:
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Michalek is Fine
I repeat Milan Michalek is fine, we’re good!
Also Cowen is awesome
My Jason Spezza Obsession is Perfectly Healthy!
A lot to like about his play
pretty much since the start of last season in Spokane. He was rock solid in the WJC and AHL playoffs. I really don’t think there is anything left for this kid to learn in the lower leagues.
Scholar, Gentleman, Shameless Sens Homer with a Heart of Gold.
by Johnny_Spectacular on Sep 19, 2011 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I can only imagine.
If he keeps up like this, who do we push out? No sense keeping him up if he won’t get to play – which means Kuba/Lee/Carkner will have to be traded. Two, if Rundblad makes the team also.
I think Carkner is the most logical trade candidate if Cowen forces his way onto the team
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by Mark Parisi on Sep 20, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Carkner is a good depth guy and cheap insurance
But Carkner has no upside potential. He’s a big tough guy, that is responsible and can play the PK.
Lee is getting stronger and can do the same thing, but still has puck movement characteristics.
I like both players and wish they could both remain with the team, but I think if one of these guys is moving out it will be Lee. I think he’s worth more in trade due to his upside.
That being said, I hope that we keep both, and Kuba & Gonchar return to form. Keep Lee & Carkner, trade Kuba & Gonchar!!!
I know this is the line of thinking on Lee
But Murray has already presumably tried to trade him and found no takers, and he has cleared waivers once. If he had trade value, I think he’d already have been traded.
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by Mark Parisi on Sep 20, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm not sure that Lee has been on the block since the All-Star Break
He was prior to that, but I think once Lee re-invented himself with Phillips over the last 20 games, he was taken off the block.
Carkner is a known quantity
You may not get a lot for him, but you would get something. Lee is more of a wildcard. Maybe some team is willing to take a chance based on a 20-something game sample of good play last season or maybe not.
Considering the other players Murray traded last year, I'm skeptical that Lee made it onto the untouchable list with Spezza and Alfie
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
Ha, he didn't say he's untradeable though
He is saying there could be a market for Lee now.
An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.
Well, what havey03 said was that Lee might not have been on the block since the All-Star Break
Except that ALL of Murray’s other trades were after the All-Star break. It doesn’t make any sense that Lee would not be on the block during that time—especially considering the other defensemen rumored to be on the block. I seriously doubt that there was ever a point where Lee was not on the block.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
No d-men will be traded
because as we make the final push for the playoff and then the Stanley Cup finals in June, there will be injuries………….all hands on deck.
by whatsinaname on Sep 20, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I need to be clearer... my apologies.
What I meant was that Bryan had already shopped Lee at the beginning of the season, and he knew that there was no market for Lee. His name might have been offered during the house cleaning, but probably was not seriously involved in any discussion.
Lee started playing better after the All-Star break, and really found his game in the last 20 games of the season.
I’m sure had Bryan recieved an offer that Lee would have been gone.
Based on Lee’s play since the All-Star break, and given his age, I just think that a team would be willing to go with a 4th or 3rd round pick for Lee, in a gamble at his upside, whereas Carkner would likely only bring a 5th or 6th round pick as he is a known quantity with no upside.
On that, we definitely agree
Lee’s upside is far greater than Carkner’s. I don’t know about the price, considering we got a talent like Filatov for just a 3rd, but that’s just speculation on our part.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
For some reason I feel like Carkner might get more in return than Lee, or at least on par.
People (like EA Sports!) seem to overrate Carkner because he exceeded expectations by making the team, while Lee is still seen as a first round bust.
Co-manager, Silver Seven
I suppose it depends on what a team is looking for
If they want to add toughness at the deadline, for instance, it’s easy to see Carks being more valuable than Lee.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
I thought Karlsson, Cowen, and Regin were the three best Senators (in that order). Honourable mention to Michalek and Filatov, who also both looked good.
Co-manager, Silver Seven
I get so frustrated watching Michalek
He is always skating so hard and driving right to the puck, but it seems like as soon as he gets it he freezes up. It’s like he’s got the Midas Touch, or something. Plus he plays with such reckless abandon that I cringe just about every time I see him skating towards the boards.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Sep 19, 2011 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
well...
Technically, midas did turn his child into gold. Depending on your view of parenting (or the value of children)….
by Peter Kostello on Sep 19, 2011 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
wouldn’t the value of children go up when they are made of gold?
Co-manager, Silver Seven
by DarrenM on Sep 19, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And they're a renewable source of income
Sterling Snakehouse - Silver Seven
by Ryan Classic on Sep 20, 2011 3:12 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It could be worse.
I think gold is better than the guy in the commercial that turns everything he touches into skittles… just sayin’
also, it is a bit challenging to stickhandle a gold puck
by Desario is a freak on Sep 19, 2011 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
That's what you're supposed to think
I don’t think you understood the moral of the story…
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by Peter Raaymakers on Sep 20, 2011 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Guy was so rich he got something named after him
I don’t see the downside, personally
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
by Mark Parisi on Sep 20, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I glanced at it. Boy cries wolf, has a few laughs… I forget how it ends.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Sep 20, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
The Paulrus
Amazing. Even if the quality of writing on this blog were to go to pot, I’d still stick around just to see the nicknames you guys come up with.
by Desario is a freak on Sep 19, 2011 10:57 PM EDT reply actions
Hahahaha
Glad you like ’em.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Sep 20, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Thoughts
Karlsson, for my money, may have been the best player out there. While he came to camp last year not looking strong, he has started this preseason off VERY well. His puck control and speed were off the charts.
Cowen.. What else is there to be said? He is a man. His size and skating ability are huge assets to this team, and I’d like to see him on the opening day roster, and at times looked very good on shifts with Karlsson as his partner. His instincts with the puck are much improved from last year for sure, the hesitation before the shot on his second goal was great, and obviously his pinch was perfectly timed.
Cowen.. What else is there to be said? He is a man. His size and skating ability are huge assets to this team, and I’d like to see him on the opening day roster, and at times looked very good on shifts with Karlsson as his partner. His instincts with the puck are much improved from last year for sure, the hesitation before the shot on his second goal was great, and obviously his pinch was perfectly timed.Filatov- So. Sick. When was the last time we had an offensive prospect that looked so dangerous and so fast? While Regin played ok, imagine what Filatov will look like beside a real top-line centre.
Cowen.. What else is there to be said? He is a man. His size and skating ability are huge assets to this team, and I’d like to see him on the opening day roster, and at times looked very good on shifts with Karlsson as his partner. His instincts with the puck are much improved from last year for sure, the hesitation before the shot on his second goal was great, and obviously his pinch was perfectly timed.Filatov- So. Sick. When was the last time we had an offensive prospect that looked so dangerous and so fast? While Regin played ok, imagine what Filatov will look like beside a real top-line centre.Rundblad- simply didn’t look as impressive as Cowen. While long term he may be the better prospect, I think he’d benefit from some adjustment time in the AHL while he gets used to the smaller rink. He showed flashes of his incredible skill, but also turned the puck over several times.
Cowen.. What else is there to be said? He is a man. His size and skating ability are huge assets to this team, and I’d like to see him on the opening day roster, and at times looked very good on shifts with Karlsson as his partner. His instincts with the puck are much improved from last year for sure, the hesitation before the shot on his second goal was great, and obviously his pinch was perfectly timed.Filatov- So. Sick. When was the last time we had an offensive prospect that looked so dangerous and so fast? While Regin played ok, imagine what Filatov will look like beside a real top-line centre.Rundblad- simply didn’t look as impressive as Cowen. While long term he may be the better prospect, I think he’d benefit from some adjustment time in the AHL while he gets used to the smaller rink. He showed flashes of his incredible skill, but also turned the puck over several times.Speaking of turnovers, holy moly did Patrick Wiercioch have a game to forget. Just awful. Hope he bounces back.
Cowen.. What else is there to be said? He is a man. His size and skating ability are huge assets to this team, and I’d like to see him on the opening day roster, and at times looked very good on shifts with Karlsson as his partner. His instincts with the puck are much improved from last year for sure, the hesitation before the shot on his second goal was great, and obviously his pinch was perfectly timed.Filatov- So. Sick. When was the last time we had an offensive prospect that looked so dangerous and so fast? While Regin played ok, imagine what Filatov will look like beside a real top-line centre.Rundblad- simply didn’t look as impressive as Cowen. While long term he may be the better prospect, I think he’d benefit from some adjustment time in the AHL while he gets used to the smaller rink. He showed flashes of his incredible skill, but also turned the puck over several times.Speaking of turnovers, holy moly did Patrick Wiercioch have a game to forget. Just awful. Hope he bounces back.Mika- Looked great in the first, but maybe his conditioning isn’t where it needs to be just yet, because in the third he looked noticeably slower. Can tell his skills and instincts are there, and I love his style of game.
Cowen.. What else is there to be said? He is a man. His size and skating ability are huge assets to this team, and I’d like to see him on the opening day roster, and at times looked very good on shifts with Karlsson as his partner. His instincts with the puck are much improved from last year for sure, the hesitation before the shot on his second goal was great, and obviously his pinch was perfectly timed.Filatov- So. Sick. When was the last time we had an offensive prospect that looked so dangerous and so fast? While Regin played ok, imagine what Filatov will look like beside a real top-line centre.Rundblad- simply didn’t look as impressive as Cowen. While long term he may be the better prospect, I think he’d benefit from some adjustment time in the AHL while he gets used to the smaller rink. He showed flashes of his incredible skill, but also turned the puck over several times.Speaking of turnovers, holy moly did Patrick Wiercioch have a game to forget. Just awful. Hope he bounces back.Mika- Looked great in the first, but maybe his conditioning isn’t where it needs to be just yet, because in the third he looked noticeably slower. Can tell his skills and instincts are there, and I love his style of game.Speaking of conditioning, Colin Greening is an animal. I’m looking forward to every shift he has this year. I get the sense he, more than anyone else (except maybe Milan) plays EXACTLY how Paulrus wants us to play.
Cowen.. What else is there to be said? He is a man. His size and skating ability are huge assets to this team, and I’d like to see him on the opening day roster, and at times looked very good on shifts with Karlsson as his partner. His instincts with the puck are much improved from last year for sure, the hesitation before the shot on his second goal was great, and obviously his pinch was perfectly timed.Filatov- So. Sick. When was the last time we had an offensive prospect that looked so dangerous and so fast? While Regin played ok, imagine what Filatov will look like beside a real top-line centre.Rundblad- simply didn’t look as impressive as Cowen. While long term he may be the better prospect, I think he’d benefit from some adjustment time in the AHL while he gets used to the smaller rink. He showed flashes of his incredible skill, but also turned the puck over several times.Speaking of turnovers, holy moly did Patrick Wiercioch have a game to forget. Just awful. Hope he bounces back.Mika- Looked great in the first, but maybe his conditioning isn’t where it needs to be just yet, because in the third he looked noticeably slower. Can tell his skills and instincts are there, and I love his style of game.Speaking of conditioning, Colin Greening is an animal. I’m looking forward to every shift he has this year. I get the sense he, more than anyone else (except maybe Milan) plays EXACTLY how Paulrus wants us to play.Sorry for the gross-ly long comment, I’m just super pumped about the return of hockey!!
by DaveYoung on Sep 19, 2011 11:51 PM EDT reply actions 6 recs
I had no idea it was THIS long, but holy moly
I will not begrudge anyone who does not read this haha.
It's like reading a Twilight Zone episode or something
Space for rent.
by awr.campbell on Sep 20, 2011 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
as long as it’s not like reading Twilight, i will give it a go tomorrow… :D
by Ibanez_Guy on Sep 20, 2011 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Haha, I love how each paragraph contains a copy of the previous paragraph
Not sure if it was intended or not.
I only saw the second half of the game, and Filatov was incredible. Best player in the last half for me.
Regarding Rundblad, I am not sure his problems were with the size of the rink. I think him being paired with Wiercioch and Cowen with Karlsson made a big difference. Rundblad will get better, but he sure didn’t have a good one tonight.
An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.
there is either something wrong with my computer, or the commenting system
I did notice many double posts in the game thread
I thought Rundblad was with Cowen most of the time, and Karlsson mostly with Kuba? That’s what I remember, but I could be wrong.
Co-manager, Silver Seven
primarily rundblad and cowen
but a couple shifts of karlsson and cowen together when it was clear they were both having good games.
I recall Wiercioch and Rundblad being on the ice for a goal against, and both Cowen and Karlsson were a +2 so they were together for both of our goals for.
Maybe it was Cowen/Rundblad in the first but I missed that.
An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.
by Adnan on Sep 20, 2011 8:55 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, I saw Rundblad-Cowen listed together in the starting line-up, but I guess MacLean juggled things around during the game. I guess Cowen’s 19 minutes in penalties pretty much forced him to swap the combinations around.
Okay I guess I was wrong
Here you can see who he played with. He seemed to have played with everyone, as an unscientific eyeballing, I’d say most frequently with Wiercioch, then with Cowen, then with Karlsson.
An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.
I'd disagree
My feeling was that the rink size definitely affected his game. He’s a risk-taker with the puck, and he’s got a lot less time to make a decision now. I felt that the increased pressure forced him into bad decisions. Just like Karlsson had to learn that you can’t shoot the puck through people on the power play, MechaKarlsson needs to learn what he can and can’t get away with in the NHL. I’m confident he will, but I don’t think it’s going to happen overnight.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
by Mark Parisi on Sep 20, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Epic in a Bottle
Hi all, new to the forums, been reading this blog for about 2 years now.
DaveYoung’s comment compelled me to create an account and say how hilarious it turned out!
All in all, I agree with you though ;)
by A. Al Najjar on Sep 20, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
doing what I can to get people to commenting
WELCOME TO THE BLOG
Awesome
Can’t wait to read hilarious comments from you. Or just insightful ones.
Welcome!
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by Peter Raaymakers on Sep 20, 2011 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Welcome!
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
by Mark Parisi on Sep 20, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't know whether to delete and repost it?
or if everyone should get the chance to laugh at it. How did that even happen?
Don't!
It’s kind of awesome.
Space for rent.
by awr.campbell on Sep 20, 2011 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions
It's awesome. That's all that matters.
Sterling Snakehouse - Silver Seven
by Ryan Classic on Sep 20, 2011 3:13 AM EDT up reply actions
First Walrus of the Game: Jared Cowen
Sterling Snakehouse - Silver Seven
by Ryan Classic on Sep 20, 2011 3:22 AM EDT up reply actions 12 recs
Now you have to make Walrii for every player though
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
by Mark Parisi on Sep 20, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
i believe that "walrii" should only be spelled with one "i"
I think an early season promo should be “free fake mustaches for fans”. Or we should save it for our first playoff appearance under the Paulrus. While all those other lame-o fans are wearing their colour-coordinated t-shirts, we’ve got our Paulrus ’stache!!
It probably should, but I was in a hurry
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
by Mark Parisi on Sep 20, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Not a problem.
I probably won’t ever use the Konopka one, though.
Sterling Snakehouse - Silver Seven
by Ryan Classic on Sep 20, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmmm,
I think you are on to something here.
by whatsinaname on Sep 20, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I love the Paulrus
I love the idea of fans getting a Paulrus for our 1st round playoff series.
I love the idea of having a ‘Paulrus of the game’!!!
Kuba?
I’m really interested to see if he makes the comeback we’ve been hoping for. He had the second highest TOI for the Sens, behind Karlsson. Can we take the fact that he wasn’t mentioned, coupled with the TOI, and presume he had a steady game?
He was okay
Definitely wasn’t assertive in the defensive end, but that’s not really his thing. Still, it’s better not to notice a defenceman than to notice him for the wrong reasons.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Sep 20, 2011 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
He had his moments.
I think with time he’ll be better. He’s not a bad player, just had lots of bad luck combined with the team playing terribly as a whole.
Cowen. What else is there to be said? He is a man.
This game was definitely the turning point for me. I wasn’t sure before, but now I officially want Cowen to make the team over Rundblad.
My friend, a Sens fan, was going ballistic over how good Jake Gardiner is gonna be.
Also, Mika Zibanejad is the best player to ever wear 93 and play at the ACC!! (Hint: Gilmour never played there).
I don't think there's any doubt about he Cowen/Rundblad competition right now
It’s just been one game, but Cowen’s far ahead.
Even if they were neck-and-neck, Cowen’s style of play gives him the tiebreaker. With Kuba, Karlsson, and Gonchar already, the Senators don’t need a puck-mover like Rundblad as much as they could use a physical force like Cowen. I’m pretty sure we’ll see him alongside Chris Phillips on the 2A pairing (with Karlsson-Gonchar as the first pairing, and Kuba-Lee/Carkner as the 2B pairing).
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by Peter Raaymakers on Sep 20, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I think you're right about that
Cowen looks much further ahead, and the team has a greater need for his skill set. Seems pretty easy to connect the dots.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
by Mark Parisi on Sep 20, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I am going to make a bold prediction
That Magic Number Seven will start the season with Ottawa. I think he’ll get it together.
Plus, it’s his birthday on October 8 and I am going to the game, he must play!
An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.
That is terrible reasoning
And a terrible nickname
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
by Mark Parisi on Sep 20, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I know
But as he found out last night, he is no longer in the SEL.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
by Mark Parisi on Sep 20, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
He might start the season here
But I don’t think he’ll be here for long, if he does.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Sep 20, 2011 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I think we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves here. Both Cowen and Gardiner were playing against the opposing clubs B-Teams to a certain degree. While they both had great games I don’t think we should be doling out the Norris Trophy quite yet after 1 exhibition game.
by modsuperstar on Sep 20, 2011 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Figuring it out
We’re still trying to figure it out here. Usually a team with limited scoring plays a defensive style. How do we play if the scoring comes from the defence?
Karlsson and Rundblad will need to get better defensively, and learn that a five forward offence suffers greatly from giveaways. Are the forwards well trained to cover up? We’ll see.
The Paulrus is figuring this all out. Lots of decisions coming. Nice to see Filatov playing well.
I never had any doubt about Cowen. Wiercoch has a long way to go and is going the wrong way down the depth chart. Maybe a year of wearing a letter in Bingo and logging alot of icetime will do him some good. It’s a wonderful thing to have lots of depth on the blueline.
Offense from the 'D' will come off the rush and on the PP
The forwards will backcheck, team gains posession, rush shoot, gain posession, cycle and wait for opportunity.
It’ll be puck posession, not dump & chase (which should drive Don Cherry nuts on Coaches Corner!).
Will we give up odd man rushes? YES. Will Anderson bail us out more times than not? Here’s hoping!
Goaltending
if the replays were any indication (i know the shot-clock was pretty close to even), we’re going to need some pretty stellar goaltending this season to even compete. It looked pretty bloody frantic around the Sens net…
Remember that we were missing Phillips, Gonchar, Lee, Carkner. Really, the only D with true NHL experience (I’m not going to count Wiercioch or Cowen’s few games) were Kuba and Karlsson.
And I also wan to remind everyone that MacLean has only had about 2 practices to teach the team his systems — it’s understandable that they’re going to mess it up for a little while.
Co-manager, Silver Seven
It's really early
Yes, we’re assuming that we’ll have trouble scoring goals before the evidence is in. To write stories that we’re going to have trouble scoring (Citizen today) before our first line has even stepped foot on the ice together is pretty negative, don’t you think?
Filatov and Butler may score 35 each, and our problems may just be the old goals against. Since half of out D play like a 4th forward, we need a very solid system to play defensively enough to not get killed. This kind of hockey is very entertaining, but even with the best of players, around, the Capitals didn’t win with an all out offence and no system.
I’m not arguing that that will happen. I’m just saying that it’s really early to start saying that we won’t score enough goals, and I admit I even said that in one post earlier, when we were asked how many goals we would score this year.
Agreed
The mantra for year must be patience patience patience. We have a lot going on this year; new Coaches, new systems and quite a few new faces. Its going to take an unusually long time before everything and everyone comes together so remember… patience. Good things come to those wait.
by anothersensfan on Sep 21, 2011 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions
What do you think of Mika
most of you guys believe he won’t make the team out of this TC. Second line center ?
He looked decent
Good backchecking. I think he’ll be an NHL player, but not this year. I’d be really surprised if he doesn’t wind up back in the SEL.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
He'll be excited that we can see Zibanejad in Ottawa
But disappointed presumably because he feels he can develop better in Sweden.
That’s my guess!
An Ottawa Senators supporter in Toronto, Ontario. I am cool like that.
I can definitely see the Fisher comparisons
Although I think Mika’s got better offensive instincts. Still, his strength and size are Fisherian.
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by Peter Raaymakers on Sep 20, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
He looks like he’ll be fantastic in a few years, but right now it looks like he’d struggle through the first year of his ELC. Might as well not burn it on a wasted year.
Co-manager, Silver Seven
Regin response
i think it’s pretty interesting that it seems Regin had a really strong game. With the buzz around Da Costa and Mika Z and with Fisher now gone, i wonder if Regin hasn’t finally realized A. there’s a real opportunity for the 2nd line and B. he better f-ing grab it now or else!
I feel like this is his last chance
He’s got people breathing down his neck. But it’s better for everyone if he wins the #2C job.
Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs
Regin / Mika
Mika is probably the best we have for 2nd line center, but he is not ready yet. He looks like he’s got alot of talent, but he’s still a baby and we could ruin him by placing the weight of responsibility on his shoulders so early on.
Ultimately they’ll send him back to Sweden and tell him to come back 210 pounds and smokin’ hot next year.
As much as I’d love to see him play 2nd line center, and as much as I think that Regin won’t make that role long term, that role belongs to Regin no matter how he plays in preseason, because of contracts. Aside from that, the peak of what Regin was worth in a trade was after the last playoffs he played in.
the silver seven sens forums are going green to save the environment
by Caden on Sep 20, 2011 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
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