Ups and Downs: Week 18

Stone's up and McCormick's down in this week's Ups and Downs.

The Senators had three games this week after the all-star break: a 6-5 loss to the Penguins, a 7-2 embarrassment by the Oilers, and then a thumping 6-1 victory over the Maple Leafs.

Biggest gains: Mark Stone

After weeks of people speculating about what was wrong with Stone, he put up six points this week, including three goals. He's still on pace for 60 points this year, and will probably improve that by driving Ottawa's run to the postseason.

Biggest losses: Max McCormick

Played a couple mediocre games, tried to prove his worth with two fights against Edmonton, and then got sent down. Paul was one of the call-ups, and considering his disappointing start to his pro career, that says something about how the organization feels about Mad Max. With players like Dzingel and Puempel having far more offensive potential, McCormick may have to wait a little while before his next NHL shot.

Goaltenders Trend Notes
Craig Anderson He had a great appearance against Toronto, counteracted by two poor appearances, one of which got him pulled. Still, he didn't get near enough support in either of those losses.
Andrew Hammond A little unfair, since his only appearance was in relief against Edmonton after the Sens had already lost. Some people are calling for Hammond to take the starter's role to try to rekindle last season's magic.
Defensemen

Mark Borowiecki I don't expect much of Boro. He reached that standard.
Cody Ceci He got two points against the Pens, and looked very confident against the Leafs
Jared Cowen Healthy scratch in two games this week
Erik Karlsson Seven points this week leaves him tied for second in the league in scoring.
Marc Methot Ottawa definitely benefits from having him back. And that saucer pass to set up the first goal against Toronto was a thing of beauty
Chris Phillips Hi Chris!
Chris Wideman
Two points this week, which is pretty good for the NHL's unsuspended Wideman
Patrick Wiercioch Why can't this guy get a point? When he's not scoring nor putting up good possession numbers, he gets a down arrow.
Forwards

Alex Chiasson Didn't do much to cement his place in the lineup. Should be a scratch once more people are healthy.
Ryan Dzingel
Got his first NHL point
David Dziurzynski
Wasn't playing well before being placed on the IR. I think we can conclude that Dizzy won't have much more of an NHL career
Mike Hoffman He seemed to be benefiting from having Turris back
Curtis Lazar Three points this week - that's pretty great, eh?
Clarke MacArthur Practised this week, and appears to be targetting a March return
Max McCormick
See Biggest Losses
Milan Michalek As hard as it is to say, Ottawa seems to need Milo
Chris Neil Seemed to get a little carried away chasing after hits this week. Didn't do anything positive to balance out the frustrating
Jean-Gabriel Pageau He's benefited from being brought up the lineup, including scoring four points this week. He's now passed his career high for points
Nick Paul
Hasn't got into a game yet
Shane Prince
He's finally getting a shot on the powerplay, and wouldn't you know every bounce has been going against him
Bobby Ryan He was a plus-possession player this week and put up a couple points
Zack Smith Great week for Smith, including four points
Mark Stone See Biggest Gains
Kyle Turris Ottawa really need him back
Mika Zibanejad Nice shorthanded goal, but his top-six spot seems to be belonging to Pageau right now. I'm sure he'll get back on track

Special thanks to our friend winterion at Japers' Rink for our icons!


Not everyone can afford to pay for sports coverage right now, and that is why we will keep as much of the site's content free for as long as we can.


But if you are able to, please consider subscribing to help keep our articles free (and get a few extra perks).

Erik Condra
  • Ability to comment and participate in our community
  • Twice monthly newsletter available only to subscribers
  • Ad-free reading
  • Our undying love and appreciation
Brady Tkachuk
  • Everything from the Erik Condra tier
  • 10% discount on all merch
  • Access to any future paywalled content
  • A personal thank-you from the Silver Seven staff
Daniel Alfredsson
  • Everything from the Brady Tkachuk tier
  • Inner peace knowing you are supporting quality, independent coverage of your favourite sports team