Ups and Downs: Week 21
Wideman's extension has him up this week, but it also puts Wiercioch down.
The Senators rolled through Western Canada this week, picking up four of six points. That really is the minimum this team should've got against three of the league's worst teams and with the Sens' playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
He was the team's best possession defenceman each game this week, and that's saying something when paired with possession black-hole Borowiecki. With his new extension, it's clear the team's decided he's part of their future plans. I can't see him coming out of the lineup anytime soon.
Biggest losses: Patrick Wiercioch
It's hard to give a player a down-arrow when they didn't even play, but I think it's clear the Sens have no plans to hold onto PW. By extending Wideman, they're admitting that Wiercioch isn't in the team's future plans. That's a pretty big loss for him.
| Goaltenders | Trend | Notes |
| Craig Anderson |  | Picked up 2/3 wins this week. That's alright. |
| Andrew Hammond | | Two weeks in a row without a single minute played |
| Defensemen | ||
| Mark Borowiecki | | He's looked alright with Wideman |
| Cody Ceci |  | Might be a little harsh, but if he's not putting up points and depending on Phaneuf to carry him, I have a hard time calling his week neutral |
| Erik Karlsson | | Can't afford to have too many more weeks where he doesn't get a single point in 2/3 games |
| Marc Methot | | Not a great week, but that assist against the Canucks was impressive |
| Dion Phaneuf |  | Had as many points as Karlsson this week, and seemed a bit better at carrying the play. The only issue is he seems to be losing his temper too often |
| Chris Phillips |  | Hi Chris! |
| Chris Wideman | | See Biggest Gains |
| Patrick Wiercioch | | See Biggest Losses |
| Forwards | ||
| Alex Chiasson | | Two more points this week. Unfortunately, he still can't handle a pass |
| Ryan Dzingel | | He's just a fantastic fourth-liner. I didn't get that benching against the Canucks |
| David Dziurzynski | | Probably out for the rest of |
| Mike Hoffman | | Hasn't broken out in a big way, but three points this week was pretty good |
| Curtis Lazar | | He's looking good as the fourth-line centre, and got two assists this week to help things |
| Clarke MacArthur | | Should be back in a couple weeks, we hope |
| Chris Neil | | One more year! One more year! |
| Jean-Gabriel Pageau | | Four points makes up for some atrocious shot-attempt percentages |
| Nick Paul | | Two goals this week, pretty much guaranteeing his spot in the NHL |
| Shane Prince | | Two weeks in a row without a minute of play |
| Bobby Ryan | | At least he got a goal this week |
| Zack Smith | | His season of luck continues, though his line isn't dominating the shot attempts like a couple weeks ago |
| Mark Stone | | Six points in three games, and easily looked like the Sens' best forward in each game |
| Kyle Turris | | Still trying to break his duck, as they say in soccer |
| Mika Zibanejad | | A natural hat-trick is pretty good I guess |
Special thanks to our friend winterion at Japers' Rink for our icons!