Silver Nuggets: Kovalev reminiscing; Stone turning heads
It's a random Monday in the middle of August, but you'll be happy to know there are still articles about the Ottawa Senators kicking around these days. Although news that Daniel Alfredsson will resume skating is great stuff, the biggest news has got to be surrounding Alex Kovalev's criticisms of former coach Cory Clouston's system (or lack thereof) and his approach to player management, as well as some pointed comments on the Ottawa media.
We've now heard criticisms of varying intensity from Kovalev, Jason Spezza, Bryan Murray, and Sergei Gonchar about Clouston's coaching style. Young, unproven players can easily find themselves on the outs with coaches, but when an array of league veterans like those listed above agree on one thing, it's easy to see why Clouston had a hard time finding a head coaching job in pro hockey this season.
Senators (and Ottawa) headlines:
- Well, this is something. Alex Kovalev was interviewed in Sovetsky Sport recently, and criticized Cory Clouston for poor communication and general surliness before tearing the media, especially the Ottawa media, apart. "They liked to channel their anger on hockey players." You don't say? (Puck Daddy)
- Daniel Alfredsson expects to resume skating this week after his June back surgery. (National Post)
- Awesome new on the prospect front, as Mark Stone is lighting it up while playing on a line with Ryan Johansen and Jonathan Huberdeau at the Team Canada summer camp. He's scored 4G and 4A in two scrimmages so far. (Fantasy Hockey Scouts)
- The Sens also had an article on Stone's impressive start at the camp. (Senators)
- According the Yahoo!'s Dmitry Chesnokov, part of Alex Kovalev's problems in Ottawa had to do with Cory Clouston's coaching style. The communication issues arise once again... (@dchesnokov)
- The Stanley Cup spent some more time in Ottawa recently, as Peter Chiarelli brought it to his alma mater, the University of Ottawa... (Boxscore)
- ... and Claude Julien was hanging out in the east end with the Cup. (Orleans Online)
General hockey headlines:
- A very interesting essay on how exchange rates between the Canadian and US dollars might bring about NHL franchise locations or even--gasp!--league contraction. (Raw Charge)
- Sean Avery debacle. You've probably already heard about his run-in with the cops, but if not, here you go. (Blueshirt Banter)
- Ilya Bryzgalov, why you heff to be vacationing in Turkey? (Broadstreet Hockey; note: This link is only here so I can steal Ryan Classic's thunder and quote Bryzgalov's awesomeness.)
- In other goalie-related news, Tomas Vokoun reportedly fired his agent after getting absolutely hosed in free agency this season. (Litter Box Cats)
- Sleektoons kick ass. (Battle of California)
- The 2012 NHL Entry Draft might be in Pittsburgh. Maybe. (The Hockey News)
What do you think of the criticisms of Cory Clouston?
| They're fair, but Clouston still deserved to coach this past season. | 68 |
| They're not fair, Clouston should be coaching this season. | 13 |
| The team should have fired Clouston long before they did. | 67 |
| I don't want to kick a guy when he's down. | 122 |