Ups and Downs: Week 23

The Sens are still trending up, even with a minor setback against the Bruins.

Hello lads and lasses, it's the St. Patty's Day Eve edition of Ups and Downs! In the last week, the Senators went 3-1-0, which would feel better if the Sens hadn't got their only loss against the Bruins they're chasing in the standings.

Biggest gains: Andrew Hammond

Hammond won all three of his starts this week. Call it the luck o' the Irish, but he can do no wrong. Cameron looked to have returned to his starter Anderson after starting him two games in a row, but returned to Hammond this week for the three wins. Hammond even started both in a back-to-back against two of the top teams in the East in the Islanders and the Canadiens.

Biggest losses: Alex Chiasson

Got an assist, but played under 9 minutes each game this week. At this point, Chiasson doesn't really have a spot on the team. Against Boston, Puempel was taking his spot late in the game. Chiasson hardly plays on the PK or the PP anymore. Based on his dwindling ice time, I don't see how he figures into Ottawa's long-term plans. Easily the most expendable RFA this summer.

Goaltenders Trend Notes
Craig Anderson Didn't help, didn't harm the Sens in his one appearance this week. Looks to have lost his gig to Hammond for the near future.
Andrew Hammond See Biggest Gains
Robin Lehner Heal swiftly, young Robin!

Defensemen



Mark Borowiecki Two points and a great game against the Isles balances out the rest of his sub-par week.
Cody Ceci Pretty average week for Ceci. I definitely like him more with Wiercioch than Cowen still.
Jared Cowen Poor skating, poor passing, poor decision-making to go along with poor possession stats. Some might say he's banjaxed.
Eric Gryba Played fine against Boston, like the rest of the team, but was scratched the rest of the week for Cowen.
Erik Karlsson Good week highlighted by a three-point performance against the Habs. Also took sole control of first place in defensive scoring. A great week for our special wee lad.
Marc Methot Gets an up arrow for his first goal in 367 days
Chris Phillips I think we're as likely to see a leprechaun suit up for the Sens as Phillips these days
Patrick Wiercioch Three points, above-average possession, and the only Senator with the name Patrick!
Forwards

Alex Chiasson See Biggest Losses.
Erik Condra He's playing far above expectations for a bottom-six forward
Colin Greening Doesn't really need to be on this list, but he has "green" in his name
Mike Hoffman No points this week, but his lowest time-on-ice was 16:43 so he's definitely earned some trust. He's also maybe the most explosive player to watch on the team.
Curtis Lazar He played in the games. Not sure what else to say.
David Legwand Great possession stats in 3/4 of the games this week. In his current role, that's exceeding expectations.
Clarke MacArthur Injured, so he doesn't lose points for having a Scottish name
Milan Michalek Not amazing this week, but he still looks incredibly different from the Michalek of the beginning of the year. It'll be interesting to see what happens when MacArthur is back from injury.
Chris Neil Not looking likely to be back anytime soon.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau Three points in four games, that's a big up in my books.
Matt Puempel Got the first two goals of his NHL career this week, even if his ice time dropped. Wouldn't be surprised to see him scratched or sent down soon.
Bobby Ryan The shots are coming, the line looks good, but no points on the week.
Zack Smith No news is not good news for Z Smith.
Mark Stone Two points for "Blarney" Stone this week. Up there with Hoffman for most explosive player on the team. Can't wait to see how he improves, since he's only 22.
Kyle Turris Nothing special about this week for Turris.
Mika Zibanejad Got one assist this week, but in the same disappointing situation as his linemates.

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


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