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Madferret
11-24-05, 12:26 PM
Senators face first adversity of season
By CHRIS STEVENSON
OTTAWA SUN
You knew it couldn't keep going, not like that. Not that smoothly, not making it look as easy as they have most nights.
The Senators are running into their first real adversity this season, starting with real life poking through the velvet bubble that usually insulates the NHL world.
The thoughts of players, coaches and management remain with winger Chris Neil who lost his mom, Bonnie, in a car accident Tuesday.
There are challenges on the ice, as well, like not having Neil, winger Martin Havlat or defenceman Wade Redden for tomorrow's meeting with the New York Islanders.
GAMES DON'T STOP
They pale in comparison to Neil's situation, but the games don't stop; they keep coming. Those physical injuries will heal in a week or so. The hurt Neil feels will take a lot longer.
He can find contentment in the knowledge he has a large extended family in the Senators' dressing room upon which to lean.
"These kids have grown up together. You build bonds when you practise and travel and live together, win and lose together," said Senators coach Bryan Murray.
"Athletes tend to have that kind of attachment to each other and maybe hockey more than others because they really start young in this business. They become brothers, really."
The Senators had Neil's sweater hanging in his stall when they went out and beat the Hurricanes on Tuesday night, just hours after finding out the terrible news.
Murray thinks the death of a parent hits hard in a hockey dressing room, compared to most workplaces, because parents of hockey players, in particular, played such huge roles in helping their kids get where they are.
"We all owe an awful lot to our parents because they are the ones who take us to the arenas in the morning. I'm sure there wouldn't be many players in that room that haven't had their mothers help them in some way, driving them early in the morning or doing something for them at the end of a minor hockey game," he said.
"The bonds do get deeper than in a lot of other activities, there's no question."
After a very quiet bus ride to the rink Tuesday, Murray worried about the emotional state of his team vs. Carolina.
But the Senators pulled out a win, led by Mike Fisher, Neil's closest friend on the team (housemates for Neil's first three years here).
"It kind of breaks your heart," said Fisher yesterday, who was with Neil when Murray and Senators GM John Muckler broke the news to Neil in Muckler's hotel suite in Carolina.
"She was the kind of person who would do anything for you. She was so proud of what Chris has done and all her boys.
"My mom's the same kind of lady. It's tough to see what Chris is going through. I can't imagine it.
"I know he's going to get a lot of support here. He's got a lot of good friends and he's a big part of this team."
The Senators showed some character in the Carolina game, blowing a couple of leads, but finding a way to win on a goal by Jason Spezza and some goaltending from Dominik Hasek down the stretch.
Murray liked what his team revealed in that game.
"We've been cruising along and some nights when you're ahead 4-1, it's not hard to be a good player," he said. "I want to find out what they're like when it's 3-3 in the third period and you really have to put your nose to it and not give anything up. Dominik shuts the door, our defence really tightens up and we end up finding a way to score a goal. Those are the games that you need. They're not pretty some nights, but those are the games you need to build the fabric of your team in tough situations."
HEAR AND THERE: Hasek will get the start against the Islanders tomorrow afternoon ... Senators defenceman-turned-winger Christoph Schubert's parents are on a cruise and got the call at 4 a.m. from their son telling them he had scored his first NHL goal Tuesday night. "My dad was pretty pumped," he said. After filling Neil's spot on the roster Tuesday, Schubert will be back on the blue line tomorrow ... Denis Hamel skated with Fisher in the middle and Vaclav Varada on the right side yesterday at practice. With Bryan Smolinski back in the middle, Antoine Vermette shifted to wing with Peter Schaefer on the other side.
So Smoke is back then..
You hate to look past teams, but Mach 9 Marty will definatly be back for our big game against the Habs so that's good news. He may play tonight vs. the B's but nothing is certain.
Ready for a Comeback:
Senators RW Martin Havlat called from Ottawa to confirm he skated for 40 minutes yesterday "and I'm feeling much better." Troubled by a hamstring injury, Havlat hasn't ruled out playing tonight. "I'm going to try skating again (today) and then make a decision. If I don't play (tonight) I'll be back on Tuesday for sure (vs. Montreal)," Havlat told the Sun.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2005/11/26/1325176-sun.html
Madferret
11-27-05, 3:54 PM
Sens trio rates a 10
Alfie, Spezza and Heatley run wild against Bruins
By BRUCE GARRIOCH
OTTAWA SUN
IT'S BEEN years since Bryan Murray has seen a line dominate like this. Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson had another spectacular night before 19,691 at the Corel Centre, teaming up for 10 points in a 4-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.
The display had their coach searching back toward two of the NHL's great dynasties of the 1980s to supply some added perspective about it all.
"I didn't have (the Islanders' Bryan) Trottier, (Mike) Bossy and (Clark) Gillies, but I don't know if I've seen anything like this in a long time," said Murray. "I know we're only at the 20-game mark, but they're pretty strong.
"There's not a lot of lines like this in hockey. I guess if Edmonton had put (Mark) Messier, (Wayne) Gretzky and (Glenn) Anderson together on one line, they might have been like this. You don't see this kind of stuff very often."
Led by two goals and two assists from Spezza -- along with three-point nights from Heatley and Alfredsson -- the Senators extended their Saturday night streak of perfection to 7-0.
Heatley also extended his point-scoring streak to 21 straight games -- he's the only NHL player to have a point in every one of his team's games this season. Heatley moved within two games of Wayne Gretzky's NHL record for scoring in consecutive games with a new team (23), set in 1989-90 with Los Angeles.
"What can I say? We get fired up about playing on Saturday nights," said Heatley, who had a goal and two assists. "The key has been getting those first goals early and then we got stronger as the game went on."
With the victory, the Senators have outscored their opponents 39-8 in Saturday games. They pulled four points ahead of the Canadiens -- who will be here Tuesday -- for the top spot in the Northeast Division.
Montreal lost 4-3 in overtime in Toronto last night.
The Senators have now scored four or more goals in 17 of the 21 games they've played this season. They lead the league in both goals for (100) and against (44).
"We're having success because we've been working hard in improving at both ends of the ice and Murray has been staying on us," said Spezza.
"We're just playing with a lot of confidence right now and we're doing a good job defensively. We're not giving the opponent many opportunities and we're trying to make sure we improve every game."
ANOTHER FAST START
For the fifth time this year, the Senators opened the scoring in the first minute of a game. It was Spezza, with his ninth, who deposited the puck into a wide-open net only 34 seconds into the first period.
Though Brad Isbister was able to tie it up with a backhander at 13:45 of the first, that's where the fun stopped for Boston. They didn't get many chances and only Nick Boynton, with 20 seconds left, was able to beat Hasek.
"We're just playing really well as a team and we're getting the little things done," said Alfredsson. "Everybody is contributing and we know we've got a good team here. We just have to keep playing strong."
The Senators were able to laugh off a missed 5-on-3 opportunity midway through the second when Hasek was charged with the delay of game for touching the puck outside the goalie zone for the fourth time this year.
So, are they going to tie a rope to Hasek to keep him in his crease?
"Not as long as we're winning," said Murray. "I wouldn't want to put a rope around him anyway because it would choke him every time he goes down."
No need for that stuff.
bruce.garrioch@ott.sunpub.com
11-0 against NE teams, let's make it 12 on Tuesday night.
Madferret
11-28-05, 11:23 AM
Senators family ready to welcome back Neil
By BRUCE GARRIOCH
OTTAWA SUN
Chris Neil will be leaving his family in Flesherton and returning to another family here in Ottawa.
The Senators winger, trying to cope with the tragic loss of his 57-year-old mother Bonnie in a car accident last Tuesday, is expected to rejoin the Senators in time for practice this morning.
"We've all been through this," said Senators centre Bryan Smolinski. "I know it's going to be tough for him to come back, but he'll be among family in this dressing room as well. We all care about him.
"Everybody in this room is going to be there to support him. We're all going to try to help him get through this. A lot of guys in this room have lost loved ones and they know what he is going through right now."
Neil was en route to the nation's capital from his Flesherton home yesterday, anxious to get back to work and begin dealing with life after this unexpected death.
The 26-year-old Neil has been out of the lineup for three games and could return as early as tomorrow against the Canadiens.
He has kept in close contact with teammate Mike Fisher since learning of the death.
And while not all the players and staff were able to attend the funeral Saturday because of a home game against Boston, owner Eugene Melnyk offered up one his charter jets so some members of the team could attend.
"I spoke with Chris and his father Barry and they both feel its in his best interests to get back to playing," said Neil's agent Todd Reynolds last night. "I know he wants to get right back at it.
"I know he's really appreciated everything that everybody in the organization has done for him and his family. He has had a lot of support. It's going to be tough for him. There's going to be a lot of dark hours, but he's a strong individual."
Many of the players haven't seen Neil since he left the hotel lobby on Tuesday in Raleigh, N.C., when the Senators were preparing to face the Carolina Hurricanes.
But they are all aware of what he's been through and understand how tough the loss of a family member can be.
"I know this was really tough for all of us in this room when we heard the news because we feel for Chris and we know what a tight family he has," said Ottawa defenceman Brian Pothier.
"She was just (in Ottawa) not long ago. When he comes back, it will be nice to be able to support him. You need that support from your friends in times like these."
NOTEWORTHY: The line of Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza continues to roll after posting a 10-point night in the club's 4-2 win over the Bruins. Alfredsson said he felt they had struggled for a couple of games and had to get back on track. "We weren't playing as well as we could," said Alfredsson. "We've started to click again and that's a good thing. We're playing with a lot of confidence and we feel good." ... Heatley, who has points in 21 straight games, can tie an NHL record set by Wayne Gretzky when the Senators visit Boston on Thursday. Gretzky registered a point in his first 23 games with a new team -- the 1988-89 Los Angeles Kings. First, however, Heatley has to get a point against the Montreal Canadiens tomorrow at the Corel Centre ... Senators C Antoine Vermette gave a fan on Long Island an old stick Friday after security took away the one that flew into the stands at the Nassau County Coliseum. "I felt bad when they took it back and I heard the fans booing so I sent another one up there," said Vermette. "I needed that one." ... With Neil's return, the Senators will likely send rookie Patrick Eaves back to Binghamton ... The 65 Roses Sports Club and Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will host their annual dinner gala tonight at 5:30 at the Congress Centre. CTV's Max Keeping will be the emcee for the evening, which will feature special presentations to Senators president/CEO Roy Mlakar and defenceman Wade Redden.
Welcome back Neiler
Madferret
11-28-05, 2:48 PM
Spezza and Morrison win weekly awards
Canadian Press
NEW YORK (CP) - Ottawa Senators centre Jason Spezza, who led all scorers with eight points in three games, is the NHL's offensive player of the week while Edmonton goaltender Mike Morrison is the defensive winner after recording two shutouts in three games.
Spezza opened the week by scoring the winner and adding an assist in a 5-3 victory at Carolina last Tuesday. He added another goal and assist in a 6-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Friday before finishing the week with a four-point performance (2-2) in a 4-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Saturday.
Heading into Monday's play, Spezza was tied for the league scoring lead with 10 goals and 29 assists in 21 games.
Wingers Ilya Kovalchuk of the Atlanta Thrashers, Alexander Frolov of the Los Angeles Kings and Viktor Kozlov of the New Jersey Devils were also nominated for the honour.
Morrison recorded a 1.58 goals-against average and .933 save percentage last week. He made 21 saves in a 2-1 shootout victory against the San Jose Sharks last Monday. He then stopped 25 shots in a 4-3 victory over Minnesota on Wednesday before capping the week with 27 saves in a 2-1 shootout victory at Calgary on Friday.
Goaltenders Ilya Bryzgalov of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Martin Biron of the Buffalo Sabres and defenceman Mathieu Schneider of the Detroit Red Wings were runners-up for the defensive award.
Way to go Spezz...
Yep. Congrats.
Markov and Souray both didn't make the trip to Ottawa for Tuesday's game (former due to suspension) and we all know Kovalev is out. The Habs have look pretty average lately as is. We're just getting all the troops back after our brief spell with the injury bug. Big win?
Madferret
11-28-05, 7:41 PM
Yep. Congrats.
Markov and Souray both didn't make the trip to Ottawa for Tuesday's game (former due to suspension) and we all know Kovalev is out. The Habs have look pretty average lately as is. We're just getting all the troops back after our brief spell with the injury bug. Big win?
I hope they give the same 1st period effort that they gave on Saturday with us tommorow, we'll bury them if they do.
:burning:
Madferret
11-30-05, 9:50 AM
Don't expect Sens to be Weight lifter
By BRUCE GARRIOCH
OTTAWA SUN
This rumour doesn't carry any weight. As the Senators took on the Montreal Canadiens last night at the Corel Centre, wild speculation out of Toronto had Ottawa talking trade with the Blues for centre Doug Weight.
In return, Senators forwards Vaclav Varada and Bryan Smolinski were rumoured to be headed to St. Louis, but sources told the Sun there's ''no truth'' to any discussions between the teams.
Talk is the Pittsburgh Penguins are making a pitch for Weight.
BACK IN GOOD BOOKS
The Senators had been checking the interest in Varada, but the winger is back in the club's good books and has worked his way off the fourth line to make a regular contribution.
As for Smolinski, the Senators couldn't be happier with him. After a difficult start, he has accepted his role as a No. 2 centre while contributing the odd goal and showing leadership.
"I've really liked the way Smolinski has stepped up for us. He's doing the job on and off the ice," GM John Muckler said yesterday.
Making a deal for Weight or anyone else doesn't make sense at this time. Muckler has insisted he won't make any trades unless they're out of necessity or to add somebody at the trade deadline.
Weight is an unrestricted free agent with a no-trade clause. His name is going to come up a lot between now and the trade deadline March 9, but it's doubtful he'll end up in a Senators uniform.
IN THE DOGHOUSE: After dropping to the fourth line, Senators LW Antoine Vermette's next stop may be the press box. Vermette, a natural centre, played on the left side of Chris Kelly and Brian McGrattan against the Habs. Vermette knows he has to improve and has had a frank discussion with coach Bryan Murray about his slump. "I know when I played with Peter Schaefer and Martin Havlat that we started off pretty well and that we didn't do much," said Vermette. "I know I have to be better. Maybe I've been putting too much pressure on myself and then I don't end up doing much." The Senators aren't ready to give up on Vermette because they believe he has plenty of upside potential, but they need more production out of him. He didn't help his cause by taking two penalties in the first period against the Habs.
HEADED TO TURIN: Frantisek Hossa, the coach of Team Slovakia and the father of former Senators winger Marian, is in town this week getting a look at players for the Winter Olympics in February. It's no surprise that Hossa has already decided Senators D Zdeno Chara will play 35 minutes a night at Turin, but he also said rookie D Andrej Meszaros is going to get a chance to play a big role. ''He's a strong player. We can always use strong players," said Hossa. Chara said Meszaros is ready for the challenge. "He's played really well for us so far and he's such a solid young player," said Chara.
AROUND THE BOARDS: Senators LW Dany Heatley is the subject of a feature in this week's Sports Illustrated. Though the article talks a lot about Heatley's deal to Ottawa last summer for Marian Hossa, there's a good quote from Flyers GM Bob Clarke about the Heatley-Jason Spezza-Daniel Alfredsson line. "All three are very smart on the ice," Clarke said. "When you get three players who can think the game plus have their skill, you have a very dangerous line combination. They always have the puck, (so) you're chasing them all the time."
Weight? Bah..pass, cap sucker. Smoke has really turned his game around from his 'going through the motions' at the start.
Madferret
11-30-05, 3:18 PM
1:30 PM: Havlat gets MRI, expected to be out 1-2 months
Senators' Martin Havlat was scheduled for an MRI at 1:45 pm today. Havlat suffered a dislocated right shoulder in last night's game against the Canadiens.
Early indications from coach Bryan Murray were that he will be out at least one month and maybe two. The team will update his status this afternoon if there is anything significant from the MRI.
Shall we start a pool?
I say 10 weeks..
Max Power
11-30-05, 3:23 PM
Shall we start a pool?
I say 10 weeks..
If that's from sportsnet it's just a guess and it shouldn't be taken seriously =]
Exactly. Murray is no doctor and they also took his estimate out of context as "maybe a bit more" than a month became "maybe two" over-night......
I'll wait for an MRI, thank-you. Again, some players are back as quickly as 3 or 4 weeks and Havlat's didn't seem to harsh although he was obviously in some pain. True, he went in awkwardly but not with much force.
Docter Andrew perscribes 6-8 weeks of rest for Mr. Havlat. For average's sake let's go with 7.
EDIT - Murray did say maybe two upon further review. It was in a different interview he said maybe a bit more.
Havlat says shoulder "doesn't feel too bad right now"; MRI results in later tonight; Redden back skating:
Martin Havlat was scheduled to have his dislocated right shoulder examined Wednesday afternoon, and he?s hoping to receive some good news. It?s been a frustrating start to the season and he hopes he?s not sidelined with his latest setback for long.
?It?s always frustrating when you can?t play. (The shoulder) doesn?t feel that bad now. I never had this before, but I knew (something was wrong) right away. I hope this is it for this year. I just want to get back and get going. I?ll find out how good or bad it is today or tonight. It?ll take some time to get back but hopefully it will be as soon as possible.?
Havlat said he injured the shoulder when he slammed into the boards after receiving a hit from Michael Ryder Tuesday night against the Montreal Canadiens.
?I couldn?t get my legs in front. The shoulder went out. It took some time, but they popped it back in last night.?
Coach Bryan Murray was told that the initial prognosis is positive, considering the circumstances.
?I can?t imagine it will be under a month but what I was told that if you dislocate your shoulder, it?s the easiest one to come back from for a hockey player.?
Murray hopes the injury doesn?t affect secondary scoring for the Senators.
?He skated very well (Tuesday) night, scored a goal, and then the accident. If he was playing on the first line he would probably have 12 goals and 20 assists or something like that. From a coaching point of view, all you do is try and win games. Maybe now, with a month or so off, he will have a real urgency to sets stats and be a prime player in the league. He?s an offensive threat the way he can attack the net. Somebody else will have to step up now.?
Redden skates Wednesday morning
Wade Redden took a brief skate at the Corel Centre Wednesday morning to test his sprained knee suffered in practice last week. According to coach Bryan Murray, it didn?t look like Redden experienced any pain during the test.
?Knowing Wade, he?ll work hard to get back soon.?
http://www2.ottawasenators.com/eng/news/redirect.cfm?sectionID=/hockey/hockeyNewsDetails.cfm&newsItemID=316
No word on Havlat. He was to get an MRI today but instead will go to see a shoulder specialist tomorrow. More on our injury news:
Senators defenceman Wade Redden was back on skates Wednesday for the first time since spraining his left knee a week earlier.
He skated for about 20 minutes pain-free and coach Bryan Murray said Redden could return as early as next week.
Right-winger Martin Havlat won't be back so soon, however, after leaving Tuesday's game with a dislocated right shoulder he suffered when he was by Michael Ryder in the third period.
Havlat was to undergo an MRI on Wednesday and Murray said the injury didn't appear to be as severe as it could have been.
But Havlat, who has already missed five games this season because of suspension and another with a hamstring strain, will likely sit out at least the next month.
"It's frustrating," Havlat said Wednesday. "It's not fun to watch your team play."
These types of injuries to such key players are always bad, but they could have been worse as to bold points out.
Bochenski is called up to replace Havlat. Would've rather seen Eaves, but I also am curious to see how Bo performs with his 2nd chance. He's been producing in Binghamton without Spezza, but he won't be re-united with Jason in Ottawa that's for sure. He will be playing with Varada and Smolinski. That sucks, as it means that very impressive, not to mention physical and irratating line of Varada - Fisher - Neil will be broke up.
But line combos always change so we shall see. Maybe it works. If not, go back to the old pairings. If Bochenski fumbles this opportunity look for Eaves to run in and take it from him. He's looked very good in his limited chances and since this is a long-term injury there'll be time to switch.
Remember when the Sens called up Brooks Laich for one game a few years ago only to showcase/trade him? Eerily similar. Another trade involving a youngster perhaps? I can't see it. At all. Not with the team playing this well. But we'll see how they respond to another injury to a key player.
Newfie John
11-30-05, 6:57 PM
Well Andy there are some Doug Weight rumors out there.. but Garrioch says they're hogwash.
I can't see it happening. Not unless it's a deadline deal. Too much $$$ for us to take on right now.
Newfie John
11-30-05, 7:07 PM
I can't see it happening. Not unless it's a deadline deal. Too much $$$ for us to take on right now.
Apparently Smoke was going the other way. I don't see it happening either but thats the rumor. Can't see Mucks trading anyone when they have a 19-3 record.
Darsehole Tucker
12-01-05, 3:26 PM
Turco, Alfredsson win monthly honours
NEW YORK (CP) - Ottawa right-winger Daniel Alfredsson and Dallas goaltender Marty Turco are the NHL's players of the month for November.
Alfredsson was named top offensive player after amassing 25 points - 13 goals and 12 assists - and posting a plus-14 on the plus-minus scale in 12 games. He helped the Senators to a league-best 11-1-0 record during the month.
Ottawa's captain edged Atlanta Thrashers left-wing llya Kovalchuk (13-13), Los Angeles Kings centre Pavol Demitra (6-15) and Philadelphia Flyers left-winger Simon Gagne (13-7), who put up their numbers in 14 games.
Teaming with new linemates Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley, Alfredsson got points in 11 of 12 games. He tied a franchise record with his first career six-point game (4-2) and had a plus-5 rating in a 10-4 victory at Buffalo on Nov. 2. That was the first of five consecutive games in which he tallied multiple points.
source (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=145283&hubname=)
Good job Alfie, this was well deserved. He's definitely been our leader on and off the ice so far this season.
Madferret
12-01-05, 4:07 PM
WTG Alfie...woot woot
4-6 weeks for Marty. I was more optmistic than everyone else here, but even I guessed 6-8.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2005/12/01/1332309-sun.html
Darsehole Tucker
12-01-05, 6:44 PM
So I'm just guessing at the line combinations for tonights game with Havlat out, I assume we're looking at the following:
Heatley - Spezza - Alfie
Schaefer - Smolinski - Bochenski
Varada - Fisher - Neil
Vermette - Kelly - McGratten
That third line has been great so far so I'm doubting that they'll mess with that chemistry. But Vermette doesn't belong on the fourth line, and hopefully he'll pull a Varada and play his way into the top 9 soon enough.
Max Power
12-02-05, 12:10 PM
One thing I do know is Bochenski should not be playing on a top line. I don't like his play in the NHL so far and would rather see Eves up. If not at least put Vermette up :conspire:
Madferret
12-02-05, 12:23 PM
One thing I do know is Bochenski should not be playing on a top line. I don't like his play in the NHL so far and would rather see Eves up. If not at least put Vermette up :conspire:
Bochenski has really soured on me.
Every time Eaves has been called up he's been great, Bochenksi just seems to be lacking something. I just expect more out of a call-up who should be playing through his teeth to make an impression I guess.
Package Pothier & Bochenski up and send them out..
Max Power
12-02-05, 12:25 PM
Bochenski has really soured on me.
Every time Eaves has been called up he's been great, Bochenksi just seems to be lacking something. I just expect more out of a call-up who should be playing through his teeth to make an impression I guess.
Package Pothier & Bochenski up and send them out..
Yup and we get more tonight
December 2, 2005
Bochenski gets shot to score with Sens
By BRUCE GARRIOCH, OTTAWA SUN
BOSTON -- Brandon Bochenski wants to make the most of his second chance.
The NHL's hottest player in the preseason was back with the Senators against the Bruins last night after being recalled from Binghamton.
Bochenski, who struggled with one goal and four assists in the club's first 10 games, has no illusions about what he's got to do if he's going to stay here while winger Martin Havlat is injured.
"I've got to put the puck in the net," said Bochenski, who took Havlat's spot beside centre Bryan Smolinski and winger Peter Schaefer in Boston.
"(Scoring is) something I've been doing my whole career and it can't change here. It's helped to be (in Binghamton) to get my confidence back. I know what I have to do at this level and I'm going to do my best."
ALFIE WON'T MOVE
While Bochenski played with Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza in the pre-season and early in the year, coach Bryan Murray won't remove winger Daniel Alfredsson off that line because it's the best in the NHL.
How long will Bochenski stay? That will depend on his production and the injury to Havlat.
Havlat's dislocated right shoulder doesn't appear to be a serious enough injury to require surgery, which would have taken him out of the lineup for 4-6 weeks.
"It's still pretty sore (yesterday)," said Havlat from Ottawa. "It's going to take a little time for the swelling to go down."
SECOND CHANCE
Ottawa GM John Muckler and coach Bryan Murray wanted to give Bochenski a second chance because he has five goals and 12 assists in 14 games with the Baby Sens.
"Bochenski is going to get a chance to show us that he can play consistently at this level," said Murray. "He got a good chance to go down there, work on some things and get his confidence back. We'll see how he is able to perform at this level."
Max Power
12-02-05, 12:32 PM
Package Pothier & Bochenski up and send them out..
Hey one thing I was thinking last night was Marleau is no longer untouchable for the Sharks. How about a little Havlat for Marleau deal?
Or Pothier & Bochenski for Marleau :laughing:
charlio lemieux
12-02-05, 2:36 PM
Marleau could be the second line center the Sens need. Use him to stiffle the opposition while the top line averages it's almost 2 goals a game. Freakin lucky Sens fans got the best line in hockey. Snazzle, frazzle, frickin', fracking, long-eared varment. lol
I don't want Marleau at 4M, really.
Agreed with Ferret. I'm really getting down on Bo. I don't want to make any harsh judgements on this stint yet though as the whole team played like crap. And Bochenski didn't even get much of a chance to play past the 1st period since we were SH so often.
Brain "F Bomb" Murray? It was a good physical affair to start last night. LA came with a good physical presence, we stepped it up, then they responded, then we stepped it up again. It kept on going like that until the Kings got so frustrated at being dominated at both their game (goonery) and ours (hockey) that fights started to break loose.
An LA commentator was ripping into Murray for "sending out his goons" (like Zdeno Chara :rollover2 :rollover:) during an American broadcase. Murray got word of the incedent, heard the sppech, and then decided to confront him after the game. The big shot announcer just stood there looking speechless. I could've figured as much. He's real big when sitting 5 stories above however.
The Anti-Martin. Thank you Murray!
http://s63.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=064Y4ZDUPJJJ33Q86BGZRP769C
Man.Utd
12-04-05, 12:07 PM
I'm starting to think Marty might need surgery. Although reports said it was unlikely, and he didn't seem to go into the boards that hard, this is similar to Volchenkov/Varada. Nothing heard for a while then the bad news. We'll know for sure tomorrow apparently so fingers crossed.
If he is out for 4-6 months (if surgery is needed) his salary stays on the books, but we are allowed to go over the cap by his salary until he is able to play. Bochenski looked very good against LA. He scored a crazy goal, worked well along the boards, and was just flying out there. Dare I say he looked almost as good as Matry does on many a nights? But I'm skeptical if he could play like that consistantly. Maybe he won't need to go under the knife and be out but 4-6 weeks.
Malec has been called up from Binghamton to deal with Chara's one game suspension.
Phillips - Pothier*
Volchenkov - Meszaros*
SChubert - Malec
Pots and Meszaros could be interchangeable. I doubt they want to put all their eggs in one basket with Phillips and the A-Train on the first pairing.
Madferret
12-04-05, 12:17 PM
Well if their is any team I don't mind Chara sitting out against, it's Florida I guess. I'm interested to see what Malec can bring as I'm really getting tired of watching Pothier out there.
Great clip BTW, lol!
Man.Utd
12-04-05, 12:26 PM
I don't know. We beat them 4-1 last time, but it was close until we finally broke down Jacques Martin's trap in the 3rd and the flood gates opened. We also needed the help of a PP (thank you Cairns) to get going offensively. For the first 40 minutes it was Dom keeping us in it, really with Chara being a monster on the PK (including an extended 5 on 3) with that huge stick of his. I definatly think we can win - I'd never bet against us vs. Florida unless we're missing more than we are now - but it could be a battle and once again I wouldn't be surprised by a loss.
Thankfully, both Chara and Redden will be back for Friday (Vancouver) and that whole Western road-trip! :)
News delayed to tomorrow....... again. I'm telling you, surgery is probably all but a guarantee at this point with this type of treatment. They probably just don't want to rush into it since it'll mean he'll be out for most (if not all) of the season.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20051206_173200_4944
Word arrives Wednesday
Ottawa forward Martin Havlat will be out of action for at least a month.
Ottawa Senators forward Martin Havlat will have a better idea on Wednesday whether or not he will require surgery to repair his shoulder.
The Senators winger suffered what was believed to be a separated shoulder on November 29 but a subsequent MRI and visit with a shoulder specialist may have revealed more damage.
Before making his next move, Havlat will sit down with his agent, the Senators' staff and the medical team.
He is expected to miss anywhere from 4-8 weeks right now but surgery could mean he could miss several months of the season.
News on Havlat will likely be delayed........ again. But it now seems like the choice will be up to Havlat, and he wants to get as much information, expert opinions, and clarification as possible before making a descision. Surgery will put him out for most the season but make sure he'll have no future problems. If he takes re-hab route he'll be out 4-6 weeks but the is also a chance he ends up being prone to this injury in the future aswell, and at such a young age that's bad for his health and career.
charlio lemieux
12-07-05, 7:06 PM
News on Havlat will likely be delayed........ again. But it now seems like the choice will be up to Havlat, and he wants to get as much information, expert opinions, and clarification as possible before making a descision. Surgery will put him out for most the season but make sure he'll have no future problems. If he takes re-hab route he'll be out 4-6 weeks but the is also a chance he ends up being prone to this injury in the future aswell, and at such a young age that's bad for his health and career.
That sounds brutal. If he doesn't get the surgery, will he be able to do that Mel Gibson, Lethal Weapon trick with the straight jacket? :D :laughing:
Good luck Havlat, you injury prone 4-goal-a-game scoring so-and-so.:thumb: :D
Why don't the go ahead with the surgery now, so he has more time to rehab before the playoffs?
Why don't the go ahead with the surgery now, so he has more time to rehab before the playoffs?
Depending on the extent on the damage, rehab may be recommended. Again, there is always a change you'll be prone to future injuries etc if you take that route, but the odds may be worthwhile. In many cases they are, otherwise you wouldn't see so many atheletes taking them. Rehab is almost always the case for an everyday person, but for a hockey player re-injuring is much more likely given how often you use your shoulder / it gets abused.
(12/11/2005) Binghamton forward to replace Spezza in Monday’s lineup if he can’t play
OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators recalled today right-winger Patrick Eaves from the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League on an emergency basis. Eaves will only replace Jason Spezza (aggravated right hip flexor) in the event he cannot play when the Senators face the Colorado Avalanche in Denver Monday, Dec. 12.
In his last four emergency recalls this season, Eaves recorded two goals and an assist in six games. The 21-year-old last dressed for the NHL club, scoring the winning-goal in Ottawa’s 6-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Nov. 25. and then went without a point against the Boston Bruins on Nov. 26.
In 18 games with Binghamton this season, the Fairbault, Minn., native has five goals and eight assists, is -7 and has 10 penalty minutes. The Binghamton Senators are sixth in the East Division with 7-15-2-1 record over 25 games. There next game is at home on Friday, Dec. 16, against the Norfolk Admirals.
As I said in the gameday thread, Spezza has been playing with a hip pointer for the past two games. He was a game-time descision last night and was good to go, so I think this is strictly pre-cautionary and Spezza will be skating come tomorrow night. We shall see. I would think Redden would be back aswel, but he was "probable" for both Friday and Saturday aswell.....
Iced Tea
12-11-05, 10:57 PM
I looked up what a hip pointer injury is and I wouldn't wish it on anyone except my ex girlfriend. :D :laughing:
What Is A Hip Pointer Injury?
A hip pointer injury is extremely painful, acute injury to the iliac crest of the pelvis. The injury causes bleeding into the abdominal muscles, which attach to the iliac crest. The bone and overlying muscle are often bruised, and the pain can be intense. Pain may be felt when walking, laughing, coughing, or even breathing deeply.
What Causes A Hip Pointer Injury?
Hip pointers are the result of a direct blow to the iliac crest, whether from a direct hit from a helmet, or a hard fall. Hip pointers are common in contact sports such as football, and soccer.
What Is The Treatment For A Hip Pointer Injury?
For immediate relief, follow the treatment plan. Rest from aggravating activities for the first 1 to 2 weeks, is the only real way to heal a Hip pointer. Ice and medication can be helpful to reduce pain and inflammation for the first 7 to 10 days after the injury.
It's important that the athlete not return to quickly to activity. If he still has pain or tenderness, he is liable to compensate by altering his gait and technique. The result is another injury to another body part.
How Can I Prevent A Hip Pointer Injury?
Proper protective equipment is key. Additionally, developing appropriate skills and techniques may help avoid a hip pointer. Ultimately, however, there isn't much an athlete can do to prepare for such a blow.Link (http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/hip_groin/a/hip3.htm)
"Pain may be felt when walking, laughing, coughing, or even breathing deeply." That and the bleeding. Owwww, I'm going to pass out just thinking about it.
slapshot™
12-11-05, 11:08 PM
http://shockingbird.com/glomer2/members/upload/stewie.gif
Are the Senators still doing well? As I am curious....are they like.........doing well? No injuries....no? Ah good. I suppose if they had some injuries....then......I suppose.......they might not do as well.
So....all you Sens fans happy?
I was just curious. It's good that your team is doing well and all. Good to see they are doing better than the Leafs. Yes, well. We should get to talking about the Leafs now, should we?
No.
What is that smell? Is it because we were talking about the Leafs?
....oh, damn..........I've just soiled myself.
KB in Kelowna
12-12-05, 1:17 PM
http://shockingbird.com/glomer2/members/upload/stewie.gif
Are the Senators still doing well? As I am curious....are they like.........doing well? No injuries....no? Ah good. I suppose if they had some injuries....then......I suppose.......they might not do as well.
So....all you Sens fans happy?
I was just curious. It's good that your team is doing well and all. Good to see they are doing better than the Leafs. Yes, well. We should get to talking about the Leafs now, should we?
No.
What is that smell? Is it because we were talking about the Leafs?
....oh, damn..........I've just soiled myself.
What the duece?
After playing hurt against Vancouver and Calgary, Spezza is out tonight against the Avs and doubtful for our game back home against red-hot Dallas. Redden is still out aswell.
We've lost a top pairing defenseman, a first-line winger, and a #1 center who is near the top of league scoring. The injuries are really piling up........ I really like our depth but that's a blow I doubt any club and sustain without missing a beat. Still good enough to grind out a win though IMO.
Madferret
12-14-05, 2:22 PM
12:50 PM: Emery gets the start
Jason Spezza (hip flexor) did not skate with the team on Wednesday. He is listed as doubtful for tomorrow's game. Wade Redden is also doubtful for that game he did skate with the team, but Bryan Murray wants to be cautious with him, so there is a good chance he will miss his 10th straight game with a knee injury.
Chris Kelly did not practice today and will not play tomorrw against Dallas. He took a shot off the foot in Colorado. Bryan Murray is not sure if the team will call someone up for the game tomorrow - or simply go with 17 skaters.
Ray Emery will get the start in goal Thursday against Dallas.
...
Max Power
12-14-05, 4:00 PM
I?ve got tickets for the TO game :nod: so I hope Redden and Spezza are back or it might be a bad game. They got embarrassed last time so I?m sure they?ll be playing hard
Madferret
12-14-05, 4:02 PM
Hey I get to go to a game when I'm home for the holidays, going to see the Isles game.
Max Power
12-14-05, 4:06 PM
Hey I get to go to a game when I'm home for the holidays, going to see the Isles game.
Nice
That game is not televised :mad:
Kelly is day to day now and won't play tomorrow against Dallas. So no Kelly, Spezza, Havlat, or Redden. As already mentioned, Emery will start. Given how good (and hot lately) the Stars are I'd be happy with a point.
Newfie John
12-14-05, 7:21 PM
Wow.. injury bug has certainly hit Ottawa. Welcome to leaf land, the year long injury bug.. lol.
Man.Utd
12-17-05, 10:44 PM
From The TEAM, Bochenski will be out for a good while with a "severe shoulder seperation" :mad". So Havlat is gone for the year due to a shoulder injury, and now his replacement may be aswell. Hopefully Eaves can keep playing like he has as he'll be the call-up now. Maybe we'll make a trade of some sort?
#@!$ the NHL and their touch-up icing. Countless injuries, a few cases of paralysis, and proof no-touch icing doesn't negatively effect play thanks to the experiments of other leagues. Why is this not changed?
And he was just kicking it into gear, too. Although he hasn't played much in the past few games thanks to all the penalties for both teams, We need that depth with these injuries! Argh! Where do you find your depth to replace your stars when your depth guys are hurt? Poor Bochenski. :(
Spezza escapes suspension.
The league ruled the "intent" was not premeditated but rather "reactionary", much like the Shane Doan ruling earlier in the year.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20051218_152037_3848
Andy.. any intrest in a guy like Rita?
I think he could be a player who could really help a team like Ottawa out, because he won't hurt you on the ice.. he just won't do a lot else either. Either way, he'll never make it in Edmonton, and could probably be had reasonably cheap (4/5 rounder) and can play on either wing.
I'd certainly be willing to take a chance on him at his current salary and for that price if I were an NHL GM of any other team. I always hesititate to call a 24 year old a bust and Rita could still turn out nicely. He's still good enough for a bottom-six role right now anyway. Worst case scenario you "give away" a low end pick. But if you can guarantee a player of Rita's calibre with low range selection that's fine, I'd think most teams would take that. What are the odds those guys turn out successful anyway? Not good, although they are higher than average with Ottawa's scouting staff.
Having said that, I can't see us giving up anything for Rita if Eaves is already around. Murray stated in Octobre, before all the injuries, that he wanted Patrick here full-time by the new year so he's already in Murray's good books.
Eave's is also just as good Rita in virtually every department, but is "home grown" and has been much more succesful in the NHL in a much shorter tenure at a younger age (4pts, 3 goals [1 GWG], 8 GP compared to Rita's 6 pts in 30 GP). Eaves displays great intangibles himself having captained at various levels and is a great PK'er shot-blocker. Not to mention he can play all 3 forward positions (though he does favor RW).
There's also Vermette currently on the 4th line (though hopefully he'll move up with the injury) who'd probably be just as good a replacement as Rita.
Again, I like Rita and think he's worth it for that asking price. But not for this team. And if Havlat comes back early (mid March) we'll have a bit of a log-jam of players as it is.
Madferret
12-19-05, 1:14 PM
Late Breaking Updates and Notes for December 19
Ottawa rookie Brandon Bochenski has been diagnosed with a separated shoulder. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. - TSN
gah
Madferret
12-19-05, 1:18 PM
Sens star centre won't be banished
Bochenski could be out 6-8 weeks
By CHRIS STEVENSON
OTTAWA SUN
THE SENATORS will have some good news and likely some bad news today when it comes to the status of centre Jason Spezza and winger Brandon Bochenski.
The good news is Spezza will not be suspended for tomorrow night's meeting with the Canadiens in Montreal after incurring an instigator penalty in the waning minutes of Saturday night's 8-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The bad news is Bochenski, who went hard into the boards Saturday night, could be out for 6-8 weeks if the damage to his right shoulder is as bad as feared.
Spezza will be spared the one-game suspension that can come with picking up an instigator penalty in the last five minutes of a game. The rule was put in place to stop teams from putting enforcers out in the dying minutes of one-sided games.
In case you haven't noticed, Spezza's name doesn't often come up in the same sentence as "fight."
Saturday night's blowout wound down with a series of fights and chippy play, as Ottawa-Toronto games often do.
Spezza was given the stick by Leafs defenceman Carlo Colaiacovo while they were in the Toronto crease with 3:36 to go and Spezza, who was also taking a shot from Leafs goaltender Ed Belfour (why no third-man in penalty?) defended himself in a spontaneous reaction.
"He got speared by Colaiacovo. That's why he went after him," said Senators GM John Muckler.
"I kind of got speared and I just tried to protect myself," said Spezza, who will still have the instigator penalty on his record.
There was clearly no premeditation on Spezza's part, who has had all of one previous fight in the NHL (against ex-Flyer and current Blackhawk Patrick Sharp).
No suspension for Spezza will also mean Senators coach Bryan Murray will be spared a $20,000 fine. The normal $10,000 fine is doubled for a second offence. Senators defenceman Zdeno Chara was suspended for instigating a fight with Los Angeles Kings defenceman Tim Gleason in the last five minutes of a game Dec. 2 and Murray was whacked $10,000.
The news isn't expected to be good in the case of Bochenski, who crashed into the boards after getting tangled up with Leafs defenceman Aki Berg.
His right shoulder took the brunt of the blow. If the damage is as bad as suspected (a separated shoulder and maybe damage to the collarbone), he could be out for up to two months. That would be another blow for the Senators' forward ranks. Bochenski was called up from the minors to take Martin Havlat's spot on the roster and had five goals in seven games. Havlat could be out for the rest of the regular season after having surgery last week for a dislocated shoulder.
Bochenski's absence means fellow rookie Patrick Eaves, who had been summoned from Binghamton of the AHL when Spezza was experiencing problems with his hip, will now get a shot.
chris.stevenson@ott.sunpub.com
http://www.ottawasun.com/PhotoGalleries/Senscamp/2005/12/19/sens9.jpg
Max Power
12-19-05, 1:26 PM
Spezza was given the stick by Leafs defenceman Carlo Colaiacovo while they were in the Toronto crease with 3:36 to go and Spezza, who was also taking a shot from Leafs goaltender Ed Belfour (why no third-man in penalty?) defended himself in a spontaneous reaction
Not only that but dirty Ed punched him with his blocker. Him or Philips I can't remember =]
Pothier with a mild concussion. Assuming Spezza is back for the tilt against the Isles, Schubert now doesn't have to shift back the bench but rather back to defense.
What a shame, Brian.:wicked:
- Vermette is still scoring at a 100% clip on the breakaways after last night's breakaway goal. It'd be nice to see him get a chance in the shootout. But Murray seems to have it in for him so I doubt it. Two shorthanded points and second star in a very good performance. Finally getting his ice-time (he had over 15:00 tonight)?
- Eaves got hit from behind, resulting in a boarding call. It looked bad but he was fine. But man is Kelly ever becoming a favorite of mine. He's Fisher with less scoring touch. Chris jumped Larose so fast for that cheap-shot the announcer though he was Chris Neil. Literally he called the wrong name. Kelly got an instigator, a game misconduct, a 10 minute misconduct, and a fighting major for his efforts. :)
Man.Utd
12-30-05, 11:33 PM
Great news. TEAM 1200 says "about a week" for Alfie and Sportsnet is now reporting the same thing. Could be closer or even up to 2 at the worser end of the spectrum. TSN reporting he was brought to hospital but was back in time for the post-game interviews so that's only good.
For a cracked rib, I'm very happy with that pronosis. Again, in the next week and a half we get ATL, WAS, BOS, MTL, and PHO. Not bad, but all but Phoenix are on the road. Washington and Boston are played on back-to-back nights, while the Atlanta game is a 2:30pm start which players never like (but that'll work for both sides).
Pothier's mild concussion turns out the be a "neck sprain" and he played tonight. A minus. Again. Good news I guess, his health.
Apparently Roy Mlakar was on the TEAM yesterday and spoke on the Alfredsson injury:
- The break is very minor. As we all know, it was even orginially thought to be a crack.
- The actual damage to the bone isn't the problem right now in terms of getting back. It's the pain and whether or not Alfie can realistically be effective with it in a game situation, taking hits and all. He's well enough physically that he could play today against Washington if he had a protective thing on / pain killers injected before the game. Like what Thronton had last time with the Bruins. Obviously, we won't be doing that right now.
- Alfie was back on skates (probably moving as fast as a 90 year old I'd bet) in a private session with supervision from the trainning and medical staff yesterday. But again, it's not all about how he is physically.
- Bochenski has also skating under supervision and could be back as soon mid-January.
- Hasek does indeed gets the start today against Washington
- Vermette on the 1st line as Murray continues to juggle things up with injuries. Murray was quick to defend his useage of Antoine saying he's
"a good player who he feels he can use in all situations" and insists that he has not been in the dog-house in any sense after a brief stint early in the season.
- Jason Spezza, after coming back to what he proclaimed to be "a game or two early" in order to both compensate for Alfie's loss and test his condition in a game situation, will not play against the Capitals. He's listed as doubtful for tomorrow's tilt with the Bruins but hopes to be back for Saturday's game at the Bell Centre on HNIC.
Max Power
1-05-06, 2:08 PM
I remember this rumor last season... Things may have been much different last season if this deal would have been done
Sens almost made Kolzig Capital gain
By BRUCE GARRIOCH, OTTAWA SUN
WASHINGTON -- Olaf Kolzig almost wore a Senators' uniform.
Kolzig confirmed yesterday he thought he was going to be dealt to the Senators at the March 9, 2004 trade deadline, a move Ottawa fans likely wish GM John Muckler had made after Patrick Lalime failed in the ensuing playoffs.
But Muckler, who wanted Kolzig in a package with defenceman Brendan Witt, believed the asking price from Capitals GM George McPhee was too high and refused to give up standout blueliner Anton Volchenkov.
"I really thought I was going to Ottawa, but they couldn't get the deal done," said Kolzig. "George McPhee has always been fair to me and he was keeping me updated throughout those discussions on what might happen. That was kind of a weird time for me because I had never been involved in anything like that before."
The 35-year-old Kolzig can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, but he would be content to finish his career with the Capitals. However, he would like to see a commitment from the organization towards building a team that has a shot at winning a Stanley Cup.
Kolzig hasn't had a chance to sit down with McPhee, but they will meet before this year's trade deadline.
HIGHLY SOUGHT
There has been a lot of talk Kolzig could be headed to one of eight clubs before the playoffs, but Colorado, Vancouver and Edmonton are the teams most often mentioned.
"I would like the chance to win the Stanley Cup before I finish my career," he said. "Now there are no guarantees if I go somewhere else that I'm going to win a Stanley Cup, either. I'd like to have that opportunity here.
"What I would like to see is a commitment from the organization this year that they're going to add the pieces to the puzzle to make that happen here. I started my career here and I'd be quite happy to finish my career here. To be part of something that is building would be very exciting."
COUGHING UP THE PUCK: Senators C Jason Spezza, troubled by his chest problem, missed his sixth game of the season last night against the Caps. "I've told Jason that there's no sense him returning to the lineup until he's ready to do everything," said coach Bryan Murray. "You don't want him out there if you feel he can do some things and he's unable to do others. He's only going to aggravate it by being out there, so we're not going to bring him back until he tells me that he's 100%." Spezza's absence meant centre Steve Martins was recalled from AHL Binghamton for the first time. "Throughout my career, I was never known as a negative and I find that every time I work hard good things happen for me. This is one other example," said Martins, a Gatineau native.
RAVES FOR OVECHKIN: The Senators got their first look at Capitals rookie Alexander Ovechkin, who is turning heads around the NHL especially among his teammates. "If you look at what Ovechkin has done for this team -- and no offence to the talent in here -- but he's been excellent," said Kolzig. ''I think he should be the rookie of the year, no question.'' Added coach Glen Hanlon: "People always ask you to compare him to somebody and I say he reminds me a lot of (Mark) Messier. He's a leader and he's not afraid to get involved." Ovechkin, who admits he would like to win the Calder Trophy, faces competition from Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, Calgary's Dion Phaneuf and Rangers' goalie Henrik Lundqvist.
THIS N' THAT: Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson skated for 40 minutes yesterday, but there's no timetable for his return from a cracked rib ... Muckler and assistant GM Peter Chiarelli are attending the world junior championship in Vancouver.
Madferret
1-05-06, 2:10 PM
Volchenkov eh..
The A Train goes nowhere!
Darsehole Tucker
1-05-06, 4:41 PM
The Senators will go with a depleted lineup tonight, fielding just 17 skaters due to injuries.
Brian Pothier is out with bruised right foot suffered last night against Washington. Christoph Schubert, who is originally a defenseman, will move back to the blueline to take Pothier's place leaving the Senators with just 11 forwards.
Haha, so with Pothier out (no doubt to the dismay of ManU ;) ) Schoobs is going to jump back into the defensive role. Is Hamel really that bad that we would prefer to dress no one? Maybe he couldn't get there in time, or anyone else from Bingo for that matter.
What a shame Pothier. :wicked:
Schubert isn't perfect, and I admit that I'm a bit bias for the German boys like him and Sturm. I was one of the people really hoping to see Kolzig in an Ottawa uni too (but that was before I knew we'd see Hasek here. And that Volchenkov was the asking price).
But Pothier is just horrible. I'm sorry, but he has just regressed since first getting some time here IMO and even his strong points are becoming very replaceable. For all of Pothier's supposed offensive ability I find him to have the weaker shot of the two and more reluctant to join the rush. He's not even that great of a skater. Schubert has only an average first step but can just fly north-south. He's like guys like Hossa. Not close to being that fast, but that he too is a big guy that once the wheels are turning can really move.
Christoph does take too many penalties for my liking, many at bad times, and holding always seems to be the case so that's really frustrating. But having said that, I can't recall any glaring defensive giveaways or screwups from him when he was back there. And at least some of those penalization's come from trying to get in there physically. That's my biggest beef. Your 6th defenseman can't be soft on the puck and even softer in the corners. That screams exploitation. And if any of you still post at HF, you may have see that was one of my biggest playoff fears for this team - Pothier being exploited so much. When Schubert and Pothier are on the ice together nobody should be surprised that they dump it in on Brian's side. Case closed for me. I'd trade Pothier for any defenseman in the Notheast other than Belak, but at least he can serve as an inforcer and play up front in need.
And don't even get me started on him taking our PP off-side and always failing to gain center ice to dump it in (even if there's tons of free space), resulting in an icing.
Just Look how long this post has gotten. And it's all pretty much a rant on Pothier! I hate that guy patrolling our blueline!
Madferret
1-09-06, 10:44 AM
Sens wringing in New Year
Ottawa's first half best ever despite sluggish start to 2006
By CHRIS STEVENSON
OTTAWA SUN
The Senators hit the halfway pole of their season tomorrow night when they host Wayne Gretzky and his Phoenix Coyotes. The way things are going lately, they will likely hit that pole head on and hurt a shoulder, chest or ribs.
Other than the fact they have 117 points in sick bay, the power play is 0-for-January, they've surrendered first place in the league and they've won only once in four games (against non-playoff teams), things are good, thanks for asking.
The reason why the Senators are skidding as they hit the halfway mark is the frequent red lights of the early season have given way to a black and blue cloud.
19-3 START
After racing out to a 19-3 record in their first 22 games, the banged-up Senators are 9-6-3 in their last 18 as they head into Game 41, certainly nothing near a disaster and understandable given they have been without three of their top four forwards for varying stretches and will remain without a couple of them for the foreseeable future.
The loss of Martin Havlat (shoulder), Jason Spezza (chest muscle) and captain Daniel Alfredsson (cracked rib) means the Senators have 117 points out of their lineup.
Spezza, meanwhile, is cautiously optimistic he might be able to play tomorrow night.
Since Alfredsson (return uncertain) was hit by a Zdeno Chara slap shot, the Senators have scored just nine goals in four games, winning just once.
The power play is 0-for-24 in the last four games. The penalty killers, in that same stretch, have surrendered six goals on 26 chances.
"You've got to win on special teams," said Senators centre Bryan Smolinski. "We know that. The little plays are killing us. We're losing faceoffs, the power play is not getting goals, we're making a first mistake and that's being compounded by second and third mistakes.
"We've got to eliminate those second and third mistakes."
"Loose pucks," said defenceman Wade Redden. "Loose pucks tell the tale. Who's battling to get those loose pucks? We just have to be a little more hungry. That's the biggest thing."
It's a blip the Senators will hopefully overcome when they get healthy again.
The goals which came so easily in the early part of the season (and had one national newspaper ridiculously wondering "Are the Sens the best ever?") are now hard to come by with so much skill out of the lineup.
CAUTIOUS APPROACH
In the meantime, coach Bryan Murray and his staff have had to emphasize a more cautious, defensive approach lately with varying degrees of success. Giving up a 4-on-1 on the second shift of what turned out to be a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday means somebody isn't listening.
The Senators are still the only team in the league to have given up fewer than 100 goals this season. Much of their defensive success this season is thanks to GM John Muckler's philosophy that having the puck 180 feet away from your net most of the time is a pretty good way of cutting down opposition scoring chances. The Senators had the puck so much in the early part of the season, they didn't let the other guys get much in the way of chances.
TOPS IN OFFENCE, DEFENCE
They still lead the league in offence and defence, goaltender Dominik Hasek looks like his old self, they might have the deepest blue line in the league and, when healthy, can put their forwards up against anybody's.
The recent challenges should have a benefit in the second half as well, as there have been nights when the Senators have played with six rookies (Andrej Meszaros, Christoph Schubert, Chris Kelly, Patrick Eaves, Brian McGrattan and Ray Emery). They've earned some experience lately which should help later.
Despite having their status downgraded recently from "best ever" to "pretty good most nights, " the Senators' first half of the season has been an outstanding success.
A win tomorrow night against The Great One and his respectable Coyotes outfit will give the Senators 29 wins in their first 41 games and add to their already franchise-best start.
The most wins they've had previously through 41 games was 25 in 2002-03.
Add it all up and the big picture is a rosy one, even if a couple of recent snapshots have not been too pretty.
http://ottawasun.ca/Sports/Senators/2006/01/09/spezza.jpg
Madferret
1-09-06, 12:16 PM
11:20 AM: Walking wounded on ice
Both Daniel Alfredsson (cracked rib) and Jason Spezza (pulled chest muscle) are both on the ice and skating together with Dany Heatley at today's practice. Their playing status is still unknown.
Alfie's back for Tuesday against Phoenix apparently. I hope Alfie's in a flak jacket for his return at the very least. And maybe put Neil up on that line just to make sure nobody takes liberties on him. He's shown he can play this year even if he's a bit over his head with guys like Alfredsson.
The doctors have said from the get go they feel the rib damage isn't very major, and it's more so about the pain. They're the doctors and obviously I'll take their word for it. But I could have done without Alfie for a few more games. Never thought I'd say that but it's about long-term with the Captain.
Spezza is expected back Thursday against the Sharks but he may wait for our HNIC game against the Oil.
Great news as long as nothing is being pushed too soon. It may take a game or two for the big guns to start firing again - I almost expect it to - but this is a huge boost. Bochenksi is not far off either now so the boys are getting healthy again. :) Havlat back working out again spening "3-4 hours at the rink in rehab". He's still a good while away but if things stay as is he'll definatly be back in time for the playoffs, with at least 2 weeks of regular season play to get back into the groove.
Sens apparently interested in Rucchin. He could be that 2nd line C, though he won't be an elite one like Weight etc. However, he does have great passing skills for the likes of Bo and Havlat on our 2nd line, is another vet for this 2nd yougest team in the league, and is a good quiet leader wearig a letter for as long as I can remember. Not bad on the PK at all and quite good on the draw which would be huge for this face-off challanged team. Murray likes him from his days in Cali so this one I may put some stock in to. Depending on asking price, I'd definatly be interested. His cap hit is a little more than 1M at this point. Affordable and he's a UFA at season's end if we want to let him go.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20060109_124930_5004
Bochenski is now aiming for Saturday against the Oliers but next Monday at home vs. Minny may be more realistic.
Minus Havlat who we've known for quite some time would be out for most of the season, we could be totally healthy again soon. :) I don't expect us to get totally back to our winning ways. Lines will require tweaking, rust will need to shaken, chemistry that was built may be torn apart and new have to be found. And I think we were just on a tear early. But the harder half was, by far, the first one for this club. We could start piling up the wins pretty soon. The actual schedualing is nuts - lots of back to backs etc - but the opposition isn't bad at all.
In roughly a weeks time. :shrug:
Heatley - Spezza - Alfredsson
Vermette - Smolinski - Bochenski
Schaefer - Fisher - Neil
Varada - Kelly - Eaves/McGrattan (been great since given the chance. Can now roll four lines instead of the 3. Use Gratts for the more physical games)
Usual goal + defense but Schubert over Pothier, FFS!
Max Power
1-10-06, 8:37 AM
Well this is all good news
If the Sens go on a tear with their captain back it will be hard to ignore Alfredson as MVP.
Madferret
1-12-06, 9:08 AM
Senators after Barnaby?
TheFourthPeriod.com
According to the Ottawa Sun, the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to hold a fire sale and the Senators appear interested in Matthew Barnaby.
Senators GM John Muckler is one of several teams that have talked to the Blackhawks, who are supposedly shopping the likes of Barnaby, Curtis Brown, Martin Lapointe, Jaroslav Spacek, Jassen Cullimore, Jim Vandemeer, Todd Simpson and Kyle Calder.
Muckler apparently has his eyes on Barnaby, while there also might be a mild interest in Brown.
Out of that list I'm only really interested in Barnaby, I wonder what the asking price is? Barnaby's salaray is listed at 1.33 M...
Max Power
1-12-06, 9:41 AM
Out of that list I'm only really interested in Barnaby, I wonder what the asking price is? Barnaby's salaray is listed at 1.33 M...
I'm not to keen on the idea of Barnaby. He's a guy that can mess with chemistry. Although he?s over 30 now and should be more mature I just don?t see how he can help the club and why Muckler would want him. I say it?s a BS rumor? Out of the group I?d rather have Lapoint but he?s for some reason always been overpaid so I wouldn?t want him in Ottawa
I'm not really interested in any of those guys. If we are going to get someone it should be a bonafide top-six center to play behind a healthy Spezza, which seems like a rare thing these days. Smoke has picked it up a bit lately but he's not ideal for that position and can play wing if we need to make room for someone.
Barnaby is Varada with more hands and both make similar amounts of $$$. If we can somehow deal pests straight up I'd go for it but that's it. I don't think Chicago would be interested, but they do save a bit of $$$ and it shakes things up a bit. Other than that I'll pass.
Darsehole Tucker
1-12-06, 6:35 PM
Barnaby is Varada with more hands and both make similar amounts of $$$. If we can somehow deal pests straight up I'd go for it but that's it.
What's even the point then? Varada is doing ok for his job although he makes too much for it, and as you said, Barnaby can mess up chemistry. If I remember correctly...after Hasek had Ted Nolan fired in Buffalo, Barnaby stood up and said he would deal with Hasek...so would these two even get along?
What's even the point then? Varada is doing ok for his job although he makes too much for it, and as you said, Barnaby can mess up chemistry. If I remember correctly...after Hasek had Ted Nolan fired in Buffalo, Barnaby stood up and said he would deal with Hasek...so would these two even get along?
Better hands would be the point. Varada has had many chances that Barnaby may be able to put away. That Kelly line can cycle very well but not score to match so a switch may do that unit better to start hitting the back of net. Admittedly Varada has been playing well right now but he was horrible earlier in the year. I'm not convinced he isn't just in a hot-streak. Quite frankly have really soured on Vaclav ever since he had to complain for more ice-time. That's a cancer if anything. Barnaby can't be much worse than that. At least he knows his role.
Not sure about the Hasek/Barnaby factor but I'm sure they could deal with it. I think it's more important what Muckler thinks of him than Dom though, and he seemed to like him in Buffalo.
This point was brought up at another board but I think it's a good one. After watching Meszaros play against San Jose I'm starting to think that he's hurt. He's usually a good skater but he got burned a couple of times to the outside by players with only average speed. He was also beaten out for two icing calls with a sizeable lead on both. On no occasions was he out there for a while so it's not fatigue. He's been declining ever since the Boston game and all of it seems to be in situations where he's forced to move quickly / win a race / etc. That very same game he took a shot off the ankle in a blocking attemp, went off putting no weight on it at all, but did manage to come back in the 2nd.
He refused to take off his skate or get x-rays at intermissions because he didn't want to hear it was broken or have swelling make it impossible to put it back on. All he wanted was some stuff to help with the pain and keep on going. Admirable indeed, but I hope his unwillingness to get it looked at hasn't led to some phantom injury. You would think the doctors would have looked at it after the game, I am sure of it, but his mobility has been in the pitts since blocking that shot. No doubt a day-to-day thing but it still sucks.
Darsehole Tucker
1-14-06, 5:37 PM
He had a huge game against Phoenix though, so maybe it was just an off-game. We'll see more tonight.
I dunno man I didn't really notice him. The whole team just looked good that night. He was only a +1 with 7 goals scored (although some were on the PP) and was held pointless with some nice PP time.
He's still been serviceable but not up to where he was earlier. And it seems to be because he is - literally - a step behind. Rookies often have up and down seasons, but I don't think skating/agility should regress for a guy like Meszaros who excells there. The fact it happened after getting a shot off the ankle begs some questions.
We shall see. Hope you're right.:)
Darsehole Tucker
1-14-06, 6:20 PM
Hope you're right.:)
Hope you're wrong. ;)
I don't usually judge this kid by his points, but his +/- IS usually indicative of his play. I just noticed him out there with Neil, McGrattan and Schoobs playing a tough forecheck (until Schoobs went down) and that's where Andrej is usually most noteable. As you said, we shall see.
Some tasty crow from Meszaros? He was very good last night. His +3 led all players last night, a common occurance actually, and he had 2 points. His skating still seemed off though. That icing play was a perfect incedent. He went back a little (unusually) sluggishly, missed the puck on a strange bounce, and Hasek had to save his bacon on a great point-blank save. We scored seconds later though. Andrej the gaint now leads the NHL in +/- BTW with a +28. I'll wait a few more games to from a final opinion with my opinion on his would-be injury.
Varada just keeps getting better. Just after I slag him for having no hands he scores 2. More crow and it taste great! In my defense though, he had but 2 goals going into last night's game and both bounced in off an opposing skate or stick.
Darsehole Tucker
1-15-06, 7:34 PM
In my defense though, he had but 2 goals going into last night's game and both bounced in off an opposing skate or stick.
Also in your defence, Varada hasn't really had the opportunity to play with Fisher and Neil this season either, so his play might have been elevated with a little help from his linemates.
Anyone know if tomorrow night's game against Minny is televised?
Also in your defence, Varada hasn't really had the opportunity to play with Fisher and Neil this season either, so his play might have been elevated with a little help from his linemates.
Anyone know if tomorrow night's game against Minny is televised?
True, but I remember his stone-hand exploits when he first came here and got some time on the Czech line with Bonk and Hossa...... though Hossa is a Slovak.
It's on Sportsnet. Our games against Anaheim, Toronto (x2), and Montreal all are on TV too. The only one I'm not sure about is the Boston game on the 30th, though I think Sportsnet has that one aswell. For the rest of January our Sens plate is about as full as possible. :)
Darsehole Tucker
1-15-06, 10:14 PM
The only one I'm not sure about is the Boston game on the 30th
Got some tix to that game anyways, so no worries there. muhahaha :wicked:
Max Power
1-16-06, 9:01 AM
True, but I remember his stone-hand exploits when he first came here and got some time on the Czech line with Bonk and Hossa...... though Hossa is a Slovak.
It's on Sportsnet. Our games against Anaheim, Toronto (x2), and Montreal all are on TV too. The only one I'm not sure about is the Boston game on the 30th, though I think Sportsnet has that one aswell. For the rest of January our Sens plate is about as full as possible. :)
FYI I posted the TV schedule here
http://www.hockeystation.com/showthread.php?t=933
Slipped my mind. That was a good find, Max. I'll be sure to use that as reference from now one. :)
Madferret
1-18-06, 10:31 AM
Spezza wants shot at Ducks
Sens' injured centre 'a lot better'
By BRUCE GARRIOCH
Ottawa Sun
Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza is aiming for his return from injury tomorrow against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Jason Spezza is getting a chance to see how the other half lives tonight.
The Senators centre will be behind the bench as a Team Orr assistant coach for the CHL's Top Prospects game tonight at Scotiabank Place (7 p.m. Sportsnet).
His NHL team hopes to have him back on the ice tomorrow and fully recovered from the chest muscle injury which has kept him out of the lineup for 13 games.
While Spezza had treatment, skated at the rink yesterday and is feeling much better, his status for tomorrow night's game against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks won't be determined until he makes it through practice. He'll try working out with his teammates this morning.
"I don't want to say 'Yes' and I don't want to say 'No'. I'll just say, 'We'll see' in the next couple of days," said Spezza last night in a telephone interview. "I want to see how it reacts to being back in practice and I might not be able to decide until after the morning skate (tomorrow).
"I'm doing a lot better. I was skating and working out with (assistant) Randy (Lee) the whole time the team was gone (on its two-game road trip) and that probably helped me a lot ... I've definitely seen an improvement."
But if Spezza's ready to go, then there's a good chance he'll be reunited with linemates Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson. They were the league's top scoring line until injuries broke the combination up.
Though Senators coach Bryan Murray used Alfredsson and Heatley on separate lines during road wins over Edmonton and Minnesota, he'll put them back together as soon as Spezza is firing on all cylinders again.
"(Alfredsson and Heatley) didn't play as well apart, but I think when they're together (with Spezza), the three of them are very talented and they get more offensive scoring chances," said Murray in an interview on the Team 1200.
"I think, however, when you go on the road and the other coach has his chance to match his best people against the big line, it makes it more difficult and it puts a lot of pressure on other people to pick it up.
NO LINE REUNION
"In the long run, very definitely, we're going to try to put them back together. Short-term, until Jason gets playing back to 100%, I'm not sure I will put the three of them back together immediately."
Spezza said the injury has been difficult on him mentally.
"That's been the toughest part for me. I've never been injured in my pro career and I've certainly never been out this long and this was difficult for me," he said. "It's tough to watch the games on television at home. You want to get back in there and that's the one of the things that I've had to learn. This is a long season. You can't try to rush anything and you've got to make sure that you are 100% if you're going to return to the lineup."
Since it was hard to get ice in Ottawa and Scotiabank Place was booked for an event Saturday night, Spezza and Lee hit the ice at 6:30 a.m. How was that?
"Just wonderful," said Spezza. "I felt like I was back in my minor hockey days. The only thing I didn't do was put on my equipment before I went to the rink."
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2006/01/18/spezza_jason250.jpg
Max Power
1-18-06, 11:19 AM
I hope he's fully recovered before he comes back. Hopefully it will be tomorrow
Madferret
1-18-06, 1:17 PM
From the mutant chipmunk..
DISCUSSIONS STARTED: The Senators have held talks with the agents for pending unrestricted free-agent Ds Zdeno Chara and Wade Redden. It's expected discussions to re-sign the pair will heat up in the next few weeks because Muckler has made it clear he'd like to keep them both. Whether the duo will sign before they can shop themselves around July 1 is unclear, but the Senators are going to make every effort to keep them around. "I know right now the focus for (Chara) is on winning the Stanley Cup. We've had some talks and we're going to continue to talk," said Chara's agent Matt Keator. It's believed Muckler spoke briefly with Redden's agent Don Meehan during the world junior championships earlier this month in Vancouver and the sides agreed to speak more seriously.
Max Power
1-18-06, 1:32 PM
From the mutant chipmunk..
DISCUSSIONS STARTED: The Senators have held talks with the agents for pending unrestricted free-agent Ds Zdeno Chara and Wade Redden. It's expected discussions to re-sign the pair will heat up in the next few weeks because Muckler has made it clear he'd like to keep them both. Whether the duo will sign before they can shop themselves around July 1 is unclear, but the Senators are going to make every effort to keep them around. "I know right now the focus for (Chara) is on winning the Stanley Cup. We've had some talks and we're going to continue to talk," said Chara's agent Matt Keator. It's believed Muckler spoke briefly with Redden's agent Don Meehan during the world junior championships earlier this month in Vancouver and the sides agreed to speak more seriously.
I was wondering when we'd hear something about this. With the cap going up and both these guys being hot commodities I doubt they'd sign for less then 5.
Since Hasek will most likely retire I say sign them both then trade one of them and maybe Vermette or someone for Luango durring the off season
That?s a good deal? let?s make it happen =]
Max Power
1-24-06, 11:26 AM
Posting this twice but it's a rumor worth sharing... Plus Eklund give it the big
E4
I just confirmed rumors that I heard earlier today that Ottawa is "way out in front" of the Doug Weight Sweepstakes...Other teams still in the game...Calgary, Montreal, and Vancouver. For those of you following at home, and (e4) is the highest credence I can give to a rumor that isn`t a done deal about to be annouced..Rumors are rumors, but so far I have only put out a few e4s and I believe all of them have occured...but since I am not the one pulling the trigger, anything can happen...If Ottawa lands Doug they will be tough, tough, tough...
My source, who is very tied in, said this..."I`d put it at 90% that Ottawa lands Doug...all other teams are a far off second...at least at this point."
The question remains...what will go to St. Louis? I hear the Flyers pulled out because the price was too high...I had a team owner tell me he was amazed at the cost...
I say Bo and a second rounder at the most will go back
Darsehole Tucker
1-24-06, 5:10 PM
sketchy. Do I want this guy? Do I want to give up Bochenski for this guy? Or worse...somebody else who's name isn't Varada or Pothier?
Madferret
1-25-06, 9:57 AM
Dealing worth the Weight?
Sens not desperate to find trading partner ... but that doesn't mean they're not looking
By BRUCE GARRIOCH
OTTAWA SUN
Senators GM John Muckler doesn't have an itchy trigger finger -- with no trades on the horizon. But he is sniffing around.
While Muckler will meet with the scouting staff in Florida this week to discuss this year's NHL draft, that won't stop him from looking at what the club's needs are with the March 9 trade deadline approaching.
"I'm pleased with our team," said Muckler. "I'm not sure if we're going to do anything or we have to do anything. If I see an opportunity to improve our team, then I'm going to take it."
With their success this season, the Senators have no reason to shake up their roster too much.
The buzz is the Senators are the frontrunners for St. Louis centre Doug Weight, but sources say there haven't been any serious talks.
NO-TRADE CLAUSE
Though there's a belief the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and Calgary Flames are interested in Weight, it should be noted he's an unrestricted free agent with a no-trade clause in his contract.
That means he'll have the right to choose his destination and sources say Weight's No. 1 choice is the Senators.
Some reports claim the Blues would ask for centre Antoine Vermette or defenceman Anton Volchenkov in return for Weight -- but that may be unrealistic.
Indications are the Blues won't get much more than a draft pick for Weight or winger Keith Tkachuk, who they're also trying to move.
The Senators will also keep an eye on Florida centre Olli Jokinen. He wants to stay with the Panthers and will open contract discussions with GM Mike Keenan shortly, but if he doesn't sign he'll be in demand.
If Muckler wants to make a move, owner Eugene Melnyk is also going to have to buy into the plan. Melnyk has said the club is going to have to get to the third round of the playoffs to make money and has already committed $35.6 million (all figures US) in salary to the payroll.
"My belief is a lot of teams will hang on for Weight and Tkachuk until the NHL trade deadline is closer because nobody wants to spend the money," said a league executive yesterday.
Muckler admitted trade talk might heat up before the Olympic break beginning Feb. 12. Teams out of the playoffs --Florida, Columbus and Chicago for example -- have already come to the realization they need to unload and reload.
"My sense is that if teams are going to make moves before the Olympics they're going to do it for the long term," said Muckler. "The moves made after the Olympics will be the rent-a-player situations where teams are just loading up for the playoffs.
"I do think we're going to see some movement (under both scenarios) because teams want to make moves especially with the new salary cap in place."
bruce.garrioch@ott.sunpub.com
Volchenkov? lol
Volchenkov? lol
Never gonna happen. Pothier would become our 5th defenseman :laughing:
Ilya Zubov has been called up to play a few friendly's with Russia's men National Team. After the WJC he has really taken the experience and kicked it up a notch.
Most of your probably know Emery sported a new mask last night. It was very similar to his old one, but this time featuring Iron Mike. A noted boxing fan, Tyson was an idol of his growing up. Sens management had a problem with a mask involving a convicted rapist and encouraged Emery to reconsider. He will officially go back to his old one.
"We didn't ask him not to wear the mask," Senators GM John Muckler said Tuesday. "We just had a discussion about what was right and what was wrong. He said he would take it off."
A huge boxing fan, Emery has also had masks that featured former middleweight champ Marvin Hagler, and Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion.
"He told me the reason he put Tyson on his mask is because he was an idol of his, as a boxer," said Muckler. "He knows now that (Tyson) he's lost that right because of his conviction as a rapist and also as a female abuser. And he told me he would take the mask off."
Tyson was convicted in 1992 of rape in Indiana. He served three years in jail.
http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20060131/Emery_66451.jpg
http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=153091&hubname=
Newfie John
1-31-06, 6:52 PM
The mask didn't help him any. Emery was not good and he isn't playing well. He hasn't been handling his backup duties very well. He was pretty good at the beginning of the year, and now he's either come down to reality or is just having a tough spell.
The mask didn't help him any. Emery was not good and he isn't playing well. He hasn't been handling his backup duties very well. He was pretty good at the beginning of the year, and now he's either come down to reality or is just having a tough spell.
A bit of both. He was probably playing above his head earlier, but this is also a rough spell. It looks worse than it is though. You just see how long the slump has been with actual days and assume it's dragged on for quite a long time now. But really, between Dom being hot and us getting lengthy breaks, it's only been a handful of games. Emery just hasn't gotten many starts lately. Partly due to a decline in his play, but also because the schedualing didn't dictate it and an already good Hasek getting in even better form. And the team hasn't exactly helped out Razor. I expect he'll be back for Pittsburgh. We'll see how that goes.......
I also don't know if I like how they're treating Emery off the ice, actually. He's already slumping and doesn't need a fight within the organization. This reminds me of a parent dealing with a teen. They pretty much made him switch masks against his will, dye his hair black again after going blonde, scolded him for his tattoo, thought him eating a cockroach for $100 dollars in a friendly locker-room bet was "childish", and made him take anger management a few years back. Firey guys like Emery need to be controlled, but you can't snuff them out.
He may be understandably frustrated with the brass right now, and after 41 year old Hasek the goalie cupboard is bare so we best not piss-off our best heir to the throne. We can't bank on signing a FA and we may (unfortunatly) need to lean on this kid a little too soon. I'm not saying let him run the franchise ala Vince Carter in Toronto, but what's wrong with letting him have some fun? The mask I can kind of understand. But hair dye or tattoo's? Come on. It can't distract him from his play if he isn't getting any, as was the case in January. Down the stretch in March, with lots of games in lots of nights, we'll need this guy being totally hockey related and serious.
As a Sens fan.. I've never been high on Emery at all, and have actually been waiting for him to fall apart. I think the Sens would be very wise to pick up a backup with some playoff experience just in case - because this team does not play the same in front of him.
Few idea's off the top of my head..
- Roloson: seems to be a very team orientated guy and has won in the playoffs.
- Burke: true he's in the EC, but Tampa might be desperate for the cap space so I wouldn't rule it out.
2nd tier guys..
- Toskala: Will be a UFA at seasons end, but is still pretty young and has some pretty high upside.
- Markkanen: Not a starter by any means, but has proven to be a very capable backup in the NHL.
We'd all love a proven and experienced backup, but that's last on a list of needs really. Razor has shown that he can be adequate for the role and should only improve.
A top-six winger, preferably a center, is of greater urgency. Or even a very good 3rd line C so Fisher can move up to the second line and we maintain that great third combo of Schaefer - ??? - Neil. Peca would be perfect if the Oil somehow fell out of the playoff picture. I can see it happenning with their current netminders. With those goalies losses can pile up quickly. Alas, I hope against it as I've always liked the Oil. I also wouldn't bank on it at all anyway. But a possibiltiy perhaps.
Even a solid, bottom-pairing defenseman to bump Pothier would be higher on my wish-list than a backup netminder. We have one in Schubert IMO, it's a shame the organization doesn't think the same way.
Sure we're poohed if Hasek goes down but I don't know any team that isn't if they lose their starter. Okay, Minnesota. But I don't consider them legit Cup contenders.
As for the team playing worse in front of Emery. I think it's just bad coincidence they've hung him out to dry lately. They played quite well in front of him early and that's when they should have been most concerned, him yet to have any NHL experience.
If you can manage to ship out Varada's salary (the sooner the better, obviously) you could bring in $1,200,000 of total salaries without adding anything. Assuming there was legitimacy behind the Weight rumors, you can assume that at the deadline you could add about $5,000,000 in contracts that expire at the end of this year; add in Varada's and we'll say $6,000,000 total just to be safe...
Eric Weinrich $1.33 million
Mark Parrish $1.9 million
Dwayne Roloson $1.672 million
= $4.902 million and a team without any real weakness
Only problem with Parrish is he is generally a RW, but Havlat has played LW a bit and possibly could when he returns?
Video game GM'ing is so easy ;).
Oilers won't be out of the playoff race enough by March 9th for Peca to be available to anyone, especially with the Olympic break. Fun Oiler fact is that they've had the hardest schedule (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/nhl0506.htm) in the NHL thus far, and are about to hit an extremely soft portion of it - so it's fair to assume that they'll actually improve in the standings in the coming weeks. Morrison has also been very reliable for the Oilers in all but two of his starts and is unbeaten on the road (8-0).
Max Power
2-01-06, 8:50 AM
Rumors are Chicago may be shopping Mark Bell before the deadline... This guy would be a great pick up for Ottawa. A PF that can play the wing but is a natural centre. He hasn?t had the greatest numbers so far but they?re still respectable and he?s still young. Playing for the Sens might just be what he needs
butterfly_style
2-01-06, 9:00 AM
Rumors are Chicago may be shopping Mark Bell before the deadline... This guy would be a great pick up for Ottawa. A PF that can play the wing but is a natural centre. He hasn’t had the greatest numbers so far but they’re still respectable and he’s still young. Playing for the Sens might just be what he needs
I like Mark Bell, and could be had for a good price.
Probably wouldn't need to give much in return.
He played his junior days for the 67's so there is an Ottawa connection.
As for his numbers, there not bad. . .remember he plays in Chicago
Max Power
2-01-06, 9:02 AM
I like Mark Bell, and could be had for a good price.
Probably wouldn't need to give much in return.
He played his junior days for the 67's so there is an Ottawa connection.
As for his numbers, there not bad. . .remember he plays in Chicago
Is he a free agent next year?
I would think so if they're shopping him
Max Power
2-01-06, 11:26 AM
Rumors are Chicago may be shopping Mark Bell before the deadline... This guy would be a great pick up for Ottawa. A PF that can play the wing but is a natural centre. He hasn?t had the greatest numbers so far but they?re still respectable and he?s still young. Playing for the Sens might just be what he needs
I meant to post my source on this... It was
Pierre McGuire on the Team this morning and he said that Kyle Calder, Tyler Arnason and Mark Bell might be available.
He also mentioned Savard but I think it was hypothetical or a complete assumption based on Atlanta?s play of late
I'd love to see Bell back in Ottawa, this time for the NHL club. Welcome with open arms. Fingers crossed.
Max Power
2-01-06, 12:55 PM
From Eklund
According to sources this morning the Panthers and Olli are getting very close to moving apart. Contract talks haven`t been going anywhere fast and you would think that at some point very soon Mike Keenan will have to make the decision to move him. Rumors that he has already been discussed in preparation for this day are everywhere....The two teams that are hottest on him are the two that didn`t get either Weight or Sillinger....Calgary and Ottawa. Both teams I am told will start to make their pitches in the next 24 hours, and I have good sources in both cities that will keep us all updated. Jokinen will demand more than Weight it is believed. Both these teams were willing to pay more for Weight, but not before the Olympics....
I'd prefer Bell if he comes at a lower cost but I won?t complain. It's to bad we don't have Bonk to offer because we know Martin would be all over that =]
butterfly_style
2-01-06, 1:18 PM
It's to bad we don't have Bonk to offer because we know Martin would be all over that =]
Thanks for that, Maxi . . .excellent
Brian Elliot, our goaltending prospect who is a Junior at Wisconsin, is miles ahead of all other candidates for this year's Hobey Baker based on the first ballot (http://www.hobeybaker.com/vote/standings.php).
He is actually on pace to break all major Wisconsin goaltending records, with Mike Richter and Cujo currently owning them so that's impressive.
I hesitate to get too excited until he proves it outside of college, but he's really had a great season and I can't wait to see this kid a the pro level to see how he does. This year he's played 22 games to date, is 18-2-2, and has the following stats: GAA 1.44, SV% .931, SO 3. His SV% and GAA lead all goaltenders in the NCAA.
Last year he only played 9 games as a backup but had 3 shutouts, a GAA of 1.16, and a SV% of .945.
The Badgers are among the nation's best teams, particularily in their own end, but Elliot has been a wall all season as is indicated by his Hobey Barker position on the first ballot. The next ranked goaltender (John Curry) is over 10,000 points behind!
For some comparison, Elliot injured his leg a short while aho and missed 4 games. His backup, even behind a great badgers team, allowed 10 goals in only 3 of his appearances. He has a 3.29 GAA, .865 SV%, and was 0-4 filling in for Brian. I saw one of the games on NHL network where Connelly started and the team didn't seem very confident in him at all, so obviously Elliot plays a big role.
A 9th rounder, he's already a pretty good success. The Sens find another one! :)
Max Power
2-08-06, 8:45 AM
Thanks for the info Man U
I heard Pierre Maguire mention him a few weeks ago saying the same thing. It would be great if Ottawa finally drafted a #1 tender. I don?t see Emery ever being a #1 guy but I guess it?s still possible
Speaking of Pierre Maguire he was on the team this morning and mentioned he was speaking to the Ottawa coaching staff in NY last night. A few minutes later he said he knows for a fact Ottawa is looking to bolster the club.
Thanks for the info Man U
I heard Pierre Maguire mention him a few weeks ago saying the same thing. It would be great if Ottawa finally drafted a #1 tender. I don’t see Emery ever being a #1 guy but I guess it’s still possible
Speaking of Pierre Maguire he was on the team this morning and mentioned he was speaking to the Ottawa coaching staff in NY last night. A few minutes later he said he knows for a fact Ottawa is looking to bolster the club.
Indeed. Elliot being a future #1 would be great. Glass has a chance too (ECHL All-Star, should be in Bingo next season). I've not given up on Emery by any means. He was great to start the season and he can do it again. And improve upon it as he was a early 20-somthing rookie. But he's no sure bet. This rough patch has bene discouraging, but you never truly look as good/bad as you seem in a slump/hot-srea Anyway, you can never have enough depth between the pipes.
I heard that too, that Mucker really wants to bolster the roster while not subtracting. I guess some picks/propects will be shopped until the deadline. Should be interesting to see what happens.
Elliot now 2nd in voting as the link shows, and by a fairly decent gap too. You can vote once a day. Brian Lee is also on the ballot as a freshman which is quite good. Jonathan Toews who I'm sure you all know from the WJC is a teammates of his, a lock to go top 5 and quite possibly higher this summer, and is 4th last in voting.
Max Power
2-09-06, 1:15 PM
This should all make your day for you guys who need something good to take your mind off the recent woes
http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/a/j/ajt177/03-05-04-Flyers-Vs-Sens.wmv
This is where another player used his elbow pad to punch someone with
Anyways longer download then most vids but well worth it
butterfly_style
2-09-06, 1:32 PM
Excellent, thanks for that Max.
I love the background music . . .very appropriate.
We lost that game on the scoresheet, but I think we had a slight edge in the alley.
Maybe we can tee one up like that on Saturday night.
If it gets us out of the funk, bring it!
Good clip Max, thanks.
charlio lemieux
2-09-06, 4:02 PM
Awesome Link! :roll: I was even laughing and cheering.
:relief: Whoo, I need a beer.
Madferret
2-14-06, 3:56 PM
Muckler concerned over poor play
TheFourthPeriod.com
The Senators have won only two of their last seven games and John Muckler returned from the GM meetings in Las Vegas concerned and considering what he can do to fix the problems, reports the Ottawa Sun.
"We haven't been sitting back not trying to make a deal," Muckler told the paper. "We've done a lot of homework and we're going to try and do the right thing for the hockey club. Are we going to be able to do it? I don't know at this point.
Muckler is expected to meet with the team's pro scouts in Naples, Fla., for four days next week.
"We'll know in the next four or five days which direction we're going," he added. "We'll know whether we're going to make a trade or not." If the Senators make a move, it will come after the Olympic break and before the March 9 deadline.
According to the Sun, Muckler expects a lot of movement once teams either recognize they can't remain in the hunt for a playoff spot or that they can't re-sign their soon-to-be unrestricted free agents.
Muckler & Ferret are concerned with the Sens poor play..
That's good to hear as the cause for concern is apparent. It has further proved there is some degree of parity in the NHL and every team is vulnrable. We need to improve this club to get the best team we can for our Cup drive. But not pannicing is also key. At the end of the day, this is still one of the best team's in hockey who have admittedly been playing poorly lately. But I'm confident Mucks won't pull the trigger out of panic and over-pay vastly as a result. His work for this team thus far has been admirable.
It's also important to remember we'll be adding a first-line calibre skater in April for free in Martin Havlat. By the time the post-season is here he should have 10+ GP.
Max Power
2-15-06, 10:38 AM
According to sportsnet Jan Hrdina is being shopped. He's no goal scorer but is a decent playmaker and could play well with Havlat being as they're both Czech and Havlat needs a playmaker.
I wouldn't give anything for him though and are needs are a little more then what he provides
Max Power
2-15-06, 11:55 AM
So if Hasek hurt his MCL or broke a leg he's done for the season
The trade rumors will now significantly change =]
Worse case scenario I guess but I can’t help to think it will be
ADD I guess it may not as bad as first reported... Supposedly he's back on the bench
Big sigh of relief in Sens nation if true
Madferret
2-15-06, 11:57 AM
What if his leg fell off?
lol
He's back on the bench now..
I'm freakin' worried. Screw Torino. But hopefully things will work out.
He did seem to be able to walk okay after I've seen the replays. Pray it's not the groin, and if it is then nothing serious. At the very least it's good this happened as early as possible, giving him to to heal etc. He's got 2 weeks to sit. Not a good Olympics for Dom as first the equipment is lost and now this. I've head 4 different things in regards to the injury. His groin, his hamstring, hit by a puck, and lastly that the Czech team won disclose the inury as of this time. Fingers crossed.........
Just tuned into the Slovak / Russia game a bit into the 2nd. Lots of Chara and Hossa. Meszaros looking very much in place despite being 20. Volchenkov is steady. Let's hope they all collapse against the Canucks.
Volchenkov may be hurt now.
He didn't play at all in the 3rd and was the only Russian player to not see ice. He was, as usualy, playing some very fine defense n the prior periods. No way he was just benched.
No news. It may not be anything serious as Russia was winning comfortably with no need to push anything. I never saw anything happen to him either, nor the commentators. But you never know, we don't seem to have luck at this Olympics. We'll see........
Madferret
2-23-06, 1:25 PM
Net gains all up to Emery
Senators putting their faith in backup goaltender with the Dominator down and out
By CHRIS STEVENSON
Ray Emery wanted a chance to play.
This is not the way the Senators' backup goaltender wanted to get it.
Emery showed up with 11 of his teammates at Scotiabank Place yesterday as the Olympic break officially ended for the non-Olympians (it just started for Team Canada, but that's another story.)
Starting goaltender Dominik Hasek is out with an adductor injury and has all but ruled out being ready for the resumption of the season next Wednesday in Pittsburgh against the Penguins.
Emery, who was struggling heading into the break after a strong start to the season, looks like he'll have to shake off those shaky p