Eve of the season
Well, it's the eve of the season opener against the New York Rangers. The Rangers were pretty good in the pre-season - which means little - but the Senators also have to get their lines used to working together. Practice is one thing, synergy during a game is another. Clouston was reportedly working on the team's power play, and Tsar Alexei was seen playing the point. Should be interesting. Kovalev is at his best around the hash marks, so a good rotation will be required.
Fisher gets his "A"
So Fish finally got his "A". This is good news. He's a hard worker, and shows some leadership on the ice.Many have said that Fisher is a team player and would still
Some of his comments during the summer indicate that he would not mind a return to Montreal. You don't hang a letter on that type of attitude. Spezza has the moves to be elite, but I'm just not sure he has the on-ice leadership to wear the "A". He needs to show what he's made of first. Now who will get the "C" once Alfie leaves? I think it's Spezza's for the taking, but a couple of great seasons from Fish could change that quickly.
Schubert off to Atlanta
The Atlanta Thrashers claimed Schubert on re-entry waivers, which means the Sens will get rid of half of his $900,000 salary. Good deal for Schoobie who was staring down a trip to Binghamton. Even better deal for the Sens who have only taken a $500K cap hit this year.
NKOB
Should we call this a rebuilding year? With a new goalie, five inexperienced young guns on the team (two of which have never played a regular season game at the NHL level), one sniper gone, three new ones to replace him (if you count Cheechoo as a sniper), can this team go far? My gut feeling says yes. On paper, the mix of experience, new legs, and speed seems to indicate a team that can go far. The depth is unbelieveable, and you have to go to the fourth line before the scoring threat lifts a little, and then you're looking at a fourth line that can really forecheck and keep the puck in the offensive zone. Once again, I think the soft spot is at the blue line. While the team still benefits from the likes of Philips, the A-Train, and Kuba, Campoli and Picard are more offensive defensemen, while Carkner and Karlsson are fairly unknow qualities althoug more physical.
Goals, goals, and more goals!
So the solutions for the Sens is to score goals. Lots of them. Leclaire may be an elite goalie, but it could take a while before he finds his top form. The Senators need to get on the scoreboard early and often, every game, all the time. In the end, if the Sens regain their scoring touch, it matters less how many goals they allow.
Fisher gets his "A"
So Fish finally got his "A". This is good news. He's a hard worker, and shows some leadership on the ice.Many have said that Fisher is a team player and would still
 Mike Fisher |
give his all should he have been passed for the letter. I'm not so sure. Fish has been with the organization for a long time and the recognition could do him some good. He worked his butt off in the pre-season and benefitted tremendously from the play of Regin and Foligno, and certainly deserves the kudos. The fans will love it too. The other candidates in my mind were Kovalev and Spezza. Kovalev is a new player to the team. Sure he is an elite player and can probably earn the respect of his team mates, but the Tsar is pretty much a gun for hire. |
Schubert off to Atlanta
The Atlanta Thrashers claimed Schubert on re-entry waivers, which means the Sens will get rid of half of his $900,000 salary. Good deal for Schoobie who was staring down a trip to Binghamton. Even better deal for the Sens who have only taken a $500K cap hit this year.
NKOB
Should we call this a rebuilding year? With a new goalie, five inexperienced young guns on the team (two of which have never played a regular season game at the NHL level), one sniper gone, three new ones to replace him (if you count Cheechoo as a sniper), can this team go far? My gut feeling says yes. On paper, the mix of experience, new legs, and speed seems to indicate a team that can go far. The depth is unbelieveable, and you have to go to the fourth line before the scoring threat lifts a little, and then you're looking at a fourth line that can really forecheck and keep the puck in the offensive zone. Once again, I think the soft spot is at the blue line. While the team still benefits from the likes of Philips, the A-Train, and Kuba, Campoli and Picard are more offensive defensemen, while Carkner and Karlsson are fairly unknow qualities althoug more physical.
Goals, goals, and more goals!
So the solutions for the Sens is to score goals. Lots of them. Leclaire may be an elite goalie, but it could take a while before he finds his top form. The Senators need to get on the scoreboard early and often, every game, all the time. In the end, if the Sens regain their scoring touch, it matters less how many goals they allow.
Comments