I admit it, bad attempt at a Scottish accent. But there's something totally in your face about a Scotsman uttering the words "Shut yuir gob!" with that oh-so-special brogue. Something that sticks in your craw, but brooks no reply, and coach Cory Clouston hopes that message gets through.





Yes, the team with the most penalty minutes per game in the NHL, the Ottawa Senators, were told by their coach to "show up and shut up". Cory you might try a bit of the pictured item to help. I believe the Sens have been, since the days of their run up to the Stanley Cup finals, a bit of a bunch of prima donnas. Not the whole team mind you, but a few troublemakers. They got the better of two coaches already. Some are gone, some remain. I'd hate to see Cory lose control of this bunch.

A lot of online commentors have been down on the officiating. While I agree that some of it has sucked impressively (re. goals called back), it has not been flagrant in the penalty calls. Lopsided, yeah, but not heavily so. Two things have to happen here. First the Sens need to subscribe to this blog to hear that "Yes, your coach is right. Shut the hell up". You may hate the penalty call, but zip it and head to the box, Let your coach or your captain, the senior captain in the NHL remember, one who has earned a lot of respect, talk to the officials. Secondly, work on discipline. You got passed or deked by an opponent, fine, you screwed up. Don't aggravate it by adding a hook to the whole situation.

The next few games will tell if the players are on side with Clouston on this. I also think such instructiond from the coach should be accompanied by consequences if not followed. I'd like to see a little benching action if lips get too flappy in the future.