Spezza Moves Into 2nd Place In League Scoring

Don't look now but the often maligned Jason Spezza is now in 2nd place in scoring after scoring 7 points over 2 games and 13 over his last 5. He's now at 63 points, one ahead of Phil Kessel and just 6 back of league leader Evgeni Malkin. Spezza has also raised his overall game to a much higher level and has become the top line elite centre everyone had hoped when he was drafted 2nd overall. So to all the Spezza haters, you mad?

Spezza's Hat Trick Leads Sens To Shutout Win

The Sens took the lead just over a minute in and never looked back, winning the game 4-0 in front of their fathers in Tampa. The game was never really in doubt, as the Sens dominated every aspect from start to finish. Craig Anderson had a very unorthodox first period but kept the puck out, stopping all 28 shots he faced in the game. Erik Karlsson had the opening goal, while Spezza added the other 3 for the hatty and had himself a 4 point night that put him back into the top 5 in league scoring once again. On to Sunshine to do it all again tomorrow night. Happy Valentine's Night.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Good to see a lot of Sens fan at the game in Tampa
• Kyle Turris still isn't scoring but I'm still liking his game
• Turris could have scored on his penalty shot. Garon went down but he couldn't convert the backhand.
• Anderson was unconventional to say the least but he made some important stops. Shoutout on the shutout.
• The Senators are now 6-0 all time on Valentine's Day.
• Spezza has now scored in his last 5 games in Tampa. They sure were trying hard to get him the puck for that empty netter weren't they?
• Awesome to see Karlsson getting chippy with St Louis. Love that he won't back down.
• I thought the big 3 of Stamkos, St Louis and Lecavalier were pretty invisible tonight. 
• Bobby Butler sure is benefiting from the extra ice time designed to showcase him for a trade. He had a solid game tonight and skated well. He had 2 points as well.
• Loved seeing Brian Lee of all people with the big hit tonight.
• I thought Foligno had a solid game as well. He needs to start scoring though.
• Has anyone seen Colin Greening? Last seen at All Star weekend.

With a hat trick and 4 points, Jason Spezza wins the night.  

The father's of the Sens players taking in the game in Tampa

Congrats To The Big Rig

A very nice moment captured for Phillips' 1000th game celebration earlier today with Melnyk,Murray, Alfie and Spezza all there. The painting given to Phillips features Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Wayne Gretzky and Patrick Lalime along with Phillips of course. Odd that Gretzky is depicted in a Rangers uni and Lalime in a Sens uni he never was around to wear however. Congrats to Chris Phillips on the milestone.

A Must See Goal

In case you missed Spezza's amazing goal from tonight's game against Pittsburgh, here it is. I'm still not quite sure how he managed to pull it off given the angle. Definitely a special goal, however he did it.

All Star Reaction Video

How did Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek and Erik Karlsson react when they found out they were voted in as starters to the All Star Game? Watch the video to find out. It's cool to see how happy they were.

Mission Accomplished

It's official! Four Ottawa Senators players will be in the starting lineup for the 2012 All Star Game here in Ottawa. Alfie, Spezza, Michalek and Karlsson all were voted in as starters for the end of January game. Erik Karlsson was the leading vote getter in the whole league with 940k votes. Congratulations to the quartet.

Thoughts?

Sens Beat Pens

The Sens got back in the win column tonight, winning a wild one against Pittsburgh 6-4 with several Sens having very big nights. Rookie stay at home defenceman Jared Cowen had a goal and 3 helpers, while Jason Spezza 2 of each to vault him into 3rd overall in the NHL scoring race. Erik Karlsson also had a big night with 3 assists and #11 had a goal and 2 helpers as well. Alex Auld was his usual subpar self but all's well that ends well and the Sens got the important 2 points.

Nice Duster

Jason Spezza cardboard cutout from SBP sporting a sweet Paul MacLean type stache. Happy Friday.

Spezza Named NHL's 2nd Star Of The Week

Jason Spezza was named the NHL's 2nd star of the week, only being surpassed by the amazing week of LA Kings goalie Jonathan Quick. For the ful details go here.

REALLY!?!

I'm not quite sure where this came from, out of nowhere seemingly, but Dave Hodge isn't exactly someone who says things just to say him. The veteran broadcaster is usually quite credible, so when he tweeted this I have to think he at least believes it to be true. My take: I can't see Spezza being traded anywhere, especially to the hated Maple Leafs, no matter what they were to offer ( do they even have any attractive assets?).

For a team extremely light on scoring, trading away their #1 point producer would be ridiculous.

Spezza Interview On OTR

This upcoming season will be an interesting one, where vets will need to help the younger players with their development. It may be hard to believe, but Jason Spezza has now been in the NHL almost a decade, meaning he will be leaned on hard to help the young lads be successful at the next level. He sat down with Michael Landsberg to talk about the upcoming season and his role as head coach this week for the best 15 year old players in Canada.

In case you were wondering, Spezza's team beat Maple Leaf Luke Schenn's team in the game. Take that Toronto. Early shots in the Battle of Ontario have been fired. Man I need hockey back in my life. To watch the interview click here. Yep in 2011 TSN still doesn't have the option to embed videos.

Thoughts?

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Fake Spezza On Twitter

Just a heads up to everyone on twitter that Jason Spezza is NOT on the social networking site. I spoke with someone at the Sens and it was confirmed it is not him. I'm always confused about who has the time and desire to make a fake account, but either way, it isn't giggles. You may now go on with the rest of your day.

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Happy Birthday Giggles

One of the only remaining Sens players from our 2007 cup run got a little bit older today, as Jason Spezza turns 28. It's been a rough couple of years for Spezza, especially with all the trade rumors and health concerns, but his 2nd half of the season has everyone renewed with confidence over the player he may yet turn out to be. Let's hope it continues into the 2011-12 season shall we. A very happy birthday goes out to Jason Spezza from Sens Town. Time flies doesn 't it? I remember when he was just an 18 year old rookie, and it's now a decade later wow!

Who Knew Giggles Could Make Me Giggle

It's no secret that Jason Spezza's acting skills rival Christian Bale's, after all, who could forget this gem. Then of course there was this from his good buddy and former Sen Ray Emery. The mere fact that neither of them recieved Oscar nods shows how political the whole system is. Well now comes his latest entry into the acting world, and honestly, it's pretty funny. It is definitely worth a watch for his cameo alone, but the ad itself is pretty funny.

Thoughts?

Spezza Gets Eh, I Mean "A" For Canada

It more good news, Jason Spezza has been named an alternate captain for Team Canada at the upcoming World Championship in Slovakia, which runs April 29th-May 15th. Nice to see Giggles being rewarded for his strong play lately. Congratulations on the honor.