It was a thrilling end to an exciting tournament. And anytime Canada doesn't win makes me happy.
-The Commodore
Showing posts with label Mika Zibanejad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mika Zibanejad. Show all posts
Sweden Wins World Juniors
It was a thrilling end to an exciting tournament. And anytime Canada doesn't win makes me happy.
-The Commodore
Awesome!
Sens prospect Mika Zibanejad after scoring the OT winning goal in the final of the World Junior Championship last night. An awesome picture for the young Swede. Feel free to caption it in the comments section.
Zibanejad's Golden Goal
Sens blue chipper Mika Zibanejad instantly improved his season by scoring the OT winner last night against Russia for Team Sweden to give the 3 crowns the gold medal at the World Junior's in Calgary, their first since 1981. Congratulations goes out to Mika and Team Sweden. What an amazing moment for the youngster and his country.
Halloween Comes Early For Swedes
Here are David Rundblad, Erik Karlsson and the recently departed Mika Zibanejad dressed up as members of KISS for the Senators Halloween party. No word yet on if Alfie was with the Swedish crew dressed up as part of the band or not. I'm gonna go with not. Saucer pass assist to @e_doty for sending it in.
Mika Reaction Video
You can just hear the disappoint in the kid's voice can't you? I feel bad for him, especially when you can easily make the case that he could have stayed. But at least he seems to be taking it in stride and will come back hungry next season.
Euro Trip Booked
The decision has been made. Mika Zibanejad has been sent back to Europe to play for Djugradens of the Swedish Elite League, thus saving a year on his entry level deal. I thought he was going to stay here for the year to develop, but Murray has been assured by Djurgardens management that Mika will be playing on their first line and powerplay units, so I suppose playing more might help him.
Bryan Murray on returning him to SEL:
Personally I'm a bit surprised they let him go, but perhaps it had a lot to do with his contract as well. It have to been a major factor right? I thought the kid was solid and played hard, and staying in the NHL would help him develop. I can't see how playing in an inferior league with a different ice surface and a way less physical style of play will hlep him be NHL ready. But what do I know.
Thoughts on Mika being sent back? Agree or disagree?
Will He Stay or Will He Go
The Sens have won 3 in a row and have now played their 9th game of the year, which of course means it's decision time when it comes to a very high profile rookie. Mika Zibanejad, who was the 6th overall pick in June, now awaits his fate from GM Bryan Murray, a fate that may be decided as early as later today.
You see if Mika suits up for his 10th game of the season, it means the first year of his entry level contract is activated and a year will be used up. So if the organization feels he isn't ready, he may find himself on a Euro trip in the next few days.
The two options are him staying in the NHL the rest of the year or heading back to Sweden to play in the Swedish Elite League. Despite what many think, he does not have the ability to play in the NHL like most Euro players do. His contract doesn't allow it, so it's Sens or Sweden. No exceptions. Which is too bad because the AHL is probably what's best for him for a few weeks before returning to Ottawa. After all, it sure helped Erik Karlsson 2 years ago didn't it?
So let's not dwell on what could be or what would be nice. Let's look at the reality of the situation shall we. Here are the pros and cons of keeping him in a Sens uniform this season.
Cons:
- Let's be honest, he hasn't blown everyone away with his play yet.
- Sometimes he tends to struggle with faceoffs.
- He hasn't shown much offensive flair yet.
- Has 1 assist. Got it on the opening game vs Detroit.
- May be lacking confidence.
- Adjusting to North American game and ice surface
- Culture shock. Let's not forget the kid is a kid. He's 18 and 1000's of km's from home.
- Needs to be more consistent.
Pros:
- We need a 2nd line centre.
- He has a ton of potential.
- Needs to play against NHL caliber players to improve.
- Even if not scoring, he can contribute in other ways.
- Has an NHL body.
- Has the right attitude to be coached.
- Has been improving his faceoff percentage.
- Came close to scoring several times. Hitting a post etc. Could have had 3 or 4 points at least through 9 games so far.
- He WANTS to be in Ottawa.
- Needs to play on NHL surface.
- The more young players play, the more improved they will be usually.
- Paul MacLean would like him to stay here for the year.
- Can play on the PP and the PK.
- Isn't afraid to be physical or block a shot.
Verdict: To me there's only one solution and it's to let him play out the season in the NHL. Has he lit it up? No. But he has been solid and definitely has not been a liability. Plus let's face it, he's 18 and still a bit star struck I'm sure. He will get better as the season goes on and he becomes more confident and comfortable out there on the ice. I think the offence will come and even when he isn't coring he is always giving his best and contributing out there. He skates well, plays hard, hits and isn't afraid to block shots. I think the only way he truly improves is to stay with the Sens and learn at the highest level possible. The play in Sweden just isn't good enough. For him to truly reach his potential and grow this year, I think he has to do it in Ottawa and I ultimately think that's the decision the Sens organization and Bryan Murray will come to as well.
Should he stay or should he go? let's hear your thoughts Sens Town Citizens.
Sens Get Killed In Murder Capital
The Senators got off to a great start, a suspect middle stanza and finally closed strong in their season opener in Detroit, which is sort of what you'd expect with this sort of team. Sens fans take note, this is what most of the season may look like. We have the ability to compete at times and even look good, but we don't have the depth or experience to keep it up for 60 minutes.
The Senators who were nowhere close to the Red Wings in the talent department started very strong. Their pace and overall game was amazing for the first 10mins plus, until the Wings sprung Todd Burtuzzi on a breakaway late in the first on a very sloppy and lazy line change by the Senators. Sergei Gonchar in particular looked uninterested in skating to mend the error.
The 2nd period is where it got rough. The Sens looked completely over matched and overwhelmed and had a lot of trouble trying to manufacture any sort of offence, which will be an ongoing theme this season. The Sens were down 4-0 after the middle frame and it looked like the start of a long season, but they picked it up late in the third.
They managed to make it respectable, scoring 3 in the 3rd to make it a 5-3 final, but it was clear we were teams going in different directions, despite the score. The Sens did what they could, but just aren't that good yet. It will be a long season, but one full of rewards of watching players progress over the 82 games.
Overall a solid effort against a team much better than us. The Sens hope to rebound against the Leafs tomorrow, a team more at our level. Let's hope we get a better result.
Notable Notes:
- Nikita Filatov recorded his first point as a Senator with an assist on the first Michalek goal
- Rookie Mika Zibanejad registered his first career NHL point on the Kuba goal. Congrats!
Thoughts on the first game of the season?
GDP #1: Season Opener @ Detroit
The day is finally here, as the Sens open their 2011-12 season with a stiff test against the ridiculously good and consistent Detroit Red Wings at the Joe in the D. Many experts have predicted the Sens to finish dead last in the NHL, so we should probably curb our expectations, but opening night could be an excellent chance to steal a win against a much better team than ours.
The start of a new season means a lot of firsts, so let's run down the firsts for tonight shall we. The big one is the first ever NHL game as head coach by new bench boss Paul MacLean, who ironically has to face his old team in his old city the first time out. I don't know that much about MacLean yet, but I do know I love his style of play, I love his mustache and he is intimidating as hell. I believe he will be an excellent coach and his era starts tonight. He seems like a no nonsense kind of guy. I can appreciate that.
Next up is Mika Zibanejad, who as just an 18 year old, will be making his NHL debut in a legendary arena that has a rich history of Swede's playing in it. He has to be pumped up. The 6th overall pick from June's draft has 9 games to show he belongs here this season and proving it begins tonight. I think the kid will be fine and expect him to stay the rest of the season. He tweeted about it and I don't know where you're from but 2 exclamation points = crazy excited where I'm from.
I know some of are you may be saying what about Cowen and Da Costa, but you may have forgotten that each have played a game or 2 in the league before at the end of a season, so this won't be there debuts. There will be 2 scratches tonight: Newly signed UFA Zenon Konopka is sitting this one out, as well as heralded rookie David Rundblad will also be watching this one from the press box. Craig Anderson starts in goal.
The lines for tonight will be:
- Michalek-Spezza-Filatov
- Greening-Zibanejad-Alfredsson
- Foligno-Da Costa-Neil
- Condra-Smith-Butler
and the defensive pairings will be:
- Cowen-Gonchar
- Phillips-Lee
- Kuba-Karlsson
Interesting to see that "sniper" Bobby Butler has been moved all the way down to the 4th line, which seems pointless to me really. He isn't fast enough, tough enough, physical enough or defensive enough to contribute much on the 4th. Perhaps that's a result of his poor pre-season and they have him there but plan on giving him some PP time. I'm also happy to see Brian Lee is not a scratch as was rumored. I think he's a solid player and deserves a chance to finally play and show what he's got. Not a fan of Da Costa but I will give the kid a chance.
Local Flavor: There are 2 former Sens on the Red Wings roster in Mike Commodore and Patrick Eaves. It seems Eaves will be a healthy scratch tonight however.
Weird fact of the game:
So this seems like good news right? Take it to the bank.
Prediction: Let's be honest shall we. The Senators are our team and we love them, but we are not in the same league as the Detroit Red Wings. We have a lot of young, inexperienced players, while the Red Wings are the complete opposite. Realistically I'd be happy with a good showing and seeing some young guys show some flashes of brilliance. It will be tough for the Sens to steal a point tonight but I do think that Cowen and Zibanejad will play well, with the latter registering his first NHL point. Sens play hard but ultimately fall 3-1.
Thoughts on the opener?
Let's hear your hopes and predictions Sens fans. Post them in the comment section. Hockey is back ladies and gentleman. Enjoy!
Sens Take It in OT
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| The Sens and Mika Zibanejad celebrate the OT goal at SBP - image courtesy of @geistatwork |
Da Costa Da Hero
First off, I know you're loving that snappy headline and no, I haven't accepted a job at the Ottawa Sun headline department. Ok, now on to the hockey, where for the 2nd straight day the Sens rookies won, this time 6-5 over the Blackhawks rooks. Frenchman Stephane Da Costa was the hero today, recording a natural hat trick in the W, with Mika Zibanejad potting his first as a Sen, Corey Cowick scoring again and the final goal added by Andre Petersson. Robin Lehner did not play, which would likely account for the 5 goals surrendered.
No highlights as of yet, but I will post and update should they become available.
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A Horrible Day
It was a sad day for the hockey world, as we found out that the KHL team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl's plane crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all but one person on board. The plane was carrying 2 former Sens as well. Skilled forward Pavol Demitra and Karel Rachunek, who was the captain of the team. My condolences to anyone who had any connection to anyone involved. The hockey world is small and today we all mourn this terrible tragedy.
R.I.P. Pavol Demitra (Nov 29 1974-Sept 7 2011) R.I.P Karel Rachunek (Aug 27 1979-Sept 7 2011)
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What Did You Do This Summer Mika Zibanejad
Here's a video update of what 6th overall pick Mika Zibanejad got up to this summer and how excited he is for training camp and the upcoming season. He seems like a great kid and he should make a solid push to make the final team.
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The Weekend Bizness
The Binghamton Senators may have won the Calder Cup last season but you may not recognize the team next season. Since the free agency period began a few weeks ago, player after player has departed from the farm team in favor of other opportunities. Likewise, other former Senators have also changed teams in the past 2+ weeks, but weren't worthy of their own post. So instead, I've combined them all into one easily read post for your convenience, plus a few other tidbits you need to know about for your weekend conversation around the BBQ.
-First up is former Sen tough guy Brian McGrattan, who has signed on with the Anaheim Ducks. Not exactly sure why he continues to get jobs with his past problems, but the OC is giving him another shot.
-In insanely shocking news, Jonathan Cheechoo got a one year deal with the St Louis Blues. Perhaps they haven't seen him play in 5 years, otherwise I can't see a reason for this deal.
-Binghamton playoff hero Ryan Potulny, who we acquired in the Chris Campoli trade with Chicago last season, has left the B-Sens to play in the Washington organization.
-Speaking of Mr Campoli, it seems his time in the Windy City has come to an end.
-Another Bingo player, this time Derek Smith has left the organization, signing in Calgary.
-Surprise surprise, the Hockey News is hating on the Sens again.
-But Yahoo put us in the top half of teams to cheer for. You'll notice the Leafs are near the end of yet another ranking of franchises piece.
-Nick Foligno is getting married. The story is very corny but my bigger concern is he may be centering our 2nd line next year, yikes!
And finally, Sens prospect Mike Zibanejad has an official website coming soon, here's a teaser for it, so check it out.
Thoughts?
So You Think Mika Zibanejad Can Dance
Here is our 6th overall pick Mika Zibanejad and his cousin Sarah in a dance off, Zoolander style, playing the Dance Central video game on Xbox. It's very cool to see that Mika doesn't take hismelf too seriously and I'm happy to report he took home the W. I wonder if he did this dance to celebrate signing with Ottawa this afternoon.
Thoughts?
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Zibanejad Signs ELC
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| Mika Zibanejad posing at the 2011 NHL entry draft |
Either way, shoutout to BM the GM for not letting it drag on and getting it done early, so the option of where he plays is ours and not forced by a contract issue. Congratulations to Mika as well, see you in camp.
Thoughts?
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Zibanejad On Twitter
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| Mika Zibanejad at the 2011 NHL Draft in Minnesota |
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Sens Draft Zibanejad 6th Overall
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| Mika Zibanejad being drafted 6th overall by the Ottawa Senators |
Thoughts on the pick?
At least he is happy to be here right?
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