Sens Deliver Back To Back Beatings

The Sens played a Florida team for the 2nd straight night and for the 2nd straight game the Sens completely dominated the contest, this time winning 6-2 in Sunrise. It was a game many of you may not have seen since it's the only game of the year not on television, but some of us found ways to watch it and the team looked great. I'm not sure if the Sens have just snapped out of their funk or it's simply a case of the 2 Florida teams not being very good, or both, but a win is a win at this point and that's now 2 in a row and a big 4 points.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Good to see Jim O'Brien or JOB as I call him get his first NHL goal tonight. He's worked hard lately and nice to see him rewarded
• Jason Spezza: what more can you say about him. He had another 3 points tonight, which is 7 in his past 2. That makes it 63 on the year, good enough for 2nd in NHL scoring and 6 behind the leader Evgeni Malkin.
• Anderson played well against one of his former clubs I thought. 2nd good game in a row.
• Awesome to see Kuba chip in with a goal. Keep raising that potential trade value Filip.
• Bobby Butler continued his hot streak with a goal as well.
• Even Latvian Kaspars Daugavins chipped in with a goal. When the 3rd and 4th line guys chip in with points in makes us hard to beat.
• For those of you that saw the game what a horrible feed and worse attendance. So much for hockey being back in Florida. 
• Alfie scored his 20th of the year tonight as well.

Here's a tilt between Zack Smith and Stittsville native Matt Bradley. Decision to Smith.

Sens Drop 4th In A Row

The Sens lost their fourth in a row Tuesday night, dropping their first game after the All Star break 4-3 in Boston after taking a 3-1 lead in the 2nd period. The Bruins scored 3 unanswered to take the valuable 2 points for their divisional rival. The Sens were on the bad end of some poor luck (Anderson let one in from centre ice) and worse officiating, again. Something has to be done, as the Bruins went the whole game without being shorthanded, which is a big deal considering they are the NHL's most penalized team. One of the refs was Dan O'Rourke, who was the one who called Karlsson a diver in the Anaheim game.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Loved to see Jason Spezza getting a bit physical tonight. A motivated Spezza is a great thing.
• Anderson was sloppy tonight I thought. He kept them in the game early but otherwise I thought he looked kinda shaky, especially on the centre ice goal, which ended up costing us the game. I think he may be too tired and playing too much.
• Our pace was a lot better tonight than it past few games. So was the effort level.
• The Bruins are really good. They're mt favorites for the cup.
• Phillips can't be out muscled by the tiny Marchand on the game tying goal.
• The Foligno-Turris-Alfie line was a force most of the night.
• Nice to see Colin Greening getting back on the scoreboard.
• Michalek had a rare assist tonight as well.
• This was the first time we've lost 4 in a row in regulation this season

Thoughts?

Desert Screw Job

For the third time in three games, the Senators were on the wrong end of some horrible officiating, this time costing them at least a point, and leaving the Sens heading into the All Star break with a three game losing streak after tonight's 3-2 defeat. Not good.

The worst of the bad calls was the Nick Foligno goaltender interference that was just plainly brutal. I have no idea how they called the goal off, let alone had the balls to call a penalty on him as well. It's time for these refs to pay the price for these game changing calls. Its gotten way out of hand at this point.

The whole team looked sluggish, lathargic, and like they couldn't wait to be getting a few days off. It was a very poor effort by a team that has over achieved this far. However, tonight was the Sens 52 game, which is the most played by any team in the NHl so far, which might explain why they are so tired, especially adding in the western conference time differences.

Let's just get ready for the 2nd half of the year and enjoy the all star festivities this week shall we. Not the best reward for all of you who stayed up to watch.

Here is the Arizona Republic's Sarah McLellan's take on the Smith/Foligno incident. If anything she thinks it was Smith's fault.

Thoughts on the game?

Sharks Suffer Sens Bite

The Sens rewarded everyone on the east coast who decided to stay up late to watch the game by beating up on a very good team on Thursday night, winning against San Jose 4-1. In typical Sens fashion, we were down 1-0 less than 4 minutes into the game, but Kyle Turris tied it up as he continues his red hot play, before Karlsson gave Ottawa the lead off a nice pass from Turris. To wrap it up, Colin Greening potted a pair to put the game out of reach and give the Sens a very gratifying win to start their western roadie. Craig Anderson was spectacular again, continuing his unbelievable play. On to Anaheim for Saturday night's game.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Anderson stopped 36 of 37, spectacular.
• Borowiecki was very solid in his NHL debut. Good things ahead.
• Sens had some injury problems with Daugavins and Smith leaving the game and not returning.
• Look for Andre Petersson to suit up on Saturday.
• Gonchar looked good. It was his 1100th game.
• Spezza, Greening and Turris all had 2 point nights.
• Cowen took some bad penalties. Learning process.
• Sens are not in 4th in the east and have the 4th best road record in the NHL.
• Luckily Spezza wasn't injured in that ankle on knee McGinn hit.
• Sens are 13-2-2 in last 17 games. Wow!

With 37 saves Craig Anderson wins the night. Greening with 2 goals gets VERY honorable mention.

Sens Suffer Jet Lag

The Senators had a nice win streak heading into the game but mailed this one, basically failing to show up until the final minutes of the game, but of course it was too late by then, losing 2-0 to the Jets and being shut out for the first time this season. Every team has a stinker every now and then, so let's hope this was ours and we bring it in Toronto tomorrow night. On to the next one.

Other thoughts from the game:

• the no call on the Kane hit to the head of Karlsson was ridiculous.
• On the other hand, good to see the team stand up for him afterwards.
• Anderson was decent but not great. The L wasn't his fault though at all.
• Gonchar looked sloppy all night.
• The finished scoreboard was up for the first time, looks impressive. Post coming.
• Turris was pretty invisible tonight for the first time as a Sen.
• Alfie didn't have a great game but definitely showed some passion.
• The anthem singer was AWFUL. Turned out it was Konopka's sister.
• No one won the night. Horrile team performance. Let's forget about it.

Thoughts?

Huge Win

Sens Beat Up Pens

The Sens lead from start to finish, beating up the Penguins 5-1 for their first ever victory in the Consol Energy Center. The game was a total domination, as the Sens chased Brent Johnson from the net for the 2nd straight game. Jason Spezza scored a ridiculously awesome goal, while Michalek chipped in with 2. Bobby Butler and Chris Neil added the others, while Anderson was solid in what little work he had tonight. The only blemish was the late scratch of Erik Karlsson. Let's hope the injury isn't too bad.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Greening was a beast, racking up 3 assists
• With the 2 goals, Michalek is now tied for 4th in the NHL with Toews.
• Turris had another good game.
• Foligno had a great rush tonight.
• Penguins looked awful.
• Loved Gonchar being boo'd. A little late Pens fans.
• Phillips struggled a bit again for me.
• Kuba played pretty well yet again. Credit where credit is due.
• The Sens remain the only NHL team not involved in a shutout game this season.
• 2 game win streak.

With 2 goals tonight, Milan Michalek wins the night.

Thoughts?

Comeback Kids. Again.

Wow! I barely even know what to say after that one. The Sens got off to a quick start, scoring in the first minute and had leads of 1-0 and 2-1 before falling behind 4-2 to the Flyers heading into 3rd. But true to form this season, the league's highest scoring 3rd period delivered again, potting 4 in the final frame to take it 6-4 in front of their 14th sellout of the season at SBP, sending everyone home happy.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Scoring was spread out tonight with 6 different scorers.
• Karlsson was a +5 tonight.
• Anderson let in some questionable goals but also made some very big saves.
• I thought Phillips struggled. Again.
• Kuba had one of his better games, scoring the GWG and making a fine defensive play on Giroux with the man advantage late in the game.
• What a hit by Neil to separate the Flyers player from the puck and pass it to Foligno to get the empty netter.
• Some sketchy reffing yet again. Seems to happening more and more.
• Cowen was solid again. A real darkhorse candidate for rookie of the year.

While Erik Karlsson was a plus 5 tonight, which is remarkable, Kuba wins the afternoon with the game winning goal.. Which is rare.

Thoughts?

Briere 3, Senators 2

The Senators put up a good fight this afternoon in Philadelphia in what seemed to have the atmosphere and intensity of a playoff game, but ultimately lost 3-2 in OT, thanks to Gatineau native Danny Briere, which completed his hat trick. At least the Sens were able to pick up the point for getting to overtime..

Other thoughts from the game:

• Karlsson picked up another 2 points today
• Speaking of EK, loved seeing him yell at the ref at the end of the game about the non call icing, even though he was wrong, I loved seeing the passion.
• What was Phillips doing on that giveaway for the OT winner? His brainfart moments seem to be increasing.
• There were A LOT of sketchy penalty calls today. Refs seem to be getting worse and worse.
• JMR dove so much I thought he was a soccer player this afternoon.
• I absolutely love Zack Smith's game. Always brings it.
• Foligno has been playing chippy as hell the past 2 months. Love it.
• Good to see Michalek back in the scoring column again.
• Man it was an ugly fight, but cool to see Turris willing to drop em too. Starting to really like him.

With 2 assists, Erik Karlsson wins the afternoon.

Sens Win In Extra Time

The Senators sent the old scoreboard off properly tonight with a win, in extra time even, as if they wanted an extra few minutes with the outdated but filled with memories screen, beating the upstart Panthers 4-3 in overtime off a lucky goal from the blade of Bobby Butler, that took a serendipitous bounce off Brian Campbell's skate.





In case you missed the game here are your highlights including the OT winner and Foligno call.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Anderson was fairly solid tonight
• Great line clearing save from Condra 
• Turris looked solid again to me, even getting the assist on the OT winner
• I thought Phillips have a very good, highly physical game
• Karlsson was on fire offensively yet again
• Alfie had another good game with 3 points
• Neil was physical and had 1 and 1 tonight
• The 5 and a game for Foligno was an embarrassingly bad call
• Campbell dove earlier that resulted in a FLA PP goal. Perfect karma that OT winner went off his skate and into the net on a shot going well wide from Bobby Butler.

Sens Quad Up Buffalo In Turris Debut

The Sens thoroughly outplayed Buffalo tonight, resulting in a 4-1 win. Kyle Turris looked decent enough and got an assist on the Sens second goal, good for his first point in an Ottawa uni. Erik Condra had 2 goals, Karlsson had 1 and Zack Smith had the other in a total team effort. Jesse Winchester suffered a concussion.

Sens Choke Away Lead, Lose In Shootout

The Senators looked great for 2 periods tonight, before having one of the worst 3rd's in recent memory to fall to the New Jersey Devils in a shootout. Ottawa was up 3-0 and cruising before giving up 4 unanswered goals, including 2 shorthanded one's to go behind 4-3. Jesse Winchester saved the day, scoring with 4.9 seconds left in the game to rescue a much needed point, but the game has to be considered a disappointment regardless. Alex Auld remains win less this season and made zero saves in the shootout.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Sergei Gonchar left the game in the 2nd and didn't return, making it even more likely that Carkner will suit up Saturday for the first time this season.
• As a result of the Gonchar injury, rookie Jared Cowen played 31:42 tonight. Unbelievable! I thought he had maybe his best game as a pro.
• Big fight between Zenon Konopka and Ottawa native Mark Fraser.
• With his 18th goal tonight, Milan Michalek took over sole possession of the NHL goal scoring lead.
• Nick Foligno scored a beauty again. He has 10 goals now this season. Impressive.
• Alfie scored again too. He is clearly not his old self anymore but proves he can still contribute.
• Alex Auld struggled again tonight. Not all of the goals were his fault but he never really made the big save. Including not making a stop in the shootout, though the first shooter Kovalchuk missed the net.
• Parise showed what an all around player he is again tonight. I know many Sens fans are hoping he lands in Ottawa this offseason. I can't see Jersey letting him go.
• Sens chased Marty Brodeur from the nets after the first. He never plays well against us for some reason.
• Rundblad had a very weak attempt in the shootout.
• Zack Smith was very quiet for him tonight. Fatigue perhaps?

 Picture of the night is Chris Neil after taking a rough high stick to the face. It resulted in a lot of blood and a 4 minute powerplay for the Sens. It's been a rough couple of days for the Sens vet hasn't it?

 With 31:42 worth of ice time tonight and being a +1, as well as being just a solid all around player, Jared Cowen wins the night for the first time.


Thoughts on the shootout loss?

Lightning Strike Twice, But Sens Strike Four Times

The Sens played a very forgettable game for almost 50 minutes, before coming alive in the end of the third period to steal 2 points away from their newly conference rival Tampa Bay Lightning. The Sens who took the game 4-2 after scoring 2 unanswered, were flat to start out and genuinely look uninterested tonight until they woke up and got the W, snapping their 2 game losing streak. With the win the Sens moved into a playoff spot.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Craig Anderson was solid tonight, making 33 saves.
• Alfie had 2 points tonight, including the game tying goal off a blast of a shot
• Zack Smith had another 2 goals tonight
• I thought Phillips had another solid game
• Karlsson needs to be better at getting the puck out of our own end. No more skating it out of our own zone with 3 opponents all over you. He cost us that 2nd goal.
• Rundblad showed some flashes tonight and cut down on his defensive mistakes
• Lee wasn't noticeable at all. And I mean that as a major compliment.
• Excellent presence by Foligno on the game winning goal
• Martin St Louis is amazing to watch in person. Never stops playing hard and moving.
• The Daugavins-Smith-Condra line continues to impress and get it done
• Amazing selflessness by Michalek to pass the puck to Alfie with an open net when he could have taken the NHL lead in goals tonight.

In case you missed the game tonight, here are the highlights between the Sens and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

 With an all around solid game tonight, along with 2 goals, including a beautiful one on a breakaway to seal the win, Zack Smith wins the night.

Post game thoughts?

Dallas Leaves Sens Seeing Stars

The Sens gave up to goals in less than 3 minutes with only 6 minutes to play, to go from up one to down one, ultimately succumbing to the Dallas Stars 3-2, after nearly evening the score in the last second on an Alfredsson rebound shot. It was not out night however and the mini win streak has come to an end. On to Washington for Saturday's game.

Other thoughts from the game:

• the announced attendance was just over 10,000 but no way there was more than 5000.
• Nikita Filatov had a lot of jump in his game tonight. I thought he gave a good effort.
• All 3 of the Dallas goals were as a result of sloppy/lazy defensive play. We need to stop those mistakes.
• Sens only had 1 powerplay tonight. That's a bit light.
• Alfie was fairly invisible again tonight. I love him but his age is showing more and more.
• Craig Anderson was ok. Not great, not bad, just ok.
• Lee and Rundblad both played under 12 mins.
• Konopka, Winchester and Butler allplayed under 10 mins. Make of that what you will.
• Jared Cowen looked solid and had an assist and was a plus 2 tonight.
• I thought Spezza was trying to force his game a bit tonight.
• The Condra-Smith-Daugavins was very quiet tonight. Unusual for them.

With a beautiful goal tonight and a plus 2 rating, Milan Michalek wins the night for the Senators. With the goal he is now tied for 2nd in the league for goals with Steven Stamkos, just one back of Phil Kessel.

Sens Ground Jets

The Senators came from behind multiple times tonight for the very gutsy 6-4 road win in Winninpeg, making their first trip there in 15 years a successful one and bring their record to 2-0 against the Jets this season. The game wasn't all positive however, as Filip Kuba left the game with an upper body injury after a hit and Nikita Filatov left the game after taking a skate to the face, which luckily only resulted in a broken nose.

Craig Anderson made some decent saves early on to keep us in the game, but all 4 Jet goals were quite stoppable and he definitely didn't have one of his best efforts, but he got the W and that's what matters. Milan Michalek inched closer to the NHL goal lead, notching a pair tonight to bring his total to 14 on the year, just 2 behind Kessel.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Condra has 2 points tonight and looked good on the PK.
• I thought Phillips had a nice game tonight.
• What a pass to Spezza from Karlsson on the Sens 4th goal.
• Spezza now has 3 goals in his last 2 games after his scoring slump.
• Michalek's first goal was a beautiful individual effort.
• The fans in Winnipeg seemed pretty passionate.
• Was it just me or where they booing Alfie at points?
• We still took too many bad penalties.
• Awesome to know this teams never gives up.
• We were outshot 43-34 and still got the W. Lucky!
• We now have a mini 2 game win streak going.

       Actor Will Arnett was at the MTS Centre to take in the game but to me he will always be GOB.

With 2 goals tonight, including the game winner and an all around great game, Zack Smith wins the night.


Thoughts on the win?

Four Street

Bam!!! The Senators made it four in a row tonight, beating the Florida Panthers in the dying seconds to get a 4-3 win in which was a very exciting third period. This is the 2nd straight game the Sens have won with under 5 seconds to play. pretty compelling stuff at SBP these days. They may not be talented but they sure to play hard and never give up, and you know what, sometimes that's better. One thing I do know is that they are fun to watch and very easy to root for when they put out that kind of effort. We are now .500 on the season.

Other thoughts from the game:

• I thought Spezza was excellent again and he registered another point tonight.
• Rundblad has been quietly improving and a solid 3rd. He also kept the puck in and made a beauty little pass to Alfie on the game winning goal to get us the win.
• Is Colin Greening turning into the power forward we've always desperately needed? Sure looks like it.
• Attendance was 18,867. Pretty solid.
• I found Craig Anderson to be kind of shaky, especially on the first and third goals. He has to have that first one and he was crazy out of position on the third. He was lucky to get the W.
• Jacob Markstrom is gonna be a beast. I can see why he is so highly rated. And crazy that he is 6'6.

                         With one goal and one assist for the captain, Daniel Alfredsson wins the night.


Post game thoughts?

2 Points The Hard Way

The Sens looked good for the win, but they coughed up a 2-0 lead late in the third, before ultimately getting the W in a shootout via Jason Spezza's hot stick. This was the Sens first win in Raleigh in 4 years, a place we typically play very poorly in, so it was nice to see a total team effort tonight in the 3-2 shootout win. It was Ottawa's first road win of the year and our 3rd win in a row total, bringing our season record to a very respectable 4-5.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Anderson was pretty solid, except when he didn't play the puck on the first goal, but came through in the shootout.
• Speaking of that first goal, what the hell were Cowen and Gonchar thinking by not playing the puck there?
• Speaking of Gonchar, he looked better again tonight and had 2 assists and has 4 points in last 2 games.
• I thought Kaspars Daugavins had a very nice game tonight. I wouldn't mind him staying a few more to see what he can do.
• Da Costa was invisible, again. I'm not sure why he seems above being sent down to Bingo.
• Speaking of being sent to Bingo, tonight was Mika's 9th game so the team has a decision to make. Stay in Ottawa or back to Sweden. I say he stays here. He had a couple of excellent defensive plays tonight.
• A very nice shot and goal by 4th line guy Zenon Konopka tonight. Won some key faceoffs too.
• I thought Rundblad has begun to be a lot better. Perhaps signs he will live up to his potential this season still.
• Speaking of Rundblad, what a horrible call by the refs against him with just 2:37 left. Truly brutal.
• Jason Spezza is on fire!
• I continue to be impressed by Colin Greening's power forward potential. Condra, not so much.
• EK65 was very quiet for him tonight.
• Only a little over 12k in Raleigh tonight.

Tweet of the night:

Really Allen? If getting paid to travel and watch hockey is too boring or hard for you, why don't you quit.

Picture of the night:

The Sens celebrate the shootout win in Carolina, their 3rd in a row.

            With the Sens' 2nd goal of the game and the shootout winner, Jason Spezza wins the night.


Post game thoughts?

Comeback Kids

What was a fairly boring game, all changed in the last minute , where the Sens came back from a goal down to shock the Columbus Blue Jackets and the fans at SBP and pull out a comeback 4-3 win in regulation time. With the win the Sens have their first win streak of the season, albeit it just a 2 gamer at the moment. This game is why you never leave early, especially when only down a goal. Happy Saturday night!

Other thoughts from the game:

• Attendance was 18,889. Pretty solid for Cbus.
• Craig Anderson was pretty bad. Especially on that Nash goal.
• Loved the fans chanting we want a scoreboard.
• Kuba scored!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• What a beauty pass it was from Spezza to set that Kuba goal up.
• Neil had another solid game until he was kicked out. I'm not entirely sure why still.
• For the 2nd straight game I thought Gonchar looked better
• Mika Zibanejad only plyaed 14+ minutes tonight. Make of that what you will.

With a beautiful tip with 4.7 seconds left to win the game for the Senators, Milan Michalek wins the night for the 2nd straight game.

Post game thoughts?

Sens Ground Jets

The Sens got just what they needed, another struggling team playing the 2nd game of a back to back, and they took full advantage, dropping the Jets 4-1 in their first game in Ottawa since 1995. It was an entirely different team out there tonight. I guess that closed door talk did some good, or the opponent was just that bad. Probably a bit of both.



So what was the difference tonight? Our key players played like key players. Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek each had 3 points tonight, Alfie scored on a beauty play, and we got solid goalkeeping from Craig Anderson. I would venture to say that if we get all of that, it will almost always result in a win.

The Sens get the worst team in the league on Saturday in Columbus, hoping to put a win streak together for the first time this season. Maybe we aren't as bad as we thought, or likely, our problem is consistently playing the way we did tonight.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Jesse Winchester looked solid in his first game back. Nothing fancy but solid. His normal type game.
• Peter Regin injured his shoulder and didn't return. Not good for a guy with past injury problems and in need of a big comeback season. 
• Speaking of Regin's injury, the main beneficiaries could be Zibanejad or Da Costa, neither of whom were very noticeable tonight.
• Colin Greening had another big night, chipping in with 2 points tonight. He's looking to be growing into the power forward we desperately need.
• Anne Murray was at the game. Yes, that Anne Murray.
• Andre Ladd's nose was a mess after taking that puck to the face.
• Gonchar had a better game tonight I thought. Rundblad too.
• In fact the entire defence was a lot better than in previous games.
• Erik Karlsson needs to play better positionally and not take so many penalties.

Apparently the Sens also blew it promotional wise tonight as well. Kinda funny though. Yet typical.

With 2 goals and 1 assist, good for 3 points, Milan Michalek wins the night. Jason Spezza also had 3 helpers, so he gets honorable mention.

Post game thoughts?

Fool Me Twice

For the 2nd straight home game, the Sens gave up 7 goals and were blown out. The score was not misleading. We were really that bad and then some. Just a horrible game all around. Again! I barely even want to get into it since what's the point of beating a dead horse right? Let's just move on to my thoughts quickly and pretend this game didn't happen. Again.

Other thoughts from the game:

• Attendance was 18,059. 
• The refs were horrible again. There were several calls that I just couldn't believe and more than a few brutal missed calls. Step it up zebras.
• Our defence is embarrassing. Seriously.
• I wonder what number Nail Yakupov will wear for us next year. #10 is the early favorite.
• An EXCELLENT tilt from Chris Neil tonight. Though it was mistimed. We had the extra man on and ruined the man advantage we had. He's gotta be smarter than that.
• Alex Auld was TERRIBLE! Like Alex Auld terrible.
• Jason York was in an awesome Wisers commercial.
• Zenon Konopka had a nice little dust up too.
• I wish we had anyone who's game remotely resembled Wayne Simmonds'
• Sean Couturier scored his first NHL goal against a club that passed on him at the draft. Many in Sens Army wanted Couturier as the pick. 

Since our whole team was so awful, no one wins the night tonight.


Post game thoughts?