Post Mortem Part I: Experience

The picture above can be found on the home page of the Ottawa Senators homepage, a salute to fans for supporting the team this year. I also want to say, to the few of you who have started to come by, thank you so much, and I hope you are enjoying what you see here. I plan on posting things periodically in the summer, some stop by when you are in need of a sens fix!! Now, on to business....

The year is over, the series is over. While many are quick to call the Ottawa Senators "chokers" (Im looking at you Allen Panzieri) I am going to make the argument that this year was a success. I will use three points over the next three days (so that it isnt too long all at once); experience, expectations, and character.

EXPERIENCE

No coach comes in in their first year and wins the Stanley Cup (unless you take over a team with Crosby and Malkin, but seriously, I could coach those guys). Cory Clouston, since taking over this team, has begun to put his stamp on the organization. He is a no-nonsense guy who is loyal to his players and his system. Was he perfect this year? Absolutely not. He made mistakes. His love for Ryan Shannon, and his throwing Pascal under the bus too many times come to mind, but overall, he did a great job, and now that he has been to the post season with this group, and played the champs, he should have an idea of what he needs to change for next year.

In addition, the playoffs were a coming out party for some rookies who will have a very important place on this team for years. I have said before on this site that going forward, the most important player on this team is Erik Karlsson. He played 40 minutes of play in game 5 in addition to leading the team in average ice time for the playoffs with 25 minutes a game. His 6 points led all rookies in points in the first round, while tying him for second in defenceman points. All of this will aid his development going forward and I expect him to play very well next year after finishing the season strong.

Peter Regin showed Sens fans there is hope on the top line left wing spot. He showed not only can he play, and play very well, with Alfie and Spezza, but that he has the ability to rise up in the big games and play with a tenaciousness we have not seen in a forward with hands like his, probably ever. At 24 years old, this restricted free agent will be signed at a bargain next season, and the Sens can look forward to a whole year of him on that top line with Spezza and Alfie. He finished second in rookie scoring for the first round (behind Karlsson, his best friend), and now that he has a taste for playing on the top line, expect him to work hard this summer to keep that spot.

Brian Elliott did not play well in this series, and Pascal Leclaire played better, but his rust was evident in the rebound trouble he had. However, neither had ever played in the playoffs before this series, and I expect two things to happen; Elliott to get hungry to prove he can play in the playoffs, and Leclaire to challenge for the number one spot that he knows he is talented enough to have. Leclaire shone in the playoffs, and now that he knows he can do it, looking to next year, I feel good about our goaltending, despite how poor it was in the playoffs.

Lastly, Zach Smith, showed at times, he can be a very good third/fourth line player for this team with how well he played in these playoffs. For a player who didnt play at the NHL level for more than 10-15 games this year, his jam was very impressive in the playoffs. However, with the theme being experience, Zach being on for both the Pens go-ahead goal in game five (his last shift in that game) AND the game winner in game 6, expect him to have some serious focus to prove to Clouston he is good enough to play with the team next season.

Which of these playoff experience stories do you see as most important. More importantly, do you think these stories can be used to justify this season as a success?

Game Day Preview: Senators vs. Flyers

Another important game! Brian Elliott gets the start after putting in a solid performance agains the Habs. Lets hope he can keep the ball rolling and the Sens can pick up a much needed two points.

Players to watch tonight!

Ottawa

Erik Karlsson - After a great game yesterday expect the kid to start right where he left off.

Peter Regin - Getting another chance on the top line. The Prince never lets his people down.

Suts - I cannot wait to see who he will victimize tonight.

Cullen - I really liked his game last night, he is getting so many chances it is just a matter of time until he buries one.

A-Train - What does he have in store? Highlight reel save or another breakaway?

Philadelphia

Chris Pronger - Actually don't watch him, it will frustrate you beyond belief as he will get away with more interference penalties than the number of porn stars Mike Richards calls "friends"

Boucher - if history holds true the the Flyers would be better off playing with six skaters. Appearing in 9 career games against Ottawa posting a 1-6-0 record and 3.43 GAA Boucher has been miles short of spectacular.

Carrot Top - Only because you really can't miss him.

Lastly

Neil vs Carcillo - I hope Neil or Carks takes this moustache off his face.

After looking at this picture I am actually baffled he knows how to put his equipment on.

Predictions

Young - 4-3 Ottawa

With no Carter, no goalie and elbows(Pronger) getting slower by the game expect the Sens to take full advantage of a depleted Flyer line-up in an important four point matchup.

Oakes 5 -2 Ottawa

Boucher gets lit up as the Sens regain their scoring touch. With no Jeff Carter who will provide offence for Philly?... Aaron Asham? Surprisingly yes, 5g 2a in 13 career games at Scotiabank Place.

A WIN!!!!

Hello to our lovely readers!! (all three of you!) What a glorious day it is! Who doesn't love ending losing ways by soundly beating the Canadians from Montreal? I must say, some of the lack of blogging around here needs to be addressed, and I for one have a confession to make.

It was dark times, the boys had lost several in a row when Oakes and I looked at each other and said, "Shit, they haven't won since we started the blog!". Being superstitious people we are (AKA sports fans) we naturally assumed these two phenomena were connected! Hence the hesitance from us to put up blogs recently! But now the curse is broken! It isn't our fault anymore! Now hopefully you guys can stop by for more than just game day previews! (Lets face it, they are informative, but boring!)

So without further ado, let's give some food for thought to maybe illicit a comment!

#5 Big Sutt's: What a MONSTER game from this goodlooking gentleman tonight. He and his diminutive partner were lit up in Dallas but he bounced back well. Blocked shots, joining the rush and of course, BONE CRUSHING HITS. This game is why we brought him on!!

#7 Matt Cullen: This man is also impressive. He is constantly creating offensive chances. However, as a new guy, if you want to endear yourself to new team mates, lay it all on the line and make the kind of hustle defensive play he made to break up that 2-on-0. Beauty.

#14 Chris Campoli: He occasionally shows why we went out and traded for him last year. Amazing pass to Volchy and generally creating offense. He is making a strong case to stay in the line-up when everyone is healthy.

#19 Spezza: He is stepping up at the right time, showing serious hustle and leadership. It's a pleasure to see you growing up giggles.

#24 Volchy: You seem to sometimes forget you are Russian, and don't seem to be gifted with the hands of your countrymen. (As my dad says, handles the puck like it's a hand grenade). But man, that save you made, changed this game, so I wouldn't have it any other way.

#27 L'Artiste: Come on buddy. Come on. I won't go as far as others on the interweb, but come on.

#30 B-Ells: I'm going to put this out there, but I don't think you played spectacularly. In my opinion, this shutout was a TEAM shutout, not a Brian Elliott shutout. There. I said it. Have at it.

#39 Carks: I'm sorry, but Campoli is doing more to stick in the line-up. Simplify, do your thing. But every time there was a break-down tonight, I felt like you were out there.

#43 The Danish Prince: Simply amazing game tonight, you were flying. It seems like you really fit with the big boys tonight, which is good news considering Milan looks like he'll be out a while. You've got the tools, good to see you using them again.

#65 King Karlsson: Sweet bounce back game kid. SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU REWARDED WITH SOME POINTS. The future is bright with you kid, the future is bright.

Seriously great game by the boys, they had trouble not capitalizing on their chances and with not getting the calls, but they stuck with it, played MUCH better team defence (similar to their streak) and the game ended with me feeling much more positive about the team!

Back at it tomorrow, and another big game. Let's see if the boys can string some together and look strong down the stretch!

Game Day Preview: Sens in Dallas

I apologize to the few of you who have been reading the blog on the lack of post game blogs. To be honest, there is enough negativity out there, and the last few games haven't given me anything positive to say. As my mother always said, if you don't have ANYTHING nice to say...

Anyways. Let's see how the boys stack up against the Stars shall we?

FORWARDS: The Sens managed to get 3 goals the other day (woohoo!!!) and much of that had to do with finally getting the 4th line back together. With the injury to Michalek (who was having a good game at the time) that might be disrupted again. I know we have Winchester and Dono on the side, but I'd like to see Zach Smith called up now, but maybe that's just me. Same old story for Ottawa, need Spezza, Alfie and Kovalev to step up. Dallas on the other hand spanked the Sharks 8-2 two games ago, and have an offense that is averaging 2.80 goals per game, good for 10th in the league. Brad Richards is finally earning that huge contract and is 9th in the league with 77 points. Dallas has been inconsistent this year, but I still think they have the upper hand in the offensive zone.

DEFENCE: Looks like Cory will stick with the defensive line-up from last game, I guess because he will get more offense out of Campoli than Carkner. Uncharacteristic giveaways by Phillips in recent games will hopefully be erased. More interestingly, hopefully Sutton doesn't become afraid to hit after that game changing penalty for a clean hit last game. Karlsson will hopefully return to his pre-injury form soon, because the Sens need that. Dallas is anchored by Stepane Robidas who very well could have made the Canadian Olympic team. After that they have Trevor Daley who is basically a better version of Campoli. After that, there aren't too many names I recognize. This might explain why they are 25th in the league with 3.06 goals against per game. I'll give Ottawa the edge, assuming they can play to what they are capable of.

Goaltending: Ahhh. the hot topic of Ottawa

Leclaire vs Lehtonen: Soo... the mirror image of each other? Let's see, Leclaire drafted 8th overall to expansion Columbus, Lehtonen 2nd overall (the next year) to Atlanta. Both goalies have shown incredible promise, both putting up one amazing year in their respective hockey holes while sustaining enough injuries to fill an entire anatomy course. Now have both been traded to teams looking at them as a high risk/high reward goaltending solution. I guess if they are the same I have to call this a draw?

Special Teams:

Powerplay: Ok we get it, this is getting redundant. The Sens cannot score on the powerplay to save their lives, so it matters not that the Stars have only the 15th ranked powerplay in the league. They are by default better. Guns like Robidas, Richards, Eriksson and Neal make for a solid unit.

Penalty Kill: Again. Redundant. The Sens have a sick penalty kill (thank GOD) and Dallas has a worse penalty kill than Edmonton. Seriously. So I think again this is a win for Ottawa, meaning a draw overall on special teams.

Players to Watch

Ottawa: Peter Regin. Might have the chance to play on the top line. He excels when playing with better players, but hopefully he doesn't have Shannon-itis (over passing when on with Spezza)

Dallas: I am a big James Neal fan, as well as Jamie Benn. I'll be watching these two young guns today, but Neal is the real deal (wow rhymes) as a budding power forward. 25 goals might get added to today.

Consensus Predictions

Young: Man. I was right in that we would lose last game, but today I'd rather put some faith in the boys. I don't know how they'll do it, but I guess if Leclaire plays like he did in Vancouver, the Sens have a great shot. 4-2 Sens

Oakes: This has to be over. We all know what happened when Ottawa broke the last 5 game losing streak. Will Chris Campoli score another late goal like he did against the rangers?.. probably not. Hopefully with Pascal getting the start it will be similar to the goalie switch up Mike Brodeur gave to the Senators when he got his first shutout(and broke the first streak). The Senators haven't lost to the stars since 2005 why should they now...

4 - 0 Sens

(Pascal takes the reins)