Today’s Sens news:

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Don Brennan has become a Brian Lee fan (link)–a strong reaction after two exhibition games.  He reports that Zenon Konopka has been kept out of games due to a sore back, and mentions that he likes Mike Hoffman and Andre Petersson–an opinion I share.

–The Ottawa Citizen‘s Allen Panzeri writes about Mike Hoffman (link), with the sophomore saying, “Going from being the No. 1 guy junior to turning pro and being the youngest guy on the team, it’s a little different. You’re trying to work and get the coaches to trust you, but coming in as a  first-year player, a rookie pro, they don’t always trust you, so you have to get the coaches on your side. I think it’s just a case of taking steps and getting better every time out.”

-Joy Lindsay wrote an interesting article about Maxim Gratchev (link), who talked about his return to the Senators organisation, “I’m especially happy to be back in North America this year, and so far, it’s been great. I spent time in Binghamton, and when there was some interest, it made the decision for me pretty easy because they treated me with a lot of respect. As a player, you never forget that. So far, I’ve been getting a great chance. I’m hoping I can get into some exhibition games and show my game further. I came here to training camp for one reason, and that was to push for a roster spot. It’s been my main goal ever since I started playing hockey, to get to the NHL, so that’s what I’m focused on.  A couple of years ago, I would have said (I was) kind of flashy. But I think playing in the KHL with a lot of great players, a lot of NHL players, rounded out my game a lot. I think I’ve become more of a two-way player; I think I’m tenacious, hard on the puck, and I like to score goals. I try to do everything, and everything I do, I do it to win.”

-In the same article, Lindsay talks to Mike McKenna who credits goaltending coach Rick Wamsley for signing with the Sens, “Truthfully, I don’t think I’d be in this position if it wasn’t for Rick. In 2007, I worked with the Blues all summer, went through all their camps and everything, and Wammer was the goalie coach for them. The work I did with him kind of set the groundwork for me to end up in Portland that following year  I’ve found that more often than not, the team that wants you the most offers you first, and the opportunity might be the best one. That’s how it looked this year. So far it’s proven to be that, and I hope it continues that way.”

–Sportsnet‘s Louis Jean has tweeted the Sens and most of the Habs lineups for tonight (link):
Filatov-Smith-Zibanejad
Michalek-Regin-Neil
Greening-Da Costa-Condra
Daugavins-Grant-Parrish
Cowen-Gonchar
Borowiecki-Rundblad
Wiercioch-Carkner
Lehner/McKenna

Cammalleri-Plekanec-Gionta
Palushaj-Dumont-Trotter
Archambault-DeSimone-Moen
Lefevre-Masse-Schultz
Beaulieu, Spacek, Woywitka, Gorges
Price

-The Sens sent Jean-Gabriel Pageau back to junior (link).

–The Hockey News‘ Adam Proteau has made his predictions for the Eastern Conference (link).  He joins the majority in selecting the Sens to finish at the bottom of the heap.  “When some of us dared to suggest the Senators wouldn’t be a playoff team last season, many a set of pearls were clutched in Canada’s capital city. But when the bottom fell out and the Sens didn’t get good goaltending and Sergei Gonchar came out auditioning for The Walking Dead and their lack of depth was fully and completely exposed, even ownership admitted the franchise was closer to a full-on rebuild than a post-season berth. Without a doubt, there are pieces worth keeping – including Calder candidate blueliners David Rundblad and Jared Cowen – but if you don’t agree this team has more holes than a (insert your most hated rival team’s name here) convention, you’re officially hole-identification challenged.”  Proteau would be better served by not commenting on fan reaction.  The prediction itself doesn’t involve analysis other than him seeing holes in the lineup, so I can’t really comment on it.

September 24, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment

A ton of Sens news today:

–David Rundblad talked about how things have gone in training camp (link) and had a lot to say, “I think it’s gonna get better and better every game I play. But I think played yesterday than I did against Toronto. Almost everything is different here. Everything is going faster, and everyone is stronger. Some plays I did back home in Sweden, I’m never gonna do them here. I think I’m gonna have to adjust everything about my game.” And in talking about his future this season (if he would go to Binghamton or return to Sweden), “I’m going to play these (preseason) games, and then we’ll see what happens. I haven’t made the decision yet.”  Rundblad writes in his blog that he was happy with his performance against Boston (link).  He also notes that Zibanejad is his roommate.

-The Sens website’s Rob Brodie talked to Jean-Gabriel Pageau about his training camp experience (link) who said “Since (the first) week, I’ve lived day to day and learned from the coach or the trainers. I need to be consistent and play always moving my feet. But I’m happy to be here. Playing with Alfie, Spezza … that’s a great experience. I learn from those players. They gave us good tips and I’m enjoying it.”

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch writes about Mika Zibanejad‘s chances to make the team (link), Bryan Murray saying “If he’s going to be on our team it’s because he’s ready. It’s a very easy decision: He’s either going to show us he’s ready or not. We’re not going to force-feed him. He’s going to have to earn it. Then, we’ll make the right call.”  Zibanejad himself said, “I’m here because I want to make the team. I just want to play my game and make it hard for the coaches to keep me here or send me back home. Hopefully, I can stay here. It’s a long camp, so you’ve got to be on top every day.”

-Ottawa’s lineup for tonight (link):
Filatov-Spezza-Butler
Michalek-Da Costa-Alfredsson
Grant-Pageau-Petersson
Hoffman-Smith-Condra
Phillips-Lee
Kuba-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Borowiecki

-Montreal’s lineup, but not the lines, have been posted (link):
Forwards: Scott Gomez, Alexander Avtsin, Gabriel Dumont, Michael Blunden, Andrei Kostitsyn, Philip Desimone, Mathieu Darche, Brock Trotter, Andreas Engqvist, Max Pacioretty, Erik Cole, Brendan Gallagher
Defence: Alex Henry, Jarred Tinordi, Raphael Diaz, Yannick Weber, Alexei Yemelin, Hall Gill, P. K. Subban
Goaltenders: Carey Price, Nathan Lawson

–Shane Prince has been returned to the Ottawa 67s (link).  I expect Pageau to follow after tonight’s game.

–The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau has his top-ten list for Calder Trophy winners posted (link).  Two Senators prospects make it, although the odds are strong only one will play a full NHL season:
1. Gabriel Landeskog (Col)
2. David Rundblad (Ott)
3. Adam Larsson (NJ)
4. Brayden Schenn (Phi)
5. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Edm)
6. Nino Niederreiter (NYI)
7. Ryan Johansen (Clb)
8. Tim Erixon (NYR)
9. Jared Cowen (Ott)
10. Sean Couturier (Phi)

-TSN’s Bob McKenzie has posted his pre-season top-ten for the 2012 draft (link):
1. Nail Yakubov (OHL)
2. Mathew Dumba (WHL)
3. Filip Forsberg (SEL)
4. Ryan Murray (WHL)
5. Alex Galchenyuk (OHL)
6. Mikhail Grigorenko (QMJHL)
7. Morgan Rielly (WHL)
8. Nick Ebert (OHL)
9. Derrick Pouliot (WHL)
tie-10. Matia Marcantuoni (OHL)
tie-10. Jacob Trouba (USHL)

–Sportsnet‘s Chris Nicholls has his fantasy rankings posted (forwards link, defence link, goaltenders link, and sleepers link).  Here are the Sens on the lists:
Forwards (80)
31. Jason Spezza
74. Daniel Alfredsson
Defence (50)
21. Erik Karlsson
31. Sergei Gonchar
Goaltenders (60)
18. Craig Anderson
59. Alex Auld
Sleepers
“Ottawa fans are anxiously waiting to see if Mika Zibanejad or Stephane Da Costa can make the team and slot in as the second line centre, which would be an added bonus to either guy’s immediate value… especially if Daniel Alfredsson ends up on that wing away from Jason Spezza. Also consider that 6-2 Swedish defenceman David Rundblad should stay with the Sens out of camp and he has loads of offensive potential. He’s more likely to be an in-season poolie pick-up than a draft asset though.” And “Nikita Filatov needed a fresh start. Period. Things weren’t working out with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but in Ottawa he’ll have a chance to thrive in a top six role. It’s up to him to capitalize on the chance, but I think people have written him off way too early.”

-The Binghamton Senators have invited four players to join their camp (link): Kyle Reeds (NCAA 28-2-8-10), Donnie Harris (AJHL 53-3-14-17), Mike Radja (DEL 49-11-8-19), and Mike Ratchuk (CHL 22-1-12-13).

-The Elmira Jackals (ECHL) announced the signing of four more players (link): Mike Sellitto (ECHL 22-0-2-2), Matt Moffat (Austria tier-2 29-9-10-19), J. P. Martignetti (NCAA 32-3-3-6), and Rob Bellamy (3-92 2004 Phi, EIHL 52-23-32-55).

September 23, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

The news roundup for the day:

–Senshot‘s Tony Mendes has posted his Ottawa Senators preview (link).  He reviews all the additions to the lineup and then lists his factors for success:
1. Staying healthy
2. Quick learning curve for younger players
3. Craig Anderson
His final verdict, “To be realistic about Ottawa this season, I fully expect Ottawa to miss the playoffs this year. Their team is too young and inexperienced to be competitive against some of the powerhouses in the eastern conference. This year will be more about development rather than results. Expect Ottawa to remain around the bottom of the league standings and ship out players for future assets come the trade deadline. If Ottawa plays their cards right this season, a lottery pick and another good draft could turn this rebuild into a short-term plan and Ottawa could be competitive in the 2012-2013 season.”

-Tim Wharnsby of the CBC looked into Lee Sweatt‘s retirement (link).  Sweatt said “I felt I had achieved a lifetime goal. I didn’t need to prove myself all over again. I didn’t want to be a bubble guy again. I didn’t want to be the guy in the still living the dream at age 30 and sacrificing my goals outside the game.” And “I know, for some, this is difficult to understand. But I have a chance to help people. It’s not easy to understand [the financial investment world]. People need help and I can affect people’s lives.”

–Sportsnet‘s Ian Mendes talked to Sergei Gonchar (link), who among other things talked about Paul MacLean, “With Paul, he’s one of those people who has played in this league for a long time, so he has the experience as a player. And then he was a coach for a long time in this league too. With that experience, it’s going to help me and our whole team. I’m sure he has so much knowledge that he’s going to share, that it’s going to help all of us – older guys and younger guys. Having him behind us is really going to help us.”  He also discussed the powerplay, “The skill level is there, but the biggest thing we missed last season was a presence in front of the net. If we’re going to focus on the power play this year, we need to have a guy in front of the net on a consistent basis. And we’re going to shoot the puck a lot more and create traffic. We’re going to create those opportunities and chances and make sure we’re shooting the puck more and not just moving it around.“

September 22, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment

A busy day in Sens news:

-The Sens cut their training roster down by six yesterday, releasing ATO Matej Machovsky and sending most of the junior players back to their teams (Stefan Noesen, Matt Puempel, Mark Stone, Jordan Fransoo, and Jakub Culek, link).

–David Rundblad described his experience in the exhibition game in his blog (link), expressing surprise at how much faster the game was compared to the rookie tournament while saying he was satisfied with his effort.

-Ottawa’s lineup for tonight (link), including a preview of what will likely be Binghamton’s first line:
Nikita Filatov-Mika Zibanejad-Bobby Butler
Shane Prince-Stephane Da Costa-Jim O’Brien
Nick Foligno-Peter Regin-Erik Condra
Kaspars Daugavins-Corey Locke-Mark Parrish
Jared Cowen-Sergei Gonchar
Chris Phillips-Brian Lee
Mark Borowiecki-David Rundblad
Craig Anderson/Alex Auld

-Boston’s lineup for tonight has been announced (it’s a youthful group, link):
Forwards: Jamie Arniel, Patrice Bergeron, Jordan Caron, Chris Clark, Chris Kelly, Jared Knight, Lane MacDermid, Benoit Pouliot, Max Sauve, Tyler Seguin, Ryan Spooner, Jamie Tardif, Shawn Thornton
Defensemen: Matt Bartkowski, Colby Cohen, Andrew Ference, Dougie Hamilton, Steven Kampfer, Adam McQuaid, David Warsofsky.
Goaltenders: Anton Khudobin, Tuukka Rask.

-Here’s what Bryan Murray told Binghamton beat writer Joy Lindsay about trying to replace Lee Sweatt (link): “We kind of got to a budget level. We’re very disappointed Sweatt retired. I’m not sure what the real reason was, other than maybe just a business opportunity, but we will keep looking. And very definitely, if we don’t get them a top young defenseman to go down there out of our camp — maybe somebody that we were planning on keeping here — then we have to address that issue. I know that Tim is on a daily basis bugging me about it, and so we’ll try to keep a very close eye on that.”  Reading between the lines it sounds like they will consider him replaced internally depending on who gets sent down after training camp (and, therefore, there’s a scenario whereby whoever gets sent down would not replace Sweatt).  Given that what they lost was an offensive player I believe Rundblad is whom Murray is referring too.

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch talked to Brian Lee about the situation on the blueline (link), and the former first-rounder remains philosophical, “We have lots of good players. I’m just going to do what I do well and things will take care of themselves.”

-Grey Wyshynski (Puck Daddy) previews the Ottawa Senators (link).  It’s entertainingly written and he includes Francis Lessard in the roster discussion.  His final comment, “The Senators are being picked by some to finish last in the National Hockey League, as they’re in the midst of a serious rebuild. MacLean brings considerable experience but nothing in the way of NHL head-coaching experience. There are still a few shining lights on the roster. But overall, this is a team building for tomorrow … one that will be well-represented in the lottery, but far from the postseason.”  Wyshynski joins the chorus that see’s the Sens at the bottom of the NHL heap.

-Chris Nicholls of City News posted a list of the top goaltenders in the NHL (link), putting Craig Anderson at #18.  Here’s his top-30:
1. Henrik Lundqvist
2. Tim Thomas
3. Roberto Luongo
4. Ilya Bryzgalov
5. Pekka Rinne
6. Marc-Andre Fleury
7. Ryan Miller
8. Carey Price
9. Jonathan Quick
10. Martin Brodeur
11. Antti Niemi
12. Tomas Vokoun
13. Cam Ward
14. Jonas Hiller,
15. Jaroslav Halak
16. Corey Crawford
17. Jimmy Howard
18. Craig Anderson
19. Miikka Kiprusoff
20. Kari Lehtonen
21. Dwayne Roloson
22. Niklas Backstrom
23. James Reimer
24. Ondrej Pavelec
26. Tuukka Rask
25. Semyon Varlamov
27. Michal Neuvirth
28. Cory Schneider
29. Steve Mason
30. Mike Smith

-Elmira (ECHL) signed four more players (link): John Mori (CHL 43-9-15-24), Cam Fergus (CIS 28-16-16-32), Vinny Geonnetti (AAHL 24-2-11-13), and Clay Goodall (CCAA 27-3-8-11).

September 21, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment

Here’s today’s Sens news after dropping a 4-2 decision to Toronto in exhibition play:

-Sens TV has post-game interviews with Jared Cowen, Nikita Filatov, and Paul MacLean (link).

–Nikita Filatov was hit by a blindside hit from Francis Lessard in practice (link), but returned with no apparent ill-effects.

-Bruce Garrioch tweets that the Sens are starting to send junior players back to their teams (link), but no names have been released yet.

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch (link) talked to Zenon Konopka prior to the game last night and the veteran was pumped for the game, “Put it this way: If I had to choose a place to go into, maybe Long Island would be No. 1, but No. 2 would be Toronto. I’ve watched the rivalry ever since I played junior (for the 67’s). The Senators were playing the Leafs in the playoffs back then and I saw some playoff games. I’m excited to be part of it and to bring back a real intense rivalry.”  Unfortunately, the talk did not translate into performance.  Garrioch also notes that the plan is to have Stephane Da Costa play in as many as five of the remaining six exhibition games.

-Binghamton beat reporter Joy Lindsay reports that Bryan Murray is still looking to replace retired blueliner Lee Sweatt (link).

–Capgeek has the projected salary of newly signed Mark Stone (630k, link), but it may be awhile before the number is fully confirmed.

September 20, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

Here’s today’s news roundup:

-Impressive rookie Mark Stone has been signed to his ELC (link); no numbers have been released yet.

-Bruce Garrioch tweeted (link) that Craig Anderson, Mark Borowiecki, Stephane Da Costa, Nick Foligno and Mark Parrish won’t play tonight.  Ottawa’s line combinations and defence combinations (link):
Michalek-Zibanejad-Stone
Greening-Smith-Neil
Filatov-Regin-Butler
Hoffman-Konopka-Lessard
Cowen-Rundblad
Kuba-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Conboy
Auld will play the first half, Lehner the second

-Toronto’s lineup has also been posted (link), but only some of the lines (the goaltenders will split duties):
Grabovski-Kulemin-MacArthur
Kadri-Bozak-Armstrong
Hill-Colborne-Fattin
Crabb-Dupuis-Orr/Rosehill
Phaneuf-Aulie

–The Canadian Press previewed the Senators (link), the gist of which is: “The Senators have plenty of room for improvement after finishing…26th overall. With former Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Paul MacLean taking over from  Clouston, the Senators decided a rebuild was the way to go. The right way [to play], says the 53-year-old MacLean, will be to make sure the  Senators’ effort levels are consistent every night, something that Clouston wasn’t able to get out of his players. The Senators are confident they are on the right track with the mix of youth  and experience, skill and toughness they’ve assembled. After Anderson, Spezza, who missed 20 games with a back injury, was the Senators’ best player down the stretch. He stands to fare better if he and captain Daniel Alfredsson can stay healthy. Binghamton call-ups Erik Condra and Colin Greening earned themselves NHL contracts in the off season with their play. Defenceman Erik Karlsson was arguably the only member of the Senators to emerge from the year with his reputation enhanced after breaking out offensively with 13 goals and 45 points.

“In the off-season, the Senators added gritty centre Zenon Konopka, a faceoff  specialist with a penchant for dropping the gloves, and backup goalie Alex Auld through free agency and embarked on a reclamation project in trading for former  Columbus first-round pick Nikita Filatov at the NHL draft, who has yet to fulfil his potential.  The Senators’ first pick, No. 6 overall, was Swedish forward Mika Zibanejad and, by all accounts, he stood out last week at rookie camp, as did fellow  centre Stephane Da Costa, who joined Ottawa late last season as a free-agent signing out of Merrimack College. The Senators also have high hopes for Swedish defenceman David Rundblad, who was the Swedish Elite League’s top defenceman last season, and blue-liner Jared Cowen, who played last year with the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs before joining Binghamton for the playoffs. MacLean confirmed those players are all in the mix for the NHL roster.  Regin, Da Costa and Zibanejad will all get a look as the Senators try to find a  second-line centre. Another dilemma for MacLean in training camp will be trying  to find room for so many defencemen. Ottawa has six on one-way contracts in  addition to those trying to crack the team like Rundblad and Cowen.”

-ESPN’s fantasy projections are up (link).  Here’s their Ottawa list:
Jason Spezza 75-27-42-69
Daniel Alfredsson 77-23-40-63
Nikita Filatov 78-25-30-58
Bobby Butler 76-24-34-58
Sergei Gonchar 74-12-34-46
Peter Regin 82-15-30-45
Erik Karlsson 79-13-31-44
Milan Michalek 68-20-17-37
Mika Zibanejad 79-17-14-31
Filip Kuba 68-3-23-26
Jared Cowen 59-7-15-22
Matt Carkner 72-2-9-11
Zenon Konopka 69-2-5-7

September 19, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment