–Elliotte Friedman Tweets that the Sens are close to signing 21-year old NCAA free agent forward Cole Schneider (6’2, 38-23-22-45) from the University of Connecticut.  Friedman’s comments are from yesterday, and Joy Lindsay Tweets today that he’s expected to sign an ATO and join Binghamton next week.

–Daniel Alfredsson talked about the dangers of playing teams out of contention, “We played pretty good last year at the end. Everybody plays with pride. They’re playing pretty good and I’m pretty sure they want to make sure they finish strong going into next year. For us, it’s two more points on the line. We’ve got to make sure we bring our intensity and play smart. They’re playing a little bit more relaxed. If we give them chances, they’re going to be flying and cheating a little bit. We’re going to have to be very poised with the puck.”  Alfredsson also talked about the approach the Sens need to have for continued success, “For us, more than anything, it’s a reminder we’ve got to skate. When we’re skating, we’re making things happen. We’re creating offence, we’re getting back on the backcheck. Skate, and don’t get cautious. We’ve got to keep pushing. Buffalo, the way they play, they’re an aggressive team, if they get momentum, they’re a team that can win seven, eight, nine, 10 in a row. But if you’re a team that’s really patient (read: sits back) I don’t think you’re going to have the same kind of streaks as a skating team that’s aggressive.”

–Adnan illustrates how meaningless fights have been in generating momentum for the Sens this year (with the odd exception of Colin Greening) and expresses the obvious point that fisticuffs have nothing to do with game outcomes.

–Sports Illustrated‘s power rankings are out with Ottawa 14th.

–Jakob Silfverberg was voted the SEL’s MVP by the leagues players.

–Michael Traikos points out the obvious when he says, “Here is a league that readily admits the amount of concussions sustained so far this season is on par with last season, and yet this is somehow spun as good news.” And, “One website, the concussionblog.com, reported last month that instances of concussion had risen by 60% this season. The NHL, which is not exactly forthcoming with injury information, claimed then the number was closer to 10%.”  There are only two effective deterrents, which are heavy-handed suspensions (which the NHL tried and immediately retreated from) and stronger penalties for hits to the head.  The combination of those two elements would eliminate most head shots.

March 14, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 2 Comments

–Daniel Alfredsson talked about Rob Klinkhammer, “He played really good (Saturday). He’s been playing solid. He knows his role, starting to get a little more comfortable with the puck, get a read off me and Turry, too, how we move out there. I think (Saturday) was probably our best game together. It’s probably sometimes easier for him to play up here than it is to play in the AHL. Easy to read off me and Turry. He’s done a really good job so far.”

–Pierre McGuire says the terrible idea proposed at the GM’s meeting to bring back the redline is a dead letter.  With scoring continuing to slide (it has declined every year post-lockout) the redline would further erode what little scoring there is.  Stu Hackel reports the only potential changes being discussed are 3-on-3 overtime and eliminating the trapezoid, with the latter having virtually no impact on the game.  One of the main problems in the game, goaltender equipment, is not being discussed.

–ESPN‘s power rankings are out and Ottawa is 12th.

–Bobby Raymond had an assist in Florida’s 8-2 last night.

-Prospect updates (their position in team scoring is noted in brackets, defence compared to defence); I’ve also indicated if the player’s scoring position has change (with a + for up, – for down, and = for unchanged).  All leagues except the CHL are into playoff rounds and in the case of some NCAA players their seasons are finished (they are marked with a *):
CHL
Mark Stone (RW, Brandon, WHL) 63-39-76-115 (1st=)
Shane Prince (C/LW, Ottawa 67s, OHL) 54-42-43-85 (2nd=)
Stefan Noesen (C/RW, Plymouth, OHL) 61-37-43-80 (1st=)
Jean-Gabriel Pageau (RW, Chicoutimi, QMJHL) 46-32-33-65 (2nd=)
Jakub Culek (C/LW, Rimouski, QMJHL) 53-13-26-39 (5th=)
Darren Kramer (C/LW, Spokane, WHL) 67-21-17-38 (7th-)
Matt Puempel (LW, Peterborough, OHL) 30-17-16-33 (injured)
Jordan Fransoo (D, Victoria, WHL) 69-3-17-20 (2nd=)
SEL
Jakob Silfverberg (C/RW, Brynas) 49-24-30-54 (1st)
Mika Zibanejad (C/RW, Djurgarden) 26-5-8-13 (14th)
Fredrik Claesson (D, Djurgarden) 47-1-6-7 (t-5th)
Allsvenskan
Marcus Sorensen (RW, Boras) 29-8-9-17 (9th)
NCAA
Ryan Dzingel (C, CCHA-Ohio State) 33-7-17-24 (t-1st)*
Max McCormick (LW, CCHA-Ohio State) 27-10-12-22 (t-3rd)*
Chris Wideman (D, CCHA-Miami) 38-3-18-21 (1st=)
Bryce Aneloski (D, WCHA-Nebraska-Omaha) 38-6-14-20 (1st)*
Michael Sdao (D, ECAC-Princeton) 30-10-10-20 (1st)*
Ben Blood (D, WCHA-North Dakota) 37-3-15-18 (t-1st+)
Jeff Costello (LW, CCHA-Notre Dame) 28-5-7-12 (9th)*
Brad Peltz (LW, ECAC-Yale) 9-1-0-1 (20th)*

I’ll take a look at each prospects performance throughout the 2011-12 season when all the regular seasons have wrapped up.

March 12, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

–Paul MacLean talked about last night’s loss, “I’m a little bit disappointed in their last goal and that there wasn’t a penalty called on (Foligno). I thought it was a slew-foot (on Gonchar) that led to an opportunity for him to get the puck. We had the lead with less than six minutes to go and they had to make a play, that in my mind is disappointing that ends up tying the game. What I was told by the closest referee was that (Gonchar) got outmuscled. It was a battle play … It ends up being a good forecheck.”

–Kurt Kleinendorst was not happy with Binghamton’s performance last night, “But rather than overreact, let’s just wait and see how it goes (next week). But was I thrilled with the way that some of us performed? No. No, not at all. But what are you going to do? We are who we are, and it is what it is. As a coach, you don’t like to be standing behind the bench when it’s six-to-nothing, obviously. We don’t like to lose, and you don’t want to be there. But, when it’s six-to-nothing, I love it … because you see who your character guys are. You really see your team. Jack [Downing] was probably our best forward. He was honest all night long, so I’m not surprised. Bartlett was good tonight; he got a little more ice time. And Corey Cowick, same thing. In the third period, we’re playing three lines, so they all got a lot of ice time. They got an opportunity, and they made the most of it, so good for them.”

-Sens prospects Jeff Costello and Bryce Aneloski‘s seasons are over, each completing their second year in the NCAA.

-Just a minor note about Capgeek, the best online source for NHL contracts and cap information.  There is an error in Robin Lehner‘s listing on Ottawa’s chart (link), where it’s set to make it look like this is his rookie year.  He is, of course, finishing the second year of his ELC.

March 11, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

Ottawa gave up three one-goal leads to lose to the Sabres in a shootout.  It was a controversial finish with a non-call on Marcus Foligno that lead immediately to the game-tying goal late in the third period.  The officials (Kelly Sutherland and Chris Rooney) only called four penalties, ignoring many infractions on both sides, but following a general pattern in the NHL of fewer and fewer calls. Ben Bishop was solid in net, but couldn’t hold the fort in the shootout.  Here’s the box score.

First Period
Dominated by Buffalo, who held a 12-7 lead in shots, but the Sens scored the only goal on a short-handed breakaway for Erik Condra.
Second Period
The Sens dominated the second, firing 21 shots and had plenty of chances to score more than the single goal they got from Erik Karlsson (a goal from Alfredsson was called back when it was determined the whistle had blown; Daugavins had a breakaway and Condra had a chance all alone in front).  The Sabres tied the game twice, including late when Tyler Ennis cashed in on a puck that deflected off of Filip Kuba.
Third Period
A more balanced period, but the Sens had the lead off another Karlsson tally until the controversial Marcus Foligno goal.  Foligno pulled down Sergei Gonchar and then his shot bounced in off of Alfredsson.
OT
Chances both ways, with the Sens able to kill off a powerplay at the end of the extra frame.
Shootout
Alfredsson scored the only goal for Ottawa, with Bishop stopping just one Buffalo shooter.

A look at the goals:
1. Condra (sh)
Sprung on a breakaway after a Phillips blocked shot
2. Buffalo, Gerbe
Fires through a crowd
3. Karlsson (Neil, Foligno)
Puts the puck in off Miller from the corner
4. Buffalo, Ennis
The puck bounces off Kuba’s leg and Ennis cashes in on it
5. Karlsson (unassisted)
Terrible giveaway by the Sabres and Karlsson beats Miller from the slot
6. Buffalo, M. Foligno
Pulls Gonchar down and bounces the puck in off Alfredsson

Top-performers:
Erik Karlsson – scored twice and was solid in all three zones
Filip Kuba – the Ennis goal wasn’t his fault and he was excellent defensively

Players Who Struggled: no one stood out as individually atrocious, although the Sens had problems with their breakouts.

-Binghamton got hammered tonight by Rochester, with Robin Lehner pulled after giving up 6 goals on 23 shots.  Jack Downing scored the only goal, with the B-Sens firing a pathetic 18 shots throughout the game.  Here’s the box score and Joy Lindsay‘s game summary.

-Elmira won 5-2 tonight, with Brian Stewart picking up the win and Louie Caporusso adding a goal.  Bobby Raymond was held off the scoreboad in Florida’s win tonight.

March 10, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment

–Zack Smith talks about teammates Jared Cowen, “He’s such a big guy, he skates so well and he’s good with the puck … he’s such a strong guy in our end. Lots of times he outmuscles guys. He’s one of the big guys that play hard. They’re going to make sure you don’t want to go in the corners when you go against them. He’s obviously not (Zdeno) Chara, but I’d put him up there with that kind of player. He’s hard to play against. He’s got kind of a mean streak to him.”

–Paul MacLean talked about Rob Klinkhammer‘s performance thus far, “He’s got real good speed, gets around the rink real well. I think he does a good job in the defensive zone, along the boards. He does a good job on the forecheck, shares the puck real well. I think he makes our team faster and a little more skilled.”  If Klinkhammer plays two more games the Sens give up their 2013 7th round draft pick to Chicago (the condition of the trade they made in December).  The assumption is that he’ll be returned to Binghamton when Jesse Winchester is healthy.

-Binghamton lost to Rochester last night despite out shooting them 36-29.  Robin Lehner took the loss and Craig Schira scored the only goal for Binghamton.  Mark Parrish and Wacey Hamilton both finished -2 and Andre Petersson lead the team with eight shots.  Here’s the box score and Joy Lindsay‘s game summary.

-Elmira won 7-3 with last night Louie Caporusso scoring twice in his return to the lineup (his first game since January).  Brian Stewart dressed as the backup.  Bobby Raymond and the Florida Everblades were shutout.

–Jakob Silfverberg was interviewed about his season with Brynas and repeated that he returned to Sweden because he didn’t feel mentally ready for the NHL–he believes the extra year has helped him.  He mentioned he has no interest in returning to the Brynas for another year.  Silfverberg won the SEL equivalent of the Lady Byng and was second in the voting for the Hart trophy.

-A few Sens college prospects have finished their seasons: Ryan Dzingel, Max McCormick, and Michael Sdao.  None are graduating, although it’s possible the Sens will try to sign Sdao (they did the same last year with Ben Blood, but he decided to stay for his senior year).

March 10, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment