-Here’s my review of the Sens in the playoffs.

–Paul MacLean talked about his first season coaching in the NHL, “I feel good about the fact I can coach in the league and we’ve had satisfaction, so I guess I give myself credibility that I can do this. But now the hard part is to do it again. I remember when I scored 30 goals for the first time, and I was all pumped up about it and an old guy, Floyd Thomson, said ‘Oh yeah? well now you’ve got to do it again.’ I feel the same way today. That’s a motivator for me, and it also scares me to death. Because I know how hard it is, and it’s hard to do. But I’m looking forward to it, and I’m excited about September, of getting back for training camp and getting started again. But I’m also scared to death.”

–Bryan Murray made an interesting comment regarding his second line, “Up front, we’re always looking for somebody to step in and score goals. That line with (captain Daniel Alfredsson) played with Turris, if we had one more guy that could score consistently or be a 20-to-25 goal scorer would make our team different.”  That’s a shot across the bow at Nick Foligno.  Murray also said the team needs another defensive defencemen which might come internally or externally.

–Joy Lindsay Tweets that “[Bryan] Murray said he told Lehner that Bishop‘s one-way can be managed, but that org likes goalies to play in minors — and win“, apparently without a sense of irony since Lehner has already won the Calder Cup.

–Ian Mendes Tweets that “[Bryan] Murray says he will not automatically qualify all of his RFAs“, but implies Nick Foligno will be back by saying “he challenged Nick Foligno in their exit meeting. Wants him to prove he’s a 2nd liner.”

–Peter Regin talked about his status going forward, “It was a different injury this time. It wasn’t the same. I guess I was just unlucky that it was the same body part on the same side, so it looked bad that way. I’m confident, the doctors are confident, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

–Bruce Garrioch grades the Sens and I’ll delve into his comments after listing the grades (Regin and Gilroy were not assessed):
A+ Karlsson, Alfredsson
A Anderson, Spezza, Paul MacLean, Bryan Murray
B+ Cowen, Phillips, Neil, Michalek
B Kuba, Gonchar, Turris, Greening, Bishop
B- Foligno
C+ Carkner, Smith, Condra, Konopka, O’Brien, Winchester
C- Daugavins
D Auld
F Butler

As you’d expect there are oddities in Garrioch’s assessment.  You’d think MacLean and Murray would warrant an A+; Phillips (as always with Ottawa’s media) is given the grade of a teacher’s pet; how Kuba is only a B is difficult to understand, but Garrioch doesn’t provide a rationale for how he grades players, so there’s nothing to evaluate how grades are assigned.  Winchester does not deserve a C+, while Smith, Condra and Daugavins deserve better grades; I’m not sure why Auld doesn’t get the same failing grade Butler earns.

Now for the odder statements from Garrioch: he wants Carkner to be retained–the same player who has a bad knee and can’t play during the regular season; he says Gonchar showed veteran leadership in the playoffs, but will likely be dealt in the off-season (no reason is provided for why); he speculates Chris Kelly might be brought back because…well, no reason is provided; he says Winchester has a role when healthy–what role?  There’s nothing he offers that other players don’t do as well (or better).

–Jean-Gabriel Pageau‘s season is over as Chicoutimi was knocked out of the QMJHL playoffs.

April 29, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

–Daniel Alfredsson talked about his possibly retirement, “Do I have what it takes to play at a high level in this league? To go through the rigourous workouts in the summer and play an 82-game schedule? All those questions I’ve got to ask myself and then be honest with myself. From there, an answer will come.”  He had an interesting answer when asked if he thought the Sens were becoming an elite team, “I don’t know. I think we’ve taken a lot of good steps and we’ve had a lot of guys that have really improved their play and experience. There’s a lot of potential. We’ve done a good job of making sure that there is progress. The challenge is to repeat this coming back next year and be good again.”

–Ian Mendes Tweets that Peter Regin is healthy again and wants to be re-signed by the Senators.  I like Regin but with his injury history have doubts that he’ll be retained (although the lack of push from Binghamton’s forwards and the failure of Bobby Butler may leave room for him).  If the Sens do let him go don’t be surprised if he joins his best friend Frans Nielsen with the Islanders.

-Mendes also reports that Winchester suffered a concussion in game four and has no idea how it happened–getting concussed from incidental contact is a bad sign and maybe Winchester (who plays a robust game) needs to think about stepping away from hockey.

–Bruce Garrioch speculates that Bobby Butler‘s days are numbered and that Sergei Gonchar might be traded (the latter is hard to imagine unless Filip Kuba is retained).

-I’ve mentioned before that Bryan Murray’s trade deadline track record is poor and the Matt Gilroy addition is another example of it.  The UFA added nothing to the lineup.

–Tim Murray was on The Team 1200 and unfortunately wasn’t asked about prospects or free agents.  He did say, however, that he believes David Dziurzynski has the potential to play in Ottawa’s bottom six as a power forward in the future.

–Shane Prince and the Ottawa 67s have been eliminated from the playoffs, meaning the only Sens prospects remaining in the CHL playoffs are  Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Jakub Culek.

-As has been widely reported a number of Sens prospects and players are going to play in the IIHF World Championships, including Kaspars Daugavins (Latvia), Jakob Silfverberg (Sweden), and Stephane Da Costa (France).

-Here are my predictions for the second round of the playoffs.

–Don Brennan thinks the 2010-11 Sens roster with Paul MacLean as the coach would be in the second round of this year’s playoffs.  It’s simply an impossible debate to have–the circumstances to create that scenario could not happen, so why speculate?  He’s also still arguing that Butler or Daugavins should have played instead of Stone and Silfverberg–its utter nonsense, but Brennan likes to put the blame somewhere and it has to be on players who aren’t his favourites.  This kind of stunted reporting is why he’s so disliked by the fan base.

April 28, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

-It’s amazing to think that the Sens have made it to game seven while many of their top players continue to struggle (particularly Michalek and Karlsson).  I’m not sure MacLean has much choice except to keep riding his horses in the final game–if they wake up it’s clear the Rangers can’t compete with them.

–Paul MacLean summed up last night’s game, “I didn’t think we played very well or consistently until the last six minutes of the game. I’d like to see us play harder.”  Spezza was benched most of the third period and the forwards on the first powerplay unit did not play during the third period powerplay.

-The NHL is looking into Milan Michalek‘s apparent kick last night.  If he kicked Girardi he should be suspended.

-A correction from my game summary last night: apparently Kreider‘s goal was Spezza‘s error, not Smith‘s (who was trying to cover for him).

–Matt Puempel talks about his concussion from earlier this year, “I don’t feel anything from that (the concussion) and I don’t hesitate at all (on the ice). I don’t think it’s held me back at all.”

–Stu Hackel takes a look at the upsets so far in the first round and the seeming changing of the guard among the NHL’s favourites (with Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Detroit, San Jose, and Chicago already eliminated).

-It’s funny how conventional wisdom in the hockey world says that the Western Conference is the harder conference–better teams, more difficult opponents–and yet the West was won much more easily than the East this playoff year.  With two five-game and six-game series’, rested Western teams are already set for the second round, while the East features at least two game sevens and no series that ended earlier than six games.

April 24, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

-As reported everywhere Daniel Alfredsson will play tonight.  Ian Mendes Tweets that Jakob Silfverberg thinks he’s playing tonight (Paul  MacLean was cagey in confirming it), which makes me think Mark Stone and Bobby Butler will come out of the lineup (speculation on my part).

–Michael Grange writes about how Jason Spezza is constantly criticised no matter what he does.  Grange points out that Spezza‘s numbers over his career are excellent and compare well with other elite players.  The whole article is worth reading and I highly recommend it.

–Joy Lindsay talked to Tim Murray about Binghamton’s season.  He discussed a number of things, saying that injuries and the lack of a #1 defensemen hurt the team.  In terms of signing veterans, “I think certainly at least one veteran defenseman, and certainly one or two veteran forwards. Up front, we do have a lot of bodies, and it may be hard to get two or three vets, but certainly one top-end one would be nice, and another complementary guy would be what we’d be looking for. But you have to think that the young guys that have been there a year or two years that don’t make our team next year, at some point you’ve got to consider them vets. I don’t think playing in the league seven years is the criteria for being a veteran. I think that after you’ve played 100 games in that league and were somewhat successful on an individual basis, we should be able to count on good, important minutes from those players.”  When talking about the development of players he singled out Mike Hoffman and David Dziurzynski and implied Andre Petersson and Stephane Da Costa would be back in Binghamton next year.

-Apparently season series sometimes do mean something, at least in the case of Pittsburgh-Philadelphia.  Despite holding all the overall statistical advantages the Penguins were no match for the Flyers.  As I mentioned in my prediction (an incorrect prediction, as with almost everyone else I picked Pittsburgh), I’m not a fan of Marc-Andre Fleury and he set a record for the worst save percentage (.834) for playoff goalies who played at least six games.  The teams combined for 56 goals (30 for the Flyers, 26 for Pittsburgh), which is vintage 1980s hockey and has to scare the hell out of whoever faces the Flyers in the second round.  Only two games were close (games one and five) with the rest being blowouts.

April 23, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

Matt Puempel (LW, 6’0, DOB 1993, 1-24/11; contract 1.075/16)
2009-10 OHL Peterborough 59-33-31-64 -2 43pim (ppg 1.08) 2nd pts
2010-11 OHL Peterborough 55-34-35-69 -33 49pim (ppg 1.25) 1st rookie of the year
2011-12 OHL Peterborough 30-17-16-33 -3 31pim (ppg 1.10) 6th
2011-12 AHL Binghamton 9-1-0-1 +1 2pim (0.11)
2012-13 OHL Kitchener 51-35-11-46 +5 43pim (0.90) 3rd assistant captain
2012-13 AHL Binghamton 2-0-0-0 +1 0pim

Ottawa’s third pick in the first round last year (ranked #28 by Central Scouting), Puempel‘s following season was derailed by a lengthy suspension followed by a concussion.  As such, it was largely wasted in terms of his development.  He was signed during that season.  This year he forced a trade to Kitchener where he was able to stay healthy and set a career high in goals despite his points-per-game slipping.  His development allowed the Senators to feel comfortable enough to deal Stefan Noesen in the Bobby Ryan trade and he should get top minutes in Binghamton next season.  When drafted The Hockey News said:

He’s not a great skater, but he has good feet and is a pretty hard worker.

ISS said:

Puempel is a left handed skilled forward that possesses a great stick and shows a high end of ability to finish. His lofty ranking here at ISS may surprise some experts however. Pure goal scorers are a highly sought after commodity come draft day, and Puempel may just be the best sniper in this draft. Has good speed with quick acceleration. He makes a lot of smart touches with the puck and makes pretty solid decisions. He is at his best in the offensive zone, especially below the top of the face off circles. He has tremendous offensive instincts and is tenacious in offensive situations. He had to have season ending hip surgery, causing him to miss the Under 18′s, however he is expected to make a full recover. NHL Potential: Pure goal scorer with a bright future ahead of him at the next level. Style compares to: Patrick Sharp.

Red Line Report said:

After winning CHL Rookie of the Year last season had a rollercoaster sophomore campaign.  Battled inconsistency early before beginning to get it going around Christmas, then had his season derailed by hip injury.  Smart and highly instinctive offensive player.  Sees the ice very well and can create opportunities for linemates, but his real calling card is as a top-notch sniper down low.  Very dangerous from the circles in; has a knack for getting himself open in scoring territory and always has stick on the ice ready for passes and to pounce on loose pucks.  Great shot release and hand/eye coordination on deflections.  Not a blazing skater, but always gets there when there’s a chance involved.  Must bring a higher effort level on a more consistent basis.  Solid defensively and on the PK when he’s working hard.  Projection: 2nd line sniper and key PP guy.  Style compares to: Patrick Sharp.

Here’s Puempel being drafted, interviewed before the Subway Super series, and a pre-draft highlight package.

This article is written by Peter Levi (@eyeonthesens)

April 22, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 4 Comments

–Ian Mendes Tweets his belief that Mark Stone will play tonight.

–Kyle Turris talked about the magic of Kaspars Daugavins, “Kaspars Daugavins came up to me before the game and gave me some magic. Earlier in year I was going through a slump, and I sit beside Dog Man in the room, and he said ‘Turry I’m going to give you some magic, and you’re going to score a goal.’ and I scored a goal that game. So (Wednesday ) night before I went out, Dog Man was in the back and I asked for a little magic.’ I swear to God it’s unbelievable. He did it to (Nick Foligno) in Long Island and Nicky scored. It’s legit magic. If you’re in a slump he’ll break you out of a slump.”  Foligno said, “Dog Man gave me the magic in Long Island. I was like, I’ve had a lot of chances the last few games but haven’t scored, and Dog came over to me and said, ‘I’m going to give some of the magic. Next period, I went out and scored. I think there’s something to be said for it. He gives you a little love, that’s about it. It’s only when he feels it. He’s got a sixth sense. Hopefully, I get the magic a couple of more times.”  Daugavins himself said, “It’s a special magic. I’m not telling the secret of how and what, but it works. Last year I gave magic all the time (in Binghamton) and we won. Certain guys I give it to. It’s good for two weeks, unless you break a stick, then I have to put a new one in. It only works when you’re thinking positive things. It doesn’t work if you’re mad and yelling at your stick. I don’t have any left to give myself, that’s why I’m not playing. My magic works better with Turry than me, that’s why I give it to him.”  We’ll see if the magic continues tonight.

–Paul MacLean talked about Jason Spezza‘s play, “It’s hard when you’re the best player … you’re the focal point of the opposition’s defensive strategies and they make it difficult for you, just like we’re doing for the Rangers. It’s just important to keep doing what you do, and keep doing it hard, and stick to it, and eventually we believe we’re going to break through. It hasn’t been in the fourth game, but maybe it’s the fifth game, and we’re guaranteed to play a sixth game and maybe it’s the sixth game Jason ends up breaking through. But you’re never going to break through it if you don’t continue to work at it and do it right. And I think he’s really been conscious of doing things right. He’s played a certain way for a long time throughout his career, and this year he has embraced some change in his game. Sometimes when you’re under the pressure and it gets important, you revert back to where you’re comfortable and what you like doing, and there’s been some instances, mostly in Game 1, where he got back to that player he grew up being, and we have to keep reminding him we need him to do this, but we feel Jason and the whole group are working real hard at the changes we’ve asked them to make.”

–Uffe Bodin was on The Team 1200 talking about Jakob Silfverberg and he said he thought Silfverberg could help the Sens in the playoffs.  He thinks Silfverberg could help the team in a number of ways, but particularly with his shot (which is what Tim Murray has mentioned repeatedly).

-Elmira lost 2-1 to Florida last night which knocks them out of the playoffs.  Brian Stewart took the loss and Corey Cowick, Jack Downing and Bobby Raymond were held off the scoreboard.

April 21, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

–Ian Mendes Tweets that Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman are taking part in practice today (which only means something if Jesse Winchester is unable to play).  Daniel Alfredsson is not expected to play in game five.

–Jakob Silfverberg won the SEL championship yesterday, scoring the game winning goal and being named playoff MVP.  He’s now available to the Sens for the playoffs, although he won’t arrive until after Saturday’s game (link).  It’s hard to imagine Silfverberg would cross the Atlantic simply to practice with the black aces, so it will be interesting to see if he plays or not.  Jared Crozier wants to temper fan expectations, although I’m not sure how out of control they really are (I’ve read more hype from the organisation than from fans).

-For those who want a sentimental look at the Sens in the playoffs thus far, check out Jeremy Milks‘ paean to the group.  This, in a way, echoes Don Brennan patting himself on the back for his Carkner and Konopka love throughout the season and urging management to re-sign them.  While it remains a possibility the pair will be back, I highly doubt it.  Neither could play in the regular season and the fact that each has had one good game in the playoffs is not a reason to bring them back.

–Joy Lindsay Tweeted comments from Tim Murray and Randy Lee about Binghamton next year, with Murray saying signing a #1 veteran defensemen was the priority for next season.

-Here’s my profile of Sens prospect Stefan Noesen.

–Stu Hackel writes about officials beginning to crack down on the chaos of the playoffs by calling more penalties.  It’s a long article worth reading in full, but his best point is echoing one Bob McKenzie made–when Brian Boyle went after Erik Karlsson (just like Brad Marchand went after Daniel Sedin) and it went unpunished that opened to door for depth players to go after skilled players.  It’s typically a successful strategy, as Phoenix is 2-0 with Marian Hossa out of the lineup and the Rangers probably should be 2-0 against Ottawa without Daniel Alfredsson.

April 20, 2012
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment