-Bryan Murray was as bemused as I was by both Dan Bylsma’s and Sidney Crosby‘s comments about  Nick Foligno (link), saying “The rules are very clear now. If you fall into a goaltender and touch a goaltender, an elbow to the head and a butt end to the head is fair game. Dan Bylsma said that’s OK for them. Sidney said Nick Foligno is that kind of player.  I wish (Foligno) was that kind of player. He got cross-checked, I thought he got a butt end, but it might have been a full elbow. (Chris) Kunitz comes in with a cross-check and the penalties were even.  So, (NHL disciplinarian Brendan) Shanahan said that’s a good play. That’s a hockey play. Dan Bylsma said it’s good for them and Pittsburgh were the biggest ones on the head injuries. I’m remiss. I made a mistake. We didn’t have (Chris) Neil and (Matt) Carkner play in the game. We didn’t have enough toughness, so when we play Pittsburgh that’s something you can bring up to me again.”

-Pierre McGuire was asked about the Crosby/Foligno incident while on The Team 1200 (link).  He didn’t add much new, saying he didn’t like what Crosby did, but didn’t think Crosby was being a hypocrite (his explanation is that it was the heat of the moment, which I don’t buy as a fact or an excuse).

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch looks at last night’s win (link), reminding us that Jason Spezza ended an eleven-game drought with his two goals.  The key quote in the article comes from Paul MacLean however, “A win is a win and that’s a good win. I didn’t like the way we skated and that was indicated by the penalties we took. We took a lot of penalties by not skating and not moving our feet but our penalty killers did yeomans work. Craig Anderson was a big reason why we won.”

-Garrioch floats a rumour that the Sens are interested in Blue Jacket Derrick Brassard (link), who has two years at 3.2 left on his contract.  It’s a puzzling theory, given that Peter Regin will be back soon and the organisation has Stephane Da Costa.  Picking up Brassard would imply a long-term solution I don’t think the organisation is looking for via trade.

–The Silver Seven‘s Mark Parisi posts his ups and downs for this past week (link).  He lists Brian Lee, Chris Phillips, Stephane Da Costa, Colin Greening, and Milan Michalek as having rough weeks.  I quibble with Michalek, who while invisible against Pittsburgh was fine last night, but otherwise agree.

–Mark Stone will (as expected) compete for a spot on the World Junior team, as Hockey Canada released its list of invites (link).  Matt Puempel was not invited despite being at the summer development camp.

-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):
CHL
Mark Stone (Brandon, WHL) 28-24-34-58 (1st=)
Jean-Gabriel Pageau (Gatineau, QMJHL) 17-18-13-31 (1st=) (injured)
Shane Prince (Ottawa 67s, OHL) 20-11-18-29 (3rd=)
Matt Puempel (Peterborough, OHL) 26-15-13-28 (t-1st=)
Stefan Noesen (Plymouth, OHL) 23-8-19-27 (3rd+)
Jakub Culek (Rimouski, QMJHL) 25-5-12-17 (5th=)
Darren Kramer (Spokane, WHL) 20-9-7-16 (4th-)
Jordan Fransoo (Brandon, WHL) 28-1-5-6 (4th+)
SEL
Jakob Silfverberg (Brynas) 22-9-7-16 (t-3rd+)
Fredrik Claesson (Djurgarden) 24-1-3-4 (4th=)
Mika Zibanejad (Djurgarden) 8-2-1-3 (17th+)
Allsvenskan
Marcus Sorensen (Boras) 11-2-4-6 (8th+)
NCAA
Ryan Dzingel (CCHA-Ohio State) 13-5-8-13 (2nd=)
Bryce Aneloski (WCHA-Nebraska-Omaha) 16-1-8-9 (2nd=)
Chris Wideman (CCHA-Miami) 16-1-7-8 (1st=)
Ben Blood (WCHA-North Dakota) 14-1-5-6 (2nd=)
Michael Sdao (ECAC-Princeton) 11-4-1-5 (2nd-)
Max McCormick (CCHA-Ohio State) 6-2-3-5 (10th=)
Jeff Costello (CCHA-Notre Dame) 11-0-4-4 (12th=)
Brad Peltz (ECAC-Yale) 1-0-0-0 (=)

November 28, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

-Here’s the Penguin response to Nick Foligno‘s criticism of Sidney Crosby elbowing him in the head: Crosby said exactly what I expected, denying it was an elbow (link), while Dan Bylsma waxed rhapsodically about everything except the elbow (link)–tacitly accepting it by not denying it, “the score 5-1 and intentionally going into our goalie, he can expect more than Sidney Crosby coming at him and talking to him during the game.”  If I accept Bylsma at his word, then other teams can elbow his players in the head if they go after their goaltenders.  Crosby‘s denial is ridiculous–anyone watching the replay can see him throwing an elbow.  The only point Foligno raised was hypocrisy and Bylsma ignored it and Crosby simply lied.  I don’t expect the story to linger, but it was interesting to see how Crosby dealt with criticism.

-The Senators have kept their promise to Nikita Filatov, calling him up to Ottawa and sending Stephane Da Costa down to Binghamton.  Just like the last time he was recalled Filatov has played three games in three nights and was hit in the head in his last game (by Robert Bortuzzo).  The Ottawa Citizen‘s Ken Warren can’t resist adding his own storyline to things by saying Filatov has looked “uninspired for the most part” (link), a sentiment echoed by no one in the organisation.

-Along with Filatov, David Rundblad returns to the lineup while Brian Lee sits

–Craig Anderson talks about improving after Friday night’s struggles, “You want to get back on that horse. You want to go out there and give the guys that confidence boost. Make that  save for them and give them a good game” (link).

-In The Ottawa Citizen‘s Ken Warren article above he talks about Paul MacLean going down the failed road of trying Jesse Winchester as a scoring center.  I like Winchester, but he’s not an offensively talented player at the NHL-level.

Binghamton lost 3-2 to Wilkes-Barre, with David Dziruzynski and Josh Godfrey scoring their first goals of the season and Andre Petersson extending his point streak to four games.  I didn’t see the game so I’m reliant on reports on it (for the box score go here link, for Joy Lindsay’s game summary go here link).

November 27, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch looks at last night’s game (link), with Paul MacLean saying “Against any team, you have to be ready at the start of the game and by the first timeout it was 4-1. The game was lost in the first five minutes, by not being prepared to play. We didn’t show up tonight. No excuse.”  I also learned from the article that I apparently missed a second goal that bounced in off Chris Phillips.

-Garrioch above and Postmedia News (picked up by The Ottawa Citizen, link) quote Nick Foligno calling Sidney Crosby a hypocrite for his blatant elbow to the head last night, Foligno saying “I look up and see it’s him [Crosby], so you’re not going to do anything, then he elbows me in the head. I got a little frustrated he would do something like that. I told him, it is something he preached all summer, that we should limit that, and then he goes and does it. I was a little disappointed.”  This behaviour from Crosby is nothing new for anyone who has watched him over his career.  He yaps, he runs guys, he’s a dirty player and I don’t think the concussion has changed his style of play.

–The Toronto Sun‘s Mike Zeisberger gives his NHL power rankings (link), placing Ottawa 22nd.

-Joy Lindsay’s post-game article is here link, where among other things she reports “Captain Mark Parrish tweaked his groin during Friday’s loss, and is unlikely to play Saturday. Alternate captains Tim Conboy (knee) and Jim O’Brien (foot) suffered injuries Thursday and are likely to miss the next few weeks. The B-Sens are now without defensemen Conboy, Josh Godfrey (groin) and forwards Parrish, O’Brien, Corey Locke (hand), Riley Armstrong (back) and Francis Lessard (undisclosed) due to injury. That leaves them without a single veteran in their lineup.”

-Joy also reports that Louie Caporusso and Jack Downing have been recalled

November 26, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment

It was an ugly night tonight for the Senators and the officials (Stephen Walkom and Frederik L’Ecuyer).  The game was over before the 10:00 mark and made for trying viewing.  For the box score go here link.  There were positives among the negatives, but I’ll look at the goals first:
1. Daugavins (Smith, Karlsson)
Picks up the rebound and deposits it in the empty net
2. Pittsburgh, Kunitz
Poor defensive coverage and gap control as Kunitz is left wide open on the far side and Alfredsson can’t stop the pass across
3. Pittsburgh, Kennedy
Scores from behind the net, shooting into Anderson‘s feet
4. Pittsburgh, Sullivan (pp)
5-on-3 goal with Sullivan‘s cross-ice pass going in off Phillips skate
5. Pittsburgh, Malkin
Michalek blocks a shot but can’t control the puck; Malkin skates around him and scores easily from the slot
6. Pittsburgh, Dupuis
Left wide open in front to cash in a rebound as Cowen as he loses his check
7. Cowen (Alfredsson, Foligno)
On a delayed penalty Cowen blasts one in from the point
8. Pittsburgh, Staal
Alfredsson loses a puck battle and then his check as Staal walks right in and scores
9. Condra (Foligno, Lee)
Dekes through three Penguins on a great individual effort

Positive performances:
Zack Smith – a great game all around (including an assist and no turnovers), although he did not get the ice time I would have expected
Erik Condra – a strong game in both zones

Players who struggled:
Craig Anderson – was brutal; the second goal was inexcusable and he couldn’t make a key save to keep his team in the game
Jason Spezza – lead the team in turnovers and accomplished nothing offensively
Chris Phillips – second in turnovers and produced yet another own-goal

The Binghamton Senators lost 4-1 to Syracuse.  Craig Schira had the only goal.  I did not see the game, so I’m reliant on reports.  From what I read Robin Lehner played fairly well despite the goals against.  For the box score go here link and Joy Lindsay’s game story here link.  Tim Conboy did not play and is out with a knee injury.  Jim O’Brien (foot) and Mark Parrish (groin) are not expected to play tomorrow.

Elmira lost 5-3 tonight, Brian Stewart taking the loss and Louie Caporusso and Jack Downing had no points and both were -2.

November 25, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

-According to The Ottawa Sun no lineup changes are expected tonight other than Craig Anderson in goal (link)

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Don Brennan wonders how the Sens will handle Sidney Crosby (link), which doesn’t cover new ground, but contains a good quotes from Zack Smith, “I just don’t think anyone is going to try and elbow him [Crosby] in the head or hit him like he was before, but that should be the case with everyone.”

–The Ottawa Citizen‘s Wayne Scanlan looks at Colin Greening‘s season thus far (link), with the rookie downplaying Calder talk, “I’m more of a meat and potatoes kind of guy.”  He also talks about his work in the weight room, “I’ve always put a lot of time into it. It’s an interest of mine. I think if something is your passion, you tend to spend more time at it. I enjoy working out, I enjoy going to the gym; maybe it’s the endorphins that I get. I love talking to Chris Schwarz about different techniques he has learned or different equipment, different exercises.”  Finally he adds, “Being in the corners battling, in front of the net battling, they’re the things  that if I want to stay at this level I’ve got to do.”

–Senators Extra‘s Ken Warren mentions Nikita Filatov‘s strong performance in the two games he’s played since the KHL flap (link), with three goals and three assists

-Warren, writing for The Ottawa Citizen, wonders how Stephane Da Costa will do against Pittsburgh’s talented centers (link), with Paul MacLean saying he’ll line up against Jordan Staal to start

-Binghamton won its second game in a row with a victory over Adirondack.  Nikita Filatov, Derek Grant, and Mark Parrish each had three point nights while Andre Petersson added a goal.  I did not see the game so I’m reliant on reports (for the box score go here link, for Joy Lindsay’s game summary go here link).

–Robin Lehner is expected to get the start tonight against Syracuse

November 25, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch suggests Kyle Turris won’t be coming to Ottawa any time soon (link), quoting an anonymous executive who said “Maybe before the trade deadline, but he’s going to have to play some games and contribute so teams are able to find out where he’s at.”

–The Ottawa Citizen‘s Ken Warren writes about the Sens working on their powerplay (link), where the universal sentiment is that they need to shoot more

–The Ottawa Citizen‘s Wayne Scanlan looks at individual winners and losers at the league’s quarter pole (link), picking Milan Michalek as one of the winners, “Maybe the revelation here is not Michalek’s goal totals, just one shy of being halfway to his career best, but the fact he has stayed healthy enough to realize his potential. The quiet winger, acquired in the Dany Heatley deal, was slowed by two knee procedures during his first two Ottawa seasons, but is flying this fall. With their go-young roster, the Senators needed a veteran to snipe consistently, and Michalek has done that.”

–Hockey Futures‘ John Henkelman takes a look at Ottawa’s CHL prospects (link).  The article worth reading in its entirety, but here’s what he says about lesser known prospect Jordan Fransoo, “A defenseman with size who does a little bit of everything. Along with teammate Stone, the 6’2 Saskatchewan native suited up for the WHL in the Subway Super Series and had an even plus/minus rating versus the Russian Selects. The Senators realize he’s a raw prospect who will develop slowly and fill out in order to become the feared physical defensive presence they envision. There is a lot to like about Fransoo, who plays a pivotal role in the Wheat Kings’ blue line as part of their shutdown pairing, including his work ethic, competitiveness and willingness to drop the gloves.   Quietly going about his business, he’s a great kid who will need to work on honing his skills over the remainder of his junior hockey career. He’ll need to build on his first NHL training camp experience and work on playing a solid game in his own zone while looking to contribute offensively. The long-term prospects for the Saskatchewan native are that of a mobile defensive defenseman.”

-Joy Lindsay Tweets Binghamton’s lines at practice (link): Hoffman-O’Brien-Petersson, Filatov-Grant-Parrish, Dziurzynski-Cannone-Bartlett, Cowick-Hamilton-Gratchev.  She also reports that Brian Stewart has been returned to Elmira

-Joy also Tweets that Nikita Filatov expects his conversation with Bryan Murray about his future to happen next week

November 24, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch writes about NHL discipline (link), but there’s nothing new here, just Garrioch’s hope that Shanahan will look at the Burrows incident (see below)

–The Ottawa Citizen‘s Allen Panzeri writes about how Daniel Alfredsson is feeling after his back surgery (link), which isn’t new, but adds, “Through Monday, there was no indication that league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan was going to review a dangerous hit by Maxim Lapierre, aided by Alexandre Burrows, on Ottawa centre Jesse Winchester during Sunday’s game in Vancouver. As Lapierre hit Winchester along the boards at the Vancouver bench, Burrows opened the bench door and Winchester fell through.” And “Another dangerous hit, by Canucks defenceman Andrew Alberts on Kaspars Daugavins, was also not reviewed. Alberts drove Daugavins head first into the boards and got two minutes for boarding.”

-TSN, ESPN, and THN’s power rankings are out (link and link and link) with Ottawa 23rd in all three

–The 6th Sens Nicholls goes to bat for Ottawa’s journalists over their treatment of Nikita Filatov (link), whose members are whining about fans complaining about their attitude towards Filatov.  Nicholls would be better served going into the specifics of why fans are unhappy about the reporting to make his point–what is being complained about?  Are the complaints fair?  Are the reporters fairly representing the situation?  He does cite Daniel Alfredsson‘s comments about Filatov, “As Daniel Alfredsson mentioned on yesterday’s Healthy Scratches, if the decision were up to him and he could play close to friends and family while earning a few million overseas as opposed to the $65K that he would earn in the AHL, he’d probably do the same thing.”

-Joy Lindsay Tweets the following Binghamton injuries (link): Armstrong – back (day-to-day), Conboy – knuckle (probable for Thursday), Godfrey – groin (day-to-day).

-Joy also says Mike McKenna will start on Thursday, but Robin Lehner should play on the weekend.  The lines today: Hoffman-O’Brien-Petersson, Filatov-Grant-Parrish, Dziurzynski-Cannone-Bartlett, Cowick-Hamilton-Gratchev

–In Lou We Trust‘s C. J. Richey takes a look at defining what a scoring chance is (link), saying “A scoring chance is defined as a shot directed toward the opposing net from a dangerous scoring area (shown below, it’s the area within the black line).  Missed shots count but blocked shots do not.”  For the most part I agree with this definition (although I think the scoring area is more fluid, depending on the situation).

November 22, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: Leave a comment

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Bruce Garrioch writes about last night’s game (link), talking about the incident with Jesse Winchester and Alex Burrows along with the boarding of Kaspars Daugavins by Andrew Alberts.  He writes, “It appeared Burrows opened the door and Ottawa players weren’t pleased.”  I doubt there will be discipline on either play (Shanahan will likely say Daugavins turned just prior to the hit, while with Burrows there will remain the ambiguity of intent–Burrows has already said he was trying to latch the door, not open it).

-Garrioch looks at Ottawa’s blueline and changes that could be coming (link), writing “The Senators aren’t in a cash crunch since their payroll is nowhere close to the salary cap. Once defenceman Matt Carkner is ready to return from a knee injury, the club will have eight healthy blueliners,” therefore, “The Senators have the option of sending defenceman David Rundblad to Binghamton. He’s on a two-way contract, was a healthy scratch again in Vancouver and has had difficulties adjusting to the North American game.”  Garrioch doesn’t mention Rundblad‘s option of returning to Sweden rather than going to Binghamton (something I consider unlikely).  I could see Rundblad sent down temporarily, but I’m not sure even that will happen.  I believe what the Sens would like to do is move Brian Lee, but so far no one will trade for him.

–The Silver Seven‘s Mark Parisi looks at the week that was for Ottawa (link), with most players trending upward.  Stephane Da Costa and Nick Foligno are the only players going the wrong way).  I think Foligno‘s yoyo play is what he is, but I agree he’s been on the downward swing this week.  Da Costa (who, outside of faceoffs, wasn’t bad last night) is someone who would benefit from time in Binghamton, but the Sens don’t have enough forwards to send him down at the moment.  Where I think Parisi misses out is listing Erik Condra and Zack Smith as being average–I was impressed with both on the road trip.

-Joy Lindsay Tweets (link) that Derek Grant has recovered from his shoulder injury and is back at practice; Brian Stewart and Maxime Gratchev were recalled from Elmira.  Corey Locke, Francis Lessard, Tim Conboy, and Robin Lehner are out with various injuries

–Hockey Futures‘ has listed NHL organisational depth and slots Ottawa at #2 behind the Florida Panthers (link), writing “The Senators have top-end talent at every forward position, headlined by wingers Matt Puempel and Stefan Noesen, and center Mika Zibanejad. The organization possesses one of the best one-two punches on defense in physical stalwart Jared Cowen and puck-mover David Rundblad. There are also a deep group of players who can fill a variety of roles and provide depth at the NHL level including Stephane Da Costa, Jim O’Brien, and Bobby Butler.  Robin Lehner is a quality goaltending prospect but there is no one behind him. Many of their mid-tier prospects such as Butler and Colin Greening are set to graduate this season and leave a hole in the prospect pool. Top 5 Prospects: 1. David Rundblad, D, 2. Jared Cowen, D, 3. Mika Zibanejad, C, 4. Robin Lehner, G, 5. Jakob Silfverberg, C.”  I don’t agree that Ottawa will be left with a lack of mid-tier prospects, but the Sens do need to draft a goalie at some point.

–The Hockey News has an article from Ross MacLean (of ISS) about the impact of injury on draft-eligible prospects (link).  It’s worth reading in its entirety, but here’s part of it, “But an injury to a player in his draft year can be devastating to their career. The ideology here is that kids in the 17-year-old range are in their prime developmental years. This is not just a sport concern, but a personal and physiological concern. The ultimate and unfortunate truth to the matter is that if you are a prospect, and there is any sort of concern surrounding you, it will effect your draft stock.”

-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):
CHL
Mark Stone (Brandon, WHL) 24-21-29-50 (1st=)
Jean-Gabriel Pageau (Gatineau, QMJHL) 17-18-13-31 (1st=) (injured)
Matt Puempel (Peterborough, OHL) 23-15-11-26 (t-1st+)  
Shane Prince (Ottawa 67s, OHL) 17-9-16-25 (3rd=)
Stefan Noesen (Plymouth, OHL) 20-6-17-23 (4th-)
Jakub Culek (Rimouski, QMJHL) 22-5-11-16 (5th+)
Darren Kramer (Spokane, WHL) 17-9-6-15 (3rd-)
Jordan Fransoo (Brandon, WHL) 24-0-4-4 (6th=)
SEL
Jakob Silfverberg (Brynas) 19-7-7-14 (4th=) (injured)
Fredrik Claesson (Djurgarden) 22-1-3-4 (4th=)
Marcus Sorensen (Boras) 8-2-2-4 (10th+)
Mika Zibanejad (Djurgarden) 6-1-0-1 (19th=)
NCAA
Ryan Dzingel (CCHA-Ohio State) 13-5-8-13 (2nd+)
Bryce Aneloski (WCHA-Nebraska-Omaha) 14-1-8-9 (2nd-)
Chris Wideman (CCHA-Miami) 14-1-6-7 (1st+)
Michael Sdao (ECAC-Princeton) 9-4-1-5 (t-1st=)
Max McCormick (CCHA-Ohio State) 6-2-3-5 (10th)
Ben Blood (WCHA-North Dakota) 11-1-3-4 (2nd+)
Jeff Costello (CCHA-Notre Dame) 8-0-3-3 (12th+)
Brad Peltz (ECAC-Yale) 1-0-0-0 (=)

November 21, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 3 Comments