Sens news today:

–The Ottawa Citizen‘s Ken Warren wonders about David Rundblad‘s future (link).  There’s not much new here, but Rundblad said “We’ll see what happens, we’ll see what’s best for me. The Swedish League is a very good league. The biggest difference is the bigger rink. It’s the first time in four years I’ve played on small rinks. I’m getting used to everything.”

-Joy Lindsay has an update on prospect Darren Kramer who is still with the team (link): “Kramer is rehabbing an injury suffered during the rookie tournament, and is believed to be returning to his junior team this season.”

-She also talked to Andre Petersson about his transition to the North American game (same article): “It [Friday’s game] was kind of fun. I played maybe seven, eight minutes, and I’m happy with the way I played. But, unfortunately, we didn’t win. I have no problem with [the North American game]. I think it’s fun. It happens a lot more than it does back in Sweden, so I enjoy it.”

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Don Brennan writes about a variety of things (link), including this  “Jason Spezza will and should get skewered for his giveaway in the neutral zone
that led to Mikhail Grabovski’s short-handed goal. On a young team that needs
him to shine nightly, Spezza has to be less creative when he’s not inside the
opposition’s blue line.”  The giveaway was actually Erik Karlsson‘s.

-Pierre LeBrun reviews the Senators for ESPN (link).  Most of the article is composed of comments by Jason Spezza and Bryan Murray, but LeBrun says “Melnyk hates losing. But we’re told he has accepted this rebuilding plan and understands what it takes to be ready for a long season. The fans in Ottawa also have accepted what’s ahead. It’ll work for a year, but the owner and the fans will need to see tangible improvements as soon as next season. There’s no appetite in that market for a five-year rebuild. Not from the owner, not from the fans.”  I’m not sure I agree with his final conclusion, but I do think fans need to see improvement over the year.  He also says the hiring of Paul MacLean was well-received around the league.  Victoria Matiash believes Erik Karlsson has the best fantasy value; Sean Allen thinks Jason Spezza is a risky pick because of his injury history; Allen likes Nikita Filatov as the team’s sleeper pick.

-Kevin Allen of USA Today writes about the Northeast Division (link), picking Ottawa to finish last.  Allen doesn’t engage in a lot of analysis, but includes “Will the Senators finally trade Jason Spezza? With four seasons left at $7 million a season, plus a no-trade clause, Spezza, 28, has not been, and will not be, easy to deal. Although Ottawa fans are frustrated that 6-3 Spezza is not a physical presence, he’s the team’s best producer of offense.” With is final outlook, “All renovation projects take more time than you anticipate. So it will be with the Senators.”

–SenShot‘s Brandy Chadala writes about last night’s game (link).

September 28, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 1 Comment

Today’s Sens news:

-Players surviving cuts are (link): Nikita Filatov, Jared Cowen, David Rundblad, Mika Zibanejad, Stephane Da Costa, Robin Lehner, Patrick Wiercioch, Mark Borowiecki, Mike Hoffman, and Kaspars Daugavins.  The only surprises for me are Wiercioch and Daugavins.

-The lineup for tonight’s game (link):
Greening-Spezza-Filatov
Foligno-Regin-Condra
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Butler
Daugavins-Smith-Neil
Gonchar-Borowiecki
Cowen-Karlsson
Rundblad-Lee
Lehner

–The Silver Seven‘s Dave Young wrote his impressions of yesterday’s game (link), as did SenShot‘s Derrick Brose (link).

–The Team 1200‘s Steve Lloyd tweets a positive review about David Rundblad (link).

–Craig Anderson has tweaked something (link), but the plan is for him to play Thursday.

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

Not much Sens news today:

-Ottawa’s lines for this afternoon’s game have come out (link):
Greening-Zibanejad-Alfredsson
Dzirurzynski-Smith-Neil
Hoffman-Locke-Butler
Cowick-Grant-Parrish
Cowen-Karlsson
Phillips-Rundblad
Gryba-Carkner

-In Allen Panzeri’s article (above) he cites Paul MacLean saying that “the roster will be down to between 25 and 27 players with a legitmate chance to  make the team.”

-In terms of the roster, it’s worth looking at players remaining in camp who (after today’s game) have not dressed for an exhibition game: Pat Cannone, Louie Caporusso, Wacey Hamilton, Craig Schira, Jack Downing (AHL contract), Max Gratchev (AHL contract), Josh Godfrey (AHL contract), Bobby Raymond (AHL contract), Brian Stewart (AHL contract), and Darren Kramer (not signed).  Kramer was hurt in the rookie camp and Hamilton beforehand–I haven’t heard an update on either.

-James Gordon writes for Senators Extra about Mika Zibanejad‘s website (link).  Inexplicably, Gordon expresses fear that Zibanejad had been drafted by the KHL.

-I take Hockey Prospectus‘ statistical analysis with a grain of salt, but Robert Vollman’s article (link) suggesting less or more time for blueliners includes arguing for less time for Sergei Gonchar and Chris Phillips (using the formula of dividing time-on-ice with points-per-game).

-NHL.com’s Dan Rosen and E. J. Hradek look at Calder candidates (link) and neither picks a Sen (Rosen picked Brayden Schenn while Hradek picked Ryan Nugent-Hopkins).

September 26, 2011
Categories: Binghamton Senators, Ottawa Senators . . Author: Eye on the Sens . Comments: 5 Comments

Today’s Sens news:

-The Sens roster for tomorrow’s game is out (link):
Forwards: Alfredsson, Regin, Greening, Smith, Butler, Neil, Parrish, Locke, Cowick, Grant, Dziurzynski, Hoffman, Zibanejad
Defensemen: Cowen, Phillips, Lee, Rundblad, Carkner, Gryba, Karlsson
Goaltenders: McKenna, Auld

–The Ottawa Sun‘s Don Brennan wrote about Robin Lehner (link), who had some interesting things to say about his situation with the team: “I had a year last year where I kept on saying to all you guys, when you all had the same question to me … ‘how are you feeling, you’re up here, you’re not playing games, it’s not good for your development’… I think that was the story of Robin Lehner last year. It was (that) I was not getting development. And I always said the same thing to you. I’m getting better here than I am down there.” And “A lot of that experience, getting faster … obviously it’s a little bit better shots up here. Better shooters. And when you get into practice habits with these guys, then you go down, if you take away the mental factor about being sent  down, you actually come down more of a faster goalie. I think that practice did lots for me. That’s part of my development. Obviously, playing 60 games in one of the best leagues in the world, that can’t be bad either. But every year, I’ve always took a step. From one team, going to the higher team, then to junior, then the AHL and then last year too, I went a little earlier than my plan to come up here … I wouldn’t want to come down from what I had last year. That’s just a dream of mine, because I try to move forward … We’ll see if I can get 60 games down there and some up here, I would be happy with that too. But my dream is here. I believe (playing in the NHL would be best for me) but I also believe the organization knows a lot more than I know. I’m 20. I’ve been over her for 2 1/2 years now. I know there’s a lot of cases where they (call) up goalies that are too young, and it goes down for them. Every person is different. I don’t think I’m that kind of goalie. There’s a lot of goalies that went like that, and I understand they have to be careful.”

-In the same article Brennan quotes Nikita Filatov about his pre-season, “I think it’s more about how you play right now, how you get into the system. For example, last year I had a really good pre-season. I scored four goals or something in six games. So it doesn’t pretty much mean anything.”  Wise words in terms of how we should view exhibition performances.

-Joy Lindsay has an expansive article about Kaspars Daugavins (link); among many other things, the winger talks about his decision to return to North America, “I just didn’t want to regret anything in my life after it if I didn’t use the chance to play in NHL again. It was really hard decision, but new coaching staff and new guys (in Ottawa), so I thought I would maybe give a shot here and do my best to make NHL and then go from there.”

–SenShot‘s Tony Mendes with a belated review of last night’s game (link).  He writes that Chris Neil, Jared Cowen, and David Rundblad were the top players for Ottawa, with Patrick Wiercioch being the worst.

–The Hockey News‘ Darryl Dobbs looks at dark horse candidates for the Calder (link) and includes an interesting comment on David Rundblad, “Ottawa’s David Rundblad was my favorite at one point, but questionable play on the defensive side of the puck in the rookie and main camp has me wondering if he’ll play half the year in the American League.”  Calgary’s Paul Byron, incidentally, is his dark horse.

-ESPN’s Victoria Matiash has a mock draft for fantasy poolies (link), which includes Craig Anderson in the 8th round of selections, Erik Karlsson in the 11th, Jason Spezza in the 14th (“As for the few forwards selected, there were a few curious mutterings in regard to the choice of Jason Spezza.  Some worried about the abuse his plus-minus would take, but [Pierre] Becquey was adamant in defending the move.  “With ATOI [average time on ice] a consideration, no matter how bad the Senators get, you can count on Spezza to play about a period every game,” Becquey said.  “He was top 20 in the category last season, and only two such players were available in the 14th round.  Maybe Spezza plays only 60 games again this year, but he’s the perfect guy to plug in while, say, Ryan Kesler or Alexander Semin misses time.”), and Sergei Gonchar in the 15th.

-The ESPN staff also has a list of fantasy sleepers and busts (link), including Craig Anderson as a potential sleeper.

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

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