Senators News: April 26th

-Paul MacLean is playing games with his lineup, although I suspect there will be few (if any) changes from Saturday unless Zenon Konopka is hurt.  Ian Mendes suspects Silfverberg will play again and Stone will only play if Konopka can’t.

-I’m not sure what to expect tonight, but simplistically it’s going to come down to goaltending.  If Anderson can be as good as Lundqvist Ottawa should win, but if he can’t, then the Rangers will win.

Paul MacLean talked about what Erik Karlsson needs to do, “We just need him to be him. When (Karlsson) skates is when he’s at his best. He hasn’t skated the way that we need him to skate. We need him to use his skill as a skater to (help create) offence. He’s a target on our team, they’re going to try to get to him physically. He has to come up with ways at counteracting that. At times, he’s done a good job.”

Michael Grange echoes my sentiments from yesterday that the Sens are playing with house money no matter what happens tonight.

-Here’s my profile of Shane Prince.

-I’m not sure what Allan Muir is smoking, but Mike Smith is not the Conn Smyth leader so far in the playoffs (he doesn’t even justify it, he simply states it).  For those wondering, Smith is third in save percentage and fifth in goals against average.

-It never ceases to amaze me that in this day and age there are fans who resort to racism to vent their frustration.  For those who haven’t heard, some Bruin fans made racist comments after Joel Ward scored the OT winner for Washington.  These sad, pathetic losers are thankfully a vanishing minority.

Prospect Profile: Shane Prince

Shane Prince (C-L, 5’10, DOB 1992, 2-61/11)
2009-10 OHL Kitchener/Ottawa 65-15-15-30 -2 45pim (ppg 0.50) 8th
2010-11 OHL Ottawa 59-25-63-88 +43 18pim (ppg 1.49) 2nd
2011-12 OHL Ottawa 57-43-47-90 +34 12pim (ppg 1.57) 2nd

The intense Prince was picked by the Senators at the end of the second round (ranked #26 by Central Scouting).  He followed up his breakout season last year with a strong campaign this year (the 67s are still in the playoffs), although he did not make the US World Junior Championship team.  He’ll likely be signed and join Binghamton in the fall.  As an undersized forward, it will be interesting to see how his game translates at the pro level.  Red Line Report was a big fan, saying, “We love everything about him – except his inability to stay healthy.  Plays much bigger than his mediocre size; edgy player who isn’t afraid to stick his nose in – very competitive and smart.  Biggest concern in his penchant for carrying the puck into traffic without regard for his body – takes some big hits to make plays but also ended up with a bum shoulder and a head/neck injury late in the season.  Has terrific speed and is an agile, elusive skater.  Makes imaginative passes at top end gear – excellent vision and playmaking skills.  Team catalyst has tremendous work ethic.  Blocks a ton of shots on the PK unit and starts dangerous rushes the other way, transitioning from defence to offence in a heartbeat.  His team was one of the OHL’s best with him in the lineup, and couldn’t win a game when he was out injured.”  ISS said, “Prince hasn’t enjoyed a lot of the same hype that fellow OHLer Ryan Strome has even while eclipsing him in the scoring column for part of the season. The reason for this is that scouts believe Prince‘s stronger supporting cast is amplifying his skill set and that without this he doesn’t project as well. Ranked much higher at CSS, however ISS scouts have not been impressed by Prince’s production away from his star teammate Tyler Toffoli. Prince is the big risk/reward!” All his skills were listed as very good except his size/strength which is “average”.  Here’s Prince being drafted and here’s a highlight package.

Senators News: April 25th

-With so many days between games journalists and bloggers are throwing everything at the wall trying to find angles and things to write about (including Mark Borowiecki going with the team to New York, even though there’s zero chance he’ll play).  Various game seven stats are being thrown around, but how the Senators (or Rangers) performed in a similar situation 10 years ago has nothing to do with either team now.  Only a few Ottawa players have been involved in a game sevens with the organisation before and that’s not indicative of how the team will perform tomorrow.  Many of the Rangers were part of the team that lost game seven against Washington in 2009, but even that’s not terribly relevant.  The stats that mean something are the Rangers inability to score at even strength and the inability for Ottawa’s elite players to produce.  The pressure remains on the Rangers, as Ottawa has already enjoyed a successful season irrespective of what happens Thursday night–for New York, anything less than a long playoff run is a failure.

Jason Spezza talked about Paul MacLean’s as a coach, “Just his general understanding from being a player, because he’s played the game. He knows the ups and downs that go with it and knows we can get frustrated at times and we know he can get frustrated. It sounds corny, but we’ve been all on the same page and together all year and I think that’s what’s made it successful for us.”  MacLean has been nothing if not blunt in his assessment of his players and it will be interesting to see what effect (if any) it has in game seven.

Milan Michalek was cleared by the league for what the Rangers thought was an attempt to kick Girardi.  The Rangers have complained throughout the series about the officiating and I’m interested to see if it’s either going to work for or against them.  Paul MacLean had a good line about the officiating, “It’s not always the referee’s fault. They’re human. They’re not going to catch everything, but you can’t continually put yourself in a position that you make them make a call and always blame them. The responsibility is on us and our players to be (more) disciplined.”

-Another correction for bobbykelly: Jim O’Brien did not make his debut this year (he played six games in 2010-11).  Bobby is also part of a chorus of Sens bloggers who have been very restrained about Jakob Silfverberg which initially surprised me–bloggers typically want highly touted prospects inserted in the lineup immediately.  I believe David Rundblad‘s inability to make an immediate impact has dampened the enthusiasm for prospects coming out of the Swedish Elite League and I wonder if Bobby Butler and Stephane Da Costa‘s seasons have done the same for NCAA free agents.  Only CHL stars like Mark Stone still receive the enthusiastic hype I remember Alexei Kaigorodov receiving back in the day.  Stone is a good player, but his skating is poor and that’s likely the main reason he did not play in game six.  To me, hype is something the organisation has to generate and what they say about a player is what indicates whether a prospect is NHL ready or not.  We’ve been told Silfverberg is an NHL player–should he be in the playoff lineup?  If Paul MacLean thinks so, then he does.

Senators News: April 24th

-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.

Ottawa 2, New York Rangers 3

Ottawa scored early in the game, but ran into penalty trouble and couldn’t recover.  It wasn’t a great game for the officials (Steve Kozari and Ottawa favourite Tim Peel), Craig Anderson, or the Sens first unit powerplay, and all will need to improve in game seven.  Silfverberg‘s debut was mixed, with good effort mixed in with turnovers.  Here’s the box score.

First Period
The Sens had good jump to start, but the main event early was Turris getting hurt blocking a shot.  Michalek had a chance in the slot, but couldn’t decide what to do with the puck and lost it.  Rangers took the first penalty and while the first unit couldn’t accomplish much, Neil scored on a deflection with the second unit.  Turris returned after the goal.  Silfverberg made a great defensive play on Dubinsky on a rush, but Carkner took a delay of game penalty on the play.  Prust took a run at Karlsson that went uncalled.  A couple of minutes later Neil and Prust fought.  Smith took a penalty late in the period, but the Sens did an excellent job killing it off.  Overall Ottawa dominated the first half of the period, while the Rangers dominated the second half.
Second Period
Rangers had some initial pressure, but the Sens quickly started to push back and swing the momentum.  Gonchar made a great play around the five minute mark that gave Michalek a scoring chance (he couldn’t beat Lundqvist five-hole).  Anderson made a great save on Richardson on the next shift.  Condra drew a penalty to put the Sens on the powerplay (Spezza had a great chance in the slot, but didn’t shoot).  Kuba made a great block on a Rangers 2-on-1 chance shorthanded and Michalek took a penalty before the penalty was over and the Rangers scored on the powerplay.  Silfverberg was called for a light shove on McDonagh to put the Rangers back on the powerplay.  The Sens killed the penalty and Alfredsson had a great chance right in front after it was over.  Kreider took a goaltender interference call, but the Rangers had the first good chance off a Spezza giveaway and the Sens wound up taking a penalty; Foligno took another right afterwards.  Anderson made a couple of decent saves on the 4-on-3, but then let in a soft goal to Richards on the 5-on-3.  Prust had a breakaway not long after and hit the post, but the Rangers scored moments later as Kreider put home a cross-ice feed.
Third Period
Turris drew an early penalty where Phillips hit the post and Turris had a great opportunity in close.  Turris took a slashing penalty afterwards, but Ottawa did a good job on the PK.  Anderson made a good save off Anisimov after a Konopka turnover and then stopped Callahan on a 2-on-1.  Gaborik took a penalty on a great shift by the Sens and Foligno had the best chance right at the end of the powerplay.  Silfverberg had a great chance with seven minutes to go, but his shot fluttered wide of the net.  Neil had a chance on the following play, but couldn’t get the puck through the crowd.  Del Zotto hit Neil in the head on the play, but there was no call.  Foligno had another chance in close on the next shift.  Spezza scored with the goalie pulled, his shot going through a huge crowd in front, but the Sens never got another chance on net following the goal.  Ottawa dominated most of the period.

Here’s a look at the goals:
1. Neil (Gonchar, Foligno) (pp)
Neil deflects Gonchar’s shot beating Lundqvist high
2. Rangers, Stepan (pp)
Deflects in a great cross-ice pass as Condra is late on the backcheck
3. Rangers, Richards (pp)
A 5-on-3 goal that Anderson should have had as the puck goes between his arm and his body
4. Rangers, Kreider
Spezza is lazy on the backcheck leaving Kreider wide open for a cross-ice feed
5. Spezza (Greening)
Fires the puck at a crowd in front and it somehow goes in (looked like Neil kicked it in, but he didn’t actually touch the puck)

Top-performers:
Filip Kuba – did yeomans work defensively
Chris Neil – scored the first goal and was a force in the game

Players Who Struggled:
Craig Anderson – he can’t let in bad goals in this series and he did

Senators News: April 23rd

-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.

Senators News: April 22nd

Craig Anderson talked about the win last night, “We’ll enjoy this on the plane ride home, but when the sun comes up (Sunday) we know it’s all business again. It’s a great a feeling. You play 82 games during the regular season to get this opportunity. We limited our turnovers. We bought into blocking shots, keep shots to the outside and taking sticks away. We did the little things that you don’t usually notice, but can make a big impact.”

Mark Stone talked about his first NHL game, “Game 5 of a Stanley Cup playoff series tied 2-2 – if you told me I was going to be playing in that game six months ago, I would have called you crazy. So it’s a very exciting time for myself, and there’s a great group of guys in here that helped me along the whole way. It was unbelievable, the difference in speed and strength. The players in the NHL compared to the players in junior hockey is something you have to get used to. But I’ve just got to stick with what got me here, and try to contribute in any way. Every game I’m just looking to get better.

-I thought the Chris Neil hit on Brian Boyle was clean, so I didn’t mention it in my game report.  As expected no discipline is forthcoming and I think John Tortorella made a fuss about it simply to deflect criticism off his team.

-Here’s my profile of Sens prospect Matt Puempel.

-As Pierre LeBrun points out, the Raffi Torres 25-game suspension was a good one, but it’s definitely not a sign of increasing levels of punishment, rather an indication that players notorious for predatory hits will get the hammer when the opportunity presents itself.

-Prospect updates (their position in team scoring is noted in brackets, defence compared to defence):
CHL
Stefan Noesen (C/RW, Plymouth, OHL) 6-7-8-15 (1st) (Plymouth lost 4-3 to Kitchener)
Shane Prince (C/LW, Ottawa 67s, OHL) 14-6-7-13 (2nd) (67′s are down 1-0 to Niagara)
Jean-Gabriel Pageau (RW, Chicoutimi, QMJHL) 12-2-8-10 (3rd) (Chicoutimi is down 0-1 to Saint John)
Jakub Culek (C/LW, Rimouski, QMJHL) 13-4-3-7 (9th) (Rimouski is up 2-0 on Halifax)
Darren Kramer (C/LW, Spokane, WHL) 12-3-3-6 (6th) (Spokane lost 4-3 to Tri-City)
Mark Stone (RW, Brandon, WHL) 8-2-4-6 (t-2nd) (Brandon lost 4-0 to Edmonton)
SEL
Jakob Silfverberg (C/RW, Brynas) 17-13-7-20 (1st) (Brynas won the championship)

Prospect Profile: Matt Puempel

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)

Ottawa 2, New York Rangers 0

Jason Spezza and Craig Anderson combined to give the Sens their first lead in the series.  It was an excellent debut for Mark Stone despite limited playing time.  The Rangers were largely held at bay, despite the large edge in shots (41 to 30).  Here’s the box score.

First Period
Anderson makes a great save off Kreider.  There was a weird play where the Sens thought the play was dead, but the puck was live and Anderson had to be alert to make the save.  Kuba made a great defensive play on McDonagh.   On the Rangers first powerplay Anderson made a great save on Del Zotto.  The Sens opened the scoring (for their first lead of the series) on a great pass by Stone to Spezza who beats Lundqvist five-hole.  Michalek had a great chance.  Condra came close on a shorthanded breakaway.
Second Period
Ottawa’s first powerplay was a frustrating exercise with the team unwilling to shoot.  Karlsson with a great shot.  Anderson made great saves on Richards and then Dubinsky off a bad rebound.  Greening in all alone can’t beat Lundqvist on the backhand.  Michalek couldn’t score on a breakaway.  Two more powerplays for the Sens and still they won’t shoot.
Third Period
Anderson made a great save on StepanNeil had a chance off a Turris rebound.  Ottawa’s final powerplay was a little better, but still couldn’t produce.  Spezza seals the deal with an empty-netter.

Here’s a look at the goals:
1. Spezza (Stone, Kuba)
Stone splits the D with his pass and Spezza’s quick shot beats Lundqvist 5-hole
2. Spezza (Konopka) (en)
Turnover in the neutral zone ends up in the back on the net

Top-performers:
Craig Anderson – he was perfect tonight
Jason Spezza – finally scored
Penalty-killing – was fantastic tonight

Players Who Struggled: no one stood out negatively tonight.

Senators News: April 21st

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.

  • Calendar

    • January 2026
      M T W T F S S
       1234
      567891011
      12131415161718
      19202122232425
      262728293031  
  • Search