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Vancouver Canucks
Post-Trade Deadline Lineup
Vancouver Canucks Lineup:
LW|C|RW
Virtanen (80)|Horvat (84)|Granlund (82)
Baertschi (80)|Cassels (70)|Etem (82)
Phillips (73)|Chaput (77)|Wagner (74)
Raymond (82)|Sgarbossa (72)|Cole (80)D|D
Subban (64)|Corrado (81)
Johns (75)|Pedan (76)
Jackman (82)|Beaupre (69)Goalies
Steen (73)
Markstrom (80)
Player Movement via Trades
IN|OUT
S. Johns|T. Fedun
R. Duke|B. Jones
C. White|R. Bachman
C. Crisp|Y. Weber
C. Thomas|R. Miller
A. Richard|A. Edler
M. Sgarbossa|L. Eriksson
Z. Phillips|D. Roy
C. Wagner|B. Sutter
R. Olsen|J. Hansen
N. Rod|J. Blain
G. Beaupre|L. Vey
Y. Veilleux|J. Megna
P. Sanvido|T. Rajala
|R. Vrbata
|D. Dorsett
|H. Sedin
|D. Sedin
|A. Burrows
|P. Larsen
|M. Havlat
|E. Gudbranson
|B. Prust
|R. Kenins
|D. Boyle
|C. Tanev
|L. Sbisa
|A. Friesen
|H. Tommernes
Picks acquired: 2016 1st x 3, 2016 2nd x 4, 2016 3rd x 2, 2016 4th x 7, 2016 5th x 9, 2016 6th x 5, 2016 7th x 6, 2017 1st x 2, 2017 2nd x 2, 2017 3rd x 5, 2017 4th x 1, 2017 5th x 2, 2017 6th x 1, 2017 7th x 3
Picks traded: None
OTTAWA (10-5-0) @ ANAHEIM (14-6-0)
Anaheim dominate early. A Rakell goal gives the Ducks a 1-0 lead. The Senators manage to kill a Ducks powerplay and keep the game within 1 going into the second.
Second period action, with the Ducks outshooting Ottawa 23-11, Pirri and Perry both score to give the Ducks a commanding 3-0 lead. Pageau is able to break the Ducks shutout to end the second period 3-1 Anaheim.
Third period, a huge Max McCormick goal puts Ottawa within 1. 3-2 Anaheim.
Just as things seem to be trending upwards for Ottawa, Perry puts one past Berra to give Anaheim a 4-2 lead.
Phaneuf scores with 4 minutes left, but it isn't enough. Ottawa cannot come back, and their losing streak increases to 5. Anaheim win 4-3.
Berra has a below average but not awful game. It seems like it might be time to put Hogberg in and see if a change in net can electrify this slumping Senators squad.
OTTAWA (10-6-0) @ WINNIPEG (7-10-1)
@BruceGarrioch-â€Hogberg off the ice first, will start tonight.â€
6 games, that'll be how long the Senators losing streak will increase to if they cannot win tonight. “I can't tell you what we're doing wrong, we're working hard, things just aren't going right†said captain Erik Karlsson when asked how the team has gone from 9 wins in their first 10 games to a possible 6 game losing streak. It is frustrating time for the Senators.
First period action, Dustin Byfuglien is the first to draw blood. A booming slapshot past Hogberg and it is 1-0 Winnipeg.
We enter the second period with the Senators being outshot 16-9. Ottawa cannot convert on three powerplay opportunities during the period, and with outstanding play by Hogberg, the game remains 2-0.
Third period, the Senators look defeated and the game isn't even over. 4 straight goals lead Winnipeg to a 5-0 victory where they outshoot Ottawa 39-28. The losing streak increases to 6.
Hogberg looked great in net until the third period where he was hung out to dry by Ottawa's defense.
OTTAWA (10-7-0) VS ST.LOUIS (12-5-1)
@BruceGarrioch-â€Brock Nelson scratched tonight. Buddy Robinson in. Ottawa hoping to snap their 6 game losing streak.â€
First period action. Berra in net hoping to get something positive going for Ottawa. Barbeshev puts a stop to that idea with an early goal for the Blues. 1-0 STL.
Prior to the end of the first, a Drouin goal ties the game 1-1, but before Ottawa can get any momentum going, Tarasenko puts St.Louis back up 2-1 to close out the period.
Second period, Ottawa has a great showing, outshooting St.Louis 20-18, but they cannot beat Elliot. The period ends with the score still 2-1 STL.
The third period starts with an early St.Louis goal that increases the lead to 3-1. The Sens seem to give up after this point and get outshot big time for the rest of the game. The Senators only manage 3 shots to St.Louis' 10 in the third period and lose 3-1.
The Senators have now lost 7 straight. This surely isn't how the envisioned their season unfolding. Rumours run rampant on the post game show that someone will be shipped out of town to send a message. Who could it be? Turris, Lazar, Smith, White, Phaneuf, Methot?
Confirmed Trade With Link [OTT/BOS] Methot+Hishon for Spooner
The Senators had to make a change after dropping their 7th straight. Trading Methot sent shockwaves through the Senators locker room. A well liked Ottawa native, Methot was considered to be a huge part of the team's leadership core. Since being acquired by the Senators in 2012, Methot had seen his stock as a player rise dramatically, at one point, he was considered for the Canadian Olympic team.
Those close to the situation say Methot was visibly upset, he expected to close out his career as a Senator. Methot had been asked for his ten team list at the beginning of the season as most players are. In cases like Methot's, it is mostly considered a formality. He had no expectation that it would lead to him eventually being dealt.
Moving Methot creates a large hole in the Senators top 4. Griffen Reinhart is expected to be given a chance to step up next to Cody Ceci on the second pairing.
Ryan Spooner broke out a few years back in Boston, but since then has found himself in a minimized role. Rumour has it, that Spooner asked for a trade earlier in the season. The former second line centre has found himself playing on the fourth line behind Bergeron, Krejci, and Alexander Khokhlachev who has 13 points this season as Boston's 3rd centre.
Spooner, an Ottawa native, is expected to be given a chance to play on the Senators second line right away.
The feeling in Boston is that this is their year to win. Atop the Atlantic Division, Boston was aggressively shopping for a veteran top 4 defender to help carry Joseph Morrow on the second pairing. Methot is expected to play a big role in Boston whose defensive core is now lead by Tory Krug.
Hishon will move on to his third team so far this season. Obtained in the Berra trade, Hishon was expected to be the 4th/5th centre for Ottawa. With the acquisition of Spooner, Hishon will move on to Boston where he'll likely centre their fourth line where Spooner was playing.
A rare divisional trade, both teams were said to be happy to pull the trigger given the fact that it was seen as a “hockey trade†that should make both teams better.
The Senators didn't go into this season with any plans to trade Methot, but a 7 game losing streak changed the situation, and management felt they had to do something to shake up the team.
Spooner had 46 points last season on Boston and has 2 years left on a 3.2M contract that'll see him become a UFA upon its expiration.
As per General Fanager, the real life stipulation of Methot's no trade list is that he could name 10 teams he CANNOT be traded to, which would leave 19 other teams available.
METHOT'S TEN TEAMS HE CANNOT BE TRADED TO
Florida Panthers, St Louis Blues, Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils. Toronto Maple Leafs
PROJECTED NEW LINES
Drouin-Turris-Smith
Dzingel-Spooner-Stone
Nelson-Pageau-Lazar
McCormick-White-Robinson
(x)Perron
Phaneuf-Karlsson
Reinhart-Ceci
Claesson-Borowiecki
OTTAWA (10-8-0) VS NEW JERSEY (14-2-3)
BruceGarrioch-â€Looks like Spooner will centre the second line. Big night for him as he makes his debut in his hometown.â€
The Devils were criticized for signing a 33 year old Vanek to a massive 6 year deal this off season, but thus far, it has looked to be the right move. First in the East, the Devils have been a powerhouse this season and are in the discussion as a cup contender.
After an early season collapse of epic proportions, the Senators sit 7th in the Atlantic. They are only a single point ahead of the last in the Atlantic Canadiens. The good news for Ottawa, things are tight, and a win tonight could tie them at 22 points with the third place TBL.
First period action, a frustrating start for the Senators. Berra lets in 3 goals on the first 9 shots, and the Sens as a whole look lethargic. 3-0 Devils.
Yelling was heard from the Senators locker room. Tense times for the team. They come out strong in the second period with a Craig Smith goal. 3-1 Devils.
The wheels fall off before the second, two more Devils goals put NJ up 5-1.
Third period, the Senators are coasting and it shows. Another bad game, and by the end of the night the Senators are booed off of their home ice as they allow 7 goals. The Devils win 7-2, and the Senators increase their losing streak to 8 games. Unreal.
“Something's gotta give, you know, it is hard to go out there every night when you feel like there are people on this team who'd rather coast....â€-Mark Stone on the post game show.
OTTAWA (10-9-0) VS TORONTO (10-9-1)
@IanMendes-â€Big closed door meeting took place earlier today. A loss tonight could have huge long term implications. Teams are calling about Turris.â€
@BobMcKenzie-â€Lots of big rumours coming out of Ottawa. Don't want to throw out the word blow up, but if things don't get better when Bishop returns....well...there could be changes.â€
@PhillipsMustache-â€Two things are for certain in this world. Taxes, and the Senators ****ing up against the much worse Leafs.â€
First period action, Hogberg starts in net. Can he handle the pressure of facing the rival Maple Leafs in prime time and trying to snap the Senators million game losing streak? It seems like he can, because he is perfect in the first period. 0-0 game.
Second period, Gauthier puts one past Hogberg to give Toronto the 1-0 lead. A huge moment, Ottawa native Ryan Spooner scores his first goal as a Senator to tie the game 1-1. Only a minute later, Ceci puts one past Hiller, and it is as if the mood has changed completely. The Senators have a 2-1 lead.
Sens enter the third period up 2-1. They successfully stop a Toronto PP attempt. The Leafs completely outplay Ottawa, outshooting them 10-1 in the third period. Hogberg stands on his head and in a breakout performance stops everything coming his way.
A minute left, the Senators look absolutely worn out. The Leafs pull their goalie, 6 on 5 advantage. Shot after shot comes Hogbergs way as the Senators defense sluggishly tries to clear the zone. Nylander rips a huge shot but Hogberg gets it. The clock is running down, the hometown crowd is on their feet, the whistle blows and the game is over. In one of the more dramatic regular season victories of all time, Hogberg makes a name for himself nationally on HNIC as his tremendous play earns the Senators a win they arguably did not deserve and snaps their 9 game winning streak against their nemesis Maple Leafs.
The Senators on the ice swarm Hogberg, pat him on the head. For the first time in weeks, the Senators have won a hockey game.
10 THOUGHTS
1-With an 11-9-0 record, the Senators aren't exactly down and out, but there is a lot of negativity surrounding the team. There's talk about whether or not this team has been built to win, and there's paranoia about whether or not Erik Karlsson will extend his contract next season.
2-There's lots of rumours surrounding the Senators, including some that the team might “blow it up†or at least make more major changes like the one that saw them send Methot to Boston for Spooner. Apparently management would like to wait for Bishop to return and give the team a chance to recapture the momentum they had when they went 9-1-0 to start the season.
3-Expect the team to keep Berra in the NHL and roll with three goalies as he isn't likely to clear waivers if sent down. The expectation is that they'd want a 3rd round pick or a prospect for him from another team looking for a quick fix in net. Ottawa might have to wait for a team to suffer an injury in net before they can capitalize on Berra's value.
4-Edmonton is one of the teams who have called about Kyle Turris. Currently third in the Atlantic, the Oilers management are desperate to make the playoffs. Turris has a year left on his deal and is open to extending his contract with the Senators next year. It has been speculated that it would take a huge return for the Senators to consider trading their best forward from last season.
5-Vancouver offered up Henrik Sedin to Ottawa, but the Sens weren't willing to move Curtis Lazar+a 1st round pick for what would amount to a rental.
6-LA is having an awful year and are now the frontrunners in the Veleno lottery. LA still have some great core pieces, so their lack of winning this season is a real head scratcher.
7-Speaking of Veleno, he is by far the top skater in this year's draft. Behind him is a 2 way centre out of Sweden named Isac Lundestrom. It is a good year for centres amongst the top 10 with Filip Zadina and Phil Sexsmith rounding out the top 10. A big surprise in the draft is Nando Eggenberger, the 2 way left winger out of Switzerland who is battling Lundestromg for the #2 spot behind Veleno.
8-There's a lot of questions about building long term around Drouin. Similar to last season, Drouin started hot and has since trailed off. He was PPG+ at the start of the season, but now only has 15 points in 20 games. To make things worse, Zibanejad is having a breakout season in Tampa with 9 goals and 20 points in 23 games.
The rest of Ottawa's forwards aren't playing well either, with 13 points in 20 games, Turris as a UFA is doing himself no favours. Senators best forward has been Craig Smith who has done the best he can to lead by example with 18 points in 20 games. No one else is really scoring, and the hope is that the acquisition of Spooner can help light a fire in the second line.
9-Francis Perron is in a tight spot. Too good for the AHL, while maybe not ready for a big role in the NHL. Despite having 32 goals and 67 points last year in the AHL, he only has 1 goal and 6 points in 18 NHL games this season and is currently a healthy scratch.
10-Despite their massive losing streak, the Senators are still within a point of the final wild card spot. Bishop will be back in 4-5 games. Things have been bad for Ottawa, but it still isn't too late for them to turn around their season.
OTTAWA (11-9-0) @ NY ISLANDERS (8-14-0)
@BruceGarrioch-”Looks like Hogberg will start after his huge victory against the Leafs.”
Phaneuf opens up the scoring with a booming slap shot. 1-0 Ottawa. The Sens manage to kill an Islanders PP and keep the game 1-0 going into the second.
Second period action, another goal from the backend, a Cody Ceci goal makes it 2-0. The Islanders aren't out yet, Frans Nielson scores to bring the game within 1. 2-1 Ottawa.
The Islanders dominate the third period by severely outshooting Ottawa. Hogberg plays out of his mind, and with another big game steals one for Ottawa. Sens win their second straight game 2-1.
OTTAWA (12-9-0) @ MONTREAL (11-10-2)
The original plan was for Berra to start tonight given this is a back to back, but with Hogberg red hot, the Senators opt to stick with him in net.
Ottawa fail to capitalize on two straight poiwerplay opportunities. Despite outshooting Montreal 11-7, the game remains tied at the end of the first period.
In the second period, both goalies Hogberg and Price continue to put on a show No one can beat them. We're stuck at a 0-0 game.
Third period action, the scoring finally opens up. Kyle Okposo scores a deflection goal to put Montreal up 1-0.
Typical Pageau......with Montreal on the powerplay, Pageau takes away the puck and gets a breakaway. He beats Price shorthanded, and we're tied 1-1.
The game remains 1-1, and we head to an OT period where neither goalie is beaten. A tense shootout ends the game. Hogberg is unbeatable in the shootout. Both Karlsson and Drouin put one passed Price.
All of a sudden with the hot play of Marcus Hogberg, the Senators have put together a three game winning streak.
OTTAWA (13-10-0) VS FLORIDA (12-11-3)
@BruceGarrioch-”Perron will sub in on the third line tonight with Nelson scratched. Looks like Berra will start.”
This is the final game before Bishop returns from his broken ankle. Ottawa and Florida both occupy the wild card spots in the East, and Ottawa with 26 points is only a point back from Florida who has 27. This is a huge game for both teams.
First period, Spooner capitalizes on a 5 on 3 PP to put Ottawa up by one, but the Panthers manage to quickly tie the game with a short handed goal. 1-1.
In the final minute of the first period, the Sens score two straight goals to give themselves a big 3-1 lead going into the second.
Second period action, Florida aren't done yet. Matthias and Del Zotto both score to tie the game 3-3. The Senators cannot capitalize on another powerplay opportunity.
In the third period, the Sens find themselves down in a hole after Bjugstad and Staal put Florida up 5-3. Lazar scores a big goal with 5 minutes left to put Ottawa within 1. 5-4 Panthers.
The Sens pull their goalie and attempt to rally back, but a Jokinen empty netter seals the game. Panthers win 6-4.
Spooner had a 2 point night, while Perron had an assist in his first game back into the lineup after being scratched.
OTTAWA (13-11-0) @ CHICAGO (16-9-1)
@IanMendes-”Bishop says he is feeling great and is looking forward to returning tonight in Chicago.”
@BruceGarrioch-”Berra won't be waived but Ottawa could move him for a few draft picks.”
First period, Bishop looking sharp early as the Senators are forced to kill a few powerplays. Drouin and Turris put goals passed Scott Darling to close out the first period. Ottawa up 2-0.
It takes 16 shots, but in the second period the Blackhawks finally beat Bishop with a Seabrook goal. 1-0 Chicago.
Hossa adds another goal by the end of the second period and with the Blackhawks outshooting Ottawa 25-16, we have a 2-2 game.
Late in the third period, Pageau gives the Senators the lead, but the Blackhawks rally back and with the net empty Marc McNeil puts one passed Bishop to tie the game 3-3. We're heading to OT.
OT solves nothing. We head to a shootout, and despite Teravainen and Keith both scoring, goals by Karlsson, Drouin, and Turris give the Sens the 4-3 shootout win.
Bishop was good in his first game back with a .909 save percentage while Turris had a big night playing 27:30 with 2 points and 7 shots on net. Perron had a point in his second straight game.
INJURY REPORT: DION PHANEUF OUT WITH BACK SPASMS
More bad news for the Senators. Dion Phaneuf left last night's Chicago game and has been ruled unfit to play as he is suffering from back spasms.
Phaneuf is expected to miss the next four games. With Methot traded, the Senators have very little depth on the backend.
Andreas Englund (40th 2014) has been called up and is expected to be given a chance to play alongside Karlsson. The mostly stay at home defender has 7 points and is a +3 in 22 AHL games this season.
OTTAWA (14-11-0) @ MONTREAL (12-12-4)
@BruceGarrioch-”Looks like Sens are shuffling the lines at practice. Perron getting a shot with Turris and Smith, Drouin-Spooner-Stone as the second, Dzingel-Pageau-Lazar, with McCormick-White-Robinson as the fourth. Bish will start”
@PhillipsMustache-”Looks like Brock Neslon is scratched. #doghouse”
First period action, Ottawa goes on the powerplay early and FRANCIS PERRON. Taking advantage of his top line opportunity, Perron scores, Ottawa is up 1-0.
Hudon, Gallagher, Canadiens score twice to take a 2-1 first period lead. Ottawa ends the period down by 1.
Second period, Montreal have found their second gear and the Senators are looking sluggish. Senators leave the period outshot 21-11 and a Scherbak goal gives Montreal a 3-1 lead.
Both teams trade powerplays in the third. With three minutes left in the game, Karlsson and Smith set up Turris for his 8th of the season. 3-2 Montreal.
Bishop to the bench, Drouin is out as the extra attacker. The Senators sustain pressure in Montreal's zone but Price cannot be beaten and outshooting Ottawa 30-21, Montreal defeat Ottawa 3-2.
Smith continues as the Senators best forward. Him and Karlsson both had 2 point nights. Perron had a goal while on the top line. That loss puts Ottawa in last place in the tight Atlantic division. With a win, they could have leap frogged into a wild card spot. They are now 3 points out of the last wild card spot which is held by the Florida Panthers.
OTTAWA (14-12-0) @ FLORIDA (14-12-3)
@BruceGarrioch-”despite it being a back to back, expect Bishop to start. He's being paid big money for a reason.”
@IanMendes-”Nelson back in the lineup on the fourth line. Said to be working hard to contribute after being scratched. Buddy Robinson out”
“It's tough with Methot gone, I thought we had a good thing with our d-core and as good as Ryan has been for us at centre, maybe we were wrong to move Methot.” A quote from Erik Karlsson's interview with TSN 1200 earlier today that shocked the hockey world. When was the last time a star player openly questioned management's decision. KARLSSON TO EDM FOR YAKUPOV AND A 2nd ROUND PICK proposals lit up popular hockey prospect message boards after said interview.
This is a big game with the Panthers occupying the final wild card spot. A win this Sunday afternoon could put Ottawa within a point of Florida who have played 3 more games than the Senators.
First period, Smith and Jokinen open the scoring for Florida to make it 2-0 after only 5 shots. Is Bishop still rusty after missing significant time due to an injury?
A Ryan Dzingel slap shot beats Aldo Montoya and with Ottawa outshooting Tampa 17-11, they leave the first period down 2-1.
In the second period Jokinen scores his second of the night, but consecutive goals by Turris and Stone tie the game 3-3.
With Ottawa heavily outshooting Florida, we start off the third period right with a Colin White goal that gives Ottawa their first lead of the game. Apparently EDM scouts are in the stands, they were said to be calling the Senators about possibly acquiring White. 4-3 Ottawa.
The Senators light things up during the rest of the third period. They add 3 more goals and ultimatley win by a score of 7-4.
Turris is the first star of the night with 2 goals and 3 points. It looks as if having Drouin moved off of his line has rejuvenated him over the last two games. Bishop had another subpar game since returning but was bailed out by Ottawa's offense. All but 5 members of the Senators had a point. Prospect Andreas Englund looked impressive with 22 minutes played in Phaneuf's usual spot.
OTTAWA (15-12-0) VS COLUMBUS (8-16-4)
@BruceGarrioch-”Sens trying out Dzingel on the Turris/Smith line. Drouin with Spooner and Stone. Nelson back in on the third line with Pageau and Lazar.”
@PhillipsMustache-”Very much expect the Senators to trade Nelson. Still seen as a top 6 guy around the league, they don't envision him as part of their long term plans and need to get something back after giving up Dineen for him.”
@Eklund-”Karlsson might want out. Could Ottawa be working on a Karlsson for Subban swap with MTL? E2”
@EdmontonSun-”Clarke MacArthur struggling as part of the Oilers. Oilers shopping him around. Read more here.....”
This is a must win game for the Senators. The Bluejackets are bottom feeders, and after defeating the Panthers, another two points could put Ottawa in a position to take the final wild card spot. If the Sens are going to win, after two bad games Bishop has to find his early season form that helped carry the Senators to a 9-1 record prior to him getting injured.
8 minutes into the first period, Rychel opens the scoring for CBJ. Ottawa find themselves in a familiar position chasing the game early. 1-0 CBJ
Second period, Ottawa cannot capitalize on PP opportunities. Another goal puts CBJ up, and they leave the second period outshooting Ottawa 23-16 with a 2-0 lead.
Ottawa miss out on two straight PP chances in the third. Bishop ultimately has a good game only allowing 2 goals on 30 shots, but the Senators cannot beat Bobrovosky and lose 2-0 to Columbus.
OTTAWA (15-13-0) @ WASHINGTON (15-11-2)
@IanMendes-”Frustrated is the word that Karlsson used to describe how the team feels about their inability to be consistent as of late. Claimed he has to be better himself”
@BruceGarrioch-”Expect Sens to lean heavily on Bishop. Had he not got hurt, he probably would have played 65-70 games. He'll start tonight.”
Despite being in different divisions, tonights game is big. Both Washington and Ottawa might end up fighting for a wild card spot all the way down to the final games of the season. The Senators cannot relinquish 2 points to the Capitals.
The Senators fail to take advantage of a 5 on 3 PP in the first period. They outshoot the Capitals 15-9 but still find themselves down 2-1.
We have a wild second period where both teams score multiple goals to make the game 4-4. Backstrom opens the third period with a huge goal that gives Washington the 5-4 lead.
Ovechkin adds another one, but Drouin snaps his cold streak to bring Ottawa within one goal. 6-5 Washington.
The Senators cannot come back and lose a high scoring affair 6-5 to the Capitals.
Nelson had 2 points despite playing less than 10 minutes. A few scouts from around the league were in the building, and some have been rumoured to have come strictly to see Nelson.
Turris and Dzingel seem to be developing chemistry as they both had two point nights. Another bad game by Ottawa's 7.5M investment Ben Bishop.
OTTAWA (15-14-0) @ CAROLINA (13-12-5)
@BruceGarrioch-”Colin White re-assigned to the AHL. He is a -16. Sens were said to be concerned about his development this off season. EDM covets him, but would Ottawa really give up on him this early?”
@IanMendes-”Gemel Smith getting a look in the NHL in the 4C role. He's had a big year in Binghamton with 26 points in 27 games.”
With both the Senators and Hurricanes struggling, this is a big game. Both teams need to do everything in their power to put up points.
Gemel Smith takes the warm up and seems star struck. This will be his first NHL game, can he be the difference for Ottawa?
Cody Ceci strikes early for the Senators, on only the second shot of the game he puts Ottawa up 1-0.
After a relatively even first period, Ottawa pulls ahead with goals by Craig Smith and Max McCormick. 4-0 Ottawa.
Dwight King breaks the shutout in the third for Carolina, and Nestrasil adds a goal, but it isn't enough. With a Karlsson goal, Ottawa gets a convincing 5-2 win over Carolina.
Karlsson had a big game with 3 points, while Gemel Smith played just shy of 9 minutes and while pointless was a +1 in his NHL debut. Smith continues to be the Senators best forward with a 2 goal night to make it 12 goals on the season and Ben Bishop had a very good game with a .939 save percentage.
OTTAWA (16-14-0) VS CAROLINA (13-13-5)
@BruceGarrioch-”Same lines, looks like Bishop will start again. Big workload for him.”
@IanMendes-”Gemel Smith called his first NHL game a 'special experience', is excited to play for the home crowd.”
@PhillipsMustache-”Where's Reto Berra?”
Senators go on the powerplay early but cannot capitalize. Carolina shows them how its done with a Lucic powerplay goal that puts them up 1-0.
Curtis Lazar beats Eddie Lack to tie the game and prior to the end of the second period a SUPER RARE Mark Borowiecki goal puts Ottawa up 2-1.
Second period action, Lindholm scores for Carolina but a sublime wrist shot by Craig Smith gives him his 13th goal of the season and Ottawa is back up 3-2.
Carolina outshoots Ottawa throughout the second period and Dwight King is able to add a late period goal to tie the game 3-3.
POWERPLAY GOAL. Mark Stone goes crazy after putting a wrist shot passed Eddie Lack half way through the third period. Ottawa up 4-3.
Carolina go hard in the paint, but it isn't enough. Another big performance by Ben Bishop allows Ottawa to win their second straight game. Ottawa wins 4-3.
The Stone/Drouin/Spooner line seems to be clicking. Each man had a multi-point night.
10 THOUGHTS
1-Merry Christmas everyone. The Senators next game will be at home on Christmas day against the best in the Atlantic Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres sit first in the Atlantic, tied with Boston. Ottawa are 7th. As your Christmas Present, here is a deeper look at the Eastern Conference playoff race
ATL: BUF 39-BOS 39-DET 38-TOR 37-FLA 37-MTL 35-OTT 34-TB 32
MET: NJ 53-PIT 47-NYR 38-WSH 37-CAR 33-NYI 32-PHI 31-CBJ 24
Ottawa is 3 points out of a wild card spot in a very tight conference. Playoffs don't look like a sure thing for the Senators this year, but if they can get hot like they were before Bishop's injury, maybe they can find their way in.
2-NJ is having a huge season. Currently first in the NHL with 53 points. Schneider is carrying the team with a .935 save percentage, but he also has a much better supporting cast than last season when new jersey finished 4th last. Severson made big strides over the off season and has an impressive 24 points in 32 games. The Devils hit a home run with signing Perrault in the off season. He has 12 goals and 25 points. In 34 games, Vanek has 15 goals and 29 points. He seems poised for another big 35+ goal season.
Another surprise would be the Panthers who are staring down a playoff spot. Best of all for Panthers fans, they have arguably the top two prospects in the league in their farm system goalie Andrej Haloda and forward Maxime Comtois. The big story in Florida is Eric Staal. At 33 Staal has 2 years left on a contract that pays him 6.6M per season. After being considered “done” by the hockey world, Staal has mounted a comeback and has been one of the BEST players in the entire league. In 35 gmaes, Staal is a +14 and has 22 goals/45 points. He is chasing Seguin and fighting for the Art Ross trophy.
3-Is Karlsson unhappy? That's what media pundits and fans alike have been asking. There have been a few choice sound bites from Karlsson over the last few weeks, most of which have been scrutinized. Karlsson will only have one year left on his deal after this season and if he informs Ottawa he has no interest in re-signing could potentially put the Senators in a situation where they have to trade him, or lose him for nothing at the end of the 2018-2019 season. The good news for Ottawa is upcoming UFA Kyle Turris is interested in an extension.
4-There's talk about what the Senators might do at the deadline if they are still near the bottom of the Atlantic Division. It has been widely speculated that Brock Nelson who'll be a 26 year old RFA at the end of the season will be on his way out. Pittsburgh might be interested, they are still looking for a 2nd line Lwer. The Senators could get a big return for Turris, but that would signal a rebuild, and he seems to be willing to stay in Ottawa. Dion Phaneuf apparently isn't on the block, not that Ottawa would be able to move him. Phaneuf is seen as a top 4 defender league wide, but without retaining or taking back a contract, it isn't likely anyone would be able to take on Phaneuf who'll still have 3 years left at 7M after this season.
5-The Senators scouting staff have a tough job this season. With the way the season is playing out, the Senators could draft anywhere from late in the top 10 all the way up to 20. The Senators are apparently high on Matt Brassard. Brassard, RTWD out of Barrie is the current top ranked defender in the draft and with the draft rankings still volatile as of now is projected to go anywhere from 8 all the way down to 15.
6-Craig Smith has turned a lot of heads in Ottawa. He is having a big year and has been Ottawa's best forward. He leads all forwards on the team in both points with 28 and goals with 13. He's also played more minutes than any forward aside from Kyle Turris. In Nashville, Hoffman is struggling to meet expectations with 10 goals and 25 points. Good numbers, but Nashville were hoping for a game breaking 30 goal 70 point forward when the acquired Hoffman.
7-It seems like things are never easy for the Senators when it comes to goalies. Bishop had an amazing start to the season but since returning from his injury has been inconsistent. In 15 games he has a mediocre .913 save percentage.
Some have questioned Ottawa's decision to acquire Reto Berra who has an astoundingly bad 0-8 record with a 4.16 GAA and a .877 save percentage with Ottawa. Still, the Senators are refusing to waive Berra and are hoping to dish him off for a draft pick at the deadline. Columbus needs a long term backup and might be interested.
Hogberg has only played 9 games, but he has been fantastic. Ottawa saw potential in Hogberg, which is why they sold low on O'Connor. Hogberg isn't expected to play a lot this season, but so far, he has a 7-2 record with a .934 save percentage. O'Connor has only played 5 games in Washington and has an .881 save percentage.
8-The Senators think they are a few seasons away from having a defensive squad that is elite top to bottom. They already have Karlsson and Ceci in the NHL who both are relatively young. Chabot is turning heads in his AHL rookie season with 17 points and a +14 in 29 games. While the pairing of Jarett Meyer and Andreas Englund dubbed the “Legion Of Doom” is tormenting the AHL. Meyer leads the league with 128 hits while Englund isn't that far behind in the top 10 with 98. Boston asked about Meyer in the Spooner trade and were told that in no uncertain terms, the 6'9” 244lbs defender was considered untouchable.
9-The Senators are struggling offensively. 31 games into the season, they only have four forwards on pace for more than 40 points. Everybody seems to be struggling. Players like Dzingel and Stone who both had 40+ point seasons aren't producing.
10-Here is a list of Ottawa's stat line so far this season.
FORWARDS
Smith 13-28
Turris 11-24
Spooner 6-22
Drouin 11-22
Pageau 7-13
Dzingel 4-13
Stone 3-12
Nelson 4-10
Perron 2-10
Lazar 4-7
McCormick 5-7
White 1-4
Collberg 1-3
G.Smith 0-0
Robinson 0-0
DEFENSE
Karlsson 4-33
Ceci 5-17
Phaneuf 4-12
Boro 2-6
Reinhart 0-4
Englund 0-0
Claesson 0-0
10-There are teams gauging where Ottawa stands with Karlsson. They smell blood in the water with Ottawa's poor season and Karlsson's comments about the state of the team. Karlsson is in the prime of his career and leads all NHL defenders with 33 points. GMDP has stated that Karlsson isn't available but teams are still trying.
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so realistic
Wtf! The most unreal thing happened to me in 16 GM. My 22 year old center suddenly jumped 9 years in age in one offseason. He had low elite center at 88 overall. It's his second season and has 23 points in 29 games but is now an old veteran. I had hopes of him becoming my 1/2 line center and captain.
Wtf! The most unreal thing happened to me in 16 GM. My 22 year old center suddenly jumped 9 years in age in one offseason. He had low elite center at 88 overall. It's his second season and has 23 points in 29 games but is now an old veteran. I had hopes of him becoming my 1/2 line center and captain.
