The Sens and What IFs

hemlock wrote:

davetherave wrote:

marakh wrote:I know, but very probable ifs.

With 19 games left, what would you consider to be 'a good ending to the season'?

19 regulation losses. What good can come out of catching teams like Colorado, LA etc?

I could care less about a strong finish to the season. I think there may be more changes coming in the off-season, so that alone should energize whomever is here to start next season.

davetherave wrote:

hemlock wrote:

davetherave wrote:

marakh wrote:I know, but very probable ifs.

With 19 games left, what would you consider to be 'a good ending to the season'?

19 regulation losses. What good can come out of catching teams like Colorado, LA etc?

I could care less about a strong finish to the season. I think there may be more changes coming in the off-season, so that alone should energize whomever is here to start next season.

Whatever happened to The Power of Positive Thinking?

Seriously, the last 18 is an audition for Clouston and the Kidz.

The more young talent the Sens can deploy next year, the easier it is for The Shawville Shaman to shuffle off some higher-priced vets.

Nicky, Ryan, Brian, Brendan and Pete would rather fly first class than take the bus. Even Jumpin' Jesse was trying to make his case last night to replace Chris Neil.

And don't forget Captain Cory wants a gig next year. They've already filled his chair at the Bingo table. Plus he's probably tired of bunking down at the Comfort Inn.

Frankly, I'd rather watch hungry youngsters who scrap for every puck than mushy millionaires showing off.

8)

davetherave wrote:SF71, more on Nicola Riopel...

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/nicola_riopel

http://www.moncton-wildcats.com/en-ca/team/player.php?PLAYER_ID=229

[url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=91188

Dany and Jason are what they are...IMHO unless they fundamentally change how they play as 'team guys', rather than as skilled individuals.

Clowe, Getzlaf and Kesler--just to use them as examples, may not have the specific skills of a Heatley or Spezza, but they execute as part of a team's strategic and tactical approach.

Look at the difference Kunitz has made in Pittsburgh vs for example Satan.

These types of players--call them '2nd tier' if you like--are what make your 'superstars' more productive, and lift your team overall.

As it seems nowadays teams need at least three lines who can score, at least two or even three of these 'mid tier' guys make up part of that mix.

Mike Fisher might have that potential; so far though, he seems not to have found consistency in his game.

There was a big feature article by Panzeri in The Citizen today about Bryan Murray's upcoming cap crunch. Worth reading:

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Paying+price/1367246/story.html

From the intro:
Recent acquisitions and departures mean Bryan Murray has to do some figuring to know how to get under the salary cap for next year, writes Allen Panzeri.

If Panzeri has it right, looks like signing Comrie might not be a slam dunk unless BM moves someone else.

The article gives details.

beerandsens wrote:
I've been wondering how we're going to fit Comrie in since we re-acquired him. It might lend some credibility to the theories that a big contract will be moved at the draft.

davetherave wrote:PS I have posted the Panzeri article in its own thread: "Murray's Cap Cash Crunch Coming?"

This speaks to Murray's announced intention to get another 'Top 6' forward...does he have the dough?

Panzeri takes a look at the situation...

beedub wrote:I have addressed this in another thread. It could theoretically be any of the 4 with cap hits over 4 million