GDT: Dallas Stars @ Ottawa Senators 7:30PM ET - Wednesday Nov. 24th

Great shootout going on right now in Nashville. Flip over if you can. Two of the best goalies stopping everything.

Bramlet07 wrote:

spader wrote:Ottawa's getting chances, but Dallas doesn't give them any time in their zone. The Stars have been great at limiting Ottawa's time on the attack.

and shots? if the boxscore was right then the sens didnt have a shot in the final 6 minutes

If they didn't register one, then I'm surprised. They had a couple great chances in the last couple minutes. Dallas did a great job of shutting it down though.

This team is way undisciplined and there are so many problems with breaking out of our zone that by the team the forwards can get the puck anywhere near the offensive zone they just dump it and head off on a line change. Things need to change with this team, there's far too much talent on the roster to be middling in mediocrity in the Eastern conference...I shudder to think how bad our record would be if we were in the West.

And can someone please tell me what this team's issue with shooting the puck is? Do they have some sort of aversion or clauses in their contract that prevent them from shooting the puck on net. We're damn near last in the league in shots for per game.

I'm starting to get sick of seeing this team with this many skill players resort to the ridiculous rim the puck around the boards and hope it ends up on someone's stick. That gameplan works for teams like the Boston Bruins who have a ton of hard nosed players on the roster. It doesn't work for a team with skill guys like Spezza, Regin, Alfredsson, Kovalev, Gonchar, Karlsson, Campoli, Shannon, etc....enough is enough of this Cussing garbage.

PKC wrote:This team is way undisciplined and there are so many problems with breaking out of our zone that by the team the forwards can get the puck anywhere near the offensive zone they just dump it and head off on a line change. Things need to change with this team, there's far too much talent on the roster to be middling in mediocrity in the Eastern conference...I shudder to think how bad our record would be if we were in the West.

And can someone please tell me what this team's issue with shooting the puck is? Do they have some sort of aversion or clauses in their contract that prevent them from shooting the puck on net. We're damn near last in the league in shots for per game.

I'm starting to get sick of seeing this team with this many skill players resort to the ridiculous rim the puck around the boards and hope it ends up on someone's stick. That gameplan works for teams like the Boston Bruins who have a ton of hard nosed players on the roster. It doesn't work for a team with skill guys like Spezza, Regin, Alfredsson, Kovalev, Gonchar, Karlsson, Campoli, Shannon, etc....enough is enough of this Cussing garbage.

Fair enough, nice rant.

PKC wrote:This team is way undisciplined and there are so many problems with breaking out of our zone that by the team the forwards can get the puck anywhere near the offensive zone they just dump it and head off on a line change. Things need to change with this team, there's far too much talent on the roster to be middling in mediocrity in the Eastern conference...I shudder to think how bad our record would be if we were in the West.

And can someone please tell me what this team's issue with shooting the puck is? Do they have some sort of aversion or clauses in their contract that prevent them from shooting the puck on net. We're damn near last in the league in shots for per game.

I'm starting to get sick of seeing this team with this many skill players resort to the ridiculous rim the puck around the boards and hope it ends up on someone's stick. That gameplan works for teams like the Boston Bruins who have a ton of hard nosed players on the roster. It doesn't work for a team with skill guys like Spezza, Regin, Alfredsson, Kovalev, Gonchar, Karlsson, Campoli, Shannon, etc....enough is enough of this Cussing garbage.

I agree with most of your points, but what I've realized lately is that we have far too many muckers and grinders and we don't really have many of these "skilled" players you mentioned above.

Was at the game, was a snoozefest

I don't think we can afford to leave Karlsson out of the line up. His shots alone give us 5 more scoring chances a game, he always finds a way to get them through. Tonight was anemic around Raycroft.

marakh wrote:Was at the game, was a snoozefest

I don't think we can afford to leave Karlsson out of the line up. His shots alone give us 5 more scoring chances a game, he always finds a way to get them through. Tonight was anemic around Raycroft.

We lost. Karlsson will keep his mouth shut this time and someone else - Hale or Campoli - will take his spot. Hopefully he will start moving his feet - without the puck - and not get walked around and/or take 3 penalties a game. There is no denying his offensive flare, but overall he has been hurting us. He needed to sit IMO.

SDH89 wrote:

PKC wrote:This team is way undisciplined and there are so many problems with breaking out of our zone that by the team the forwards can get the puck anywhere near the offensive zone they just dump it and head off on a line change. Things need to change with this team, there's far too much talent on the roster to be middling in mediocrity in the Eastern conference...I shudder to think how bad our record would be if we were in the West.

And can someone please tell me what this team's issue with shooting the puck is? Do they have some sort of aversion or clauses in their contract that prevent them from shooting the puck on net. We're damn near last in the league in shots for per game.

I'm starting to get sick of seeing this team with this many skill players resort to the ridiculous rim the puck around the boards and hope it ends up on someone's stick. That gameplan works for teams like the Boston Bruins who have a ton of hard nosed players on the roster. It doesn't work for a team with skill guys like Spezza, Regin, Alfredsson, Kovalev, Gonchar, Karlsson, Campoli, Shannon, etc....enough is enough of this Cussing garbage.

I agree with most of your points, but what I've realized lately is that we have far too many muckers and grinders and we don't really have many of these "skilled" players you mentioned above.

OK, I mentioned 8 skill players, which is a pretty good number for most teams. So here's my question: do you think those muckers and grinders are being put in a position to succeed?

The set up they have in the offensive zone is challenged. You have a cycle with one guy playing behind their net, one guy on each side of the half wall and the two defensemen at the traditional point positions. How are you supposed to attack from there? The worst part is, that seems to be the adopted offensive scheme for all four lines. No one is getting put in a position to attack the net with a high percentage. And the muckers and grinders are showing the worst, because if anyone should be going in to the dirty scoring areas in the slot, it should be them. Instead, they cycle and cycle the puck continuously, no where near a decent shooting position and then take a bad shot or the cycle is broken by the other team. Rinse and repeat.

It's Cussing disgustingly boring watching this team play. And people give the fans Dung all the time for being out of the game...well, how are they supposed to get into it when they are playing defensive minded hockey all the time.

I for one am starting to grow sick from it. And I don't care who's head rolls at this point because this isn't a 10-11-1 roster. And it's not a roster that should be in the bottom third of the league for scoring. Cuss this Dung.

PKC wrote:

SDH89 wrote:

PKC wrote:This team is way undisciplined and there are so many problems with breaking out of our zone that by the team the forwards can get the puck anywhere near the offensive zone they just dump it and head off on a line change. Things need to change with this team, there's far too much talent on the roster to be middling in mediocrity in the Eastern conference...I shudder to think how bad our record would be if we were in the West.

And can someone please tell me what this team's issue with shooting the puck is? Do they have some sort of aversion or clauses in their contract that prevent them from shooting the puck on net. We're damn near last in the league in shots for per game.

I'm starting to get sick of seeing this team with this many skill players resort to the ridiculous rim the puck around the boards and hope it ends up on someone's stick. That gameplan works for teams like the Boston Bruins who have a ton of hard nosed players on the roster. It doesn't work for a team with skill guys like Spezza, Regin, Alfredsson, Kovalev, Gonchar, Karlsson, Campoli, Shannon, etc....enough is enough of this Cussing garbage.

I agree with most of your points, but what I've realized lately is that we have far too many muckers and grinders and we don't really have many of these "skilled" players you mentioned above.

OK, I mentioned 8 skill players, which is a pretty good number for most teams. So here's my question: do you think those muckers and grinders are being put in a position to succeed?

The set up they have in the offensive zone is challenged. You have a cycle with one guy playing behind their net, one guy on each side of the half wall and the two defensemen at the traditional point positions. How are you supposed to attack from there? The worst part is, that seems to be the adopted offensive scheme for all four lines. No one is getting put in a position to attack the net with a high percentage. And the muckers and grinders are showing the worst, because if anyone should be going in to the dirty scoring areas in the slot, it should be them. Instead, they cycle and cycle the puck continuously, no where near a decent shooting position and then take a bad shot or the cycle is broken by the other team. Rinse and repeat.

It's Cussing disgustingly boring watching this team play. And people give the fans Dung all the time for being out of the game...well, how are they supposed to get into it when they are playing defensive minded hockey all the time.

I for one am starting to grow sick from it. And I don't care who's head rolls at this point because this isn't a 10-11-1 roster. And it's not a roster that should be in the bottom third of the league for scoring. Cuss this Dung.

The thing is, you named 8 skilled players, yet it's debatable whether or not they can be classified as that.

Shannon is tough because, he really shouldn't be playing top 6 minutes for any playoff hopeful team and he can't really be effective as a bottom 6 guy due to his size. Campoli hasn't show much this year - if anything. Both Alfie and Kovy are great when they're on, but age/wear and tear doesn't make them a guarantee every night. I can't really complain all that much about the other 4.

Murray....pull the trigger on something....anything! Make a move already its Cussing boring watching this uninspired team that can't shoot the puck

marakh wrote:Was at the game, was a snoozefest

I don't think we can afford to leave Karlsson out of the line up. His shots alone give us 5 more scoring chances a game, he always finds a way to get them through. Tonight was anemic around Raycroft.

Yeah, and watching Kuba in his place is painful. Kuba is a good puck distributor, but not a serious shot threat. Karlsson buries that one that Kuba rings off the post, if you ask me.

Michallica wrote:Murray....pull the trigger on something....anything! Make a move already its Cussing boring watching this uninspired team that can't shoot the puck

at this point i think i want murray to be careful. don't deal any of our prospects or picks. players like foligno, kovalev, kuba, campoli, they can go. but i'd try to bring back some picks if he can. i'm affraid we overperformed last year and this is closer to the kind of team we are supposed to be. i agree that this team has to shoot the puck more. i'm buying in a little bit more in this nextyear overhall concept. at least we could give some of our younger ones a shot(ie butler and smith.)

SpezDispenser wrote:Yeah, Clouston has to be assessed again soon. There wasn't much of a 'gameplan' tonight.

I'm not sure what to say right now, things are not clicking, it's very frustrating.

You could actually hear Clouston yelling profanity laced instructions to his players as they seemed to ignore him.

The few people that did show up for that turkey of a game deserve refunds. I know a couple of kids from town here who wasted a long drive last night going to that snoozefest.

SDH89 wrote:Also, can we please put Gonchar on the right side on the PP? Don't know why they're trying to set up Kuba's "shot".

I was wondering the same thing...I don't understand where Clouston's head has been lately. He keeps saying if it ain't broke dont' fix it, and he did...Gonchar being back on the right on the PP is what had gotten us going again...I don't understand...I'm starting to think Clouston is already losing it...

Michallica wrote:Murray....pull the trigger on something....anything! Make a move already its Cussing boring watching this uninspired team that can't shoot the puck

I'm half expecting to refresh at some point and see Murray has been fired or moved to head of scouting.

We can't buy a goal and that starts with the GM, then goes on the coach, then on the players.

I hope for Murray's sake (and Clouston's), we start playing real hockey, because last night was embarrassing.

Agreed Spezz. And I still maintain that there's no way Clouston gets fired...not this season anyways. The backlash in this city will be tremendous. Especially if Murray is the one to axe him. Murray's dealt clouston some cards that just aren't working out (poor goaltending, poor defense, anemic and streaky forwards outside of Alfie and Spezza).

No part of the game is particularly to be proud of. I think Murray needs to do make a trade for sure where he deals one of the regulars....not trade away his own prospect, I'd be angry at that. You only deal a prospect if you get a stud back.

Also two points of defense for Clouston:

a) nobody anticipated Phillips to struggle so mightily without Volchenkov. Sure there's a transition period but Phillips seems super low on confidence too.

b) Regin and Foligno being complete busts so far. I like Regin's game, but lets face it the production has not been there. Foligno is skating well, making moves, but the guy just doesn't shoot enough. Too many moves, and frankly going 21 games with one goal combined by these two, and I'm not surprised our offense sucks. And both have received ample opportunity in the top 6. Disappointing.

c) Michalek, Fisher have been very sub-par this season. These guys were supposed to form a formidable line and top 6. Both have been big busts, and possibly due to injury. With that said, the cap is at such a situation that these guys are having to play through whatever's bothering them. This is on Murray. We have depth in bingo to use but we can't for 'cap reasons' call them up?

And no, I don't think Clouston is without fault here. The guy has made some extremely head scratching decisions. THe reason we see such 'streaky' teams under him is because of the way he handles the goaltending. Whatever way we slice it, he and management have NOT handled that area properly, or the PP. But don't expect him to be fired....we gave up Heatley for this guy in what's now looking like a horrible trade, and not just to be fired less than 2 years later. There's no way a fanbase could/should accept this on murray's part if Clouston is gone. I know I'll be pissed. My only hope is that Clouston does see that this is his contract year (he doesn't have an extension in hand) so he better get his Dung and team in order if he wants to stick in the NHL.

Michallica wrote:Agreed Spezz. And I still maintain that there's no way Clouston gets fired...not this season anyways. The backlash in this city will be tremendous. Especially if Murray is the one to axe him. Murray's dealt clouston some cards that just aren't working out (poor goaltending, poor defense, anemic and streaky forwards outside of Alfie and Spezza).

No part of the game is particularly to be proud of. I think Murray needs to do make a trade for sure where he deals one of the regulars....not trade away his own prospect, I'd be angry at that. You only deal a prospect if you get a stud back.

Everyone knows I love Murray, I love what he's done to mend the farm system, I like what he did in getting something back for Heatley - although in hindsight, we got jobbed. But there comes a time where sentimentality has to be erased from the equation and a sharp hockey mind must have the freedom to come in here and assess Chris Phillips and Mike Fisher to name just two. We're paying these guys 8 million dollars between the two of them - and they're doing precious little.

A guy coming in fresh would have no ties to these guys, so if he deemed it time to let them go on the trade market, then he'd have a lot less drama around him than if Murray did it.

Also, a new GM can come in and axe everybody in the coaching staff - now, I'm not a fan of that personally, but I have a feeling the new GM would give Clouston a little rope before making a decision.

It's getting desperate in Ottawa - despite what some people on here think about 'over-reacting after a loss' etc., we haven't been able to score since Heatley's last year here, maybe even the year before that, I can't recall. Probably been a good 3 1/2-4 years since we've been able to bulge the twine with any kind of consistency - and I for one am sick to death of it.