GAME DAY: San Jose Sharks @ Ottawa Senators - 7:30pm ET - THUR. Dec. 2, 2010

Big Ev wrote:

stempniaksen wrote:

Big Ev wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote: Really though, what is Murray waiting for? It's been an hour since the game finished, call up Butler.

I would also like to see Locke get a chance. I mean, what harm could it do if he doesn't do much? We're losing anyway.

I honestly don't have many untouchables on our current roster except for Karlsson and MAYBE Spezza.

Maybe Spezza?

His play coupled with the return we would get (stars never get traded for value) would make him untouchable in my eyes.
Even more untouchable than Karlsson to be honest (although that would take a ridiculous offer as well).

I didn't necessarily mean I would trade him...I should have said "guys who we can build a foundation upon"...and I don't think that's Spezza.

I won't get into Spezza talk again because everyone knows where I stand on it and is sick of my ramblings

I do see where you're coming from though and it definitely makes sense, although the way everyone has played you'd almost have to call it open season as far as the untouchables are concerned.

Big Ev wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote: Really though, what is Murray waiting for? It's been an hour since the game finished, call up Butler.

I would also like to see Locke get a chance. I mean, what harm could it do if he doesn't do much? We're losing anyway.

I honestly don't have many untouchables on our current roster except for Karlsson and MAYBE Spezza.

No, no, I realize now that we'd take three steps back if we trade Spezza. A number one, play-making center is really hard to find. Right now, we're lucky enough to have that number one C in place IMO, now we can study the top 6 of this team and the nucleus of the D. Address a couple internally hopefully, a couple via free agency, perhaps a couple of trades, a nice draft or 2 and we could be back in 2-3 years. I don't think that's too optimistic. It'll be a mini-rebuild/major retool I think.

SDH89 wrote:

Big Ev wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote: Really though, what is Murray waiting for? It's been an hour since the game finished, call up Butler.

I would also like to see Locke get a chance. I mean, what harm could it do if he doesn't do much? We're losing anyway.

I honestly don't have many untouchables on our current roster except for Karlsson and MAYBE Spezza.

After watching Locke in the Bingo game, he's not something we need - fairly slow and small/soft.

Haha. I said the exact same thing about 2 weeks ago when someone asked me why he can't make an impact in the NHL. There was some good back and forth going on actually. Not sure what thread it was in tho'.

SpezDispenser wrote:

Big Ev wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote: Really though, what is Murray waiting for? It's been an hour since the game finished, call up Butler.

I would also like to see Locke get a chance. I mean, what harm could it do if he doesn't do much? We're losing anyway.

I honestly don't have many untouchables on our current roster except for Karlsson and MAYBE Spezza.

No, no, I realize now that we'd take three steps back if we trade Spezza. A number one, play-making center is really hard to find. Right now, we're lucky enough to have that number one C in place IMO, now we can study the top 6 of this team and the nucleus of the D. Address a couple internally hopefully, a couple via free agency, perhaps a couple of trades, a nice draft or 2 and we could be back in 2-3 years. I don't think that's too optimistic. It'll be a mini-rebuild/major retool I think.

I almost feel bad for Spezza. He's playing through his prime years of his career with absolutely no support on the wings. I desperately want a winger that can actually play with him - enough with scrubs like Michalek and co. Unfortunately I just don't see us getting Spezza that kind of guy he needs to play with (although we saw that guy tonight )

SDH89 wrote:

Michallica wrote:well in one of the most electric atmospheres in sens land, the senators laid a gigantic egg. I don't even know how to describe how brutal the senators were today. Sharks were waaaay faster, and won all the board battles for the pucks. Heatley had some great jump in his game unfortunately.

Seriously does the team have no pride whatsoever? They practically let heatley and the gang run wild over them. They shoulda tried to win this for their coach...for their owner....for their captain....for their GM....yadda yadda. So many reasons to be fired up for this, to be inspire and what the hell did we get? Another 'worst game of the year' performance. Can't wait for the next one.

My thoughts exactly, I question the heart and backbone on every single player on this team - Yes, I'm even looking at you Alfie.

I've never been so discouraged as a Sens fan. Luckily for me, I was too young to care in the expansion days.

You're definitely right. This team has no backbone. They're either trying to get Clouston fired or just really don't give a Dung anymore about the team or the city. I call BS on anyone that tries to convince me that the sens would have more jump in their game if the fans were into it. Cuss off.

what in god's name has happened to our PK? it is just horrendous. The passing today was deplorable, I don't remember how many times Kuba gave the puck away today, along with other senators but it was just sloppy and embarassing. How many Cussing breakaways is enough for the other team?

Leclaire should demand a trade. A team that can't score for their goalie who constantly kept saving their collective irresponsible asses deserves better than this crap. They've scored more than 1 goal only twice for him...max has been 3. No wonder he can't ever win.

CockRoche wrote:

SDH89 wrote:

Big Ev wrote:

SpezDispenser wrote: Really though, what is Murray waiting for? It's been an hour since the game finished, call up Butler.

I would also like to see Locke get a chance. I mean, what harm could it do if he doesn't do much? We're losing anyway.

I honestly don't have many untouchables on our current roster except for Karlsson and MAYBE Spezza.

After watching Locke in the Bingo game, he's not something we need - fairly slow and small/soft.

Haha. I said the exact same thing about 2 weeks ago when someone asked me why he can't make an impact in the NHL. There was some good back and forth going on actually. Not sure what thread it was in tho'.

Yeah, I remember people discussing the pros and cons to Locke being called up, so I wanted to pay close attention to him when I saw him.

I don't want to knock on him tho - he's making a great career for himself in the A, nothing wrong with that.

stempniaksen wrote:I won't get into Spezza talk again because everyone knows where I stand on it and is sick of my ramblings

I do see where you're coming from though and it definitely makes sense, although the way everyone has played you'd almost have to call it open season as far as the untouchables are concerned.

Sorry stempniaksen, I actually don't know your views on Spezza. Can you give me a brief rambling on how you view him? I would like to know; I promise I won't forget.

SDH89 wrote:
I almost feel bad for Spezza. He's playing through his prime years of his career with absolutely no support on the wings. I desperately want a winger that can actually play with him - enough with scrubs like Michalek and co. Unfortunately I just don't see us getting Spezza that kind of guy he needs to play with (although we saw that guy tonight )

Let's be fair, Spezza had two of the best wingers in the league for most of his career. Back 5 years ago, or whatever, Heatley was a 50 goal, 100 point man and Alfie was a 40 goal, 100 point man. Cuss, those were the days, let's get us a couple of sick wingers and go to town. And the plus is that Cowen, Rundblad, Karlsson and Wiercioch are all in the system.

SDH89 wrote:

CockRoche wrote:

SDH89 wrote:After watching Locke in the Bingo game, he's not something we need - fairly slow and small/soft.

Haha. I said the exact same thing about 2 weeks ago when someone asked me why he can't make an impact in the NHL. There was some good back and forth going on actually. Not sure what thread it was in tho'.

Yeah, I remember people discussing the pros and cons to Locke being called up, so I wanted to pay close attention to him when I saw him.

I don't want to knock on him tho - he's making a great career for himself in the A, nothing wrong with that.

And making great coin too. One of the highest paid down there; other than career NHLers that have been waived down to the A.

Notice how after every SJ dump in, it takes 2 or 3 sec to get the puck back to their D on the blue line?
After every Sens dump in, the SJ D either intercept and makes an easy pass for a nice transition, or the SEns get it and do a full minute of cycling that still ends up with a SJ nice transition.

IF that's not a coaching problem I don't know what it is.

Michallica wrote:

You're definitely right. This team has no backbone. They're either trying to get Clouston fired or just really don't give a Dung anymore about the team or the city. I call BS on anyone that tries to convince me that the sens would have more jump in their game if the fans were into it. Cuss off.

what in god's name has happened to our PK? it is just horrendous. The passing today was deplorable, I don't remember how many times Kuba gave the puck away today, along with other senators but it was just sloppy and embarassing. How many Cussing breakaways is enough for the other team?

Leclaire should demand a trade. A team that can't score for their goalie who constantly kept saving their collective irresponsible asses deserves better than this crap. They've scored more than 1 goal only twice for him...max has been 3. No wonder he can't ever win.

I know in a game this bad, it's tough to pinpoint one guy, but man, I don't think I've ever seen anyone defenceman as useless as Filip Kuba. For a big guy, he's unbelievably soft, moves like a snail, his outlet passes are seemingly getting worse, and he has perhaps one of the weakest shots from the line I've ever seen. He's starting to remind me of a bigger Wade Redden, what an anchor!

SpezDispenser wrote:

SDH89 wrote:
I almost feel bad for Spezza. [1] He's playing through his prime years of his career with absolutely no support on the wings. I desperately want a winger that can actually play with him - enough with scrubs like Michalek and co. Unfortunately I just don't see us getting Spezza that kind of guy he needs to play with (although we saw that guy tonight )

Let's be fair, Spezza had two of the best wingers in the league for most of his career. Back 5 years ago, or whatever, Heatley was a 50 goal, 100 point man and Alfie was a 40 goal, 100 point man. [2]Cuss, those were the days, let's get us a couple of sick wingers and go to town. And the plus is that Cowen, Rundblad, Karlsson and Wiercioch are all in the system.

[1] Agreed. He is actually just starting his prime in my opinion, especially because of his marriage and maturity level - on and off the ice - he is showing this season.

[2] That would be something to see. Just for fun, pick 2 that you could reasonably see or want to see with our new found cap space next season?

SpezDispenser wrote:

Let's be fair, Spezza had two of the best wingers in the league for most of his career. Back 5 years ago, or whatever, Heatley was a 50 goal, 100 point man and Alfie was a 40 goal, 100 point man. Cuss, those were the days, let's get us a couple of sick wingers and go to town. And the plus is that Cowen, Rundblad, Karlsson and Wiercioch are all in the system.

True, he had great wingers early on and was quite succesful with them. But now, at 27, he faces a future with a bunch of duds up front. Sure we'll hopefully have an awesome blueline, but they're not necessarily help him score goals.

marakh wrote:Notice how after every SJ dump in, it takes 2 or 3 sec to get the puck back to their D on the blue line?
After every Sens dump in, the SJ D either intercept and makes an easy pass for a nice transition, or the SEns get it and do a full minute of cycling that still ends up with a SJ nice transition.

IF that's not a coaching problem I don't know what it is.

It's terrible. So terrible, I don't know what's happening. The Sharks lob the puck into our zone and they're on it and it's to their point men in no time at all. No fairy cycling, just bang, they're on our D (exposing them frankly) and the puck's to the point, then almost as importantly they shoot it on the Cussing net.

We lob it in, lumber into the zone, tie up the D-man, fondle the puck behind the net a bit, give it up for an odd man rush...

Same damn thing all game - and not just this game. It hurts to watch.

SDH89 wrote:

Michallica wrote:

You're definitely right. This team has no backbone. They're either trying to get Clouston fired or just really don't give a Dung anymore about the team or the city. I call BS on anyone that tries to convince me that the sens would have more jump in their game if the fans were into it. Cuss off.

what in god's name has happened to our PK? it is just horrendous. The passing today was deplorable, I don't remember how many times Kuba gave the puck away today, along with other senators but it was just sloppy and embarassing. How many Cussing breakaways is enough for the other team?

Leclaire should demand a trade. A team that can't score for their goalie who constantly kept saving their collective irresponsible asses deserves better than this crap. They've scored more than 1 goal only twice for him...max has been 3. No wonder he can't ever win.

I know in a game this bad, it's tough to pinpoint one guy, but man, I don't think I've ever seen anyone defenceman as useless as Filip Kuba. For a big guy, he's unbelievably soft, moves like a snail, his outlet passes are seemingly getting worse, and he has perhaps one of the weakest shots from the line I've ever seen. He's starting to remind me of a bigger Wade Redden, what an anchor!

Definitely not the solidifying 2nd pairing guy I expected thus far. Patience though, he didn't have a training camp. The games we are seeing right now are his camp.

CockRoche wrote:

[1] Agreed. He is actually just starting his prime in my opinion, especially because of his marriage and maturity level - on and off the ice - he is showing this season.

[2] That would be something to see. Just for fun, [b]pick 2 that you could reasonably see or want to see with our new found cap space next year

That's what worries me Roche. We will have lots of $$ space. But there is going to be very limited FA's available. I would kill to have Semin slotted next to Spezza but that quite simply is not going to happen. Parise is another guy, people would love to see here. But alas he's only an RFA, and NJ is not going to let him go. I'm extremely concerned that it'll be status quo up front for the Sens next year.

EDIT: sorry I keep screwing up the quotes!
WPEDIT: And I keep fixing them. You were missing the forward slash in the closing QUOTE tag.

CockRoche wrote:
[1] Agreed. He is actually just starting his prime in my opinion, especially because of his marriage and maturity level - on and off the ice - he is showing this season.

[2] That would be something to see. Just for fun, pick 2 that you could reasonably see or want to see with our new found cap space next season?

It's really hard to imagine what will happen around the league. I could see the Sens kicking the tires on Daniele Briere if the Flyers have to move him for cap reasons, same with Martin Havlat - who was having some issues in Minny last I heard.

Maybe you could watch Gagne closely this season and see if he can rebound from his injury, maybe he takes a short contract.

Or the Sens could approach the Brad Richards sweeps in July if he's not signed and try to support Spezza a little.

Or...they could go for broke talent-wise and try to entice Semin over here, but I think that might be a real long shot - and perhaps not the best idea.

Briere's really interesting to me - again IF the Flyers decide to move him and IF he waives his NTC for Ottawa - because he plays both C and W very effectively. Really competitive, I like him a lot. He's overpaid, but not by that much IMO.

SDH89 wrote:

CockRoche wrote:

[1] Agreed. He is actually just starting his prime in my opinion, especially because of his marriage and maturity level - on and off the ice - he is showing this season.

[2] That would be something to see. Just for fun, [b]pick 2 that you could reasonably see or want to see with our new found cap space next year

That's what worries me Roche. We will have lots of $$ space. But there is going to be very limited FA's available. I would kill to have Semin slotted next to Spezza but that quite simply is not going to happen. Parise is another guy, people would love to see here. But alas he's only an RFA, and NJ is not going to let him go. I'm extremely concerned that it'll be status quo up front for the Sens next year.

EDIT: sorry I keep screwing up the quotes!

I'm not sure if Semin would be the answer, but if he's available July 1, we'd certainly have the cap to go after him. We're probably not the 'sexy' pick, but he could do worse than Spezza dishing him the puck.