Game Day - Minnesota @ Ottawa, 7:30PM, Tuesday, October 11, 2011

tim1_2 wrote:Gonchar tends to look fine when he has time...it's when things get dicey that he seems to turn the puck over or make poor choices.

Same for Kuba... under pressure he seems to panic and then make a boneheaded pass... happened many times last night... I'm sure Anderson is hoping those get under control sooner than later.

I gotta tell you though that I'm not in love at all with the boo'ing of Gonchar. People have to get a Cussing grip. Turning into a damn habs crowd

EDIT : I should've read from the top of the page; this point was already covered but it really angered me.

Even the vets need time to learn and feel comfortable in a new system. This team will surpass expectations (not that they were high to begin with) because of a very clear message from the coach, a strong work ethic, and smart hockey players.

Like it or not and people may not like GOnchar or Kuba, but you don't play for a decade in the NHL being a stupid or lack luster hockey player.

Once things start clicking (at times they have) things will be very exciting in Ottawa.

Besides the Detroit game where they were going blow for blow the first 15 and last 15 mins of that game, they have dominated larg portions of the other 2 games. BAd teams hang in, they don't dominate. The Sens are a decent to good team.

TheAvatar wrote:I gotta tell you though that I'm not in love at all with the boo'ing of Gonchar. People have to get a Cussing grip. Turning into a damn habs crowd

EDIT : I should've read from the top of the page; this point was already covered but it really angered me.

I gave it to him after a crappy shift where he looked like he didn't care, but pre-game... Kuba and Gonchar was jsut classless.

NEELY wrote:

TheAvatar wrote:I gotta tell you though that I'm not in love at all with the boo'ing of Gonchar. People have to get a Cussing grip. Turning into a damn habs crowd

EDIT : I should've read from the top of the page; this point was already covered but it really angered me.

I gave it to him after a crappy shift where he looked like he didn't care, but pre-game... Kuba and Gonchar was jsut classless.

It was the minority that was booing Kuba and Gonchar. Also, why is that classless? These guys are making millions of dollars, and both of them played terrible for an entire year. It's our only means to let players know we are dissatisfied. I don't get the backlash against the fans who booed...it's our right. And, in both these cases, it is justified.

in pre-game ceremonies? That's classless. It may be the fan's right, but it doesn't change the douchebaggery that took place in the pre-game ceremonies. Like many have already said, you can boo them during the game after a bad play or to let them know that their play is unacceptable, but to boo them in the opening game in front of the home crowd is in fact, gutless and moronic. This is where you're welcoming back the players that play for your team...not quite the welcome now is it?

Michallica wrote:in pre-game ceremonies? That's classless. It may be the fan's right, but it doesn't change the douchebaggery that took place in the pre-game ceremonies. Like many have already said, you can boo them during the game after a bad play or to let them know that their play is unacceptable, but to boo them in the opening game in front of the home crowd is in fact, gutless and moronic. This is where you're welcoming back the players that play for your team...not quite the welcome now is it?

"Gutless and moronoic." Ouch. It was the player introductions. There was only a faint chorus of boos through the cheers. It wasn't that bad. Again, we're being overly sensitive. These guys cost the team $9M collectively, and were horrible last year. They will be cheered more enthusiastically when they play better, not before.

tim1_2 wrote:

NEELY wrote:

TheAvatar wrote:I gotta tell you though that I'm not in love at all with the boo'ing of Gonchar. People have to get a Cussing grip. Turning into a damn habs crowd

EDIT : I should've read from the top of the page; this point was already covered but it really angered me.

I gave it to him after a crappy shift where he looked like he didn't care, but pre-game... Kuba and Gonchar was jsut classless.

It was the minority that was booing Kuba and Gonchar. Also, why is that classless? These guys are making millions of dollars, and both of them played terrible for an entire year. It's our only means to let players know we are dissatisfied. I don't get the backlash against the fans who booed...it's our right. And, in both these cases, it is justified.

Don't see how booing Kuba is justified at all. He's had 2 very good seasons with Ottawa, last year injuries took their tole on the guy and he never got up to the level he should be, but this year during camp and his first 2 games he was very solid. He was solid again last night.

If he was playing awful or even not giving an effort then I would get it. Gonchar I can buy a little even if I don't agree, I don't get allt eh Kuba hate, never have. Scape goat I guess but all that anger is clearly directed at Gonchar now.

tim1_2 wrote:

Michallica wrote:in pre-game ceremonies? That's classless. It may be the fan's right, but it doesn't change the douchebaggery that took place in the pre-game ceremonies. Like many have already said, you can boo them during the game after a bad play or to let them know that their play is unacceptable, but to boo them in the opening game in front of the home crowd is in fact, gutless and moronic. This is where you're welcoming back the players that play for your team...not quite the welcome now is it?

"Gutless and moronoic." Ouch. It was the player introductions. There was only a faint chorus of boos through the cheers. It wasn't that bad. Again, we're being overly sensitive. These guys cost the team $9M collectively, and were horrible last year. They will be cheered more enthusiastically when they play better, not before.

Do people forget how good Kuba has actually been for the better part of 3 1/2, 4 seasons now for Ottawa? He had an injury filled season where he came back, the team was in the gutter and being blown up, and somehow people want to now say "Kuba sucks" or "he's worthless". It's not true in the least.

It's a fans right but it's doesn't make them right doing it. Most of the people booing Kuba IMO are pretty ignorant because they just ignore everything he has actually done in the organization to this point and are just looking for someone to boo. Now they have GOnchar and I'm sure the wrath of the moronic will be felt by him as well.

All for booing, hell, I was booing Gonchar last night when he had the puck at one point, but during the game when it was warrented.

Let's not blow this out of proportion. It was a light chorus of boos, nothing that bad.

If there is a perceived lack of effort/caring, then guys will be booed, and those are the emotions some fans have right now towards Gonchar and Kuba. As veterans, they need to play better and more consistently.

Never have I ever questioned Kuba's effort. He's a scape goat for a bad season last year and for fans that want to see new blood (even if they are no where near ready).

That light corus of boo's was the sound of the ignorant here in Ottawa, nothing more.

SpezDispenser wrote:

Michallica wrote:I predicted Mika would get his first goal....

now I'm predicting as well that he'll be sent back to sweden in the next 3-4 games. Good opportunity and will get to play in world jrs.

although would be sick if he can stay and play in the ahl.

Still too early to say though. From watching him live last night, I'd say he skates like a pro, has the snap shot of a pro, the body that is perfect for NHL play, tenacity, grit - so if he's just lacking puck handling/passing skills at this level and MacLean and co. think they can slowly get him up to speed there, he might get the benefit of the doubt and stay in NA.

My vote right now is the SEL - but we still have 6 games + practices.

To me, it's just a matter of whether or not he's taking the spot of a more deserving/skilled player and I don't think that's the case. Keeping in mind that this might be his only chance to learn from Alfie first hand, I'd say keep him around. Of course the number of entry level contracts might also play a role here. I don't really think his stick handling is an issue either. I saw glimpses of his skill with the puck last night. The rest is just nerves. The alternative is over-handling and turning the puck over.

tim1_2 wrote:Let's not blow this out of proportion. It was a light chorus of boos, nothing that bad.

If there is a perceived lack of effort/caring, then guys will be booed, and those are the emotions some fans have right now towards Gonchar and Kuba. As veterans, they need to play better and more consistently.

You're normally pretty sensible but I gotta tell you, I completely disagree with you on this issue. As as been said, it's one thing to boo a player after a bad or a lazy play but to boo him during the team introduction; the first home game of the season is STUPID and worthy of Cussing hab fans.

It was also the launch of the Sens' 20th anniversary celebrations.

Diddle, I was so embarrassed I actually tried to cheer as loud as possible for Kuba and Gonchar.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Now...later in the game, I gave Gonchar a sound booing for sucking arse, but not in the damn opening ceremonies.

TheAvatar wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:Let's not blow this out of proportion. It was a light chorus of boos, nothing that bad.

If there is a perceived lack of effort/caring, then guys will be booed, and those are the emotions some fans have right now towards Gonchar and Kuba. As veterans, they need to play better and more consistently.

You're normally pretty sensible but I gotta tell you, I completely disagree with you on this issue. As as been said, it's one thing to boo a player after a bad or a lazy play but to boo him during the team introduction; the first home game of the season is STUPID and worthy of Cussing hab fans.

That's the first time I've ever been called sensible. Thank you!

These guys had both already played two games in the regular season, plus preseason, and there's been nothing to show that they are turning it around (more Gonchar than Kuba...Kuba hasn't been as bad). Also, the booing really wasn't that harsh...it's being overblown in my opinion.

That said, fans have every right to boo guys that aren't earning their substantial paycheques. If Gonchar showed signs in the preseason or the first two regular season games of turning things around, he would not have been booed.

I'm sure the booing of Gonchar was mostly due to last season. I have my doubts that the casual fan is really aware of his play the last few games.

I've met people who think Spezza is a useless giveaway machine and should be traded for a bag of pucks. They were STUNNED to learn he's top in faceoffs, had to show them the NHL stats page (he was #11 last year in the NHL).

This may be Canada and the fans may be nuts about hockey but it doesn't mean the fans are necessarily well informed (especially if the Sun is all they read).

I saw loyal fans in Sens' gear buying the new Heritage jersey but they had no idea who Cowen was, never even heard of him.

It's no biggie but I don't think the fine members of this forum are representative of the typical Sens fan in the city.

Hoags wrote:I'm sure the booing of Gonchar was mostly due to last season. I have my doubts that the casual fan is really aware of his play the last few games.

If people pay money to go see a game, they can boo whoever they want. Tickets are expensive, and they want their money's worth. If a guy making $5.5M is perceived to not be trying hard enough, he'll be booed.

Yeah, most of the people in attendance probably don't follow the team as closely as we do, but that doesn't mean they are "moronic" as they were called on this page. They are fans, expressing their opinion. Their opinion was that Gonchar is not earning his paycheque (and, to a lesser extent, Kuba). Both these opinions are shared by pretty much everyone on here, so I don't know why this is "moronic", or "ignorant", or whatever. If I shell out cash to go so a game, you're damned right I'm going to let guys know if I'm unhappy with their play...until they turn it around.