Hartsburg calls out Spezza

http://www.ottawasun.com/Sports/Senators/2008/11/10/7358856-sun.html

He does raise a good point. Don't get me wrong, I am not a Spezza basher, but that line hasn't been clicking like it could be. If the 1st and 2nd lines started playing up to their potential at the same time, they would be a really difficult team to play against.

So far I like the defencive approach to the game. Pretty soon when they all get more comfortable with the new system, they will also find the more opportune times to get some goals.

I'm surprised he didn't have anything to add about Vermette. I'm even more surprised that he specifically said he had no problem with Heatley. Has Spezza really been that bad, relatively speaking? It's not like Heatley has been MVP calibre over that stretch.

Glad to hear that Hartsburg is keeping his eye on the calendar. It's been 6 games and they'd better produce tomorrow if they want to see 8 games. Thing is, from what little I've seen (3 of those 6) there is no chemistry between Vermette and the other two. It's like the two don't know (or care?) that the third is out there (and vice versa). This may very well be Vermette's last chance to stick around in Ottawa, and it doesn't appear that Spezza or Heatley are trying to get him some points.

How about instead of "calling out" players in the media, maybe Hartsburgh can start putting words into actions. He preaches accountability in interviews, but I've seen ZERO! Cut some ice time bench someone other than a 4th liner. Don't just yap!

Maybe this is just step one in his "accountability" plan. Next step may be to start cutting back minutes or whatever.

I sure hope so Shabbs.

He'll have to be playing at his "two-way" best tomorrow against the Habs.

mattshock wrote:He'll have to be playing at his "two-way" best tomorrow against the Habs.

Indeed. Big test for the Sens. Habs will be hungry after losing to the Leafs on HNIC.

Great luck we've had with the NHL's Elite teams eh? Freakin' Leafs.

First the Leafs beat Detroit and then Detroit come in and beats us NOW the Leafs beat Montreal and we get to face them next :x

It definitely has blowout written all over it.

Then again, with Auld back in net (hopefully, I haven't heard anything official), maybe they get tickin' again, and build some momentum from a big win.

Here's hoping that Auld is back in and we get the win. I want the Sens to stick it to the Habs.

spezza rules! wrote:Here's hoping that Auld is back in and we get the win. I want the Sens to stick it to the Habs.

Same here... we'll see who Hartsburg goes back with. If it is Auld and the team steps up it's play in front of him... the message should be clear.

Cap'n Clutch wrote:How about instead of "calling out" players in the media, maybe Hartsburgh can start putting words into actions. He preaches accountability in interviews, but I've seen ZERO! Cut some ice time bench someone other than a 4th liner. Don't just yap!

I totally disagree with you...there is absolutely no need to bench this early in the season...especially one of your top players...

I'm not sure how I feel about benching a guy. Has it been shown to work in the past?

I'd think accountability should be more about giving opportunities to the guys that are earning it (1st unit PP time for example), rather than putting a top player in the press box, but then again, I'm no coach.

I'm actually worried for tomorrow's tilt with the Habs. They'll be presumably pissed about their game on Saturday and may come out both barrels firing; so hopefully Auld is still rarin' to go and can find his momentum again.
Also, after a disgraceful outing, especially in the 3rd against the Canes on Friday, I hope ALL the players come out angry and ready to play.

COLLAR UP wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:How about instead of "calling out" players in the media, maybe Hartsburgh can start putting words into actions. He preaches accountability in interviews, but I've seen ZERO! Cut some ice time bench someone other than a 4th liner. Don't just yap!

I totally disagree with you...there is absolutely no need to bench this early in the season...especially one of your top players...

Fine, then cut ice time. Do something other than talk.