SENS Win In A Spezz-Tacular Performance

The 12 game winless streak on the road came to an end with the Sens winning in Edmonton tonight 3-2. It was a pretty solid 60 minute performance by everyone. Finally a game worth watching. I'm glad I stayed up despite the game being delayed by the lights not working. Way to go Deadmonton.

Special props to Jason Spezza who had a sick game. He had a goal and an assist but more importantly played hard and smart all night. Very unusual for him to play that way but thoroughly enjoyable to watch him play a complete game.

Hoping to Avoid A Baker's Dozen in Edmonton

The Sens return to action tonight in Edmonton at 10pm eastern time, hoping to avoid their 13th consecutive loss on the road. Ottawa is now 10 points out of a playoff spot nearly midway through the season, although they do have 2 games in hand on 8th place Buffalo. At this point all I want to see is the team put in an honest effort for a full 60 minutes for once. The always worrysome Martin Gerber will start.

The Legendary Claude Lemieux Returns

In a move straight out of a movie, the San Jose Sharks have signed 43 year old Claude Lemieux to a two-way deal. No seriously! Don't worry, no need to check your calendars. I can assure you it isnt't April 1st. Terms of the deal weren't released as per team policy.

There Goes The Season : Sens Shutout

R.I.P. to the hope of the Ottawa Senators making the playoffs this year. It's a write off. We need to rebuild and start again. Unfortunately, it appears this season is a lost cause. Oh and ya the Sens were shutout again. The road losing streak is at 12 now. So Tavares or Hedman?

Sens v Van City : Game Day Preview

The Sens are back at it tonight in Vancouver at 10pm. Playing back to back on the west coast doesn't seem to be a good thing but then again who can ever figure this team out. We have lost 11 straight on the road and are the worst team on the road in the NHL. Here are your 2008-09 Ottawa Senators. If we're gonna lose then I can accept that. It's the lazy, undisciplined play I can't stand. So let's at least put in a full 60 minute effort for once and let the chips fall where they may. Who knows, maybe we'll even catch a lucky break and get some points.

Martin Gerber is expected to start.

Stampede'd

What a bone crushing loss. We gave this game away when we needed it so badly. If they have the same performance tomorrow night in Van City, look for moves to be made. At this point, I can't see us making the playoffs at all.

Sens in Calgary : Game Day

The Sens play their first of three games in western Canada tonight as they take on the Calgary Flames at the Saddledome. The Flames are an impressive 10-4-3 at home this season so this will be tough for the Sens to get the W.

Winchester and Kuba are definitely out while Volchenkov is questionable. Alex Auld is expected to start.

This is a homecoming for sniper Dany Heatley so hopefully he can continue his hot streak and have another good peformance.

Game is on at 10pm on CBC.

My New Favorite Player

So I was at the Canada World Junior game last night and when they announced the starting lineups I hear Michal Jordan for the Czech team. Of course, I made a double take. Did I just hear what I thought I did?? Yep !! Ladies and gentleman Michal Jordan is now a hockey player. Who knew. Would have been so much better if he went with #23 though.

Here's his profile. Click here

Czech Mate

Canada destroyed the Czechs despite a pretty sloppy game from our boys. Even worse is the score is still flattering. Canada could have scored 20.

This was my first time seeing John Tavares in person and after all the hype, I'd have to say the kid is amazing. 2 goal and a beautiful assist in his first game with all that pressure. He's a stud for sure.

Karlsson Makes Ottawa Debut

Top Sens Prospect Erik Karlsson makes his first appearance in Ottawa tonight as Sweden takes on Finland at the Civic Centre at 6:30pm. So all Sens fans, be sure to keep an eye on our future superstar. He is an early favorite to be named the tournament's top defenceman.

Vegas Doesn't Like Sens Either

It appears that the good people of Sens Army aren't the only ones who are losing faith in our team. Las Vegas recently released the odds of each team to win the Stanley Cup this year and Ottawa was right near the bottom at 75-1. Not surprisingly, San Jose leads the way at 3-1. If you still have some faith in this team ( like I do for some reason) then it might be a good time to plunk down a few hard earned dollars and place a bet on us. Hey a $10 wager will pay you $750. That's what I would do (if gambling was legal) haha.

When Will It End ??

As the frustration in Ottawa mounts, the Senators are in Western Canada, trying to get their season back on track somehow. They play Calgary tomorrow, followed by Vancouver (sans Sundin) on Saturday and then on to Edmonton. They have lost 10 in a row on the road and will be trying to avoid an embrassing eleventh straight L.

This is the perfect opportunity to show the players care. If they don't start collecting points soon, many players could find themselves on a new team in the near future. This roadie will go along way to deciding if the Sens will be buyers or sellers as the trade deadline gets closer. Adding to the Sens woes is the injurtybug hitting our already depleated defence. Both Volchenkov and Kuba are questionable but neither are expected to play.

World Junior Tourney Opens Today

The World Junior Championship opens up today with four games being played. This afternoon it was Russia v Latvia and then USA v Germany. Tonight is Sweden v Finland and then the big game, Czech Republic v CANADA. I'm going to the game so I know it's not Sens but I will have a full report and pics for you guys. Let's make it five in a row.

Presents for All Sens Fans

Since it's Christmas today I figured I'd give Sens Fans a lil' present. My top all time favorite Senator Moments. Enjoy !!

Chris Phillips scoring an OT winner against the Leafs.


Alfie on Tucker = Amazing and PS the hit isn't from behind. He clearly hits him on the side at his shoulder.


Sens and Philly Brawl = Nuff Said. Most penalty minutes ever in one game.



Chara Ragdolling McCabe



"THE GOAL"



Alfie Fights and Drops Gilmour



Phillips Game 6 OT Winner



And finally, Steve Duchesne scores as Sens make the playoffs for the first time

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to everyone out there from Sens Town. I hope you all have a safe and awesome holiday season. Let's hope the Sens give us the present we want and start winning again.

Melnyk Interview

Melnyk interview from last week on the Fan 590 from Toronto. Enjoy.

Click here to listen

Binghamton Fight Night

An early candidate for fight of the year. Between Binghamton Senator Jeremy Yablonski and Syracuse Crunch Jon Mirasty in Binghamton, NY on Friday Dec 19th, 2008.

Wrigley Winter Classic Tickets Revealed

The third installment of the Winter Classic is almost here and here's what the tickets look like. I have to say I really like them. They kept it simple and incorporated the Wrigley Field tradition with the scoreboard sign and the rounded edges. Hopefully in the next few years Ottawa will get to host the Winter Classic. It would be fun to go to once.

The game takes place January 1st, 2009 in Chicago at 1pm eastern time.

Infirmary is Packed in Sens Town

Just a quick update on our off day. Seems the Sens are hurting in more ways then one. Daniel Alfredsson(cheap shot from behind, errr upper body injury), Filip Kuba (groin), Chris Neil, Dany Heatley (flu) and Jesse Winchester (upper body) all didn't practice today.

Ilya Zubov's visa problems have been solved and he will be playing tomorrow in Philly. Alex Auld will be back in goal (thank god!!). I never wanna see Gerber in nets again. He's bound to give me a heart attack.

Alfie is playing the waiting game at this point but it isn't out of the question that he will play tomorrow. This is amazing news. He obviously isn't hurt too bad. Get better Alfie, we need you.

Heater Hits 500

Congratulations to Dany Heatley, who drew an assisst on Jason Smith's OT winner to record his 500th career point in the NHL. It took him 456 games to reach the mark.

Sens Tartan Pt. 2

Just a quick update on the Sens Tartan post from the other day. I had a chance to see them the other day in person for the first time and I must say that it's kinda cool. They are still just new so they only have a scarf, a tie and two hats for now but still pretty awesome in my books. Would make a great xmas present for anyone who has someone hard to buy who's a Sens fan. Plus 14% of every sale goes to Roger's House. I added a pic so you can see what they look like. Available at both Scottish and Irish stores.

Skate for Kids

Eugene Melnyk positively beamed as he cast his eyes toward the magical winter wonderland he'd once again created for more than 100 children.

Christmas indeed came four days early for this happy group of underprivileged youngsters, as they spent a joyous hour scampering around the polished ice at Scotiabank Place. Every one of them wearing a brand new pair of skates, an Ottawa Senators jersey and a helmet, all of it donated by a generous team owner who eagerly anticipates this day each and every year.

For the fifth straight year, Melnyk, his family and Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa (CAYFO) threw open the doors of the Senators' home rink and invited a group of youngsters into the building for the annual Eugene Melnyk Skate for Kids. The weather outside was frightful but the occasion was clearly delightful for one and all involved.

"You can't describe it," Melnyk said when asked about the joy the day brings to him, his wife Laura and their two young daughters, Anna and Olivia. "I go around and look at the kids' faces and see those smiles and it just puts you into the spirit of the season. It rockets you into it, put it that way."It's very, very emotional and a really great thing, in my mind, to do for people who are less fortunate than most kids. It's something I remember and look forward to each year."

Alfie Out

That noise you just heard was the Sens Army holding their collective breath. Midway through the 2nd period, captain Daniel Alfredsson was hit from behind and did not return. Not much is known so far other then it's an upper body injury, whatever that means. He will not play on Tuesday in Philly. In a postgame interview, Alfie said he didn't feel too bad and it wasn't that serious. Hopefully he only misses a game or two.

SENS Leave Dallas Seeing Stars

Finally !!!!

The Sens decided to show up and play with some effort. They definitely deserved the two points tonight. A great way to close out the final game of 2008 at Scotiabank Place.

Almost everyone stepped it up in a real 60 minute team effort. Despite having played last night and travelling, the Sens seem to have alot of energy and jumped on Dallas early. They would have won the game quite easily if it was for the questionable goaltending of Martin Gerber ( yes AGAIN). How many chances can one guy get? At least 2 of the goals were awful. I think the team has zero confidence in him. He always lets in a goal to let the other team back in the game. I can't stand him.

I couldn't be happier for Jason Smith, who finally got his first point of the year by scoring the OT winner. Nick Foligno had a great game with 2 assists and was all over the place causing havoc. The underachieving twins, Fisher and Vermette, both had strong games as well with Vermette finally scoring again after going 19 games without a goal.

All around it was a very entertaining game and we got the points and that's what matters in the end. Excellent team effort.

Unfortunately, Alfie was hit from behind and left the game and did not return. Hopefully he won't be out too long. Here's to a speedy recovery.

Big D Comes to Town

This is a game where we see what the Sens are made of. Are they willing to fight and play hard, or are they just going to lay down and be satisfied with collecting a paycheque. Another one of the league's worst teams comes to town tonight and if we don't get the 2 points I imagine there will be big moves made once the roster freeze is up. So you could say alot of the players are playing to keep their place in Ottawa. Time to see who wants to be here and who doesn't.

Ray Emery Interview from Russia on Hockey Central

Hear what former Sens goaltender Ray Emery is up to in Russia. Sounds like he's enjoying it quite a bit. I for one, never understood why he got all the blame. It's evident now, that he was hardly the reason for our poor play. I hope he gets another chance in the NHL. To listen to the interview click here

Sens Have A Devil of a Time in Jersey

It was the Patrick Elias and Zach Parise show in Newark tonight as each had 4 points. The Senators struggled to say the least. It's clear we have to make significant moves once the roster freeze is done. This team simply isn't capable of getting it done. An all around disgusting effort. No bright spots other then Jarko Ruutu's goal.

Roster Freeze Begins at Midnight

Sens players can breathe a bit easier today as Bryan Murray said he won't make a move before the roster freeze begins tonight at midnight. The roster freeze lasts until December 27th at midnight and is designed to not uproot players around the holidays.

Game Day : Sens in Jersey

The Ottawa Senators hope to get back on track tonight when they visit picturesque Newark, NJ. Long known as one of the least safe places in the US, which is saying alot, the Sens look to end their awful play and come up with 2 points.

It won't be easy though, as New Jersey is a stellar 17-9-3 on the season. This is especially impressive considering they've been doing it without all world and future hall of famer Martin Brodeur. Hey at least Marty has more time to mack on in laws now with more free time.

The Devils had been rumored to make a play for Chicago's Khabibulin at one point but it never materialized. Back up Scott Clemmensen has taken over the role as starter and has been nothing short of spectatcular. He's won 5 of his last 6 starts and is 9-1-1 in his last 11 games. That's Brodeur-esque.

The Sens are coming off a pathetic effort against Atlanta and have shaken the lines up. Pizza line is no more and in fact, the big 3 are all playing on different lines.

We need a quick start and a solid 60 min effort to get the W tonight. They should be more confident after Murray declared no moves would be coming before the roster freeze, so there are no excuses.

Alex Auld will be returning to the line up tonight and so will the A-Train. Scratches tonight will be Jesse Winchester, Ilya Zubov ( for some ridiculous Visa reasons) and Dean McAmmond still.

Sundin Signs in Van City

Finally it's over and we don't have to hear the daily Sundin updates. He signs with Vancouver, terms of the deal haven't been released yet. Annnnnnnnnnnnnnd life goes on.

Fashion Police : Sens are First Team to Have Their Own Tartan

The Ottawa Senators now have a tartan to call their own.

The Scottish and Irish Store, in conjunction with the hockey club and the Sens Foundation, have launched the Sens Tartan. Designed by one of the largest woollen mills in Scotland, it incorporates the Senators team colours and was created to build a cultural connection with the 40 per cent of the Ottawa-area population that has a British and Irish heritage.

The Senators are the first National Hockey League team to have its own tartan, which has been registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority.

Sens Tartan products include baseball caps, flat caps, scarves and ties. With each purchase, 14 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to Roger's House through the Sens Foundation.

The full line of Sens Tartan apparel is now available at both Scottish and Irish Stores: 194 Robertson Road (Bells Corners) in the west end and 1713 St. Laurent Blvd. (at Innes Road). You can go to their website by clicking here if you want to inquire about it

New Line Combinations

Senators coach Craig Hartsburg is going to try something new tomorrow against the New Jersey Devils.

As promised, Hartsburg changed all the lines today at practice by splitting up the trio of Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley.

While Spezza skated with a combination of Jarkko Ruutu, Ilya Zubov and Chris Neil, Heatley was beside Chris Kelly and Nick Foligno. Alfredsson is with Antoine Vermette and Mike Fisher.

Winger Jesse Winchester wasn't on the ice for the club's workout at Scotiabank Place before a one-hour flight to New York this afternoon. He will not suit up against the Devils and centre Cody Bass has been recalled to play because Dean McAmmond isn't ready to go. Bass will play with Shean Donovan and Christoph Schubert.

"It's got to be about team. It's good way to do it: Just split it up and let everybody work," said centre Mike Fisher. "We can work for everything we can get. We know we can score."

Trade Winds A Blowin' ??

With the Senators struggling, the pressure is on General Manager Bryan Murray to make a move to turn the team's fortunes around. The most talked about trade bait is the super frustrating Antoine Vermette.

In the off season, he was given a substantial raise he had been lobbying for and has since failed to live up to expectations. With only 2 goals and 5 points in 29 games this season, Sens Army is growing impatient with the long time Sen and it may be his time to move on. Bryan Murray has indicated that he is looking to make a trade to ''shake up the team" but hasn't pulled the trigger yet.

Hopefully a trade is coming soon that will change the direction of this team, because as of right now, it's looking like a lost season.

The roster Freeze begins Friday night at Midnight.

Post Script - Yes that is a picture of Vermette scoring. Don't worry, I forgot what it looked like too

SENS Off Day News

Not too much to report today in Senator Land. They practiced and will be making some line changes for the game on Friday in New Jersey. Look for the Pizza Line to be split up.

Anton Volchenkov didn't skate again and will be a game time decision after missing the past 2 games. Jesse Winchester, Chris Neil and Alfie all didn't practice today because of minor bumps and bruises but all are expected to play against the Devils. After going with Gerber for the past 3 games, Alex Auld will be starting.

ATL'd

If the Sens miss the playoffs, they will look back at games like this and know why. When you're playing one of the worst teams in the league at home, you simply can't lose, let alone be thoroughly dominated and look lifeless.

There is zero positive for the Sens to take away from this game in my opinion. It's becoming increasingly evident that then Sens need changes ASAP. What that will entail is still a guessing game but it's clear it has to happen sooner then later if they have any hope of turning things around.

Am I on the only noticing that Gerber may be the slowest goalie of all time going side to side? I'm sure teams focus on it in their scouting reports. Gerber never seems to know where the puck is once it's behind the net. I'm just sayin'.

Special shoutout to one of my favorite players, Jarko Ruutu, for an amazing fight. Who knew he was capable of that. Excellent surprise.

Special hate for Dany Heatley taking a lazy hooking penalty that led to the game winning power play goal for Atlanta and then whining like a baby and getting tossed from the game. Grow up and play like you care. It's the least you can do for the 10 million you're getting this year.

Sens Hope to Thrash Atlanta

After beating one of the league's worst on Saturday, the Sens welcome another bottom feeder team to Scotiabank Place tonight in Atlanta (9-16-4). It's time for the Sens to put in a good team effort again and not lose points to team they should beat. If we have any hope of making the playoffs, we have to win against teams like the Thrashers.

Our powerplay is struggling big time and we will need our big line to have a big game if we want the 2 points. Although Ottawa's offense was sharp in a 5-1 home victory over Atlanta on Dec. 3, the unit has been stagnant most of the season, managing a league-low 66 goals after finishing second in the NHL with 261 in 2007-08. The Senators' top line of captain Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza is among the league's best, but even they have been quiet lately, combining for only four points (three goals, one assist) over the last four games.

As always when facing Atlanta, the key will be stopping Ilya Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk has recorded 16 (five goals, 11 assists) of his team-leading 30 points over his last 13 games. He has 19 goals and nine assists in 24 career contests versus the Senators.

Martin Gerber is expected to make his third consecutive start for the Sens tonight, while Anton Volchenkov is questionable.

Special shoutout to kanata resident and former Sen Todd White, who makes the hometown appearance tonight. We wish you well, but not too well tonight at least. White is having a great season so far, registering 24 points in 29 games.

And Then There Were Two

Mats Sundin officially narrowed the teams still in the sweepstakes for his services down to two by rejecting an offer from the Philadelphia Flyers.

The two teams remaining are the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers. A decision is finally expected by Friday of this week at the latest, after months of rumours and speculation.

Oh well, the Sens definitely could have used him but at least he isn't going to Montreal. My money is on the Blue Shirts of Madison Square Garden. He wants to win a cup. If he wanted money, he would have signed in Van City when they tabled the 2 year 20 million offer to him in July.

Sens are Thugs says Cherry

Don Cherry is an antique, kinda like some old person you know who you kinda laugh at because they're so out of touch. The ridiculous things that have come out of his mouth over the years are truly astonishing. But what he said on Saturday was just plain stupid. During the intermission of the game, he said that the Sens dress like losers and look like thugs.

He then proceeded to single out Mike Fisher and show a clip of him arriving to the rink. He then said the following "Now I'm gonna show ya two thugs. Look at this, this is Tampa, a last-place club. Don't they look like a bunch of thugs? Look at this guy, Meszaros. They're gonna steal your hubcaps". He followed up that gem with "Wait until you see Ottawa. This is Ottawa walking in, another last-place club. Look, two thugs," said Cherry as the screen showed Fisher and Meszaros talking and laughing. "They're going to break into your car every time. Million-dollar guys. Aren't they a great example for kids?"

Can we fire this loser already please? He is an embrassment to Canada.

Fisher brushed off Cherry's comments saying "Our dress code hasn't changed in the nine years I've been here and we've been in first place for a lot of those years," said Fisher yesterday. "I haven't dressed differently. Some nights I wear a tie and some I don't. When it's cold, I'll throw a sweater over top. If you're wearing a trenchcoat you can't even tell anyway. Seeing some of his outfits, I don't know if he should be commenting."

I couldn't agree more. Cherry is the worst dresser of all time.

Sens Prospect Wiercioch Cut From Team Canada

Ottawa Senators 2008 2nd round pick Patrick Weircioch was among the final cuts made by Team Canada this morning and won't be participating in the World Juniors this season. The final roster can be seen here

Sundin Won't Be A Sen

Today it was made official what we all already knew. The Sens won't be getting Mats Sundin. The former Leaf captain narrowed his choice to the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks and then Chicago Blackhawks. He should be making his decision in the next few days to a week.

Although never a realistic option given the two clubs rivalry, how awesome would it have been to have the former captain in a Sens uni? Would have been worth it to have seen Leaf Nation's reaction alone.

Dallas Does Avery

Sean Avery's time with the Dallas Stars is done. The Stars announced this morning that he won't be back with the team and they are exploring options as what to do with him.

They could put him on waivers to the AHL and hope someone picks him and his salary up but that is unlikely, especially considering they don't have an AHL affiliate for some reason. So they would have to find a team willing to put up with him.

Another option is that he could be claimed on re-entry waivers and Dallas would split his salary with whatever team puts in a claim for him. But whatever way you put it, Avery is done is the lone star state for good.

All of this for one off colour remark, unbelievable !!!!

I personally found what he said to be wrong of course but still funny and am shocked at the fallout from this. It's ridiculous.

Here's hoping he gets his career on track, maybe with Ottawa? It would only cost us a little more then 2 million per year. Something to possibly think about anyways.

Former Senator McGrattan enters NHL Substance Abuse Program

Phoenix Coyotes tough guy Brian McGrattan has voluntarily entered stage 1 of the substance abuse and behavioural health program of the NHL and the NHL Players' Association, the NHL announced Saturday.

Under terms of the program, McGrattan will continue to receive his full salary and benefits and will have no penalty imposed as long as he complies with the prescribed treatment and followup care program.

The league did not say what was the exact cause of McGrattan's problems.

McGrattan, 27, a six-foot-four, 234-pound native of Hamilton, Ont., spent the first three seasons of his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round, 104th overall, of the 1999 NHL entry draft, but never played for the team. The Senators signed him as a free agent in June 2003.

During his 3 seasons in Ottawa, he played 143 games and totalled 287 penalty minutes. Before reaching the NHL, McGrattan played three seasons with the Senators' American Hockey League affiliate in Binghamton, N.Y., where in the 2004-05 season he set the AHL's single-season record for penalty minutes with 551.

On June 25, McGrattan was traded by the Senators to the Coyotes for a fifth-round draft pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft.

On a personal note, I hope he gets the help he needs and will be back in the NHL soon. Get better Grats.

Sens Rebound, Shutout Tampa

The cliche is two points is two points and that's what we had tonight. While I'm glad we got the victory, we still played terribly, especially considering Tampa is one of the worst teams in the league.

Martin Gerber was solid but didn't have much work to do, saving all 24 shots he faces to earn the Sens first shutout this season. Alexandre Picard and Alfie had the goals for the Sens but the boxscore is misleading. The Sens still looked poor, especially th powerplay that can't seem to get it going at all.

Ilya Zubov was pretty solid after being called up and Brian Lee was solid and didn't look out of place.

With the win, the Sens improve to 27 points on the season and up their record to 11-12-5.

Chris Neil deserves a special shoutout for his spirited fight with former 67 Zenon Konopka. He seems to be fighting alot all of a sudden again which seems to spark the team but needs to stop hyping up the crowd after every fight. It's bush. I will post the video of the fight once I find it online.

Attendance was a solid 18, 446 considering it's tampa, the weather conditions, no buses and the recent play of the team. So well done Sens Army, Kudos.

Sens next game is Tuesday vs the Atlanta Thrashers at Scotiabank Place.

Game Day Update : Players Called Up

Anton Volchenkov will not play tonight after leaving last night's game with an injury. Brian Lee was called up from Bingo and so was Ilya Zubov.

Martin Gerber will be in nets tonight (gulp).

Game Day Preview : Sens vs Tampa

The Sens get back to work tonight after last night's pathetic performance in Washington. Luckily for the Sens, tonight's opponent is even worse then we are, if that's possible.

The Tampa Bay Lightning bring their 7-14-8 record into tonight's contest but are coming off a much needed 3-1 win against the Habs on Thursday night in Montreal. It was Tampa Bay's first win since Nov. 21 against Nashville, and its first road victory since Nov. 8 at Philadelphia. The Lightning improved to 2-7-4 under coach Rick Tocchet, who replaced the fired Barry Melrose on Nov. 14 following a 5-7-4 start. "We deserved more than we've been getting lately," St. Louis, who has five goals and three assists during a six-game point streak, told the Lightning's official Web site. "(Thursday night), we fell behind but fought back."

For the Sens, this is gut check time. They need to come out and show if they care or not. If we were to lose to Tampa, which would be our 4th loss in a row, I'd have to imagine changes would be coming soon.

"We need to get going," Senators right wing Daniel Alfredsson said. "The last two games haven't been good at all. It's a bad loss for us."Alfredsson and fellow first-line forwards Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza might be able to regroup versus Tampa Bay.

Alfredsson has 19 goals and 49 points in 44 career contests against the Lightning, while Heatley - leading Ottawa with 14 goals and 28 points - has 12 goals and 28 points in 24 matchups. Spezza has eight goals and 23 points in 17 games versus Tampa Bay.

Let's hope for everyone sake that we have a good team performance tonight or heads will roll.

SENS need change NOW !!!

Tonight's game was awful. We were beat in every way possible by Washington. We need changes now(BOUWMEESTER for starters). The way this team plays is unacceptable. That is all for now. Can you tell I'm frustrated? I doubt I'm the only one.

Battle of the Capitals : Game Day Preview

The Sens are in Washington tonight, hoping to snap a 2 game winless streak when they take on the Caps in a battle of National Capital's.

Getting the 2 points won't be easy tonight as the Sens have struggled against the Caps the last few seasons. Couple that with Washington's stellar 11-1-1 record at home this season and the Sens will be in tough. The Senators are only 3-6-2 on the road this season and have lost seven straight away from Scotiabank Place = lucky if we get a point tonight.

The keys tonight will be keeping Ovechkin in line (10 goals in 13 career games vs the sens) and our top line playing like the top line. It would also be nice if Fisher or Vermette chipped in with a goal for once. If not, could be a long night for the Sens.

Alex Auld is expected to get the start tonight while Schubert will be re-inserted to the lineup, while Brendan Bell will be a healthy scratch.

The game is at 7pm on Sportsnet and the Team 1200.

No HABS No Campaign !!

This is Brilliant ! Started by the good people at the Sens Army Blog, it's a campaign to reward players who beat the Habs. I'm sure you're as sick and tired as I am of the stupid Montreal fans cockyness lately. Where was all this 2 years ago? Where was this a few seasons ago when the team was for sale and no one wanted to buy them? When they couldn't even sell out their rink? Now they act like the best fans of all time, chanting that stupid soccer song (ole ole ole).

Well it's about time someone put them in their place and that someone is my good friends at Sens Army. They send a letter and one dollar in whatever currency the player is from to them, congratulating them on the winning goal and taking points away from the Habs. This is one of the best things to happen in awhile.

For a sample letter, click here. As you can imagine, it's getting some solid attention, even being featured on yahoo sports and several radio stations across the country. Seems everyone hates the Habs like we do, almost as much as people hate the Leafs. I gotta say, it's a beautiful thing. Something to cheer you up through the awful weather and the transit strike. Call it an early Christmas present. Props to those guys who started, very well played.

To view previous No Habs No enteries click here. To join the facebook group click here.

J-Bo Keeping Quiet on Future

According to the Miami Herald, every time the Panthers visit a Canadian market, a group of media members charge for Jay Bouwmeester's locker and ask about his future with the team.

Bouwmeester's contract is up at the end of the season and he can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

The 25-year-old defenseman has been very hush-hush about his potential future with the Panthers, despite reports suggesting he's unhappy with his time in Florida.

"I don't really have any [thoughts] right now, I have a contract and that's what it is," he told the Herald. "We'll just wait and see. The only time I get bugged about it is when I'm up here(in Canada). So it's not that big a deal."

The Ottawa Senators are believed to be among the teams seriously interested in Bouwmeester.

SENS Forget to Show up ; Shutout by Chicago

I know many of you didn't get to see the game because of the problems between Rogers and TSN2 and let me just say man are you ever lucky. You missed one of the worst performances you will ever see. What an uninspiring team effort. I'm starting to think the team doesn't care.

The Sens were shutout for the first time since November 4th against the Habs and have no one to blame but themselves. The defence actually played pretty well and Gerber, while unspectacular, played soild and gave them every opportunity to win. The Hawks first goal was on the PP and the second was an empty net maker. So all in all we can't blame this one on the D. They held a very high flying team in check.

The blame belongs on the offence. Mainly the secondary scoring and the powerplay continue to not get it done. The team was 0 for 6 with the man advantage and rarely even threatened to put one past Huet, who scored one of the easiest shutouts you will ever get.

Can someone please explaing to me why we have Fisher running the point on the PP instead of Aflie? I'm sure I'm not the only one this makes ZERO sense to. Ya let's take the only guy who will actually stand in front of the net and put him at the point, while having a great stickhandler and great point shot (alfie) play along the boards. Awesome coaching Hartsburg. Maybe next time you should try the Flying V from the Mighty Ducks movie. At this point I'm willing to try anything.

Hopefully going to Washington will bring us more luck when we play friday night in a battle of the capital cities.

Until then, be thankful most of you didn't have to watch this game and just pretend it never happened. Hopefully Santa Claus will bring us some help very very soon.

Update : Huet to Start and I still hate TSN2

Just an quick update. It seems Cristobal Huet will be starting for the Blackhawks tonight and not Khabibulin. Sorry for the mix up earlier.

So many fans were mad that the game isn't available tonight that the Sens had to issue a statement. So here it is:

Roy Mlakar, president and CEO of the Ottawa Senators, made the following statement regarding the club’s game tonight being broadcast on TSN2.“We are extremely pleased to have 76 games televised this season, including tonight’s match-up on TSN2. Our goal has always been to make as many games as possible available to our fans.It is our understanding that TSN and Rogers are negotiating for the carriage of TSN2 on Rogers’ systems and have every confidence they will come to a resolution that is good for both parties and Sens fans as well.We are hopeful a pending agreement can be reached before our second and final game on TSN2, which is on March 25 against the Carolina Hurricanes.Until then, we encourage our fans to tune in to The TEAM 1200 Radio for complete game coverage.”

Sounds like a boring, lawyer like statement to me but there you have it.

Game Day Preview : Sens in the Windy City

The Sens are in Chicago for their first appearance in years, thanks to the awesome nhl, who blew it scheduling wise for awhile. The Sens take on one of the most exciting teams in the league. With players such as Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Towes, Patrick Kane, Brian "soupy" Campbell and of course, former Sen Martin Havlat.

It is expected to be a battle of the backup goalies tonight with Martin Gerber starting for Ottawa while Khabibulin will be starting for Chicago.

The game is on TSN2 at 8:30pm but isn't available to Rogers customers unfortunately. So you can watch the game by clicking here. You can thank me later. Let's hope the Sens put in a good effort.