The Senators are back to their winning ways, with a 4-3 shootout win, over the severely undermanned Edmonton Oilers. This was definitely a win that was nothing to brag about, and nearly didn't happen, but we will forget about it when we look at the standings in 2 weeks.The Oilers put up quite a fight with so many key guys out, including Horcoff, Hemsky and Souray, taking the Sens to the extra frame, earning themselves a hard fought point at least. It was a typical Pat Quinn coached team, who always will play hard. They even outshot us 34-25 somehow.
In all fairness, the game wasn't as close as the score or shots reflected. I think it's safe to assume Pascal Leclaire was not proud of his game tonight, with 2 of the 3 goals being his fault. I guess what we can take away is even with him playing lousy, we still managed to win.
Alexandre Picard also has some splainin' to do, since he caused yet another goal off a bonehead play. I just don't get him at all. I can't wait for him to be shipped off somewhere, anywhere will do. Shoutout to Jonathan Cheechoo for finally scoring. Only took him 15 games to get there but was worth the wait. Let's hope it becomes a trend.
Other then that, I thought the team as a whole played pretty well. It was a fairly entertaining game, lots of action and lots of enthusiasm in the crowd. Saw too many Oiler jerseys though. Hey Oil fans, do even one of you own a jersey from a player that wasn't on a 1980's team? Just asking. Then again, if I saw your current lineup now, I wouldn't rush to get a new jersey either.
Did you happen to notice that the Sens didn't get ONE powerplay tonight? I don't think I've ever seen that before. At least we only had one penalty ourselves, coming on an Alfredsson play. Not saying the refs had an agenda but I mean not one penalty in a 60 minute game with that lineup? Gimme a break.
Sens are now 8-5-2, good for 18 points. Next up is Ray Emery and Philly on Thursday. Enjoy the vids of the 2 shootout goals, thoughts on tonights game?
Spezza with a nice move for the win
For all of you who hate on him, THIS is why we signed Kovie. What a beauty! Amazing skill for the backhand goal.
6 comments:
Picard was defensively brutal but offensively helpful. If only the Sens had more Top 4 D-Men, he could play 12-14 minutes a night with Carkner and you'd probably change your mind. Either way, guys like Picard, Lee, Campoli and Karlsson (when he was up) take their turns having brutal nights because they're just not ready (or maybe never will be) to play that many minutes. Carkner makes a lot of silly plays (often out of position) too because in a split second he makes the wrong decision. Let's just hope Murray sniffs something out after Christmas and can find a defenseman that is solid and responsible to play with Kuba. Let's also hope Volchy comes back soon and stays healthy with Phillips and Kuba...there's no margin for injury.
One easy thing Clouston can do to give his team a better chance to win: DONOVAN. DONOVAN. DONOVAN. It's so simple it's silly. Just play him and rotate the other guys through the press box until Murray makes a trade or someone gets injured.
I don't agree with your comments Mr.Mayor. It was not worth the wait for Cheechoo to score, and the shots were the way the game was played. Edmonton had many more quality chances. If you look on NHL.com at the shot chart most of Edmonton's shots were from the centre of the ice while the Sens's were from the perimeter. Also, if you are saying that is why we signed Kovelev, 5m for a shootout specialist?
I do not know why the Sens still have Kovalev killing penalties? That is like putting Cheechoo in the fastest skater comp. Put Donovan in the lineup and have him kill penalties.
Thats a good point and ive been saying it my buddies all year long - Clouston is clueless. He constantly has the wrong assignements out on the ice - Kovalev on the PK? Come-on.
Why isn't anyone talking (loudly) about Leclaire's brutal performance, not only last night but ever since getting the flu? All three goals he allowed last night were stopable by any minor league goalie. He was brutal against NJD and Tampa, and even against Atlanta.
We would have easily won last night if not for suspect goal tending. You guys can beg for a stud defenceman all you want (we have one next yr by the way, his came is Cohen) or even another forward. Until this Leclaire guy starts stopping routine shots from the blue line this team is going to be lucky to get 1 point in a shootout.
LECLAIRE GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!!
if i recall correctly, kovalev killed penalties for the Habs as well. Not saying i really agree with him doing it here when we have so many other capable pk guy sbut still, i assume thats the reason, or they want to try and generate some offense from the PK. Either way, our PK is among the best in the league so it's a non issue right now imo.
Leclaire definitely needs to be better but i think he will be. You're also forgetting he has made several spectacular saves in each game that kept us in them. Now he just needs to cut down on the easy goals and we'll be fine.
Cowen wont be an impact player next season yet and is unfair and foolish to count on a rookie to be your stud dman, although i think he will be in a few years no doubt.
my 2 cents
Cohen is 10x the dman as Luke Schenn - who played every game since the day he was drafted. It goes to show the depth of our team when we are fortunate enough to be able to leave Cohen in the WHL for the year. He will play for the Sens next year and he will be an impact player - probably get paired with Karlsson and boy will they be a fabulous addition to the back end.
Post a Comment