Snowzilla

http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/anchorage/story/630926.html

Shake-up

Well, the team shake-up I expected is coming a few games later than I predicted. Today, the Senators GM promised to do just that. I'm not sure that it puts you in the best bargaining position to tell the media that a "shake-up" is coming. But, c'mon how many GMs don't know that an underachieveing team is trading/dealing under a position of weakness. I'm interested to see what, if anything happens. It won't be that soon, however. As, the holiday roster freeze is coming up. So, probably something to announce early next year/month.

 

I did read that the Heatley/Spezza/Alfredsson line is being broken up, among 3 different lines. So be it. Those guys haven't had the mojo this year. I think Heatley and Spezza will do less defensive damage on separate lines. The fourth line can remain intact; as they are the only ones playing hard. (Kelly, Neil and Fisher being exceptions) I think Volchenkov was missed last night, too.

Horrible

Well, last night's game was another stinker. Not too many scoring chances and lackadaisical play. The 4th line was out there to bang around and gets some shots. But no one else seemed interested. The Top Line couldn't play defense and effectively neutralized themselves, by being in their own zone too much. Chris Neil attempted to spark the team with a freight-training, open ice check. It woke-up the Thrashers and did nothing for the Sens. Gerber was OK, but gave up two quick goals in the 3rd to further demoralize the team. Good thing the Kings are decent, 'cause I'm having a hard time watching this crap. If the team is playing to get Hartsburg fired, they are doing an excellent job.

Benching

Well, inconsistency rules. The Sens still can't seem to bring a solid 60 minutes. They have averaged 0.66 goals the last 3 games and are a surprising 1-2, thanks to a Gerber shutout. Sens/Lightning had to be one of the most boring games I've seen this year. They are the bottom two ranked offensive teams and it showed. I think I've reached the limits of my patience with the team.

 

Hartsburg has talked about benching players to the media. Although, he admits that it is a bit of a coaching cop-out. I agree. Pro players should respond without having to go that route. But I also think that whatever methods he's used so far are not working.

Consistently Inconsistent

Well, after a world beating perfornace against the Penguins, the Sens lost in OT to the Panthers. They got a point, but a very disappointing point. No where near the level of play displayed against Crosby and Co. That's when I realized what has been missing. Beside the obvious lack of consistent offense, the defense has not been physical. My boy Volchenkov had returned to his former wrecking-ball self and neutralized two of the best young players in the League (in the Pens game). The Panthers were allowed to skate all over the place. A pretty big 180 in intensity.

Gerber is schedule to start tonight. I agree with this move. Auld was not great in his last two games. Last game was the first time I've seen him allow a 'marginal' goal. Gerber is rotting away on the bench and Auld might need a rest. It's a good excuse to give Gerber a start. Who knows, maybe Gerber is up to the task.

 

Q-school

Did you happened to notice who's leading Q-school qualifying? No, I'm not talking about Michelle Wie. Although her leading the women's Q-school is no small feat. I heard on the radio that James Nitties is currently on top. James who? Yeah, unless you watch The Big Break the guy isn't a household name. But here's to pulling for the Aussie.

Magic Jerseys

The emergency is over, the Sens won. Everyone is happy and relieved and the Senators are back! Well, that's what the hockey media is saying this morning. I will agree that they had a convincing victory in the 5-1 thrashing of the Thrashers. Granted the Thrash were playing back-to-back road games, are the worst team in the league, and one of the worst defensively ranked teams. But the Sens have lost three times to the Islanders in 'easy' games this year, so nothing is taken for granted anymore.

 

The team did look good. Heatley/Spezza/Alfredsson were scoring. Donovan played really well with Fisher & Vermette. Defense was solid and PK killed off a long 5-on-3. To me Auld looked a bit shaky even though he only allowed 1 goal. But about time that the team support the goalie and not the other way around. There were a few early fights, so everyone came to play. It was nice to see. Now they just need to do that every game, and against the top teams in the league. They get a change to prove it against the Penguins on Saturday...

 

I secretly think it's the new 3rd jersey. Those black beauties are like a superhero's costume. Put it on and miraculous things happen. As superstitious as hockey players are, I wouldn't be surprised to see them replace the red jersey.

30 of 30

If the Sens lose tonight they become the bottom team of the NHL. A rather dubious destinction. I think some shake-up of the team is coming if they lose tonight. The team has had enough time to adjust to the new head coach. They are playing pretty well defensively (6th overall), but aren't scoring like last year despite having pretty much the same forwards. I wouldn't be surprised to see a has-been forward or two come to town. I don't think that's a good answer. I'm hoping for an offensive resurgence with the current personnel instead.