Brodeur is Back

Well, for a goalie it doesn't get much better than a shutout win, unless you throw in scoring a goal. Brodeur didn't score, but he shutout the Avs for his 99th career shutout. Wow. The Avs aren't the greatest team this year, but without watching the game, I'd say that sounds like little to no rust on his game. Like Tiger, I dont' think Brodeur would come back without his "A" game.

Sens had a breakdown. Brian Lee, who's a promising rookie defenseman, took a pretty marginal holding call with the Sens up 1-0. He obviously mouthed off to the ref on his way to the box and got an unsportsmanlike call too. That put the #2 powerplay in the league on display for 4 minutes. They scored on both minors. 1-2. Sens couldn't get the equalizer. If they had dressed 7 defensemen, I don't think Lee would have seen the ice again. He re-appeared in the third. I expect the press and probably the coach to eat him alive today. Too bad. The Sharks were looking slow after playing the Wings last night. It was their chance for taking down a top team. I've only got the trade deadline to look forward to.

Kings are sliding. They got shutout by Philly the other night. They have to keep winning to stay in the playoff hunt. Tonight is the Red Wings. C'mon Kings, I need at least one team in the playoffs.

Deadline

Well, the NHL trade deadline is less than a week away. I've read an awful lot about the Sens and Bryan Murray. He's obviously going to ship several players. Kuba, Neil, Schubert, as there hasn't been much talk about re-signing them. The Sens currently have too many defensemen, so Bell is probably going to go too. The bigger deal would be if Spezza goes. 100-point scoring forwards don't exchange hands too often. I don't think he's necessarily a trade deadline move, but after this summer his no-trade clause kicks-in. If you want to move him, the window is closing. Otherwise you live with the $7-million x 5 years.

The tanking of the economy will be brutal on the Salary cap. As team revenue is tied directly to the Cap. So, as the revenues go down, so does the cap. Next year, those big money players will eat up an even bigger percentage of your team's money. Any new signings will have to be proportionally smaller. So, those long term, big money deals are probably a thing of the past.

The Sens are already committed to paying Alfredsson, Heatley, Fisher, and Phillips long term, big money, no trade deals. It wouldn't surprse me to see Spezza moved, purely on a competitive basis. If you keep him, the team will be locked into 6-8 guys with little money for anyone else, which means rookies, 2-3 year players or has-beens taking up the remainder of your roster.

We'll see...

Brody is back

Martin Brodeur returns from elbow surgery and 4-month rehab, tonight to face the Avalanche. I'm pulling for him, as he only needs 9 or so wins to pass Patrick Roy on the all-time list. It's a bit of a bummer for back-up Scott Clemmenson. He proved to be NHL ready, and now goes back to the AHL. I thought he would at least be a backup, but this way he at least gets to play. The Devils now know that they have a capable goalie for the future. As Brodeur won't play forever, or will he?  This injury is a bit of a question mark as Brodeur has never had a major injury, much less not play practically every game, of every season. The rehab might actually bring him back stronger, and rested going into the playoffs, for once. Look out for the Devils if Brodeur returns to form.

4-2

Sens beat a hot Carolina team that had won their last 3. No slow start this time, instead of giving up 3 goals in the first, they scored three. Auld gave up a softie, but was solid otherwise. The 'Canes ended up pumping more than 40 shots at him. Auld made some crucial stops early in the game, that kept the Sens going. I expect to see him start next game too. Sens can be competitive if they get goaltending, plenty of scoring chances being generated now.

Campoli didn't stand out much this game, but Comrie showed some offensive flair. He scored a goal and his line with Fisher and Shannon were effective. Shannon looked pretty good manning the point on the powerplay. Not only that, but putting Foligno with Kelly and Vermette, has made three strong lines.

The bad news? Spezza was giving the puck away an awful lot. The Big Line scored, (while Fisher was playing for Spezza), but otherwise looked a bit off their game. Alfie is playing with a broken jaw, so I give him a pass. But the next game is against a powerful Sharks team; these guys better bring their A game. If nothing else, it will be a good measuring stick for where the team is now.

Honeymoon Over...

Well, the Sens are on a 3 game losing streak. Has the Clouston Effect worn off?  I don't think so. But the Sens had all the reason to come out hard against Montreal. Two new players on the roster, a chance to make-up points in the playoff race and prove themselves against a top team that is currently struggling. Well, Kovalev's return did more for the Habs, than Comrie and Campoli for the Sens.

I am going to take the easy way out and blame the goaltending. (Yeah, pretty weak) But, Elliot hasn't been very good. Granted the Sens are more like their former selves in many ways; hard forecheck, solid PK with shorthanded chances, but also notorious for slow starts. The last few games have seen 0-2 and more often 0-3 first period deficits. They put in Auld against the Wild and came back from a 0-3 deficit, but that is a bit much to expect everytime.

Elliott has to be better. It's not fair, but that's the bottom line.

Golf

Here's a great Nike commercial. I haven't been watching much ESPN or Golf Channel, so I haven't seen it before. It highlights guys other than Tiger, but also Tiger at the same time.  Pretty funny and well done.

 

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/mccarthy/2009-02-23-tiger-nike-ad_N.htm?csp=34

Finally a trade...

Well, Bryan Murray struck a bit early as far as the trade deadline is concerned. The Sens welcome back forward Mike Comrie and also add defenseman Chris Campoli from the Islanders. This cost Dean McAmmond and a first round pick. Not a big move at first glance. Or even a good one? I guess it all comes down to salaries and I don't know what these new guys make.

Comrie was with the Senators for their Finals run two years ago and played pretty well. He a smallish, speedy, skill player but can play with some grit if necessary. The same can be said for McAmmond. Comrie is 7 years younger, but probably more expensive, too. I think it's a safe upgrade to the offence, since he's proven his skill already and half of the team already knows him. With Alfredsson out nursing a broken jaw, Comrie will add some offense. The kicker is how much time & money he has on his contract. Sens don't have much cap room to work with as it is.

Campoli is a young (4-year) defenseman, who's shown mobility and offensive flair. Not a huge guy, probably 6'0". I think he's the bigger piece in this trade. Huge upside for this guy on a fast, skilled offfensive team versus the crappy(er) Islanders team. He may come into his own with the Sens. And defensemen usually ripen after 3-4 years in the league.

As for losing the first round pick? It almost seems worth it, as it's the first round pick of the Sharks. And they are currently #1 in the West and look to be serious contenders. So it's at least a late first round pick there're giving up. If they want help now, its a good trade.

Of course, I am assuming they don't need to re-sign these guys...

All smiles

OK, so the Sens point streak was snapped at 6 games, after getting railroaded by Vancouver last night. It was the old cliche of playing the first game at home after a long trip, and the Sens did start slow. One period later it's 3-0 and I thought Elliott might get pulled again. The Sens managed to get it to 2-4 before an empty netter.

So why would I be all smiles? There have been rave reviews for the new head coach, but the team was winning. I think the real test is when the team doesn't play so well. As I had last blogged, Spezza was standing around during the OT game winner. Well, he started this game minus-3 after the first period. Granted so did Heatley, and Alfredsson was out with a broken jaw; and he's basically the defensive mind for that top line. But all excuses aside, Clouston benched Spezza for the second period. About damn time. If Clouston can "keep it real" and praise good play, punish poor play, regardless of the name on the back of the jersey, I say it's the guy they have been looking for.

6 pack

Well, six wins in-a-row proved to be too much. The Sens looked tired. It was the last game on this roadtrip with 5 games in 7 days. It was a tight game, and the Sens took it to OT. So, a successful road trip; getting 9 of 10 possible points! Point streak is at 7 games.

Spezza played especially bad. He was a turnover machine. And while he showed effort skating to backcheck in the overtime; he just stood there as his check skated past him, got the puck and fired it past Auld.

I still see the Sens as sellers with the trade deadline coming up. Neil and Kuba are in discussions with Murray, but no re-signing deals have been made. Kuba has a no trade clause, I believe. But I wouldn't mind see him go. Based on the fact that Montreal basically overpaid for Schenider (3 picks). I would love to see Kuba go for at least that much. He's been pretty good this year, but soft for a man his size. This team already has enough big, skill guys that don't check.

Speaking of which, Heatley has come out hard the last two games. Against the Preds, he threw a nice bodycheck that blew a guy off his feet. Heater is a tank, but most of the time he checks like it's the all-star game. A big hit now and then would keep teams honest and give him more room, and inspire the team (or fans). He's not the greatest skater, but has been turning on the jets of late. I hope he continues the solid play. But it's maddening as he has only shown what the team has been missing all season.

 

5 and counting...

Tonight's game was a textbook 2-0 win. Solid forecheck created opportunities. Sens had a couple great shorthanded breakaways stopped, or it could have been a rout. Nashville got blanked by Auld. The Western Conference is a crazy affair, with practically all the teams still able to make the playoffs. It's all good for the new spoiler team, stealing points from desperate teams. The Sens are playing nice and loose. Everyone loves the new coach. Goalies are playing well. All the lines are playing well. Penalty kill is still awesome. Too bad they didn't start the season this way. All they need is another 25 wins or so...

Wild Finish

Going for 4-in-a-row looked bleak. The Wild jumped all over the Sens in the first period, 3-0 and chased Elliott. Well, back to the same 'ole flat footed, hapless Senators? Periods 2 and 3 were a different story. Two shorthanded goals and an empty netter later; it ended 5-3 Sens. What a game! Sens had made a habit of giving up when behind. I have to think that the defensive mindset of the former coach, made giving up a couple, quick, first period goals a backbreaking event. But they showed some stones this time and Auld can in as an able back-up. Great gut check for a team that is only playing for pride.

Sweet and Sour

Well, the Sens beat a tough Philly team last night in a back-to-back game situation. That win gives them the first 3-game win streak of the season, and a 4-game point streak. Its good to see the team skating, forechecking and scoring; basically back to being the Senators. However, it's pretty much pointless now, with the playoffs out of reach. A top two draft pick is also out the window.

I guess it's better than watching the team suck and mope about the ice, but this season is lost. I do see some hope: Clouston appears to be the coach the team needs, and Elliott is becoming an NHL goaltender.

The trade deadline is coming up and I'm worried about the team losing Chris Neil. I guess they would have already signed him if he were in the long term plans. And a grinder like him only gets one shot at free agency and chasing the big dollars. It's better to at least get something in return, and any contender would love to add his toughness for this year's playoff push. I wish him well, but know that the Senators are losing their left nut on this one.

Fight Night 17

A very entertaining card last weekend.  Lauzon had slick style and sick jitz on display. Velasquez was impressive, too. I've heard about him before, but never seen him fight. He showed good kicks and knees, kinda surprising for a big man with a wrestling pedigree. Felt sorry for Danzig in the loss, as Neer's showboating kinda pissed me off. Johnson was too much for Fioravanti, no surprise there.

1-1-1 for Clouston

Well, the Sens finally got a win for their new coach. Yay? I don't know whether to be happy about the consistent effort shown lately, or pissed about their half-assed play up to this point. They were clearly capable of more. Were the players pouting since Hartsburg made them play a boring style? If so, they got their way.

 

Scoring is still not back. They are managing only 2.0 goals/game. But they have had tons of chances, compared to earlier in the year. Also, the puck isn't in their own end the entire game, like before. All very good signs. I'm still not ready to blame the coach, as I've seen temporary improvement happen when a team changes coaches. Even if the wins and goals aren't there, a dramatic turnaround has happened.... so far.

Onoburger

Cheddar, fried egg, red & green peppers, salami, Tabasco green

Baby Steps

Well, the Cory Clouston Era has begun in Ottawa. And that's meant a 0-1-1 record. Sounds pretty bleak? Well, I must say that for the first time all season the Sentaors have a forecheck and aggressive, pinching defensemen. The Sens already look improved.

The most noticable thing is the absence of the one-man forecheck. It simply wasn't putting any pressure on the other team. Now, the Sens are creating turnovers with two forecheckers, even if the results aren't yet there. Instead of standing (still) on the blueline, I've seen defensemen stepping into the opposing forwards in the neutral zone or center ice. It's an aggressive play that's been missing.

I was disappointed about Ryan Shannon playing for a scratched McAmmond. I really like the skill and versatility that Deano brings. But in Clouston's defense, Shannon looked impressive with his hard work and effort. And speaking of such, Chris Neal is expected to be tradebait with the deadline coming up. I'm sad about that. He's one of my favorite players. The Sens already lack toughness and Neal's departure spells doom.

Fight Night 17: Tomorrow!

This one pretty much snuck up on me.  But several entertaining fighters on display this Saturday. So set the TIVO for 6 PM on Spike.

 

Main Card

Lightweight bout:  Joe Lauzon vs.  Jeremy Stephens

Heavyweight bout:  Cain Velasquez vs.  Denis Stojnić

Lightweight bout:  Mac Danzig vs.  Josh Neer

Welterweight bout:  Luigi Fioravanti vs.  Anthony Johnson

The Perfect Food?

How do you make Spam even better...

Sour Grapes

I've since read that the Penn Camp is complaining about Vaseline being applied to GSP's back in-between rounds. I did notice that BJ couldn't lock his legs up high around GSP while in guard. However, I think that has more to do with a stronger and bigger GSP. I hope this doesn't gain any traction and turn into a controversy. I don't want any excuse for the loss. However, a note to Huerta and GSP, leave the grease at home. I'm tired of the greasing accusations.

UFC 94

Wow. Some surprising results. I thought that Machida thoroughly handled Silva. I guess he's getting a title shot soon, probably his next fight. BJ also got dominated. I had some hope as he stuffed GSP's takedown attempts in the first round. It was all over from there. And the fact that BJ basically quit after 4 rounds was a sweet victory for GSP after all of BJ's smack talk. Ultimately, GSP has risen his game and the extra weight and wrestling skill were too much for Penn. I thought that GSP also had better striking in the later rounds as well; would have never expected that to happen. Sorry, BJ but you belong at 155. Mahalo.

The Axe

I just heard, from a voicemail via my wife, that the Senators fired coach Craig Hartsburg. This is not a shock, but also doesn't make a ton of sense. When you are looking at 4 coaches in two years, there are other problems. On the other hand, Hartsburg promised accountability. I did not see it. He occasionally benched some of the minor players, but not anyone from the top two lines. That should have happened. I think the salaries and egos are running the team. The Sens need a coach that will look at performance over payroll.

I guess the Sens AHL head coach will be brought up. I don't think he's necessarily in the plans for the long term. But maybe he can crack some skulls and earn some respect before the season is out.