Weekend Update

Sens are 3-0.  The Ranger's game was tighter than 2-0.  Sens scored a shortie and off a bad line change early in the game.  The 2nd and 3rd periods were a goaltending battle.  Lundqvist and Gerber looked pretty good.  Henrick robbed Heater on a few quality chances.  Avery got knocked-out of the game.  Neil caught him with a stiff check.  NY commentators called it an obvious elbow.  Having watched over 240 Chris Neil games the last 3 years, I can say that Neil leads with the shoulder and then pushes off with his arms, which does look like an elbow.  I'm calling it clean, but who cares?  Avery deserves what he gets for running his mouth all the time.

 

Kings lost.  But it was filled with side stories.  Brady Murray played against his dad, Blues coach (& former Kings coach) Andy Murray.  Jon Bernier started in net for the Kings.  He looked pretty solid for most of the game.  The funny thing was that Labarbera had a special mask painted, to promote an upcoming movie The Seeker.  Not sure what that publicity stunt cost, but it was futile as Jason rode the bench and wore a baseball cap during the game.  I like his Metallica mask better anyway.

 

JR scored two goals.  3 more to 500.  JR really can't skate anymore.  It's hard to watch him. Colorado played the Sharks and stomped them.  Stastny looks really good.  I rated him pretty high in the hockey pool, but still didn't get him.  The guy is on fire early in the season.  Comrie has also been tearing it up.  I know he has plenty of skill, now that he's getting top line ice time the points will come. I just don't like his flashy style. I think his scoring will be inconsistent & he will probably be a minus player. And the biggest shocker?  Havlat DTD with shoulder injury.  The guy has otherworldly skill, but can't stay healthy. 

2-0

Well, it wasn't a work of art, but the Sens got two games from the Leafs.  Ottawa looked a little loose defensively at times, which is typical for October.  Good thing Gerber was up to the task, with 40+ shots.  Bottom line, they got the wins.  Power play looked a lot better this time around.  Toskala made some pretty nice stops.  Justin's haul from Heater/Alfie: 3 goals, 1 assist, 2 ppg, 1 gwg.

 

I am wondering about the officiating this year. 1.) They mentioned cracking down on goalie contact, and Gerber got a very quick whistle after Blake came hard into the crease. Toronto scored after the whistle. Goal disallowed  2.) Heatley definitely directed a puck into the net with a skate.  No "destinct kicking motion".  Goal allowed.  3.) Vermette got hauled down from behind in a manner that would have been a penalty shot two seasons ago.  No call.

 

I am not a fan of too much goalie contact. Directing the puck in with the skate is cheesy. If a guy is standing still and it goes off his skate, into the goal; that's fine. There was a big variation in how the "kicked-in" goals were called last year. I guess the bottom line is consistency. They simply need to call it the same all year. There were still a lot of 'obstruction' penalties called, which shows a nice carry-over from the last two seasons. 

Battle of Ontario

Well, the 'battle' lived up to the name for once.  Toronto decided to take a page out of the Ducks playbook and run Redden all night.  Only, Redden didn't back down.  He fought twice, and not just pretend to fight and bear hug.  Redden had his arm out of the jersey and was throwing some huge rights. I have new respect for that guy.  I don't want Redden in the box all year, but adding a nasty side to his game is a good thing.  He needs to prove himself this year, and that was a good start.

 

The bad thing is that the Sens looked flat. I think it was the undefeated pre-season.  Toronto came out ready to play.  Gerber was solid.  Phillips kicked in a goal and Spezza was loafing on defense for another (big surprise), but Gerber was aggressive and looked confident.  Heater had a big game.  I have to admit that both of his goals were from his nasty-quick release and not shot placement.  Raycroft simply fanned on them going 5-hole.  I don't mind seeing Justin win the Pool this year, if it means he gets crazy points from Heatley and Alfredsson.  I think they were good for three goals, one GWG.

 

Vermette looked pretty good.  He was flying all over the ice and killed penalties well.  Kelly was also very good on the PK.  Donovan was good in a limited 4th line role, but seemed to cause havoc or draw a penalty on each of his shifts. Fisher and Volchenkov were their normal selves with some highlight hits.  The bad side was a poor looking powerplay.  That has to improve. 

The rumor is on!

Looks like 6 more years of hearing Glenn Frey's horrible 80's song "The Heat is On".  It's the only song I don't mind hearing 25+ times a year, since it plays after Dany Heatley scores.  Heater is rumored to have signed a 6-year, $8-$7.5MM/year deal this afternoon.  Supposedly, the Sens had until the start of the season (today at 4:30PST) to get a deal done, or wait until the end of the season.  Heatley had a self imposed deadline, to avoid contract talk 'distractions' during the season.  Probably wise.  Since it's in the Sens best interest to get a deal done now.  He would have received max salary offers in the open market. If you really want the guy, time to pay up.  Otherwise, the season long drama and questions will hurt the team.  (see Buffalo Sabres 06-07)

 

I like how the team payroll is shaping up.  Heatley, Fisher, Alfredsson, Phillips, Volchenkov, Emery are signed in descending salary and contract length.  It shows a pretty clear value that the organization places on each guy.  I pretty much agree with the deals.  That leaves Redden a UFA at year's end, and Kelly, Vermette, Eaves and Meszaros as RFAs.  This is actually a good situation.  Redden and Meszaros could stand to prove their worth after a bad season.  While Vermette, Kelly and Eaves have to take it to the next level, or possibly get left behind.

 

Spezza is also a RFA at season's end. It may be easier to sign him now, since Heatley is on board long term. But Spezza better not expect Heatley-type money, 'cause he has issues.  He can't hit or backcheck.  He has missed time with a back injury. I think they should let the season play itself out. Spezza could stand to show some defensive improvement and a willingness to shoot.  See if he can play a full 82 games.  Giving Heatley big money is a slam dunk, not so much for the Spazz..

It has begun

Well, the '07-08 NHL regular season is here.  I guess it officially started with the publicity stunt in London over the weekend.  But I see tomorrow as the 'real' start of the season.  Hockey should start in October, not September.  I'm excited.  It's a very long haul over the regular season, but I'm still anxious to see the first games.  Which kids will emerge (backstrom, price, bernier, foligno)?  Which guys need to retire (JR, modano)?  Who will continue to defy old age (chelios, brind'amour, selanne)? 

 

I am looking forward to see how the Kings do, with the overhauled roster and new goalies.  Squeezing in to the playoffs is a noble goal.  I just got tickets for next month's Sharks/Kings game.  I will also be following the Sharks a little bit this year, as I am hoping for Roenick to get his 500 goals and retire already.  Sharks are contenders, so if they happen to get JR a Cup this season, he can retire happy and content.  Of course, it is still all about watching the Senators.  Ever since the lockout, I have been following the team.  I find it ironic that I am following the Senators and hating on the Ducks.  Basically, the Senators are the Ducks; as the Kings are the Maple Leafs.  Both sets of teams are neighbors and one is the newcomer; and younger brother happens to have the better team and current success.