worse than the worst

Sens lost a disappointing game to the basement dwelling Islanders. I don't know what to say. They just don't look sharp. There was some running around in the defensive end during the Montreal game, but as a whole have been stronger than during the first 'slump'. They have just been making each goalie they face look like a stud. Ultimately, scoring 2 goals in the last 3 games is their problem. While the defense has improved, you don't win if you can't score. The Sens can't score.

 

I just heard that Barry Melrose got fired from the head coaching job of the Lightning. I'm a bit surprised that it happened this early. But I wasn't sure how much of a coaching pedigree Barry had other than letting Gretzky do his thing for the Kings. Melrose is a solid commentator so I don't think he will remain unemployed, but I would be surprised to see him as a head coach again.

500

Well, despite a recent turnaround the Senators returned to mediocrity. Having scored one goal in the last two games has been a low-light. Last night's game was supposed to be a measuring stick with Montreal expected to be a playoff contender. They failed that test and played inconsistent hockey. I'm starting to realize that a .500 record is in the cards unless a more consistent game is found. I'm not sure how much the new head coach can scream and yell. There's a lot of season left, but I'm disappointed in the last two games after looking promising the previous 4.

On another note, Kings 'backup' goalie Ersberg has looked promising winning a few games and that means bad news for LaBarbara.

Fan-atic

I will admit that I usually watch my Senators or Kings games with an appropriate team logo hat on. Which is kinda lame.  But I've taken it to a new level this year with a fake player jersey, t-shirt of Mike Fisher. Well, it did wonders for his career as he went pointless and minus-5, through the first 10 games. Last night he had an assist and the overtime game winner. Also, he's showing some chemistry with new linemate Alfredsson. These two guys can skate, so they bring a high speed attack to the second line. I hope this is the start to a solid season for Fisher.

NHL Notes

Damn. That's what I get for hyping Brodeur; I guess talking about a shutout record should be taboo, just like talking about a shutout before it happens. Martin, one of the most durable goalies in the league, went down with an elbow injury and looks to require surgery. Bottom line is 3-4 months of rehab, that's most of the season.  Bummer.

 

Speaking of goalies, I just discovered that another Marty has been horrible. Turco is sitting with a 4.0+ GAA and sub .900 SV%. No wonder Dallas is off to a rough start. Not that's its his fault, but a goalie standing on he head can hide a lot of problems/deficiencies on a team. So, naturally he gets the blame when the team is bad.

 

On the "not surprising" list is having Auld outplayed Gerber. Auld has made the stops he can see, plus a few he shouldn't. I think Auld has only allowed 1 regulation goal, the rest have been powerplay goals. Gerber wasn't making routine saves, much less the miracle stops. It's not hard to look good against that. But I give Auld credit for playing really well when given the chance. The team defense has definitely improved in front of him, but how much of that is more confidence that a few mistakes can be made without it ending up in the net?

 

 

Center Ice?

I missed this weekend's Senators game.  Usually that has to do with a last minute change in the channel guide, so that I end up taping nothing or the wrong game. What's one game out of 82? Well, I'm paying for the Center Ice Package and even though its only about $1.50 per game, I don't miss very many. This time neither Florida or Ottawa was televising the game, but there's not much anyone can do about that. On another note, I've noticed several games not being in HD. After watching HD hockey, it's really hard to go backward. The downside of having a big picture, is that a big blurry picture sucks that much more.