tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21260702973869693192012-02-16T15:29:38.635-05:00Ottawa Senators news from around the web and my own sometimes naive thoughts.BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.comBlogger791100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-77705513807693004132008-09-17T12:51:00.003-04:002008-09-18T08:21:52.431-04:00

This is just a short note to thank any and all of you who have read my blog.I am letting you know that you will not find any more new content on this blog, not here anyways. I will be moving my blog this evening, and I hope you will continue to read it. The blog will stay accessible at this location though, as I am not yet able to transfer any old entires, so it will remain as a temporary archive

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-65108151925660740462008-09-16T22:58:00.004-04:002008-09-17T07:57:06.368-04:00

Melnyk bidding for MLS in Ottawa, Sens PPV gone for this season at least, Schneider not an option due to his enormous cap hit and our spot in line, and everyone has a review of the new team.Melnyk has every intention of trying to bring Major League Soccer to Ottawa, according to the Ottawa Citizen and the Ottawa Senators' website. While the costs, $100 million for a stadium and $40 million in

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-61187508120376686232008-09-16T07:47:00.004-04:002008-09-16T08:14:55.482-04:00

A look at the final Rookie Tournament game as well as what the weekend leaves the rookies to be proud of, Alfie is ready along with all his teammates, a disturbing lack of faith in our rebuilt team, and the final roster for Training Camp which will begin today.From the Ottawa Senators' website, a quick review of yesterday's Rookie Tournament game. The Sens fought hard but fell to Pittsburgh 3-1.

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-28454049647382183272008-09-15T18:24:00.003-04:002008-09-15T20:59:13.956-04:00

Something felt different as I walked over to the Aud for today's game. Maybe it was because I forgot to wear my Sens watch, or that I had put on my Sens socks; I still had my favourite Sens shirt tucked over me though. Must have been the fact that it wasn't raining on me.The puck dropped with the big line of Alexander Nikulin centering Jesse Winchester and Ilya Zubov, with Brian Elliot in goal

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-41468159647580654462008-09-15T12:47:00.003-04:002008-09-15T13:05:58.610-04:00

Reviews of yesterday's game at the rookie tournament, Hartsburg's plan for the team as well as his plan to split up the big line, a few thoughts on emerging rookie Kudelka, and Fisher getting noticed around the league.A few reviews of yesterday's rookie tournament game against the Maple Leafs, from the Ottawa Sun and the Ottawa Senators' website. It was rather impressive to see our guys come back

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-20848963189240324072008-09-14T21:28:00.005-04:002008-09-14T23:43:44.728-04:00

Strangely enough, once more as I hopped off the bus, the rain started to beat down. Coincidence perhaps? Or a foreshadowing of events to come, as the Ottawa Senators' rookies prepared to take on the host Toronto Maple Leafs' squad? My guess is that mother nature just wants for all my coats to be soaking wet. This time around, I was indeed fortunate enough to be on time, so I could stand for the

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-78853516832815573192008-09-14T13:52:00.005-04:002008-09-14T14:09:17.918-04:00

What better way for the Ottawa Senators rookies to start their first game of the rookie tournament than to let the Florida Panthers squad open up the scoring less than two minutes in? It must be a pattern, since I started my first attempt at covering a live game by showing up just in time to see the Florida rookies gather in celebration of that goal in front of Elliot. It was a rainy day, the bus

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-38743216900584597242008-09-13T19:21:00.005-04:002008-09-14T10:38:07.575-04:00

Words from the rookie tournament yesterday, Murray on the powerplay and his desire for consistency, and an important lesson that all hockey families should remember well.Another look at yesterday's rookie tournament game from the Ottawa Sun. Once again we hear that after the team settled down, following that unfortunate early goal, the guys really started to come together and gain their

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-87143822357310355222008-09-13T18:01:00.004-04:002008-09-13T18:46:00.145-04:00

Ruutu's welcome to Ottawa, Zubov's desire to play in the NHL, Foligno and Bass' chances of becoming Ottawa mainstays, Redden's mourning ends, a look at the potential third jersey the Sens might be forced to wear, a brief recap of the rookies' victory over Florida, and an amusing diversion from Russia (likely without love).Jarkko Ruutu was popular with the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa Sun, and the

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-23259366550595273402008-09-11T11:34:00.003-04:002008-09-11T12:04:33.064-04:00

Plenty of stories today, from further works on the roster overcrowding and Richardson's desire to play, as well as a look into Elliot's future and development, and an interesting conversation with Kuba.The Ottawa Sun brings us more word that indeed there will be battling for roster spots. Of particular interest is Murray suggesting that we have less skill this season, but more depth, likely

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-86398540300941697122008-09-10T14:17:00.004-04:002008-09-10T21:33:56.839-04:00

The craziest idea, evaluating Jesse Winchester's potential, new head coach Craig Hartsburg's vision for the team, and Jason Spezza ready to grow.Updated - A few stories from the Sens website.The Ottawa Sun reports that several sources have confirmed that Brian Murray has been making pitches to Sundin to join the Ottawa Senators. With about $5 million in cap space, and more than enough forwards

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-36739827830706174672008-09-09T01:38:00.007-04:002008-09-09T12:43:28.590-04:00

Just a short thought. Here is an article from TSN, on the Sedins' upcoming UFA status, and potential new contracts.Here is my first exhibit, screenshot A:Here is a quote:"I think we just need to discuss where they (the Sedins) fit into the marketplace." Barry told the Team 1040. "We need to get into that kind of detail, and we haven't gotten there. We haven't discussed term; we haven't

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-45923871900498470522008-09-08T15:41:00.006-04:002008-09-08T16:49:54.883-04:00

Today we have a quaint ticket reminder, a ray of hope for Bass with a spector of darkness for Neil, the power of home ice, and the least fun part of coaching the Sens.First, I just thought it would be a good time to wake everyone up, and remind them that in a very short twelve days, we will finally be able to buy single game tickets. Yes, there are those of us who are so passionate about our Sens

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-40092980642001293852008-09-06T13:12:00.003-04:002008-09-06T13:39:50.453-04:00

The Ottawa Sun tells us today that Kuba was indeed shocked when he heard he had been traded. He was excited to see a practically new team with new players, coach, and owners, but he has hope that he can do well in Ottawa. He's not the only one either. John Tortorella was on TEAM 1200 Thursday, saying that Kuba will get a chance to shine offensively, even speculating that he might not yet have hit

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-47328211386682808312008-09-05T17:22:00.002-04:002008-09-05T18:05:31.923-04:00

The Ottawa Senators today announced that the roster is set for the upcoming rookie tournament in Kitchener. The full roster can be viewed here.I, for one, am excited to get any kind of Sens action. I will attend the games (hopefully all three, if I can get off work early), and hopefully shortly after the tourney I'll be able to give a rundown of who's looking up this season, whether Nikulin's

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-49885372600000982712008-09-04T17:20:00.004-04:002008-09-04T18:20:03.809-04:00

Via KK, marketwire has the Sens signing forward Brad Isbister. Update with more details to follow...Update - 6:20pm ESTThe Ottawa Senators story, which has many tales from Brad's glory days. His lifetime stats (Brad being 31, 6'4 and 225lbs) are 541GP, 106-116--222 for .410 P/G, going -43 with 615PIM. Other than the fact that he's not a right wing (or did I mess that up?), Brad seems to be the

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-27656338591399969192008-09-04T12:24:00.004-04:002008-09-04T12:43:45.318-04:00

From a new mystery player to Tortorella getting a job, news is indeed picking up this month.From Spector, it appears that there is indeed a mystery right winger coming our way. I had heard the rumour from less trustworthy sources, and ignored it until now. It seems that Binghamton's beat writer Sharp has indeed spoken with Tim Murray, who says that he has a verbal agreement with a right wing who

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-19789126645262907682008-09-03T12:37:00.003-04:002008-09-03T13:08:16.604-04:00

As the calendar is securely fastened, showing us the month of September, the hockey news world is gearing up into action, as we get some Sens previews, and even more talk about Meszaros and the Lightning.NHL.com today posted their League-wide season previews today, among which you can find several Ottawa Senators related articles.First off, there's the full Sens preview. As has been the case

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-54123013055068394042008-09-03T07:24:00.003-04:002008-09-03T07:38:29.121-04:00

Murray makes sure his thoughts on Meszaros are heard, while newly acquired Picard is still in shock.For all the sensibility of Murray I mentioned yesterday, the man still knows how to shoot from the lip. It seems that he didn't want Meszaros to be out of the city, riding all those stories of how he really wanted to be here, and worked so hard to come to terms with the Ottawa Senators. But why did

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-22956468244207402202008-09-02T22:07:00.004-04:002008-09-02T22:27:07.063-04:00

I do get upset with how slowly some websites update their content, and case in point is that I only became aware of this story, in today's paper, at 10pm from KK. Nevertheless, I can't say I don't appreciate getting the hometown stories from the home I left for free on the internet, minus the time my eyeballs spend looking at the ads that grant me this freedom.The Ottawa Citizen had a story today

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-1494968566513960682008-09-02T17:19:00.003-04:002008-09-02T17:39:08.486-04:00

Via KK, MarketWire reports that the Ottawa Senators have traded defenseman Lawrence Nycholat for Right Winger Ryan Shannon.What does this mean for the Sens? On the plus side, Shannon went 27GP, 5-8--13 for .481P/G, playing 3rd and 4th line minutes. He also happens to have won a Stanley Cup, with the Ducks. You're forgiven for not remembering him though, as he didn't play in the Final against

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-5214931103592406162008-08-31T09:30:00.003-04:002008-08-31T09:41:01.094-04:00

All today's news comes from the Ottawa Sun, with still a little more Mez, and on the hopes for the new Ottawa Senators roster.It turns out Meszaros did not want to go to Russia. Since both leagues were offering $4 million deals, only the taxes would be the difference, and that's not much money, not enough to make one want to leave the spotlight of the NHL to go amuse some oil barons in mother

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-85566622016589840682008-08-30T11:05:00.005-04:002008-08-30T14:02:51.707-04:00

Today, both the Ottawa Sun and the Ottawa Citizen find themselves pondering just which team made off like bandits in the trade that sent Andrej Meszaros to the Tampa Bay Lightning, while giving Filip Kuba, Alex Picard, and San Jose's 1st rounder in 2009 to the Ottawa Senators.Murray is confident in the abilities of both new defensemen. Kuba is reportedly a tad inconsistent, but can provide solid

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-45043042562821327782008-08-29T19:08:00.005-04:002008-08-29T22:36:48.956-04:00

The Ottawa Senators have traded Andrej Meszaros to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Philip Kuba, Alex Picard, and a 1st round pick (San Jose's), via TSN.Filip Kuba is a 32 year old puck-moving defenseman. At 6'5 and 225lbs, as well as going 6-25--31 for .413P/G, 15-22--37 for .457P/G, and 6-19--25 for .385 P/G, in this season and the two previous ones respectively, he should help replace

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-50040995706788410522008-08-29T10:15:00.004-04:002008-08-29T16:27:41.137-04:00

Another day, and we're still waiting on news of the Meszaros offer sheet, as well as what Murray's personnel plans are for the Ottawa Senators.The Ottawa Sun has Garrioch reporting that the reason there may not yet be official news of the Meszaros offer sheet is because it can't yet be signed. Garrioch has pegged the Tampa Bay Lightning as the culprit here, supposedly going after Meszaros by

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-45443601506101601642008-08-28T17:56:00.007-04:002008-08-28T18:29:31.885-04:00

I don't normally like to bring rumours and sources onto my site, but considering it's The Hockey News (via KK) telling me that Meszaros has signed a multi-year deal with a $5 million cap hit, I trust them enough to bring it up.Would it surprise me? No. Meszaros has always seemed to think he has been the bees knees, and while his offense has been appreciated, he has been a liability in every other

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-66802529581712263492008-08-28T14:32:00.003-04:002008-08-28T14:54:58.216-04:00

Plenty of obscure news filling in the summer doldrums, but a nice Meszaros update today that's worth taking note of.TSN brings us word of the slow progress between Meszaros and Murray in closing in on a contract. Pleasantly, it's more detailed than Garrioch's Ottawa Sun report on the same subject. Adding to Bruce's notes that Murray's many offers have been rejected, and that the gap is believed

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-58529052207203773572008-08-26T09:59:00.005-04:002008-08-26T15:24:37.215-04:00

Some more thoughts today on our defence, with respect to Richardson and Bell, and the official announcement of the Rookie Tournament at the Aud in Kitchener that might help iron out the depth chart.Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports today that Luke Richardson isn't ready to hang up the skates just yet. Richardson feels he has another season left in him, and still hopes to win the Cup.

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-69840858143480548362008-08-24T11:59:00.003-04:002008-08-24T12:20:06.459-04:00

Slow days as usual, today bringing us a few words on Meszaros' contract status.The Ottawa Sun's Garrioch brings what little words can be said at the moment on the status of Andrej Meszaros as a member of the Ottawa Senators. Still no word on how close the two sides are to completing a deal, with Murray supposedly offering a long-term deal with a $3.5 million hit, while Meszaros' camp hoping for a

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-74673613588195214602008-08-20T12:16:00.003-04:002008-08-20T12:24:12.030-04:00

The North Bay Nugget brings news from Shean Donovan, his thoughts on the Ottawa Senators' new season, courtesy of KK. Seems that Donovan would agree with most fans that Paddock was running the top line ragged, and that the team was trying too hard as individuals to pick up the slack later in the season, rather than working together. He expects new coach Hartsburg to help keep the team on course,

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-51483683441182913612008-08-19T15:24:00.003-04:002008-08-19T15:38:56.234-04:00

A nice prospect rundown today on the Ottawa Senators website. Tim Murray comments on the prospects to watch out for, and depending on injuries or needs, Ottawa may be showing us many young faces. In September, I will attend the rookie tournament that Ottawa's prospects will be participating in, and hopefully be able to give a first-hand look into their development.

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-40141905233346008212008-08-15T08:41:00.002-04:002008-08-15T09:04:07.243-04:00

The only news I've found today is about the start of training camp for the Ottawa Senators. It's actually old news, and I am just slow.The latest Alexander Nikulin blog post, translated on HFBoards, has our prospect saying that he's been asked to be in Ottawa for September 8th for the beginning of training camp. His post mainly goes on to describe how hard he has been working this summer, and how

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-32306199289121168752008-08-14T13:06:00.003-04:002008-08-15T14:19:45.497-04:00

A minor signing and some ticket news make up the Ottawa Senators news so far this Thursday...Today the Sens signed Zack Smith, their 3rd pick (79th overall) from June's entry draft. The captain of the WHL's Swift Current Broncos led the team in scoring last season, going 22-47--69 in 72 games, with 136PIM. He also contributed 5-5--10 with 29PIM in 12 playoff games. "It is nice to see a player of

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-55764261266277910152008-08-12T16:46:00.005-04:002008-08-14T13:31:19.955-04:00

Since nothing important has happened today in the world of the Ottawa Senators (or really for weeks or months, depending on your definition of 'important'), I thought it might be fun to take a look at a fun bunch of statistics.To compare our players and rate their performances, I often use the NHL Stats machine. It was only recently that I noticed an unusual category I'd not seen before under the

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-11249160797420797552008-08-11T17:41:00.003-04:002008-08-14T13:32:21.489-04:00

The pre-season schedule is released, and the Sens make a minor signing for the farm team.Today the NHL released its full pre-season schedule. The 30 clubs will play, on average, just over 7 games apiece, ranging from typical matches in their home arenas, to tribute matchups like the once-Winnipeg-Jets, now-Phoenix Coyotes hosting the Calgary Flames in Winnipeg, to the European games, which

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-80814941284974641602008-08-11T11:29:00.004-04:002008-08-14T13:32:48.419-04:00

Without any news to bring to you today, I thought I'd take a look at the news we are all waiting for, that being the status of Meszaros for the upcoming season.From the media to the blogosphere to forums, the strongest voice belongs to those who believe Meszaros is anything but indispensable to the team. His decline in production and performance since his sensational rookie year, his defensive

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-51128407126055356412008-08-10T10:25:00.004-04:002008-08-14T13:33:14.112-04:00

Being August, there's a dearth of news going on that we all expect. It does mean that most interesting stories will come not from fact, but speculation, which is what I saw today. Spector posted a story by the Boston Globe's Fluto Shinzawa, a respected writer who covers the Bruins.Hidden amongst all the Bruin-speak was a little side note on how this is a contract year for Chris Neil, and his

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-177637172200231252008-08-08T08:08:00.003-04:002008-08-14T13:34:37.979-04:00

Still not much in the hockey newsworld, but some interesting thoughts on both Wade Redden and NHL goalies.James Gordon's Hockey Capital Blog showed me an interesting Avery quote on Sporting News, regarding Redden. On his thoughts about his former New York Rangers' off-season moves, "New York is a tough place to play. Markus Naslund is going to have a tough time, so is Wade Redden. New York fans

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-41819751666854474282008-08-07T14:44:00.005-04:002008-08-14T13:36:04.141-04:00

Paddock is the new head coach of the Philadelphia Phantoms. With little fanfare, this almost slipped by me, but it merits mention, especially during the slow summer days.I know most fans weren't very happy with his work, but Murray's shoes are very big ones to fill, let alone when you step in from working behind his shadow as his assistant. I wish him the best of luck with the Phantoms, and hope

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-19286754486118060492008-08-06T16:57:00.004-04:002008-08-14T13:36:37.595-04:00

Finally, a story for Wednesday. KK pointed me to ESPN, where I see a very thorough story, with quotes, about Ray Emery and what really happened to him.I didn't get the interview I'd been hoping for from OTR on TSN, but that might've been the cost of having any on-air interview. It was a big step forward from avoiding the media constantly during the season, but the subject matter stayed pretty

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-52674602535499983662008-08-06T13:53:00.003-04:002008-08-14T13:37:11.616-04:00

A couple days ago, KK pointed me to an ESPN article that ranked the NHL coaches. It's no surprise that the success he's achieved in leading the Red Wings has Mike Babcock (who received his first NHL coaching job from Brian Murray) ranked first among the 'Elite'.But where does our new head coach, Craig Hartsburg, rank among the 30 teams? It's obvious that his jumping around and inability to hold

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-36725670780027267752008-08-06T13:09:00.004-04:002008-08-14T13:37:45.638-04:00

I noticed on a forum today that Michael Sharp, who covers the Binghamton Senators, will be available for questions today in a live chat. Accounts are quick and free to create, so if you want to hear some news about our other team, he is supposed to be answering posts between 12:45pm and 1:45pm. You can always check back later to see what said later, should be a good read.

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-85706316890645499952008-08-05T15:03:00.004-04:002008-08-14T13:38:06.570-04:00

A slow day in the Sens/NHL newsworld, I found an interesting thought to ponder nonetheless.The Sens Army Blog pointed me to a good story by Robert Roman, which made me question what is the purpose and goal of blogging, in particular my own blog. The story speaks of the increasing volume of Sens-related personnel rumours that have appeared this offseason like none before.For me, I blog because I

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-17906726728714854182008-08-03T12:23:00.005-04:002008-08-14T13:39:02.380-04:00

Slow day in a slow time of season, but still able to comment on some new rule changes.KK>Boston Globe has news of the new goalie equipment changes for the new season, which includes trimming the length of the pads, and the clavicle protector. There is also mention of further testing for Thermablade heated skate blades, used to a minor degree in the past season.I for one would agree that having 76

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-90031844364681541122008-08-02T23:23:00.004-04:002008-08-14T13:39:25.208-04:00

It has been a long absence I have had from my blog. Can you really blame me for the depression of our season's end? But, as the new year is getting closer, I am going to start writing again.One of my favourite blogs out there is www.kuklaskorner.com, a great source for all things hockey. I do not have any of the resources or successes of such a fine blog, but I have always appreciated how it has

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-61517823224284644312008-03-21T13:43:00.002-04:002008-03-21T19:48:40.139-04:00

Our last game against a non-divisional foe, and certainly we're all glad to see a win. Not the best of play, to be sure, but at least we saw some positives, right? Secondary scoring, great goaltending, and far fewer penalties than usual.But then again, the penalty situation just got a whole lot more interesting last night, in my mind anyways. Watching the highlights on youtube, 1:43 in we'll see

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-22421468631555872682008-03-20T12:16:00.002-04:002008-03-20T12:30:15.836-04:00

Maybe you haven't heard about the Wild's Foster suffering a broken leg while racing to touch the puck on an icing call against the Sharks' fellow rookie Mitchell. Surely though, you've heard Don Cherry go on and on for ages about why touch icing should be abolished from the league.Touch icing has injured player after player, and the senseless losses must be stopped. Sure, touch icing keeps the

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-38571778651034144702008-03-13T22:45:00.002-04:002008-03-13T23:11:59.255-04:00

After a long - and for Sens fans very tiring - series of slumping, the Sens have pulled off an impressive win over the Canadiens, winning 3 - 0 in pretty much the toughest arena to play in. While three straight wins over teams with varying playoff aspirations, the Sens are far from guaranteed to be out of their months-long slump. Despite this, there is much hope to be found in tonight's

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-29060433471939831322008-03-04T00:45:00.004-05:002008-03-04T01:08:47.267-05:00

This is not right. This is not fun. This is not acceptable. This must end. I have been saddened by my team's play and troubles of late, and of the problems with the league, and that has kept me from blogging about the sport I love, but I cannot stand by any longer.When I watch NHL hockey, I come to see the best players in the world play the fastest non-motorized team sport in the world, and

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-60487282399735455392008-02-07T12:22:00.000-05:002008-02-07T14:11:47.664-05:00

Hockey has never had it easy as a sport. Nearly all other Pro sports can be enjoyed with just a ball, or a ball and a bat, gloves optional, with baseball. Soccer, the world's most popular sport, is likely just that because all that is needed is a ball. With hockey, you need at the very least a ball and several sticks, and to play it true, you must also add skates, protective equipment, nets, and

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-79182800211317913582007-12-23T15:36:00.000-05:002007-12-23T16:11:20.051-05:00

Lawrence Nycholat was recalled to the Sens today, to face the New York Rangers, one of his former teams. Nycholat has done well for the baby Sens, racking up 23 points in 31 games, good for second place on the team scoring charts.The question remains though: who will Nycholat be replacing? Most likely bet would be Luke Richardson. Last night against the Hawks, Luke's age showed, as he was often

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-86291045285204836032007-12-22T22:43:00.000-05:002007-12-23T15:54:55.526-05:00

Tonight, the Sens lost 4-3 in overtime in their one and only meeting this season against the Chicago Blackhawks. The game was exciting from end to end, even from the highest row in the arena, with the standing room crowd behind yelling loudly. For all the smooth moves at both ends of the ice, countless chances hit crossbars and posts, or trickled just wide of the net (including another Chris Neil

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-22488061979647832362007-12-07T16:15:00.000-05:002007-12-07T16:46:43.724-05:00

First off, for anyone who ever came here to read my little blog, sorry for no posts in 2 months. University is harder than a Volchenkov hip-check, and I've only now found time to think about taking a side pause.When I do pause to think of the NHL, I look at the headlines and statements from high-ranking officials and hear that growth is the name of the game. We want to reach more homes in the US,

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-59576699249161037172007-10-04T21:51:00.000-04:002007-10-04T22:20:57.044-04:00

Before today's game began, the Ottawa Senators took some time to celebrate how far they had come in their past 14 seasons. Ten straight playoff appearances, capped by last year's run up to the Stanley Cup Final. At Scotiabank Place, proudly they raised the Sens' first Eastern Conference banner. If you talk to many of the New Jersey Devils, they'll tell you that it was unbelievable that it didn't

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-51519074622945956862007-10-03T18:56:00.000-04:002007-10-03T19:33:09.313-04:00

The Sens announced the re-signing of Dany Heatley today, ensuring that the Heater will keep the scoreboard scorching for many seasons to come. With the unofficial deadline of signing before the new season starts, tonight against the Leafs, Heatley and the Sens closed the deal, signing a new 6-year extension. The cap average is be 7.5 million, putting Heatley in line with the Flames' Iginla and

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-38467965599985420972007-10-01T16:48:00.000-04:002007-10-01T17:07:29.862-04:00

Murray put away the knife today after making the final trims to this lovely cut Senators roster, and we're now set to begin. In sending down Brian Lee, Lawrence Nycholat, Ilja Zubov and Alexander Nikulin, and keeping Luke Richardson and Nick Foligno, Murray sends a strong message about what he wants out of this year's team. Despite the youthful exuberance of those sent to Bingo, and some very

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-45022045593231069012007-09-30T17:39:00.000-04:002007-09-30T18:51:20.364-04:00

I've always wondered why it is that hockey's never caught on in the states. Could it be the complexity of such a fast paced game? Or maybe because most Americans never had a chance to enjoy a backyard skating rink, much less a snowball fight, during the winter months. Now, I think I might have an inkling as to why the league gets such little respect.It may be just preseason games, but I decided

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-51087619515314802152007-09-17T13:58:00.000-04:002007-09-17T16:46:07.463-04:00

With a full dozen players finishing their contracts this season, Brian Murray is wasting no time in taking care of business. The Ottawa Senators announced today that they have signed peerless two-way forward Mike Fisher to a whopping five year extension, worth 21 million dollars, or 4.2 million a year against the cap. This extension makes Fisher the Senator under contract furthest into the future

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-76152246422468931132007-09-11T14:11:00.000-04:002007-09-11T15:38:47.644-04:00

Yesterday marked the culmination of the four-day rookie round robin tournament, hosted by the Florida Panthers in Kitchener, Ontario, and featuring our roster of rookie Sens prospects, along with those from the Leafs and Penguins. After a 2-1 loss to the hosts on Friday, the Sens Trounced the Leafs Saturday 4-2, and blanked the Penguins on Sunday 3-0, giving them the best record heading into the

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-89465117864738340682007-08-15T09:16:00.000-04:002007-08-22T09:19:44.420-04:00

I'm not sure how much credibility a sports blogger can have without making at least one dubious rumour without any sources or media backing, and so I will now take my plunge, and hope there's a lifeguard on duty.Trevor Linden, the most popular player the Canucks have seen, is having trouble staying in Vancouver. They're not quite sure whether he has a place on the team. The 6'4, 220lbs center

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-66152964149314376672007-08-14T08:13:00.000-04:002007-08-15T09:35:25.508-04:00

Despite the much dryer and shallower NHL UFA pool at this stage of the game, rumours are still swirling about the final destinations of the many vets still without a home in the NHL.The biggest one I've seen so far is that Peter Forsberg has been talking to Murray. While a home in Detroit, Colorado, and Philadelphia is much more expected, Murray certainly has been trying hard to land vets to take

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-14913504623053575762007-08-13T18:20:00.000-04:002007-08-14T10:34:17.334-04:00

The Ottawa Senators have signed Jim O'Brien to an entry level contract today. Jim was the Sens first round pick during this year's draft, 29th overall.After only one year playing for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, Jim and Murray felt that he could move on from their fourth line to pick up more responsibility and experience, likely playing with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds, after

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-42133004879836910182007-08-11T13:08:00.001-04:002007-08-13T14:06:40.666-04:00

There is now a grand total of 35 days until the Sens play their first (exhibition) game of the 07-08 season, in London, ON, against the completely revamped Philadelphia Flyers. I have my tickets, how about you? However, with just those 35 days left until their first game, and just under two months now until their season opener October 3rd in Toronto, we're still a ways from having a clear

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-84571201076481925782007-08-10T12:10:00.000-04:002007-08-10T12:20:06.073-04:00

The Ottawa Senators signed forward Justin Mapletoft to a one-year deal that will likely see him as a part of the Binghamton Senators roster, with perhaps a few appearances with the Ottawa Senators. Mapletoft, 27, has played his last couple years in Europe. In the 02-03 and 03-04 seasons with the Islanders, he played in 38 games going 3-6--9.Once again Murray has signed a player with obvious

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-22100609430106585012007-08-09T19:08:00.000-04:002007-08-16T09:55:36.823-04:00

UPDATE - 8:33AM, August 15, 2007: The Sens have named Ron Low and Eli Wilson to the coaching staff. Ron Low will, as reported, be the new assistant coach to John Paddock. Not too surprisingly, as Low will be vacating the goaltending coach position, Eli Wilson, Emery's former personal goaltending coach, will now be the team's goaltending coach. Maybe he can work the same miracles with Gerber as he

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-247148637609971282007-08-09T14:25:00.000-04:002007-08-09T14:40:51.938-04:00

The Sens have signed Ilja Zubov to an entry level contract today. The 6'0, 176 lbs center of Chelyabinsk, Russia was Ottawa's 4th round choice, 98th overall, in the 2005 draft. Zubov, 20, has been playing in Russia so far, and has twice represented them at the world junior championships, this year scoring three goals and a single assist in six games.Signing him to an entry level contract will

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-69235876339491269752007-08-07T16:45:00.000-04:002007-08-08T12:04:41.778-04:00

UPDATE - 10:04PM, August 8, 2007: It is now official.While not yet official, it has been reported that the Ottawa Senators have signed veteran defenseman Luke Richardson to a 1-year, $500,000 deal that would likely see him split his time between Ottawa and Binghamton.This will be Richardson's 20th NHL season. The Ottawa native is 38 years old and will add some size (6'4" and 215 lbs.) and veteran

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-46800455502411400372007-08-02T12:07:00.001-04:002007-08-26T22:44:04.534-04:00

Oleg Saprykin has signed a three year deal in the Russian league. I did mention this before, but I've translated both the Russian news article I sourced, and an interview Saprykin gave about his decision to leave the NHL, among other things. This is a long entry, with the short news article and the long interview, and using free Russian translation software doesn't work perfectly, so bear with

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-31821380465512281482007-08-01T13:09:00.000-04:002007-08-01T14:58:51.450-04:00

One month after the start of free agency, and the Sens roster is looking almost full. If we can assume that McGrattan and Lawrence Nycholat have now earned permanent roster spots, and that Christoph Schubert will forever play left wing, we have the full 20 players we need to ice for a game. That still leaves us three short of the 23 players we are allowed to keep each season, something I'm very

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-72525068938375469722007-07-31T11:53:00.000-04:002007-08-01T13:08:57.713-04:00

A whole month now passed, and barely a trickle of excitement has come for us loyal Sens fans, the most die-hard of us who unlike our sport don't take a vacation from our passion. A whole month, and apart from the relief we feel at the re-signing of Christoph Schubert, Ray Emery and Chris Kelly, and a few other signings, the only significant move was the trading of Peter Schaefer to the Boston

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-60321899858146381552007-07-31T11:23:00.000-04:002007-08-01T13:07:17.196-04:00

This morning, Brian Murray announced that the Senators have avoided their final arbitration by re-signing Chris Kelly to a one-year deal worth 1.2625 million.Kelly had a career season in 06-07, his second full season with the Sens. He collected career highs in goals (15), assists (23), and points (38), while amassing only 40 penalty minutes, playing in all 82 games. In the playoffs, he greatly

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-59828184182717073332007-07-27T08:32:00.000-04:002007-07-27T09:13:32.250-04:00

The Senators have avoided two arbitration hearings in re-signing restricted free agents Ray Emery and Christoph Schubert to three year deals.Ray Emery's new cap number will be 3.167 million over the three years, after going 33-16-6 (12th) in the regular season, with five shutouts (tied for 6th), a .918 save percentage (tied for 7th), and a 2.47 Goals Against Average (tied for 13th). In the

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-31951335976889826712007-07-17T14:19:00.000-04:002007-07-17T16:30:16.175-04:00

In their second move of the day, the Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Matt Kinch to a 1-year contract.Matt Kinch leaves the German Hockey League to add further depth on the Senators blue line. He will likely play for the Binghamton Senators, unless he can show Murray and Paddock that he is ready for his NHL debut.Along with Lawrence Nycholat of Calgary, AB, and Shean Donovan of Timmins, ON,

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-6381401274158434212007-07-17T14:14:00.000-04:002007-07-17T16:28:01.910-04:00

The Senators have traded Peter Schaefer, with three years at a cap hit of 2.1 million left on his contract, to the Bruins for right wing Shean Donovan, with one year at a cap hit of 925 thousand left on his contract, freeing up 1.2 million in cap space this year and getting the Sens off the hook for 2.1 million in each of the following two years.The 32 year old Donovan has 214 points in 774 NHL

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-85055716079817585612007-07-15T08:32:00.000-04:002007-07-17T16:27:06.434-04:00

We can all wake up from the sleepy off-season we Sens fans have witnessed so far, because there's been some action. While the re-signing of green defenseman Lawrence Nycholat and signing of right wing Niko Dimitrakos is but a drop compared to the splashes of other teams, it is a good sign.Nycholat only has 28 NHL games to his name, and at 27 he probably won't be filling the void left by Preissing

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-62095582798459500522007-07-13T08:11:00.000-04:002007-07-17T16:23:39.464-04:00

I can't say it's surprising that almost a full two weeks into free agency and in the buzz and big-signings of the new NHL, the Sens have accounted for precisely.... 0% of total action. To break it down, that's 0 signings, 0 trades, and 0 dollars of change. Unless of course you count losing Mike Comrie to the depleted Islanders. But Comrie's probably not worth 3.375 for a mere 45 points (unless he

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-67738232119571533902007-07-07T01:10:00.000-04:002007-08-09T19:15:49.195-04:00

Although it probably didn't take anyone much guessing, we can now welcome John Paddock as the new head coach of the Ottawa Senators. But what does that mean for the team?Continuity is good. It always helps to keep things consistent unless necessary to do otherwise. After his lackluster performances over the years, it was necessary to oust Muckler. Not only for continuity but taking into account a

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-20681422446618587472007-06-29T14:33:00.000-04:002007-07-17T16:11:18.797-04:00

Less than two days remain until free agency begins, and the bidding wars and head-to-head games of salary cap chicken look to feature prominently this year. As teams slowly adjust to the salary-cap structure, watch out for those suspicious deals. While some may be the perfect set-up, others could spell trouble for the entire league.Rick DiPietro began this past season by signing only the second

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2126070297386969319.post-14769280061988896662007-06-28T17:27:00.000-04:002007-07-17T15:48:06.644-04:00

Despite all the teams with reams of first round picks (Edmonton, St Louis), it was a pretty dull draft weekend this year for fans hoping for the excitement felt at the big impact trade deadline this year. Only modest pick packages exchanged hands to bring steady goaltending to Florida from Nashville in the form of Tomas Vokoun, and creating a one-two starter battle in Toronto as Vesa Toskala

BnWnGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15266145702717126513noreply@blogger.com0