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. Both teams finished with two wins and a loss, but I believe Pittsburgh had a better goal differential.
The Ottawa Sun and the Ottawa Citizen take a look at the rookies' performances this weekend. No doubt that the top rookies, Elliot, Nikulin, Zubov, and Winchester gave notice that they intend to compete hard this season, hopefully regardless of which roster they make. O'Brien, Regin, and Karlsson were not as high up on the radar, but all impressed nonetheless, and in a few years they should start to have a serious impact in Binghamton or maybe even in Ottawa.
The Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa Sun, and TSN all report that Alfie and the team are ready to get the season started. It's certainly shocking to think that only a few years ago, Alfie was almost ready to call it quits. The fact that the long summer has helped to make him feel as healthy and rested as he's been in years, and this should indeed be a season to watch the team. Yes, everyone's optimistic this time of year, but I really believe in the core players of this team, and that we can get a great deal from teamwork this season.
ESPN has a look at the Eastern Conference teams, and how he expects them to perform. There seems to be a continued negativity towards the team, but this is how I see the questions raised playing out. Heatley and Spezza will rebound from a disappointing playoffs by succeeding (Heatley) and maturing (Spezza) at the Worlds, and will benefit from a more determined and well-rounded coach. Hartsburg has had a lot of work done for him to help keep the dressing room in check, by removing potential sources of conflict, adding character players, and his experience in leading a diverse group of talented but not fully developed players at the World Juniors will only serve to aid him this year. Secondary scoring will come, from giving multiple scoring units a chance to gel and find chemistry, rather than assigning them defensive and checking duties constantly, and putting all the pressure on the constantly reappearing top line. Neither Martin Gerber nor Alex Auld has proven themselves an undisputed NHL starter, but with a better dressing room, each other's character, and a team that will be far more committed to defense, I fully expect that they will both get a shot to finally prove themselves. Hartsburg can and will bring together a remade blueline; the character and defensive skill of Phillips, Volchenkov, and Smith will bond well with the two-way play and maturity of Kuba, the exuberance of Lee, and whoever else manages to nail themselves down in the 6th and/or 7th slot.
Finally, the Ottawa Senators' website has posted just this morning their roster for Training Camp. No surprises in net as all six goalies will be in attendance. The same goes for defense, where the full rookie roster plus some others, expected ones and not, will be in attendance. At forward, the rookie camp will see fewer players join the two Senators' mainstays, though Daugavins, Lawrence, Nikulin, O'Brien, Regin, Zack Smith, Weller, Winchester, and Zubov have shown enough skill and determination to make the final cut.
Showing posts with label rookie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rookie. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Food for Thought and for Smiles
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 Ottawa Senators webpage, scoring three very similar stories. He sounds excited to be joining the Senators, and eager to return to the excitement of playing in a Canadian city, Vancouver being his last stop up North. He admits to never being afraid to do whatever it takes to win, and that every game counts. It's good to know that there won't ever be a night off from Ruutu, who could easily challenge Neil for the most frustrating player on the ice, and I expect he will be keeping the opposition frustrated far more than we Sens fans. Just as he admits to being proud of his role as a hard-working agitator, Murray too agrees that he wants to see that role from Ruutu, and if the support he's gotten from every team he's played for is any indication, we can all be excited to see what he will bring to the team.
Both the Ottawa Citizen and the Ottawa Sun find themselves asking Zubov just how strong his desire to play in the NHL is. In Ilya, we find a man dedicated enough that he chose not to return home to Russia and his friends for the summer, opting instead to practice here, alongside Neil, and to work hard every day. That in itself should keep him high in the callup lineup, but more pleasing still is that he admittedly accepts the possibility that our NHL roster is too full, and he is prepared to continue his development in the AHL. Another Yashin, he is most certainly not, and his character should speak volumes of him, and just how much he does (or will) belong on the team, especially considering Murray's constant push for it from his players.
From the Ottawa Senators website, it is again suggested that Bass and Foligno have the edge on making the Sens' roster, due to experience and familiarity. It is suggested that Bass might not make the cut, as it might be better for him to continue developing in the AHL where he might score more, rather than on one of the Senators' less offensive lines. I can understand this, seeing as how we have plenty of veterans who can contribute as Bass is expected to do, and it would be nice to see Bass get a chance to develop into a bigger offensive threat than his physical role would suggest. I can't, however, see Foligno being sent down, not considering the strides he's made, and just how good he looked at season's end, especially entering the zone and curling around with the puck to wait for help, just as Alfie so often succeeds in doing.
The Ottawa Citizen has it that Redden is ready to move on. On the dreadful 07-08 season, his new deal and marriage have helped him move on. "I've already erased that from my memory bank." Glad to hear it Redden; we have erased your disappointing play from our memory banks as well, but we will eagerly watch to see if some of your former teammates might make it an interesting matchup the next time we meet.
Someone help me should the Ottawa Sun indeed have the official Sens third jersey pinned down. I've always loved the Sens' classic profile logo, also enjoying their third effort to remake the stalwart Senator. This jersey though, so absent any creativity or distinctiveness, is truly a bizarre and disappointing sight to see. I can only hope that it is a decoy, and that the true third jersey might bring back a more palatable, hopefully classic and enduring look to the team.
The Ottawa Senators rookies triumphed today in Kitchener, beating the host Florida Panthers squad 4-2 at the Aud in Kitchener, a great way to start the three day round robin tourney (although the goal they allowed less than 2 minutes into the game might have had some fooled early on). Forgive me my delays and lateness, but sometime early next week I hope to post my thoughts on all the games, which I have had the the pleasure of sating my hockey hunger with.
As a final diversion, the Citizen's James Gordon's hockey capital blog brings us some amusement from across the sea. If the thought of seeing Emery in a yellow jersey, allowing goal after goal, brings you pleasure (or if you want to see how a real spartan show is put on, no joke), I suggest you take a break and have a look.
Jarkko Ruutu was popular with the Ottawa Citizen, the Ottawa Sun, and the Ottawa Senators webpage, scoring three very similar stories. He sounds excited to be joining the Senators, and eager to return to the excitement of playing in a Canadian city, Vancouver being his last stop up North. He admits to never being afraid to do whatever it takes to win, and that every game counts. It's good to know that there won't ever be a night off from Ruutu, who could easily challenge Neil for the most frustrating player on the ice, and I expect he will be keeping the opposition frustrated far more than we Sens fans. Just as he admits to being proud of his role as a hard-working agitator, Murray too agrees that he wants to see that role from Ruutu, and if the support he's gotten from every team he's played for is any indication, we can all be excited to see what he will bring to the team.
Both the Ottawa Citizen and the Ottawa Sun find themselves asking Zubov just how strong his desire to play in the NHL is. In Ilya, we find a man dedicated enough that he chose not to return home to Russia and his friends for the summer, opting instead to practice here, alongside Neil, and to work hard every day. That in itself should keep him high in the callup lineup, but more pleasing still is that he admittedly accepts the possibility that our NHL roster is too full, and he is prepared to continue his development in the AHL. Another Yashin, he is most certainly not, and his character should speak volumes of him, and just how much he does (or will) belong on the team, especially considering Murray's constant push for it from his players.
From the Ottawa Senators website, it is again suggested that Bass and Foligno have the edge on making the Sens' roster, due to experience and familiarity. It is suggested that Bass might not make the cut, as it might be better for him to continue developing in the AHL where he might score more, rather than on one of the Senators' less offensive lines. I can understand this, seeing as how we have plenty of veterans who can contribute as Bass is expected to do, and it would be nice to see Bass get a chance to develop into a bigger offensive threat than his physical role would suggest. I can't, however, see Foligno being sent down, not considering the strides he's made, and just how good he looked at season's end, especially entering the zone and curling around with the puck to wait for help, just as Alfie so often succeeds in doing.
The Ottawa Citizen has it that Redden is ready to move on. On the dreadful 07-08 season, his new deal and marriage have helped him move on. "I've already erased that from my memory bank." Glad to hear it Redden; we have erased your disappointing play from our memory banks as well, but we will eagerly watch to see if some of your former teammates might make it an interesting matchup the next time we meet.
Someone help me should the Ottawa Sun indeed have the official Sens third jersey pinned down. I've always loved the Sens' classic profile logo, also enjoying their third effort to remake the stalwart Senator. This jersey though, so absent any creativity or distinctiveness, is truly a bizarre and disappointing sight to see. I can only hope that it is a decoy, and that the true third jersey might bring back a more palatable, hopefully classic and enduring look to the team.
The Ottawa Senators rookies triumphed today in Kitchener, beating the host Florida Panthers squad 4-2 at the Aud in Kitchener, a great way to start the three day round robin tourney (although the goal they allowed less than 2 minutes into the game might have had some fooled early on). Forgive me my delays and lateness, but sometime early next week I hope to post my thoughts on all the games, which I have had the the pleasure of sating my hockey hunger with.
As a final diversion, the Citizen's James Gordon's hockey capital blog brings us some amusement from across the sea. If the thought of seeing Emery in a yellow jersey, allowing goal after goal, brings you pleasure (or if you want to see how a real spartan show is put on, no joke), I suggest you take a break and have a look.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Little Things and a Whopper
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 alluding to the fact that we could nearly fill the whole roster with NHL pros, while still having many AHL guys looking to get their crack at the big leagues. He goes so far as to say that "If we have to move somebody as the result of a young guy making our team, that's just the way it is." To me, that suggests that should some of the younger players (Bass, Foligno, Winchester, Zubov, Nikulin, Bell, Carkner, etc) outwork some of the older ones, we might see the senior players traded off. Considering in such a situation you would not be trying to fill out the roster, it might mean that they would be traded for younger prospects, or else picks. It's not like we couldn't use more picks to perhaps help us turn our late 1st rounders into higher picks in this reportedly deep 2009 draft.
Also from the Ottawa Sun, we hear that Richardson is looking forward to attending training camp. For the first time in his 20 NHL seasons, he is without a contract. In his favour is that Murray says that "He wants to play. He's really convinced he can continue. I go over to watch him skate, and there's not anything missing from last year. He's the same player." Working against him is that the 'same player' implies a reliable 5th-7th defenseman, competing against youngsters over a decade his junior, some with the offensive skills he lacks. Again, he might stick with the Sens regardless of making the team or not, as word is they like the coaching skills he's been showing while in the press box. The only way I can see him on the team is if all the rookies flop, or if some of our defensemen are a part of another trade, but that too is doubtful.
From the Ottawa Citizen, we get a good look at Brian Elliot, and the efforts being made to turn him into our goaltender of the future. No doubt, he has potential, and looked good in his single NHL game. With Gerber gone and Auld having one year left come season's end, I can't necessarily see Elliot making the jump to the team at that point. As Ken Warren points out, we have yet to develop a goaltender, with Emery being the closest we have come. Since we don't want to follow the example the Leafs set by rushing defensemen into full service too quickly, my guess is that Murray might look into getting a strong number one goaltender via free agency or trade, and keep him with Auld next season. Then, hopefully, Elliot might climb into the NHL as a backup, much as Emery did behind Hasek, only this time I would hope that the two have a more gradual transition between duties. I'd still take it as a good sign that there is faith in Elliot, since the Sens traded up to draft Karlsson this draft, rather than going with the common prediction and taking goaltender Chet Picard.
Via KK, a link to the Bolts Report, referring to a Tampa Bay Online story that suggests Kuba might have gotten the Boyle/McCabe treatment when he learned of his impending trade to the Ottawa Senators. "The way it was presented to me at the time, I knew even if I said no to the trade I wasn't going to stay here on the team," Kuba said. "So it didn't make any sense to say no I'm going to stay and then know I'm going somewhere else anyway." Hmmm, how else might we be able to interpret this? Another situation perhaps where a player is presented with a good deal, but then threatened to be placed on waivers to end up who knows where? Hearing this, I certainly hope that our team will give a very loud, proud, and warm welcome to Kuba, and I hope that Tampa will take over as heir apparent to the seemingly UFA-repelling champ Vancouver Canucks. How much Koules-Aid do you have to drink before you really start to wonder if guys like these and others under fraud investigations are better for the League than billionaire, hockey-obsessed men like Balsillie?
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 alluding to the fact that we could nearly fill the whole roster with NHL pros, while still having many AHL guys looking to get their crack at the big leagues. He goes so far as to say that "If we have to move somebody as the result of a young guy making our team, that's just the way it is." To me, that suggests that should some of the younger players (Bass, Foligno, Winchester, Zubov, Nikulin, Bell, Carkner, etc) outwork some of the older ones, we might see the senior players traded off. Considering in such a situation you would not be trying to fill out the roster, it might mean that they would be traded for younger prospects, or else picks. It's not like we couldn't use more picks to perhaps help us turn our late 1st rounders into higher picks in this reportedly deep 2009 draft.
Also from the Ottawa Sun, we hear that Richardson is looking forward to attending training camp. For the first time in his 20 NHL seasons, he is without a contract. In his favour is that Murray says that "He wants to play. He's really convinced he can continue. I go over to watch him skate, and there's not anything missing from last year. He's the same player." Working against him is that the 'same player' implies a reliable 5th-7th defenseman, competing against youngsters over a decade his junior, some with the offensive skills he lacks. Again, he might stick with the Sens regardless of making the team or not, as word is they like the coaching skills he's been showing while in the press box. The only way I can see him on the team is if all the rookies flop, or if some of our defensemen are a part of another trade, but that too is doubtful.
From the Ottawa Citizen, we get a good look at Brian Elliot, and the efforts being made to turn him into our goaltender of the future. No doubt, he has potential, and looked good in his single NHL game. With Gerber gone and Auld having one year left come season's end, I can't necessarily see Elliot making the jump to the team at that point. As Ken Warren points out, we have yet to develop a goaltender, with Emery being the closest we have come. Since we don't want to follow the example the Leafs set by rushing defensemen into full service too quickly, my guess is that Murray might look into getting a strong number one goaltender via free agency or trade, and keep him with Auld next season. Then, hopefully, Elliot might climb into the NHL as a backup, much as Emery did behind Hasek, only this time I would hope that the two have a more gradual transition between duties. I'd still take it as a good sign that there is faith in Elliot, since the Sens traded up to draft Karlsson this draft, rather than going with the common prediction and taking goaltender Chet Picard.
Via KK, a link to the Bolts Report, referring to a Tampa Bay Online story that suggests Kuba might have gotten the Boyle/McCabe treatment when he learned of his impending trade to the Ottawa Senators. "The way it was presented to me at the time, I knew even if I said no to the trade I wasn't going to stay here on the team," Kuba said. "So it didn't make any sense to say no I'm going to stay and then know I'm going somewhere else anyway." Hmmm, how else might we be able to interpret this? Another situation perhaps where a player is presented with a good deal, but then threatened to be placed on waivers to end up who knows where? Hearing this, I certainly hope that our team will give a very loud, proud, and warm welcome to Kuba, and I hope that Tampa will take over as heir apparent to the seemingly UFA-repelling champ Vancouver Canucks. How much Koules-Aid do you have to drink before you really start to wonder if guys like these and others under fraud investigations are better for the League than billionaire, hockey-obsessed men like Balsillie?
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sens Prospects Choke After Successful Rookie Tournament
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 finals on Monday against the rookie Pens.
Alas, as I can tell you from first-hand experience, the Pens filled themselves up thoroughly with bloodlust, and gave the Sens a thorough drubbing. The first period started with a fight immediately after the opening faceoff, between the Pens' Aaron Boogaard and the Sens' Brett Gallant, spilling off some of the tension from the frustrations of games past. Before the period was even 2 minutes old, the Pens' Dustin Jeffrey scored on Brian Elliott, who had been the centerpiece of our only two victories. Sens prospects have been reportedly gritty, with hopes of stocking our dressing room properly to avoid another Stanley Cup Final like this one just past. Despite this, it was the Penguins who layed down all the board-battering and mind-numbing hits throughout the game. It wasn't until the first period was nearly half over that the Sens managed to get some spurts of offense past the Pens blueline, but they were few at best, and ended the period down 1 - 0.
Enter the second frame. Once again, this time within the opening 3 minutes, the Pens scored, this tally coming from Joe Jensen, putting the Sens in a 0 - 2 hole, which Matt Caria widened to 0 - 3 at the end of the second period. Into the final period, and Alex Grant and Jensen's second goal gave the Pens the ultimate payback for Sunday. Only thanks to a late tally by Ilja Zubov saved the Sens from being completely shutout. At least we beat the Leafs, right?
Leaving the Arena, I pondered why it was that our boys failed after having done so well beforehand. Some things were obvious. There were the many dumps that worked so well back in June for the big boys, only a tight Pens line blocked any Sens from rallying around to catch the puck on the other side, along with some stellar efforts by Penguins rookie goaltender John Curry to keep the puck from sliding around behind his net. Often the Sens seemed a tad unaware of where their teammates were, evident in the third when calls of 'Zube!, Zube!" failed to egg highly touted Ilja Zubov into passing the puck to open teammates in ideal scoring positions. I say once again that the absence of Sens hits was brutal, and the ability of the speedy Pens to plant them flawlessly even more brutal on top of that. Add the constant coughing up of the puck to poke-checks and more giveaways than at a new car dealership, and its no wonder than Murray and Paddock never flinched or blinked after the goals, just observing steadily and patiently.
Despite their falling apart in the final, the prospects did give Murray and Paddock a good show. Brian Lee steadily improved day by day, while Alexander Nikulin and Ilya Zubov put forth a great show most times. Cody Bass certainly earned his 'C' in my opinion, staying calm and working hard at all times. There will be some challengers for the remaining spot on the Sens roster.
The way I see it, one prospect shined brighter than the rest, and stands a good chance of impressing during exhibition games and maybe even cracking the roster this season. An odd thing I noticed during the game. After the second period, I paid attention to the teams leaving the ice. There were a few boys leaning over the hallway where the players exited the rink, hoping for a brush with future NHLers. As the Sens passed under the seats and by the boys, only a couple gave the boys a punch. The Pens? Fully 14 gave the youngsters props. Same story heading out for and returning from the third, with a couple more Sens props, and so many Pens props that I couldn't keep count. But one Sen did catch my eye. During the game he gave it full bore over and over again. Always he pushed to get in position. Always he raced to get back on defense when the Pens held the puck. He even had a good breakaway late in the game, chased closely by a lone Pen, and getting a good shot on goal before being felled and crashing into the boards. That man walked onto the ice, fiddling with his helmet strap with his free hand. Yet, having no free hand, he still gave props to the boys, hand, helmet, head and all. Hockey, like all great sports, doesn't just build character, but also works very well to reveal it, and in that moment, as many others during the game, it revealed very well the strong and highly prized character that lies within Sens prospect Nick Foligno.
Alas, as I can tell you from first-hand experience, the Pens filled themselves up thoroughly with bloodlust, and gave the Sens a thorough drubbing. The first period started with a fight immediately after the opening faceoff, between the Pens' Aaron Boogaard and the Sens' Brett Gallant, spilling off some of the tension from the frustrations of games past. Before the period was even 2 minutes old, the Pens' Dustin Jeffrey scored on Brian Elliott, who had been the centerpiece of our only two victories. Sens prospects have been reportedly gritty, with hopes of stocking our dressing room properly to avoid another Stanley Cup Final like this one just past. Despite this, it was the Penguins who layed down all the board-battering and mind-numbing hits throughout the game. It wasn't until the first period was nearly half over that the Sens managed to get some spurts of offense past the Pens blueline, but they were few at best, and ended the period down 1 - 0.
Enter the second frame. Once again, this time within the opening 3 minutes, the Pens scored, this tally coming from Joe Jensen, putting the Sens in a 0 - 2 hole, which Matt Caria widened to 0 - 3 at the end of the second period. Into the final period, and Alex Grant and Jensen's second goal gave the Pens the ultimate payback for Sunday. Only thanks to a late tally by Ilja Zubov saved the Sens from being completely shutout. At least we beat the Leafs, right?
Leaving the Arena, I pondered why it was that our boys failed after having done so well beforehand. Some things were obvious. There were the many dumps that worked so well back in June for the big boys, only a tight Pens line blocked any Sens from rallying around to catch the puck on the other side, along with some stellar efforts by Penguins rookie goaltender John Curry to keep the puck from sliding around behind his net. Often the Sens seemed a tad unaware of where their teammates were, evident in the third when calls of 'Zube!, Zube!" failed to egg highly touted Ilja Zubov into passing the puck to open teammates in ideal scoring positions. I say once again that the absence of Sens hits was brutal, and the ability of the speedy Pens to plant them flawlessly even more brutal on top of that. Add the constant coughing up of the puck to poke-checks and more giveaways than at a new car dealership, and its no wonder than Murray and Paddock never flinched or blinked after the goals, just observing steadily and patiently.
Despite their falling apart in the final, the prospects did give Murray and Paddock a good show. Brian Lee steadily improved day by day, while Alexander Nikulin and Ilya Zubov put forth a great show most times. Cody Bass certainly earned his 'C' in my opinion, staying calm and working hard at all times. There will be some challengers for the remaining spot on the Sens roster.
The way I see it, one prospect shined brighter than the rest, and stands a good chance of impressing during exhibition games and maybe even cracking the roster this season. An odd thing I noticed during the game. After the second period, I paid attention to the teams leaving the ice. There were a few boys leaning over the hallway where the players exited the rink, hoping for a brush with future NHLers. As the Sens passed under the seats and by the boys, only a couple gave the boys a punch. The Pens? Fully 14 gave the youngsters props. Same story heading out for and returning from the third, with a couple more Sens props, and so many Pens props that I couldn't keep count. But one Sen did catch my eye. During the game he gave it full bore over and over again. Always he pushed to get in position. Always he raced to get back on defense when the Pens held the puck. He even had a good breakaway late in the game, chased closely by a lone Pen, and getting a good shot on goal before being felled and crashing into the boards. That man walked onto the ice, fiddling with his helmet strap with his free hand. Yet, having no free hand, he still gave props to the boys, hand, helmet, head and all. Hockey, like all great sports, doesn't just build character, but also works very well to reveal it, and in that moment, as many others during the game, it revealed very well the strong and highly prized character that lies within Sens prospect Nick Foligno.
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