i don't disagree with any of this. that being said, every "negative" thing you said about smith, also applies to stewart, 10 times more.....and he comes with a 4+ mil price tag.

the ONLY move i'd support for stewart is a straight up trade for greening........beyond that, there isn't a player on our roster who i wouldn't want/take over stewart.
- sensarmy_11

100% - we need speed up front and a player who can play with the puck behind the net - we say Vancouver just absolutely turn our D around last night and dominate us, makes me think a player who is big and fast, or at least comfortable playing down low is exactly what we need - Stewart isn't it. Something more along the lines of a Nathan Horton or the Sedin's would be nice.

I still think vermette would be a nice add to the Sens, speed at Center and a faceoff specialist are our two biggest needs up front right now

Love how Spezza is already a -9 on the season.

I honestly thought that being on the 2nd line of a good team would cause his +/- to improve this year, but it looks like Spezza is still Spezza.

He should have taken that contract offer from Dallas this summer cause if they underachieve this year, miss the playoffs and Spezza has a lofty minus on the season, he may have a hard time finding a big contract in the summer.

At the end of the day people may realize the common denominator for the teams he's on underachieving. All one has to do is look at the Sens record with him in/out of the lineup over the past few seasons.

Love how Spezza is already a -9 on the season.

I honestly thought that being on the 2nd line of a good team would cause his +/- to improve this year, but it looks like Spezza is still Spezza.

He should have taken that contract offer from Dallas this summer cause if they underachieve this year, miss the playoffs and Spezza has a lofty minus on the season, he may have a hard time finding a big contract in the summer.

At the end of the day people may realize the common denominator for the teams he's on underachieving. All one has to do is look at the Sens record with him in/out of the lineup over the past few seasons.
- Charliebox

to be fair to spezza, most players on that team are a -

dallas isn't that good of a team. they have a great top line/top six, but beyond that there isn't much there. their D is probably worse than ours, and their goaltending has been pretty bad so far.

Love how Spezza is already a -9 on the season.

I honestly thought that being on the 2nd line of a good team would cause his +/- to improve this year, but it looks like Spezza is still Spezza.

He should have taken that contract offer from Dallas this summer cause if they underachieve this year, miss the playoffs and Spezza has a lofty minus on the season, he may have a hard time finding a big contract in the summer.

At the end of the day people may realize the common denominator for the teams he's on underachieving. All one has to do is look at the Sens record with him in/out of the lineup over the past few seasons.
- Charliebox

Imagine we had gotten their 1st Rd pick in the Spezza deal instead of the 2nd

to be fair to spezza, most players on that team are a -

dallas isn't that good of a team. they have a great top line/top six, but beyond that there isn't much there. their D is probably worse than ours, and their goaltending has been pretty bad so far.
- sensarmy_11

They're not nearly as bad as their record indicates, they'll turn it around.

This Karlsson talk was painfully predictable. The majority of people wanted Spezza gone because of his poor defensive play and those same people wanted Karlsson captain and praised his overall play despite his obvious defensive lapses. Fast forward to now and everyone is getting concerned with the poor defensive play again. It's quite hilarious actually. Wouldn't be surprised if Karlsson becomes the new official scapegoat relatively soon.

Some people have hit the nail on the head, but a lot are missing what is wrong with Karlsson's game. It isn't his defensive play. It's where it's always been. The problem is that he is simply not as quick as he once was. He isn't back to 100% from his injury. It's that simple. He used to be able to be able to make up for his lapses with his speed, but hasn't been able to this season for the most part. That will have to be an adjustment on his part. This means better overall positioning (not just defensively) and better use of energy.

Karlsson is still the best player on this team. He just has to make some personal adjustments to get his game back on track to Norris level. Even where he is now, he brings something to this team that we need. Creativity on offence to generate chances and goals.

But enough about Karlsson, let's talk about the positives:

- Cowen continues to play great hockey since he had his benching, and thank god for that. Renewed hope for the future is a hell of a thing.

- Hoffman is exactly who I thought he was, a talent who deserves more ice. 4 goals in 4 games since they started playing him with good players, and he was able to get offense out of Legwand before that. This guy isn't some also-ran prospect, he is a piece of our future core, same as Lazar, Stone, and Ceci. Hope everyone is starting to see that.

- Andy continues to be hot, although he did let in a couple awkward ones tonight. We should have expected this, I guess, since his entire career has been up one season, down the next in a continuous pattern.

- Nice to see Turris finally put home one of the three dozen chances he's had in the last 4 or 5 games, someone needs to check and see if he's been hanging out with Condra too much outside the rink.

And the one bad note:

- I'm not sure how to feel about Zibanejad at this point, seems like the coaching staff has been trying damn near everything to get him going this season, and he just can't seem to perform. Not looking like the key piece we imagined he would become at this point. Hopefully a spark lights under his ass at some point, because right now he doesn't look like much more than a 3rd line center out there.
- TommyDeVito

I agree with most of the points except for the Zibby part. He's been given a chance to play with Ryan for 2 games. Before that he was getting left over line mates. He still hasn't seen a minute of power play time whereas Legwand gets out there at every opportunity. Heck even Neil probably has more PP time I think. I don't think the coaching staff has done the most for him to succeed. Give him some serious minutes with actual line mates for a significant period of time, then people will have a better gauge on his play. Let's not forget, our best line, the kid line, didn't exactly produce for the first few games. Takes time for line mates to get going.

Turris clearly initiated contact on The play in Overtime. Matthias was skating way faster and passing Turris when Turris decided to lean into Matthias. If there should had been a call, it should have been on Turris.

they need to either trade for a possession driving left winger, or try hoff and stone with zibs. im not entirely keen on breaking up the kid line, but if playing with the hoffman and stoner doesnt jump start zib then you know there is an issue. it would be worth to experiment, at least. i didnt mind zib against the laffs, but last night he was invisible. clearly he is going thru a learning curve... but giving him a puck possessing winger isnt rocket science.

EDIT: on a side note, i still have no idea why a "budget" team would sign 9mm to a 3 year deal.

This Karlsson talk was painfully predictable. The majority of people wanted Spezza gone because of his poor defensive play and those same people wanted Karlsson captain and praised his overall play despite his obvious defensive lapses. Fast forward to now and everyone is getting concerned with the poor defensive play again. It's quite hilarious actually. Wouldn't be surprised if Karlsson becomes the new official scapegoat relatively soon.

Some people have hit the nail on the head, but a lot are missing what is wrong with Karlsson's game. It isn't his defensive play. It's where it's always been. The problem is that he is simply not as quick as he once was. He isn't back to 100% from his injury. It's that simple. He used to be able to be able to make up for his lapses with his speed, but hasn't been able to this season for the most part. That will have to be an adjustment on his part. This means better overall positioning (not just defensively) and better use of energy.

Karlsson is still the best player on this team. He just has to make some personal adjustments to get his game back on track to Norris level. Even where he is now, he brings something to this team that we need. Creativity on offence to generate chances and goals.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Karlsson's defense is what it is, that has never concerned me. To me his offense hasn't seemed as dynamic as years past, perhaps it is just me expecting too much, but he doesn't seem to be getting into those nice little spots.

Karlsson's defense is what it is, that has never concerned me. To me his offense hasn't seemed as dynamic as years past, perhaps it is just me expecting too much, but he doesn't seem to be getting into those nice little spots.
- corbechev

It's both to be honest. And I would agree, its the skating. He doens't rush the puck like he used to either.

they need to either trade for a possession driving left winger, or try hoff and stone with zibs. im not entirely keen on breaking up the kid line, but if playing with the hoffman and stoner doesnt jump start zib then you know there is an issue. it would be worth to experiment, at least. i didnt mind zib against the laffs, but last night he was invisible. clearly he is going thru a learning curve... but giving him a puck possessing winger isnt rocket science.

EDIT: on a side note, i still have no idea why a "budget" team would sign 9mm to a 3 year deal.
- sen_smile

would you do Greening for Hemsky?

would you do Greening for Hemsky?
- tuna99

i would in a heartbeat, but probably not a good trade for anyone considering what went down in the offseason.

i would in a heartbeat, but probably not a good trade for anyone considering what went down in the offseason.
- sensarmy_11

I don't know if Hemsky at $4 million for 3 years is worth it - he has 1 assist and is -7.

I don't know if Hemsky at $4 million for 3 years is worth it - he has 1 assist and is -7.
- tuna99

i'd still do it.....he's better than greening. term is the same, and the difference in their ability is more than worth the difference in their contracts.

that being said, it's moot. ottawa won't trade for a guy that they low balled in contract negotiations in the offseason.

- Guys, Chris Stewart &/or Vermette is NOT what the Sens need on this roster. Trading for either of these guys won't help their long term development.

- Karlsson is a 24 year old DEFENCEMEN who is 13 games into his captaincy. He is playing a little to much and hopefully when Methot returns it relieves some of the pressure on him. He is trying to do to much on the offensive side of things. I think MacLean has been letting him play his game, but the leash is getting a lot shorter.

- We Sens fans all have to remember our excpectations heading into this season. This team is one of the youngest in the league. They are dead last in cap spending on their roster. This isn't our year to push all the chips in & contend for the cup but the near future looks promising.

It's going to be a dog fight all season for the Sens in the east.. Hopefully we're in a good spot to make the post season after the 40 game mark & we trade to get our top line winger or top pairing defencemen that takes us to the next level

would you do Greening for Hemsky?
- tuna99

yah i think i would... not impressed with hemsky this season, but when you compare him to greening.... hemsky offers more upside and contract is just as long.

would you do Greening for Hemsky?
- tuna99

i would trade greening for a bag of pucks and probably still retain most of his salary...

- Guys, Chris Stewart &/or Vermette is NOT what the Sens need on this roster. Trading for either of these guys won't help their long term development.

- Karlsson is a 24 year old DEFENCEMEN who is 13 games into his captaincy. He is playing a little to much and hopefully when Methot returns it relieves some of the pressure on him. He is trying to do to much on the offensive side of things. I think MacLean has been letting him play his game, but the leash is getting a lot shorter.

- We Sens fans all have to remember our excpectations heading into this season. This team is one of the youngest in the league. They are dead last in cap spending on their roster. This isn't our year to push all the chips in & contend for the cup but the near future looks promising.

It's going to be a dog fight all season for the Sens in the east.. Hopefully we're in a good spot to make the post season after the 40 game mark & we trade to get our top line winger or top pairing defencemen that takes us to the next level
- Erik6Karlsson5

at the same time this is a team that went through a rebuild so Cap issues aside, we should be expecting to get to game 70 and still be in the playoff hunt - we've traded a lot of great players (Fisher, Spezza, Bishop, Sild, Noesse, 1st rounder) to get this team put together and it is young but expected to compete.

Our expectations should be playoffs - we have the Tending, depth, coaching and PP to get there so we shouldn't lower our expectations.

at the same time this is a team that went through a rebuild so Cap issues aside, we should be expecting to get to game 70 and still be in the playoff hunt - we've traded a lot of great players (Fisher, Spezza, Bishop, Sild, Noesse, 1st rounder) to get this team put together and it is young but expected to compete.

Our expectations should be playoffs - we have the Tending, depth, coaching and PP to get there so we shouldn't lower our expectations.
- tuna99

Do they have the defense to though?

Most analysts felt they didn't.

Do they have the defense to though?

Most analysts felt they didn't.
- david22

I am really starting to warm up to our Dmen.

Cowen and Gryba have been solid as hell the last few games. Gryba especially impressed me last night. He made countless short passes in his own zone, leading to clean breakouts. He battled hard on the boards too.

Ceci just gets better every single game.

IMO Karlsson would benefit from less ice time. There are so many times I see him with the opportunity to skate the puck out of the zone, or through the neutral zone, like he used to, and instead he looks for a pass. I dunno if it's still injury related, or due to tiredness, but either way, cutting down his mins will help.

If guys like Cowen, Gryba and Ceci can step up and Methot can come back and play decently, I think there is an opportunity to lessen the load on Karlsson.

I still think the Sens would benefit from another top 4 Dman, but it's not as dire as it seemed at the beginning of the year.

When Methot comes back I see Phillips as being the odd man out. But since they won't scratch Neil, regardless of how terrible he is, I doubt they'd scratch Philly.

- Guys, Chris Stewart &/or Vermette is NOT what the Sens need on this roster. Trading for either of these guys won't help their long term development.

- Karlsson is a 24 year old DEFENCEMEN who is 13 games into his captaincy. He is playing a little to much and hopefully when Methot returns it relieves some of the pressure on him. He is trying to do to much on the offensive side of things. I think MacLean has been letting him play his game, but the leash is getting a lot shorter.

- We Sens fans all have to remember our excpectations heading into this season. This team is one of the youngest in the league. They are dead last in cap spending on their roster. This isn't our year to push all the chips in & contend for the cup but the near future looks promising.

It's going to be a dog fight all season for the Sens in the east.. Hopefully we're in a good spot to make the post season after the 40 game mark & we trade to get our top line winger or top pairing defencemen that takes us to the next level
- Erik6Karlsson5

my SOLE desire in acquiring stewart, at the cost of greening or even michalek, is that we get rid of a 3 year deal that we don't want, in exchange for a 1 year deal that we don't want.

if it wasn't for that, i'd have zero interest.

I am really starting to warm up to our Dmen.

Cowen and Gryba have been solid as hell the last few games. Gryba especially impressed me last night. He made countless short passes in his own zone, leading to clean breakouts. He battled hard on the boards too.

Ceci just gets better every single game.

IMO Karlsson would benefit from less ice time. There are so many times I see him with the opportunity to skate the puck out of the zone, or through the neutral zone, like he used to, and instead he looks for a pass. I dunno if it's still injury related, or due to tiredness, but either way, cutting down his mins will help.

If guys like Cowen, Gryba and Ceci can step up and Methot can come back and play decently, I think there is an opportunity to lessen the load on Karlsson.

I still think the Sens would benefit from another top 4 Dman, but it's not as dire as it seemed at the beginning of the year.

When Methot comes back I see Phillips as being the odd man out. But since they won't scratch Neil, regardless of how terrible he is, I doubt they'd scratch Philly.
- Charliebox

i wonder if it's ever happened that a team healthy scratched both assistant captains at the same time.

I am really starting to warm up to our Dmen.

Cowen and Gryba have been solid as hell the last few games. Gryba especially impressed me last night. He made countless short passes in his own zone, leading to clean breakouts. He battled hard on the boards too.

Ceci just gets better every single game.

IMO Karlsson would benefit from less ice time. There are so many times I see him with the opportunity to skate the puck out of the zone, or through the neutral zone, like he used to, and instead he looks for a pass. I dunno if it's still injury related, or due to tiredness, but either way, cutting down his mins will help.

If guys like Cowen, Gryba and Ceci can step up and Methot can come back and play decently, I think there is an opportunity to lessen the load on Karlsson.

I still think the Sens would benefit from another top 4 Dman, but it's not as dire as it seemed at the beginning of the year.

When Methot comes back I see Phillips as being the odd man out. But since they won't scratch Neil, regardless of how terrible he is, I doubt they'd scratch Philly.
- Charliebox

I agree our defence is looking better. Gryba has played much better the last week or so. Cowen is looking more confident out there. I wouldn't say it's all rainbows though. There were certainly some missed plays last night and when a team gets cycling or comes in fast on the rush, the whole team seems to panic and be a little out of position. Anderson is still making some huge saves regularly which makes things seem a little better.

I'd like to see Karlsson stick with a partner for more than one or two games though. Can't be the easiest thing to continue to see a different partner every other game. You don't develop chemistry or familiarity that way. It seems like the tried Cowen for awhile and once that didn't work, they just went with a revolving door model.

IMO Karlsson would benefit from less ice time. There are so many times I see him with the opportunity to skate the puck out of the zone, or through the neutral zone, like he used to, and instead he looks for a pass. I dunno if it's still injury related, or due to tiredness, but either way, cutting down his mins will help.

- Charliebox

yup, totally agree with this.