Michael Stuart: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Young Players Lead Senators to Victory

These points lost will cost the Habs big time long term this year.

The difference between this year's Brannstrom and last years has been a pleasant surprise. His first instinct on the back end is offense, even more so than Chabot imo.

These points lost will cost the Habs big time long term this year.
- hockeyaddict89

The condensed schedule is starting to take its toll. Habs looked gassed entire OT.

I fear Montreal is just not a very good hockey team. They have a few nice pieces and very good coaching. But, they lack the elite talent to be a serious contender.

I think last night was indicative of the overall direction of both teams. As the game progressed and, especially, in the overtime it appeared that Ottawa was getting stronger and the Canadiens were becoming more fragile.

I fear Montreal is just not a very good hockey team. They have a few nice pieces and very good coaching. But, they lack the elite talent to be a serious contender.

I think last night was indicative of the overall direction of both teams. As the game progressed and, especially, in the overtime it appeared that Ottawa was getting stronger and the Canadiens were becoming more fragile.
- spatso

I fear they play down to their competition

The difference between this year's Brannstrom and last years has been a pleasant surprise. His first instinct on the back end is offense, even more so than Chabot imo.
- forbetterorWORSE

I saw some flashes last night, especially his skill with the puck when he skated out of the zone to create a nice 2 on 1. Then I see him try to skate it out from behind his net, take right in front of Murray, and almost lose it. And looks so small out there. But I see it...

I fear they play down to their competition
- GrimmdaGoalie

i think the main difference between the 2 teams is that Ottawa is led by a bunch of 21 and 22 year old kids, those are the guys the team is built around and those are the players that carry the team....the vets are just there in a supporting role. that means their tank is still pretty full as the game goes on.

the habs are the opposite, their core is mainly vets, with the young guys (suzuki being the exception) largely playing supporting roles. the older guys didn't have the legs to keep up as the game went on, and it was quite obvious. the perry goal was simply a byproduct of Gudbrandson being awful on the play.

i think the main difference between the 2 teams is that Ottawa is led by a bunch of 21 and 22 year old kids, those are the guys the team is built around and those are the players that carry the team....the vets are just there in a supporting role. that means their tank is still pretty full as the game goes on.

the habs are the opposite, their core is mainly vets, with the young guys (suzuki being the exception) largely playing supporting roles. the older guys didn't have the legs to keep up as the game went on, and it was quite obvious. the perry goal was simply a byproduct of Gudbrandson being awful on the play.
- sensarmy_11

Funny how fans can see the same thing so differently. I saw the game exactly in the same way as you. Obviously the Montreal fans see it backwards from us, specifically they believe Canadiens failed to exploit a Sens roster of kids, plugs and pylons.

I guess we know the future is the kids and that is what we watch. The plugs and pylons will be replaced by call ups from the the North Dakota Sens starting as early as April 10 when the NCAA frozen four has been completed.

It shouldn't have even got to over time.
My god Dudbranson. Walked by another 40 year old plug. Like WALKED AROUND.

Was he still feeling the effects of the cheap shot earlier in the game? Maybe but come on man.

I saw nothing in the power play but predictable, disjointed play and basically a 3 minute rest for both teams.

It shouldn't have even got to over time.
My god Dudbranson. Walked by another 40 year old plug. Like WALKED AROUND.

Was he still feeling the effects of the cheap shot earlier in the game? Maybe but come on man.

I saw nothing in the power play but predictable, disjointed play and basically a 3 minute rest for both teams.
- Octavarium

Most Sens fans see the plugs and pylons affectionately. First, they are placeholders for the kids that are coming. Second, they are an investment to ensure another lottery pick from the 2021 draft.

It shouldn't have even got to over time.
My god Dudbranson. Walked by another 40 year old plug. Like WALKED AROUND.

Was he still feeling the effects of the cheap shot earlier in the game? Maybe but come on man.

I saw nothing in the power play but predictable, disjointed play and basically a 3 minute rest for both teams.
- Octavarium

PP2 was very ineffective, but PP1 had some incredible movement. honestly, shocked they didn't score at least 1, which was a testament to Allen, who had a great game.

Projected Final Standings (for draft)

1. OTT - 31 pts
2. DET - 36 pts
3. VAN - 46 pts
4. NSH - 46 pts
5. ANA - 47 pts
6. BUF - 48 pts

Question who would be your top 3 prospects (atm) for the 2021 draft?

Projected Final Standings (for draft)

1. OTT - 31 pts
2. DET - 36 pts
3. VAN - 46 pts
4. NSH - 46 pts
5. ANA - 47 pts
6. BUF - 48 pts

Question who would be your top 3 prospects (atm) for the 2021 draft?
- AlfieisKing

For Ottawa...

Berniers, Clarke, Johnson (in that order)

Projected Final Standings (for draft)

1. OTT - 31 pts
2. DET - 36 pts
3. VAN - 46 pts
4. NSH - 46 pts
5. ANA - 47 pts
6. BUF - 48 pts

Question who would be your top 3 prospects (atm) for the 2021 draft?
- AlfieisKing

Johnson, Berniers, Guenther

Good win for Sens but it was butt ugly hockey. Amateur hour.

Good win for Sens but it was butt ugly hockey. Amateur hour.
- granpa

What else would you expect from kids, plugs and pylons?

Overall, I found it very entertaining.

I try not to base my perspective on win/loss result.

Attempt to try and follow game on a shift by shift basis.

Best play of the night was when the plug put the puck between the pylon's legs and then beat the goalie for the tying goal.

Fun night.

What else would you expect from kids, plugs and pylons?

Overall, I found it very entertaining.

I try not to base my perspective on win/loss result.

Attempt to try and follow game on a shift by shift basis.

Best play of the night was when the plug put the puck between the pylon's legs and then beat the goalie for the tying goal.

Fun night.
- spatso

we

I meant both teams. Terrible ice, bouncing pucks, turnovers, bad goals, just not what you expect in an NHL game.

Not exactly a thing of beauty, but given the bad luck the team has had so far this year they're owed a few karma points. Regardless, the team is actually 4-6-0 in their last 10, after going 1-8-1 in the first 10. Not surprisingly, the biggest difference in the two 10-game stretches has been the GA, which was reduced by more than 1/4. It's also a pretty scathing indictment of overplaying Gudbranson, Brown, and Coburn. Zub/Brannstrom are showing how vital mobility is to an effective blue line, and should continue to be given bigger minutes.

Where do the Kracken draft?

Where do the Kracken draft?
- themaynia

all the mock drafts have them 3rd....don't know if they're locked in there, or they just have the same chance of winning as the team who finishes 3rd worst

all the mock drafts have them 3rd....don't know if they're locked in there, or they just have the same chance of winning as the team who finishes 3rd worst
- sensarmy_11

According to Tankathon, Seattle has been given the 3rd best odds of winning the lottery - but will have to participate in the lottery. So they'll most frequently be shown as picking #3 for the purposes of a generic mock draft, but will actually pick anywhere from #1 to #6, based on the lottery outcome.

Not exactly a thing of beauty, but given the bad luck the team has had so far this year they're owed a few karma points. Regardless, the team is actually 4-6-0 in their last 10, after going 1-8-1 in the first 10. Not surprisingly, the biggest difference in the two 10-game stretches has been the GA, which was reduced by more than 1/4. It's also a pretty scathing indictment of overplaying Gudbranson, Brown, and Coburn. Zub/Brannstrom are showing how vital mobility is to an effective blue line, and should continue to be given bigger minutes.
- khawk

I agree.

Both Brannstrom and Zub will benefit by having Chabot return to the lineup.

I like the play of both. However neither are ready to play big minutes against the opposing #1 line as a regular diet just yet.

I agree.

Both Brannstrom and Zub will benefit by having Chabot return to the lineup.

I like the play of both. However neither are ready to play big minutes against the opposing #1 line as a regular diet just yet.
- spatso

i think they're both more ready/able than Reilly......he was AWFUL replacing Chabot last game.

i think they're both more ready/able than Reilly......he was AWFUL replacing Chabot last game.
- sensarmy_11

I hate to rag on players, especially D-men who struggle. In this case it is very hard for me to restrain myself.