but sure....lets build another "empty building" down town. And to get the ball rolling, OSEG comes out and asks for more for the North Side and Civic Centre rebuild. 67's by all accounts were barely drawing friends'n'family for their play off games. The RedBlacks should be better this year, but Landsdowne is a ghost town.
- Octavarium

I can't believe the OSEG group announcement yesterday was anything other than a preemptive strike to ensure that they are inside players on LeBreton. A Lansdowne renovation, including a new arena in the middle of the Glebe sounds ludicrous at this time.

Nobody in the Glebe or anywhere in this city wants anything to do with a new or expanded sports facility in the middle of this part of Ottawa. The location has not made sense for 30 years.

I believe there is a second piece of land at LeBreton that could accommodate an outdoor sports stadium. I wonder if this process is being entirely stage managed.

I don't think it is an accident that the NCC announcements are deferred until after the Ontario election.

Can you imagine the joy of Glebe residents if it were announced that all the sports activities at Lansdowne were being relocated to LeBreton to take advantage of the larger sports, entertainment and transportation plan?

jack
@Turrytime
·
20h
Tkachuk hit 65 points last night, Mark Stone has never had 65pts in a season, so id say Bradys contract is worth it

I found that comment hard to believe.

Maybe we spend too much time looking for failure. I believe I have seen great growth in this young team this year.

Subject to trades or other acquisitions, I don't think there is going to be much change in the up front roster for next year. Except for a possible trade, I expect to see Norris, Tkachuk, Stutzle, Batherson, Formenton, Brown, Joseph, Watson and White in the opening night line up. It only leaves two spots.

Teams that win the Stanley Cup typically include an elite #1 centre, a goal scoring winger, a power forward with offensive flair, an elite puck handling #1 Dman, a shutdown Dman and outstanding goaltending.

I think I see a very good team emerging. A team that will contend in the playoffs much sooner than folks believe.

jack@Turrytime
·20h
Tkachuk hit 65 points last night, Mark Stone has never had 65pts in a season, so id say Bradys contract is worth it

I found that comment hard to believe.

Maybe we spend too much time looking for failure. I believe I have seen great growth in this young team this year.
- spatso

In fairness, there's a big difference between measuring crude point totals vs. point-per-game scoring rates. Stone has produced at a PPG rate or close to it for several years, whereas Tkachuk has yet to reach that level. However, Tkachuk's production as a 22yo this year is almost identical to what Stone put up as a 22yo. Some had doubts about whether he would ever produce more than a 25G/25A season, and in the first year of his high-end contract he's proven capable of the 30G/30A range, with the potential for more.

Tkachuk isn't the problem... neither are Chabot, Norris, Stutzle, or Batherson. For a pair of #3/4 overall picks, a pair of #18/19 picks, and a hidden gem of mid-round pick, it's about as good a group as you could reasonably expect. The question is whether a critical mass of supporting talent will sufficiently establish itself to make the team into a legitimate contender... or whether they've done just enough to make them a semi-frequent wild card team.

In fairness, there's a big difference between measuring crude point totals vs. point-per-game scoring rates. Stone has produced at a PPG rate or close to it for several years, whereas Tkachuk has yet to reach that level. However, Tkachuk's production as a 22yo this year is almost identical to what Stone put up as a 22yo. Many had doubts about whether he would ever produce more than a 25G/25A season, and in the first year of his high-end contract he's now put up a season in the 30G/70A range... despite his early-season contract hold-out, and injuries to both of his primary line-mates.

Tkachuk isn't the problem... neither are Chabot, Norris, Stutzle, or Batherson. For a pair of #3/4 overall picks, a pair of #18/19 picks, and a hidden gem of mid-round pick, it's about as good a group as you could reasonably expect. The question is whether a critical mass of supporting talent will sufficiently establish itself to make the team into a legitimate contender... or whether they've done just enough to make them a semi-frequent wild card team.
- khawk

Well said. I think it really is an issue of critical mass. Is there enough weight within the existing mass to sustain sufficient velocity for substantial acceleration and improvement. More and more, I am convinced that you do not need to add or change much to what already exists in order to achieve significant performance improvement.

Great post game interview with Tkachuk and Smith on next year. Interesting how Tkachuk sites Carolina (new) and Boston (old) as being the teams setting the template as to where the Sens want to get to next year.

https://www.tsn.ca/NHL/vi...ow-what-needs-to-~2431099

Clearly, Smith comes across as being entirely confident with the path he is following and even more confident that he will be behind the bench when the season starts next year.

Shawn Simpson
@TSNSimmer
·
3h
I just ran into Claude Giroux at Costco, and he's moved into his new Kanata home.

It means nothing!

Shawn Simpson
@TSNSimmer
·
3h
I just ran into Claude Giroux at Costco, and he's moved into his new Kanata home.

It means nothing!
- spatso

Also said, he ask Giroux if he would like to play for the Sens, and said a dream come true

Today was the team picture and the Melnyk daughter are sit beside Tkachuk

Also said, he ask Giroux if he would like to play for the Sens, and said a dream come true
- Crosside

I have been really impressed by how well Giroux has fit into the Panther line up. I doubt the Panthers have the cap space to resign Giroux. But, even then, I assume he signs with a team that gives him a best shot at a Cup.

Today was the team picture and the Melnyk daughter are sit beside Tkachuk
- Crosside

Thankyou. This is a very helpful comment. I believe that there is an overwhelming desire on everybody's part to heal the rift between ownership and the community. Small things like this can go a long way in helping everyone to move forward.

The biggest difference that will occur next year is that if Ottawa has a good start, opposing teams wont be starting their back up goaltenders against Ottawa like they did this year! I did a piece on this awhile ago, detailing it. Ottawa has earned wins with back ups in, when if they were NYI they would've saw far better goaltending! This is a huge thing and actually a drawback when it comes to W's and L's as everyone feels they will take a big jump next year, they need to factor in they will also lose points based on this!!

As for the Sens ownership, I am telling all of you, this team has NO MONEY, they are sooooo screwed right now. It's bad folks, but you have a board of directors appointed by Eugene that are vile......but I truly believe the NHL will step in this summer and tell them they have no choice but to sell the team. When I say they are in the red, people ask me that I know very well.....how much? I say send me a number....lol....50 million and say if you think its under 100 million you don't realize how bad it is. I have said it before, I have known the accountant and people in the front office for years. They have had to ask the league to cover payroll on 3 occasions that I was made aware of, so in other words, probably double that as EM would do whatever it took to not let anything out. When all those high interest loans come up this summer is when things should start to shake out on ownership. It will be a slow process but at this time next year I would be stunned if new ownership wasn't in place.

I have been really impressed by how well Giroux has fit into the Panther line up. I doubt the Panthers have the cap space to resign Giroux. But, even then, I assume he signs with a team that gives him a best shot at a Cup.
- spatso

Agreed! Plus like Simmer posted and I posted his tweet, we have 4 guys for the bottom pairing on D. This team needs a legit top 4 to play with either Sanderson or Chabot, Zub will fill one of those roles, but until the D is shored up properly and no bandaid/waiver solutions are back there in the top 4.....then this team will push for a playoff spot. But the way D is now, not a chance. Chabot has struggled big time without the puck this year and 5 years in his growth for an overall game on defense still lacks.

The biggest difference that will occur next year is that if Ottawa has a good start, opposing teams wont be starting their back up goaltenders against Ottawa like they did this year! I did a piece on this awhile ago, detailing it. Ottawa has earned wins with back ups in, when if they were NYI they would've saw far better goaltending! This is a huge thing and actually a drawback when it comes to W's and L's as everyone feels they will take a big jump next year, they need to factor in they will also lose points based on this!!

As for the Sens ownership, I am telling all of you, this team has NO MONEY, they are sooooo screwed right now. It's bad folks, but you have a board of directors appointed by Eugene that are vile......but I truly believe the NHL will step in this summer and tell them they have no choice but to sell the team. When I say they are in the red, people ask me that I know very well.....how much? I say send me a number....lol....50 million and say if you think its under 100 million you don't realize how bad it is. I have said it before, I have known the accountant and people in the front office for years. They have had to ask the league to cover payroll on 3 occasions that I was made aware of, so in other words, probably double that as EM would do whatever it took to not let anything out. When all those high interest loans come up this summer is when things should start to shake out on ownership. It will be a slow process but at this time next year I would be stunned if new ownership wasn't in place.
- Kevin Francis

I think you are right in the timing, perhaps a little pessimistic. I am hoping for a Christmas gift for all Sens fans.

The Sens have been technically insolvent for more than 5 years. We are told that some local interests have quietly purchased or become guarantors of much of the Sens debt and, if this is the case, this group will have a clear path for control. But it is only rumour at time. And, we do not know who the groups are or if guarantees have actually been advanced.

The Sens have no financial pressures today. Everyone who is interested in being part of the purchase group is lining up to advance them money. There will no pressures from the creditors to close a deal. The pressure will be to take time and get it right. I don't think the options on ownership can even be detailed until the LeBreton pathway is cleared up. Remember there is a $200m upfront property mitigation incentive offered from the NCC for the winning bidder on LeBreton.

The money is huge. It will get done.

Only 13,101 at the NJ game, disappointing!
- Kevin Francis

Many of you in here should know what the term "papering the house" in pro sports mean.....well I was told by many in the org, front office, ticket people, etc....that the Sens papered the house huge on Tuesday night and even by dong that they only got 13k to the 2nd last home game of the season. I remember Roy Mlakar back in the day always saying, you should be going to the games to see the home team not because of who they are playing and that's what needs to happen in Ottawa, but the last 5 years has truly lost a lot of fans.

I think you are right in the timing, perhaps a little pessimistic. I am hoping for a Christmas gift for all Sens fans.

The Sens have been technically insolvent for more than 5 years. We are told that some local interests have quietly purchased or become guarantors of much of the Sens debt and, if this is the case, this group will have a clear path for control. But it is only rumour at time. And, we do not know who the groups are or if guarantees have actually been advanced.

The Sens have no financial pressures today. Everyone who is interested in being part of the purchase group is lining up to advance them money. There will no pressures from the creditors to close a deal. The pressure will be to take time and get it right. I don't think the options on ownership can even be detailed until the LeBreton pathway is cleared up. Remember there is a $200m upfront property mitigation incentive offered from the NCC for the winning bidder on LeBreton.

The money is huge. It will get done.
- spatso

I've been privy to a few things, thankfully, but cant post too much info....that being said, I posted what I could and Christmas change of ownership would be great for all of us, but it's a year away, when you think of all the aspects that need to be cleared. The NHL board of governors wont have a problem getting 24 of 32 approval votes when its sold. I just don't think people realize how this team has ZERO money, like are floundering so bad and how much debt there is......people would be blown away by the dollar figure!!

I've been privy to a few things, thankfully, but cant post too much info....that being said, I posted what I could and Christmas change of ownership would be great for all of us, but it's a year away, when you think of all the aspects that need to be cleared. The NHL board of governors wont have a problem getting 24 of 32 approval votes when its sold. I just don't think people realize how this team has ZERO money, like are floundering so bad and how much debt there is......people would be blown away by the dollar figure!!
- Kevin Francis

that is what happens when buy a multi-million dollar venture/team/company using debt (borrowing) unless it makes crazy money you cannot keep up with the interest payments, it is why the sens have been refinanced every few years.

that is what happens when buy a multi-million dollar venture/team/company using debt (borrowing) unless it makes crazy money you cannot keep up with the interest payments, it is why the sens have been refinanced every few years.
- Mithos

Some of the high interest loans have been re-financed every summer, I kid you not!

Ottawa has chased the puck the entire period, due to the fast paced checking of Florida. Lets see what in-game adjustment DJ makes.......oh wait, he almost never does!

Florida didnt dress Giroux/Barkov/Huberdeau.....Ekblad should be back by the playoffs. Panthers 60% in the faceoff circle without the top 3! But hey Ottawa outhit Florida 12-3, because they are constantly chasing the puck.

Florida didnt dress Giroux/Barkov/Huberdeau.....Ekblad should be back by the playoffs. Panthers 60% in the faceoff circle without the top 3! But hey Ottawa outhit Florida 12-3, because they are constantly chasing the puck.
- Kevin Francis

Well to add to a few of your comments, back up goalie tonight for Florida too. NJ was missing their top 3 forwards the other night and Blackwood was starting his 1st game in goal in over 3 months. The last 2 games the opposition has taken away Norris for his one timer, the time and space isn't there, teams are starting to defend it.

Watson killing penalties tonight then he takes a dumb penalty giving Florida a 5 on 3, really? I get that Brown and Joseph are out of the lineup, but you got Formenton and Stutzle, then Tierney has killed penalties a lot this year and so has Gaudett

Gaudette last game, his stat line almost 15 min. of icetime but he had zeroes across his entire stat line. Not even a shot on goal, a hit or giveaway or takeaway. This guy has no business being brought back. That was against a terrible NJ team as well.

Well said. I think it really is an issue of critical mass. Is there enough weight within the existing mass to sustain sufficient velocity for substantial acceleration and improvement. More and more, I am convinced that you do not need to add or change much to what already exists in order to achieve significant performance improvement.

Great post game interview with Tkachuk and Smith on next year. Interesting how Tkachuk sites Carolina (new) and Boston (old) as being the teams setting the template as to where the Sens want to get to next year.

https://www.tsn.ca/NHL/vi...ow-what-needs-to-~2431099

Clearly, Smith comes across as being entirely confident with the path he is following and even more confident that he will be behind the bench when the season starts next year.
- spatso

Confused by the bolded. I assume you mean some prospects existing in the system pan out to support the defence and a player or two become legitimate top 6 forwards? This same roster next season would bring pretty much the same results.

Great comment on air after the DJ press conference tonight where once again he says they will play hard tomorrow.

"Everyone works hard. That's the cost of admission. Try possessing the puck and implementing some defensive structure."

Confused by the bolded. I assume you mean some prospects existing in the system pan out to support the defence and a player or two become legitimate top 6 forwards? This same roster next season would bring pretty much the same results.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Once again he forgot to take off his Sens shades. All year he keeps saying fun team to watch. Ya that was fun to watch tonight with no starting goalie in, best defensemen out and their 3 best forwards out for Florida lol. Enough already.

Well said. I think it really is an issue of critical mass. Is there enough weight within the existing mass to sustain sufficient velocity for substantial acceleration and improvement. More and more, I am convinced that you do not need to add or change much to what already exists in order to achieve significant performance improvement.

Great post game interview with Tkachuk and Smith on next year. Interesting how Tkachuk sites Carolina (new) and Boston (old) as being the teams setting the template as to where the Sens want to get to next year.

https://www.tsn.ca/NHL/vi...ow-what-needs-to-~2431099

Clearly, Smith comes across as being entirely confident with the path he is following and even more confident that he will be behind the bench when the season starts next year.
- spatso

Have you checked the records of Carolina and Boston? Again, enough already, this team cant stay status quo and same goes for the coaching staff. Watching DJ behind that bench getting schooled by a rookie head coach and missing 5 or 6 regulars was gold and goes to show you how he looked like a deer in headlights. Yes men coaches standing next to him with no solution either. Not a single ingame adjustment made. Lets roll out the same next year.