I don't know why this isn't said enough --- this defense core is NOT good enough this year* to get into the playoffs. It's a failure on PD and management for not getting a top 4 D-man sooner. It's better if they go until the deadline and get a top 10 pick OR trade the pick for a LEGIT top 4 D-man for the next 5-7 years
- AlfieisKing

Zub had a weak game. Rangers completely shut down Tkachuk and Timmy Superstar.

Back to reading Conor Bedard game stats this morning.

On a more positive note. Today is the day that "qualified" potential buyers are finally given access to the Ottawa Senators financials and the full details of the LeBreton development agreement.

Qualified, is this case, is really important. You don't get to look unless the sports sales agent for the Melnyk family believes you have the financial depth and willingness to do the deal.

On ice distractions need to be minimized for the next 6 weeks.

I don't know why this isn't said enough --- this defense core is NOT good enough this year* to get into the playoffs. It's a failure on PD and management for not getting a top 4 D-man sooner. It's better if they go until the deadline and get a top 10 pick OR trade the pick for a LEGIT top 4 D-man for the next 5-7 years
- AlfieisKing

A+

Nobody doubts the high end skill, talent and fun factor in the upper half of the Sens roster.

But, the commitment to team defense sees too many players go AWOL during critical moments in far too many games.

Brady and Timmy were badly outplayed last night.

I don't know why this isn't said enough --- this defense core is NOT good enough this year* to get into the playoffs. It's a failure on PD and management for not getting a top 4 D-man sooner. It's better if they go until the deadline and get a top 10 pick OR trade the pick for a LEGIT top 4 D-man for the next 5-7 years
- AlfieisKing

I think you have hit the nail on the head. As an outsider your forward depth is good even without Norris, Your defense is overall not nearly good enough.

Hows zaitzev playing?
Saw he got scratched from the ahl team?
Tee hee

I don't know why this isn't said enough --- this defense core is NOT good enough this year* to get into the playoffs. It's a failure on PD and management for not getting a top 4 D-man sooner. It's better if they go until the deadline and get a top 10 pick OR trade the pick for a LEGIT top 4 D-man for the next 5-7 years
- AlfieisKing

It's been pointed out by numerous hockey pundits that the Sens defense is at least as good if not better than some other teams that have a winning record.

Their forward group is reasonably talented even after the huge downgrade in the bottom 6 from Paul and Brown to Joseph and Motte.

Giroux has proven to be a great addition to this point but this blind insistence on trying to make DeBrincat happen has cost them points in the standings because he basically neutralizes so many of their power plays as well as any line he's playing on 5 on 5. I cringe when I hear people talk about extending him at 8 x 8.5 because doing that would put paid to any chance at a parade.

Hopefully Dorion is not allowed to make any major moves from now until new ownership is in place and then both he and Smith and company will be shown the door.

New ownership may not be overly upset about getting a good prospect in the 2023 draft and I'm kind of thinking putting a new GM and HC in place will generate enough excitement to stimulate ticket sales.

I wouldn't take Bedard as I much prefer Fantilli if by some crazy twist the Sens somehow get to choose that high.

It's like Formenton never was a part of this organization. So bizarre. So Dorion as he has never given the fan base a real explanation as to why AF is treated like he doesn't exist. As if AF wouldn't sign a cheap offer sheet to prove he belongs. Collusion at it's finest among the GM's and owners. AF the only unsigned RFA hmmm. AF could be compared to Barry Bonds when the MLB owners all colluded back in the day, nobody would sign him after 28 homers in 2007, but other players with far lesser stats got signed.
- LawyerSens4Life

Not sure this needs over-examination. Everyone likes the on-ice game Formenton provides, but at the end of the day he's a potentially central figure in a high-profile sexual assault case. Mitchell Miller has been effectively blacklisted from the NHL for bullying incidents, which quite honestly were only actionable as a juvenile crime because of their racial motivation. That said, Mitchell was also just voted the MVP of the USHL, and will almost certainly have a pro hockey career ahead of him in the KHL. Formenton will have opportunities down the road, once he smoke clears... but if he's convicted they won't be in the NHL.

Matt Murray with a .927 save percentage so far with Toronto.

It's gonna suck is we trade Debrincat to another one of our rivals and he pots 50 that year.

It really sucks to cheer for a franchise that supports its own rivals.

Not sure this needs over-examination. Everyone likes the on-ice game Formenton provides, but at the end of the day he's a potentially central figure in a high-profile sexual assault case. Mitchell Miller has been effectively blacklisted from the NHL for bullying incidents, which quite honestly were only actionable as a juvenile crime because of their racial motivation. That said, Mitchell was also just voted the MVP of the USHL, and will almost certainly have a pro hockey career ahead of him in the KHL. Formenton will have opportunities down the road, once he smoke clears... but if he's convicted they won't be in the NHL.
- khawk

Yessir - it's not really that complicated. In the short run, Formenton'll get Voynoved or spend time in a correctional facility and then get Voynoved. If he's cleared, somebody will give him a chance, but Dorion has clearly taken the position that the best move is a waiting game and in the absence of a judgment, there's no time left. Vegas did just conspicuously clear a contract spot yesterday, so maybe he moves, but it's really doubtful IMO.

Hows zaitzev playing?
Saw he got scratched from the ahl team?
Tee hee
- Fakepartofme

Did he really get scratched for a game in Belleville? Nuts. It's like Trent Mann knows what he's doing.

sens recalled zeitsev..guess they want to guarantee loses

sens recalled zeitsev..guess they want to guarantee loses
- Mithos

Just have to love the way Zaitsev is in the head of some fans. Even when he is benched in Belleville, fans still want to torch him. I suppose it would have been nice to have had him in the line up last night. At least we would have had someone to blame that is more suited to our understanding of the situation.

Leviticus 16 spells out that the High Priest (Aaron) placed two goats before the Lord at the entrance of the tent. One for the Lord and the other for Azazel (a desert demon or evil spirit). This is the origin of the concept of scapegoat. The goat was named Zaitsev. Villagers laid there hands on Zaitsev they prayed over him and they transferred their sins into hime. Zaitsev was then sent out into the wilderness (near Belleville) carrying all the sins of the village. Zaitsev would be devoured by the wolves and other desert creatures. This act of atonement and sacrifice made everyone feel better about their own personal inadequacies and failings.

Just have to love the way Zaitsev is in the head of some fans. Even when he is benched in Belleville, fans still want to torch him. I suppose it would have been nice to have had him in the line up last night. At least we would have had someone to blame that is more suited to our understanding of the situation.

Leviticus 16 spells out that the High Priest (Aaron) placed two goats before the Lord at the entrance of the tent. One for the Lord and the other for Azazel (a desert demon or evil spirit). This is the origin of the concept of scapegoat. The goat was named Zaitsev. Villagers laid there hands on Zaitsev they prayed over him and they transferred their sins into hime. Zaitsev was then sent out into the wilderness (near Belleville) carrying all the sins of the village. Zaitsev would be devoured by the wolves and other desert creatures. This act of atonement and sacrifice made everyone feel better about their own personal inadequacies and failings.
- spatso

That's funny, Spatso, but also remarkably accurate.

sens recalled zeitsev..guess they want to guarantee loses
- Mithos

BSens 0-3 with Zaitsev in the lineup. 0-7 in Sens line up, so that's a whopping 0-10.

Did he really get scratched for a game in Belleville? Nuts. It's like Trent Mann knows what he's doing.
- Bartacus

He did. What a concept, a coach holding Zaitsev accountable.

Great tweet by Shawn Simpson.

The swing of Norris, Paul, and Brown turning into Brassard, Motte, and Joseph isn't good.

Was Dorion so focused on Chychrun that he passed on Marino?

Great tweet by Shawn Simpson.

The swing of Norris, Paul, and Brown turning into Brassard, Motte, and Joseph isn't good.

Was Dorion so focused on Chychrun that he passed on Marino?
- LawyerSens4Life

I think the failure to add a top 4 Dman was a huge mistake.

Great tweet by Shawn Simpson.

The swing of Norris, Paul, and Brown turning into Brassard, Motte, and Joseph isn't good.

Was Dorion so focused on Chychrun that he passed on Marino?
- LawyerSens4Life

Nick Paul 9g 7A for 16 P in 22 games

amazing how ex sens players get better when they are no longer coached by DJ...

Brown was gone, is was going to ask for too much for OTT to keep him.

but thing is, OTT is missing their BEST 3rd liner, Formenton and did nothing to replace him, Motte is barely a 3rd liner and Joseph has just been bad, should have just signed to 1 year...

I think the failure to add a top 4 Dman was a huge mistake.
- spatso

A lot of folks in this forum expressed serious doubts about Marino when his name was floated in the off-season. It would've meant a third rounder and either JBD/Thompson going the other way at the time (neither of which I'd argue is Ty Smith comparable, but similar draft pedigree and age). I suspect if Dorion had done that deal there would have been a very negative initial reaction. Hindsight is 20/20.

Great tweet by Shawn Simpson.

The swing of Norris, Paul, and Brown turning into Brassard, Motte, and Joseph isn't good.

Was Dorion so focused on Chychrun that he passed on Marino?
- LawyerSens4Life

Perhaps but Ty Smith going to PIT, I think Lassi Thomson or Jacob Bernard Docker would go the other way. Wish it could only be Erik Brannstrom, and maybe it would be

Zub had a weak game. Rangers completely shut down Tkachuk and Timmy Superstar.

Back to reading Conor Bedard game stats this morning.
- spatso

well said - it's much easier to focus in on a few players, especially when the team takes the lead and can block the shots like NYR do

On a more positive note. Today is the day that "qualified" potential buyers are finally given access to the Ottawa Senators financials and the full details of the LeBreton development agreement.

Qualified, is this case, is really important. You don't get to look unless the sports sales agent for the Melnyk family believes you have the financial depth and willingness to do the deal.

On ice distractions need to be minimized for the next 6 weeks.
- spatso

Interesting. Here's hoping that new ownership comes in, there's a huge excitement. PD needs to be proactive (without making a move like Duchene the first time, Stone for Brannstrom, or Brassard for Zibanejad). Thank god he got Stutzle and Norris for Karlsson otherwise my faith in his trading ability in key times would be in question (moving forward with new ownership even)

A+

Nobody doubts the high end skill, talent and fun factor in the upper half of the Sens roster.

But, the commitment to team defense sees too many players go AWOL during critical moments in far too many games.

Brady and Timmy were badly outplayed last night.
- spatso

Yes team defense is key. And I agree, there are breakdowns but I think Timmy, Brady, Chabot - all are trying to do too much - that it leads to these errors you are referring to. This is why teams need balance. There is no doubt in my mind if this team had a top 4 D-man and Sanderson played like this, they would be in the playoff race. We already have seen Zub and Chabot's affect. The D that play in the game are HALF the size of the forward group. Then the top 4 play so many [key] minutes. Outside the goaltending, I don't see a more important part of a team, especially for a young team like the Sens. They need a more stable D to make that difference in key parts of the game, but also IMO to take that pressure off of Chabot and Zub (and forwards at times)

Matt Murray with a .927 save percentage so far with Toronto.

It's gonna suck is we trade Debrincat to another one of our rivals and he pots 50 that year.

It really sucks to cheer for a franchise that supports its own rivals.
- TDBSenatoR

7 games played is still too small of a sample size. The Sens needed cap room and PD did good to sign players like Stutzle, Norris, and acquire DeBrincat to long term deals.

This team has not developed chemistry yet and certainly can do that. People often forget but the year the Sens went on that crazy Hammond run (which I'm not saying will happen ever again) the Sens didn't win 3 games in a row. I remember thinking that the whole year

I think you have hit the nail on the head. As an outsider your forward depth is good even without Norris, Your defense is overall not nearly good enough.
- Rang

I think the combination of lack of acquiring a TRUE top 4 D-man in conjunction with the lack of steps taken by Brannstrom, Thomson, and/or Bernard Docker will see the Sens miss the playoffs. If 1 or 2 of them take great strides the second half can be much better - but the same old start is very frustrating to see again for fans!