Jared Crozier: Senators Through 10 Games - Where Do They Stand? What are your impressions of the first 10 games of the Senators season?

Take a good look at the standings TODAY.
IMO good chance that's the way it finishes. Maybe Boston moves up a peg and Ottawa is 5th ahead of TO.

I think overall we have to be pleased with their record but not necessarily with their play - I think there are a lot of concerns that we thought would be solved - our Center ice position is a question mark with Zibby playing poorly, our F/) % and Zach Smith playing quietly.

You could argue the only thing that has changed from last year is we are getting better goaltending - the vibe around the team seems to be more positive but that can turn in the next 10 games.

I think this 4 game homestand will tell us what kind of team we have, we've been in every game this year except the Boston game.

We didn't have trouble handling the Boston forwards as much as we did handling how their D pressed with the puck

Their play so far has pretty much been what i expected.

The goalies are too good to repeat what they did last year. I expected both to have bounce back years.....so far, so good.

there is clearly talent on this team, and it has showed on occasion through the first 10 games.

there is also a ton of youth on this team, and with youth comes inexperience and mistakes, which has also shown on occasion this year.

Karlsson has had a rough start, and similar to spezza at the beginning of last year, perhaps he's just trying to do too much now that he's the "face of the franchise", and the revolving door of partners probably doesn't help much. i'm more than willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

I expected ottawa to be fighting for a playoff spot at the end of the year, and it appears that's where they're headed.

Looking at our next ten games we should get 12 points at the minimum, I think we can pull off 15 which would be awesome.

So far, there have been plenty of pleasant surprises. Most importantly, it is the "vibe" of the team.

About a month and a half ago, I felt like the team was on the edge of a cliff. The mood has changed entirely.

We've won a few gritty games, a few comebacks, but also lost a few leads and have been blown out. This is very typical of a young team, learning its style. I look at the first 10 games as a way for the coaching staff to get a feel for what they are working with. I look to the next 10 games as an opportunity for a good coaching staff to implement a strategy that puts the resources to work most effectively.

The goaltending has been great, and I'd love for that to continue, but I think the Defense will continue to be a the chink in our armour. If I am GM, I'm making a trade sooner than later to address that. No sense waiting until the deadline - we know what we have and what we don't have (which is a good top 4 defense).

So far, there have been plenty of pleasant surprises. Most importantly, it is the "vibe" of the team.

About a month and a half ago, I felt like the team was on the edge of a cliff. The mood has changed entirely.

We've won a few gritty games, a few comebacks, but also lost a few leads and have been blown out. This is very typical of a young team, learning its style. I look at the first 10 games as a way for the coaching staff to get a feel for what they are working with. I look to the next 10 games as an opportunity for a good coaching staff to implement a strategy that puts the resources to work most effectively.

The goaltending has been great, and I'd love for that to continue, but I think the Defense will continue to be a the chink in our armour. If I am GM, I'm making a trade sooner than later to address that. No sense waiting until the deadline - we know what we have and what we don't have (which is a good top 4 defense).
- sensano

IMO there are some problems with trying to acquire a d-man right now. The fact is that SO many teams are desperate for d-men right now, that the prices for even average players is probably through the roof (relatively speaking). I think if murray is smart, he looks at the fact that he has 8 d-men (most of whom are signed to low dollar/cap deals, and actually tries to move out a d-man or two. I would rather them move out some d-men, and see what we have in guys like Claessen and Wideman, rather than overpay to bring in an overpriced 2nd or 3rd pairing guy.

Happy where they are now, but the amount of shots they are giving up isn't good. We have seen this script before, it doesn't end well. If they keep getting outshot, and management doesn't make a trade to improve the defence corps then this season is going to go down the drain quickly. As good as Lehner and Anderson have been, if you expect them to stay above .925% by the time the season ends, well then I have a bridge to sell you.

It's tough, I like a lot of the players on this team, but I fear things are gonna drop off quickly.

I know it won't happen but I'd be happy if this team found a taker for Chris Neil. He's keeping more talented players out of the lineup.

Take a good look at the standings TODAY.
IMO good chance that's the way it finishes. Maybe Boston moves up a peg and Ottawa is 5th ahead of TO.
- JACMAN

IMO there are some problems with trying to acquire a d-man right now. The fact is that SO many teams are desperate for d-men right now, that the prices for even average players is probably through the roof (relatively speaking). I think if murray is smart, he looks at the fact that he has 8 d-men (most of whom are signed to low dollar/cap deals, and actually tries to move out a d-man or two. I would rather them move out some d-men, and see what we have in guys like Claessen and Wideman, rather than overpay to bring in an overpriced 2nd or 3rd pairing guy.
- sensarmy_11

I agree - I think there is some dead-weight that I would love to ship out. That said, I'm not sure who would want our Grybas and Greenings...even at bargain basement pricing. I fear we've handcuffed ourselves with some of these contracts and the result might mean waiving one or two if the right deal comes up.

That said, I do agree with your point about the market for defense being a little high...

Happy where they are now, but the amount of shots they are giving up isn't good. We have seen this script before, it doesn't end well. If they keep getting outshot, and management doesn't make a trade to improve the defence corps then this season is going to go down the drain quickly. As good as Lehner and Anderson have been, if you expect them to stay above .925% by the time the season ends, well then I have a bridge to sell you.

It's tough, I like a lot of the players on this team, but I fear things are gonna drop off quickly.

I know it won't happen but I'd be happy if this team found a taker for Chris Neil. He's keeping more talented players out of the lineup.
- Talkshowhost

I love where this team is right now - even with its faults.

I still hold that we will miss the play-offs - in large part due to the issues on defence .... but that's OK.

When the decision was made (that I disagreed with) to trade Spezza, part two of the rebuild began. I foresee a part three (the final one).

I think we'll see Murray pull some of his patended January deals to have Anderson traded(assuming he is still playing well). I would also think that both Phillips and Neil will end up in Boston for their play-off run.

Murray will get futures and picks for these assets and look towards a very strong draft. The assets accumulated in these four trades (including Spezza) will be parlayed into a T4 defenseman in the summer. Or, they pick one up via free agency (like Ehrhoff).

I love where this team is right now - even with its faults.

I still hold that we will miss the play-offs - in large part due to the issues on defence .... but that's OK.

When the decision was made to trade Spezza, part two of the rebuild began. I foresee a part three (the final one).

I think we'll see Murray pull some of his patended January deals to have Anderson traded(assuming he is still playing well). I would also think that both Phillips and Neil will end up in Boston for their play-off run.

Murray will get futures and picks for these assets and look towards a very strong draft. The assets accumulated in these four trades (including Spezza) will be parlayed into a T4 defenseman in the summer. Or, they pick one up via free agency (like Ehrhoff).
- SensnRBs

If Phoenix is going to blow it up Vermette would be an awesome addition to Ottawa - his faceoff percentage and speed is exactly what we need.

Phoenix: Smith, Hoffman, 2nd 2015
Ott: Vermette

If Phoenix is going to blow it up Vermette would be an awesome addition to Ottawa - his faceoff percentage and speed is exactly what we need.

Phoenix: Smith, Hoffman, 2nd 2015
Ott: Vermette
- tuna99

I dont see a need for centres with Turris, Z-Bad (unless he proves best at RW), Smith and Lazar in the system, not to mention whatshisface that Ottawa got in the Spezza deal.....

Ottawa needs Detroit to fall off, cuz I don't think MTL will or TB. Florida likely will, but Boston you know will make its way into that group and you gotta think TOR, NYR and/or CLB will push for a spot.

As for roster moves, I would do everything in my power to move Greening. I would also part ways with Wiercioch. The adv stats guys can suck him off all they want, he just don't have it. He's indecisive, soft and slow. I would rather have Boro, Gryba and yes, Cowen.

I would love to see Ottawa try and unload their spare parts for a Sekera. Obviously you will have to include a prospect and maybe DAL 2nd. But if they could move Greening, Wiercioch, Prince and a 2nd for him....or something like that, wow, that would be a move and a half. Highly doubtful Francis is that dumb. Only prob is, you still have 8 dmen. Perhaps you exchange Cowen with Wiercioch and just simply giveaway PW46 to the highest bidder...

Anyway, one can fantasize.

I agree - I think there is some dead-weight that I would love to ship out. That said, I'm not sure who would want our Grybas and Greenings...even at bargain basement pricing. I fear we've handcuffed ourselves with some of these contracts and the result might mean waiving one or two if the right deal comes up.

That said, I do agree with your point about the market for defense being a little high...
- sensano

Get rid of Greening. Gryba isn't the guy people should want out. He's big, can skate pretty well and doesn't make a ton of mistakes. Not to mention he is a cheap enough option to sit in the press box. He is the perfect 6th Dman in my opinion.

It's been a slow start for some of the team they won against and SENS took advantage of that. The last few games were played against teams that were starting their season as they should....ready to roll and they lost.

I think the SENS will have to battle hard and will most likely stay in the 500 range...

Hope I am wrong but I am realistic

Ottawa needs Detroit to fall off, cuz I don't think MTL will or TB. Florida likely will, but Boston you know will make its way into that group and you gotta think TOR, NYR and/or CLB will push for a spot.

As for roster moves, I would do everything in my power to move Greening. I would also part ways with Wiercioch. The adv stats guys can suck him off all they want, he just don't have it. He's indecisive, soft and slow. I would rather have Boro, Gryba and yes, Cowen.

I would love to see Ottawa try and unload their spare parts for a Sekera. Obviously you will have to include a prospect and maybe DAL 2nd. But if they could move Greening, Wiercioch, Prince and a 2nd for him....or something like that, wow, that would be a move and a half. Highly doubtful Francis is that dumb. Only prob is, you still have 8 dmen. Perhaps you exchange Cowen with Wiercioch and just simply giveaway PW46 to the highest bidder...

Anyway, one can fantasize.
- BodyCheckRadio

Sekera is a 5-6-7 blueliner on a good team (not to mention 28 yrs old and a pending UFA). Ottawa already has too many of those and bringing in another one, who has a lower ceiling than Wiercioch and/or Cowen, would be luancy in a 1 for 1 deal, let alone giving up 4 assets for him.

"Spare parts", such as they are, are still assets and if the right deal were to come along then make the trade, but dumping those assets, (even as over-paid as someone like Greening might be for what he brings) for nothing isn't the smart way to do things. This isn't the 1992 Rangers or Maple Leafs that can just toss their mistakes overboard and bring in more high-priced talent because money isn't an option.

If Phoenix is going to blow it up Vermette would be an awesome addition to Ottawa - his faceoff percentage and speed is exactly what we need.

Phoenix: Smith, Hoffman, 2nd 2015
Ott: Vermette
- tuna99

Wow this is bad. Why would you trade Hoffman (let alone adding a 2nd and Smith) for Vermette.

I love where this team is right now - even with its faults.

I still hold that we will miss the play-offs - in large part due to the issues on defence .... but that's OK.

When the decision was made (that I disagreed with) to trade Spezza, part two of the rebuild began. I foresee a part three (the final one).

I think we'll see Murray pull some of his patended January deals to have Anderson traded(assuming he is still playing well). I would also think that both Phillips and Neil will end up in Boston for their play-off run.

Murray will get futures and picks for these assets and look towards a very strong draft. The assets accumulated in these four trades (including Spezza) will be parlayed into a T4 defenseman in the summer. Or, they pick one up via free agency (like Ehrhoff).
- SensnRBs

Not bad dude...pretty much what I think. No need to rush things. I can't wait for that day where players will ask to come to Ottawa for their chance for a cup. 4...maybe 5 years from no?

I love where this team is right now - even with its faults.

I still hold that we will miss the play-offs - in large part due to the issues on defence .... but that's OK.

When the decision was made (that I disagreed with) to trade Spezza, part two of the rebuild began. I foresee a part three (the final one).

I think we'll see Murray pull some of his patended January deals to have Anderson traded(assuming he is still playing well). I would also think that both Phillips and Neil will end up in Boston for their play-off run.

Murray will get futures and picks for these assets and look towards a very strong draft. The assets accumulated in these four trades (including Spezza) will be parlayed into a T4 defenseman in the summer. Or, they pick one up via free agency (like Ehrhoff).
- SensnRBs

This comment is all over the place. I don't know where to begin.
1. That Spezza trade is going to be a steal in a few seasons (1-2). I say 1, because Spezza might not even sign with Dallas next season.
2. This team is better than most fringe teams. They just need a bit of a push. The term "pesky" is very sought after by low-achieving teams and many elite teams have that characteristic. Ottawa with how they played in the last 10 (minus vs. Boston) were pesky. All they need is confidence, and that's Maclean's job.

Not bad dude...pretty much what I think. No need to rush things. I can't wait for that day where players will ask to come to Ottawa for their chance for a cup. 4...maybe 5 years from no?
- SENSpatriot

This team isn't likely going to win the Cup this season; that being said, they are easily a Playoff team in the East.

If Phoenix is going to blow it up Vermette would be an awesome addition to Ottawa - his faceoff percentage and speed is exactly what we need.

Phoenix: Smith, Hoffman, 2nd 2015
Ott: Vermette
- tuna99

tuna!

I think Ottawa will be fine if Bobby Ryan starts scoring goals.

Sekera is a 5-6-7 blueliner on a good team (not to mention 28 yrs old and a pending UFA). Ottawa already has too many of those and bringing in another one, who has a lower ceiling than Wiercioch and/or Cowen, would be luancy in a 1 for 1 deal, let alone giving up 4 assets for him.

"Spare parts", such as they are, are still assets and if the right deal were to come along then make the trade, but dumping those assets, (even as over-paid as someone like Greening might be for what he brings) for nothing isn't the smart way to do things. This isn't the 1992 Rangers or Maple Leafs that can just toss their mistakes overboard and bring in more high-priced talent because money isn't an option.
- JaredCrozier

Im gonna disagree, respectively. Sekera is a Top 4 on any team, and on Ottawa, maybe higher.

Im gonna disagree, respectively. Sekera is a Top 4 on any team, and on Ottawa, maybe higher.
- BodyCheckRadio

We should be sellers in this case not buyers. Wiercioch's time as a Senator is shrinking with Methot coming back any day now. The price for defenders is through the roof, and even though the Senators don't have top-4's, they certainly have a lot of top-6's that they can shrink up for prospects and/or picks, depending on the player.