Guest Writer: Senators stage huge comeback vs. CGY; prepare for the NYI

Mikael Backlund 6' 0"
Blake Coleman 5' 11"
Dillon Dube 5' 11"
Jonathan Huberdeau 6' 1"
Nazem Kadri 6' 0"
Trevor Lewis 6' 1"
Elias Lindholm 6' 1"
Milan Lucic 6' 3"
Andrew Mangiapane 5' 10"
Jakob Pelletier 5' 9"
Brett Ritchie 6' 4"
Adam Ruzicka 6' 4"
Tyler Toffoli 6' 0"

They're not that big up front.

I can't say that the Sens were lucky to have won that game, but I can say that the Flames were unlucky to lose it.
Two goals with the goalie pulled-- you've got to make them pay with an empty-netter, but no. Throw pucks at a rattled Markstrom who hasn't seen more than 20 shots all game, basically, and there's your chance. Markstrom needed to make a big save at the right time, and didn't.

There was no way that the Flames were winning in overtime. None.

Nice job with the blog, much appreciated.

As for last night, exciting as it was to see that comeback, you also hope it doesn't distract from the fact that they really had no business winning that game. Being outshot 27-11 after 2 periods on home ice is ridiculous... in front of a rookie G, no less. Sogaard played very well, which for me is actually the biggest takeaway (other than Stutzle putting on a clinic in the last ~5min). We'll see how consistent Sogaard can be over the next while, but it was certainly encouraging to see him step up and give the team a chance to win.

It's really the start of what should be a two-month audition for some of the team's top AHL talent. Greig/Sogaard have already kicked it off, and have proven to be valuable additions. Holden/Zaitsev need to be moved out so they can get a better look at Bernard-Docker/Thomson at RHD. I've also thought from watching Crookshank in pre-season that he could be an effective bottom-6 winger, or maybe Lodin. Maybe even take a look at Kleven, if he signs an ELC after the NCAA season.

Hopefully there's a clearing out of the excess UFA talent, so we can get a better sense of the potential coming in the pipeline. It's no longer a nice to have, as the team is now tight to the salary cap. These are the types of players who are going to balance out the high-$$$ players in the top-6F/top-4D, and need to start making an NHL impact.

Nice post. The late comeback was exciting. For the first time since maybe the home opener, the Sens players (other than Brady and Stu) actually looked excited to play some hockey. Warranted, it was only a few minutes, but an effective few minutes.

Soogard looked fine. He didn’t wow but he didn’t disappoint. I’d ride him for a while. I really hope Dorion doesn’t bother with another mid-tier goalie acquisition just because of the injuries. Season is lost, let’s see where the prospects are at.

A+. Great read.

I think the size comment is very valid. The Flames' big boys play the body at every opportunity and they play it hard.

Timmy played a sloppy game last night and finished the evening with 4 points and he was +4. Wow! Is that not what superstars are supposed to do?

If Calgary makes the playoffs, can't imagine they will last more than 4or 5 games. Lots of beef. Not much firepower or finish.

If the Sens scratch out a win is anybody getting back on the bandwagon?

I really like this team and I would like for them to finish strong so they can build on something they will have to start next year.

I would be open to a strong move at the deadline to bring in a RHD.

Don't want to see a lot of questions going into training camp next fall. Finish this season making sure the guys for next year are getting good ice time.

Why.
Why is Sogaard not starting? Is this coach TRYING to not make the playoffs?

Playing a pretty good game so far. Mandolese looks solid so far as well. Can't fault him on the goal as it was a perfect shot from the slot.

Good opportunity with the playoff narrative gone to find out what some of these prospects have while giving them a taste of the NHL. I'd like to see much more of JBD and Thomson and maybe a bit of Kleven after his season is done. Given Smith's record for refusing to play young players unless he has no choice I doubt that will happen.

Should have been a penalty for Palmieri when he kicked the goalie stick into the corner.

Tkachuk/Stutzle strikes again.

Timmy Stuetzlestar, Wow! Wicked shot.

Mandolese is okay so far.

Kids are learning to play like pros.

Sanderson's absence is noticed.

And Stutzle/Tkachuk strike again.

Too bad Watson couldn't make an easy clear.

Mandolese sure had a great debut.

sens completely gave up in OT, NYI win

back to back first NHL start first NHL win for OTT G

Why.
Why is Sogaard not starting? Is this coach TRYING to not make the playoffs?
- Octavarium

…and coach looks like a genius
I give up

Not often you get 2 really exciting games on consecutive nights. Well done Sens.

Did Chabot get hurt?

In regard to Mando getting the start - I KINDA get it, cuz lets say Sogaard plays again and gets injured. People will say it's because of the back-to-back and not used to playing that type of tempo/speed/blablabla, and they should have let Mando play instead. No need to overplay goalies... but now... what do you do? Both goalies showed up.

Great game by Mando. 46 saves against a team in the hunt for a playoff. Islanders greatly missed Pageau in this game.

Hamonic had 7 minutes on the PK.

I say Mando keeps getting the starts. This is the way.

Not often you get 2 really exciting games on consecutive nights. Well done Sens.

Did Chabot get hurt?
- spatso

I wouldn't call that an exciting game but the result was good and Mandolese looked pretty good. The Sens didn't play well at all in the OT but the Islanders don't seem to have much in the way of finish.

Good show by both Sogard and Mandolese on consecutive nights.

Chabot did get hit hard when he was carrying the puck into the ozone along the boards and was slow to get up but he was out after that.

ps: It looked like maybe the refs lost some money on this game.

Solid job with the blog.

Nice to see Stutzle making rapid progress towards being a dominant star forward. Tkachuk also continues to impress. The center position is looking really solid with Stutzle, Norris, Greig, Pinto and Kastelic. Sanderson, Chabot and Zub form a good top 3 on defence. Just need a sharp GM to fill in around the core pieces to produce a winning team.

I'm with khawk in thinking that we should be sellers, and plug in some of the prospects to give them an extended audition. I would wait until the summer after Zaitsev's bonus is paid before moving him to reduce the cost.

It's refreshing to see the top end talent turn it on at the end of games to pull out wins.

back to back first NHL start first NHL win for OTT G
- Mithos

1 in Overtime

1 in the shootout

Has that ever happened before !!!!

Thanks Octa, great contribution. Maybe we should stop playing our starting goaltenders and hand it over to the kids? We gave up Gus who is having a great season in Minny, and now these two kids put on lights out performances in relief of our tepid unreliable vets. Second most save total in first full NHL game win by Mando. Ever.
Neat. Good on them - hopefully somebody with a brain on the sidelines is making notes.

The game has past Sutter by, His ego is bigger than his brain.

Thanks Octa, great contribution. Maybe we should stop playing our starting goaltenders and hand it over to the kids? We gave up Gus who is having a great season in Minny, and now these two kids put on lights out performances in relief of our tepid unreliable vets. Second most save total in first full NHL game win by Mando. Ever.
Neat. Good on them - hopefully somebody with a brain on the sidelines is making notes.
- Bartacus

Dorion is probably on the sidelines thinking that if these kids can keep it up for a few more games he could use them as pieces in a genius trade at the deadline.

Damn I forgot again - sarcasm alert.

Dorion is probably on the sidelines thinking that if these kids can keep it up for a few more games he could use them as pieces in a genius trade at the deadline.
- Whatisavailable

I have never believed Dorion would survive as GM. I thought it would be an automatic change as soon as the team began the transition to new ownership. I was equally certain that a new GM would want to hire his own head coach.

Not so sure now. Perhaps new ownership simply decides to appoint a President of Hockey Operations instead. It looks like the sale will not be finalized until near the end of June. So, maybe another year of Dorion and Smith.

Playoff picture should be source of some serious chatter as we begin the stretch run. Washington (+6) currently holds down the last playoff spot but they are sinking and they are not a very good team. The Islanders (+4) and Florida (+3) have played more games than the other teams chasing that final spot. Both are struggling in trying to pull it together and make a serous run.

Buffalo (+4) is my favourite to grab the last playoff spot. Detroit (+4) is close and has the same record as Buffalo. Detroit has stayed under the radar all season and they might sneak past Buffalo.

Ottawa (+2) remains an long shot. The upcoming double header against Detroit (both games in Ottawa) could end their playoff chase.

How many points are enough to get you into the playoffs in the East? Hard to believe how much more competitive the East is this year and 92 points might be the magic number for a playoff berth.

Mikael Backlund 6' 0"
Blake Coleman 5' 11"
Dillon Dube 5' 11"
Jonathan Huberdeau 6' 1"
Nazem Kadri 6' 0"
Trevor Lewis 6' 1"
Elias Lindholm 6' 1"
Milan Lucic 6' 3"
Andrew Mangiapane 5' 10"
Jakob Pelletier 5' 9"
Brett Ritchie 6' 4"
Adam Ruzicka 6' 4"
Tyler Toffoli 6' 0"

They're not that big up front.
- Whatisavailable

Maybe they look big compared to our guys, who look small. More and more I think Debrincat is not worth anything north of $8million. I think he is a 25 to 30 goal scorer on our team. That isn't worth that money. Better to spend it on a RHD and Sanderson's next contract.