The big news today was the demotion of young defenseman Erik Karlsson. It’s pretty frustrating that he wasn’t given the chance, but Murray had his reasons and a little conditioning can’t do him any harm. Also, Murray has instructed Regin to find a permanent home, instead of a hotel room, meaning Regin will be sticking around the big club long term. We need guys like Regin on the team especially with the lack of production from Cheechoo and the poor play by Shannon.

Regardless of the roster changes our next two games are very important. Why? Because the last two games went horribly wrong for the Sens when they should’ve gone easily smooth. Yes we did manage to get a point in each of the two losses but those were games we should’ve had a total of 4 points in. The games against the Panthers and Lightning are vital to prove that we can still capitalize on weaker teams and win like we’re supposed to. These games are also a good way to get our PP going as neither team has had stellar PK stats so far. Luckily for the Sens, Kuba came back at a somewhat great timing, having to face easier teams to get him adjusted back into the NHL.

Not only do we have an edge in scorers against both sunshine teams, but we also have players that love to score against Tampa and probably won’t have any problems scoring against Florida either. Now that Kuba is back, we should definitely see a better game from Campoli who is supposed to be paired with him. Our D may not be elite yet, but it always manages to shut down all the teams and get it done; I highly doubt they’ll have problems against the sunshine teams. We also have an edge on both teams regarding the physical department. With Carkner and Neil continuing to roll the way they are, no team will be able to get past us easily. Also, keep an eye out for Hedman avoiding Volchenkov at ALL costs :P.

I thought I’d try a new thing this time by picking 3 players I’ve been impressed with lately and 3 players that have been disappointing, so here goes:

Impressive:

1) Milan Michalek: he continues to use his speed and grit to break through defensemen and create tons of chances. It doesn’t hurt that he’s also making Spezza move his feet much more and quicker. The more I see for him, the more I believe he’s going to be better for us than Heatley ever would’ve been.

2) Anton Volchenkov: not only is he acting like a second goalie on the ice everytime he’s on the ice, he’s also terrorizing players with his smashing hits. He has proven to be one of the best shut down defensemen in the league and a rare commodity. He is playing the best hockey of his life, and if he continues at this rate, we have a pretty good pair in him and Big Rig

3) Jason Spezza: yes yes I know he doesn’t have a goal yet, but something about his 8 assists and his backchecking is making me insanely impressed with him. He is obviously starting to mature into the player we’ve always wanted him to be. If he continues to work this hard, that first goal will come and hopefully many more will follow.

Unimpressive:

1) Jonathan Cheechoo: he was obviously the Shark’s deadweight in the Heatley deal but I really thought he’d turn it around here in Ottawa. While it’s still early and I haven’t given up on him yet, he has done nothing to show me he’s going to break out anytime soon.

2) Alex Kovalev: the thing with Kovalev is that he’s scored a few goals here and there but other than that he’s been invisible and almost had no factor on our games. We’re paying $5 million for a player who was supposed to help our power play but instead of making it a lethal power play, we have one of the worst PPs in the league. I just don’t see him earning his big pay check at the moment

3) Ryan Shannon: maybe it’s the concussion or maybe it’s his somewhat demoted role, but this kid isn’t what he was last year and I truly believe putting him in the lineup instead of Donovan is a big mistake. Shannon needs some time in the pressbox in favour of Donovan. Maybe that’ll fire something in him and bring the old Shannon back.

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S19 Hockey Thoughts

good read. Keep it up.

Great work S19

I was not impressed with this addition on the day it occured...........and still waiting for what he is suppose to bring to the table. Alot of money well wasted!

I'm excited for this road trip I was going to try to make it out to Sunrise for tonight's game but my girlfriend is working and it's a 2-3 hour drive anyway. Tickets are SO cheap for the game. You can get lower level seating for $15 bucks


Great article, keep up the good work!

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I like it.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks everyone

I tried to be optimisitc about him throughout the summer and still trying to but my optimism is wearing thin. He needs to step up and needs to do it ASAP

$15??? I dont think you can $15 in third level here. The cheapest I've seen/found $17 and I think it was a promo night in the 300 level

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S19 Hockey Thoughts

This is Florida we're talking about here - I'd totally believe it.

It was also the last minute price