GAME DAY: Ottawa Senators @ Toronto Maple Leafs - 7:00pm ET - SAT. Feb 6, 2010

(Road Warriors... Lets set another franchise record!)

Ottawa (33-21-4, 2nd in the Northeast and 5th in the Eastern Conference) visit Toronto (18-28-11, last in the Northeast and 14th in the Eastern Conference) Saturday night at the ACC. The Sens extended their franchise-record-setting streak to 11, and they ended Vancouver's streak over Ottawa at 4. Elliott made 29 saves to win his 9th in a row, extending the team record he set last year. Spezza extended his franchise record goal-scoring streak to 8 games.

Ottawa will be heading to Toronto possibly without Karlsson due to an upper body injury (no word yet on the severity). This would be a huge blow to the Sens back end with the way he's emerged as a top puck mover on this team. Toronto also made a big splash on the trade market bringing in Dion Phaneuf and a seemingly rejuvinated G.S Giguere (Second Leaf goalie to debut with a shut-out). Things couldn't be aligning more perfectly for the Sens right now on this ridiculous streak. First they beat their 2007 franchise record of 8 games by defeating the Habs on a Saturday afternoon Hockey Day in Canada game. Now they have an opportunity to not only make the streak an even dozen but, they can beat their franchise record road winning streak by defeating the Leafs in their own barn for their 7th road win in a row.

Game Coverage
TV: NHLN-US(HD), CBC(HD)
Radio: Team 1200
Web: check http://www.atdhe.net and http://www.justin.tv

Latest updates:
Karlsson left last night's game with an apparent upper body injury. Clouston's early impression is it's not too serious. Karlsson isn't expected back until after the Olympic break!

Team Lineups:

Ottawa lineup as of Feb. 3, 2010
http://www.dailyfaceoff.com/team-lineups/ottawa-senators-team-lineup

Game notes:
Source: When available

Toronto lineup as of Feb 2, 2010: http://www.dailyfaceoff.com/team-lineups/toronto-maple-leafs-team-lineup

TSN's Ice Chips:
Source: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11009

Injuries
Ottawa Key Injuries

Erik Karlsson (Upper body, out ??)
Nick Foligno (Broken leg, out 6-8 weeks)

Toronto Key Injuries

D Mike Komisarek (shoulder, out for the season),
C Mikhail Grabovski (wrist).

Game Day Previews:

OttawaSenators.com Game Day Preview:
When available

NHL.com Game Day Preview:
When available

ESPN Game Day Preview:
http://espn.go.com/nhl/preview?gameId=300206021


ESPN Stats Comparison


Media Links:

Clouston speaks to media after practice http://senators.nhl.com/v2/ext/Audio/100205_Clouston.mp3
Clouston speaks to the media after 3-1 win over the Canucks. http://bit.ly/cBAq2I
SensTVOnline:http://senators.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp
Official Twitter of the Ottawa Senators: http://twitter.com/NHL_Sens

GO SENS GO!!!

What Ottawa needs to do is play this team like they're a combination of Washington and Chicago's best players and slaughter them because they aren't.

We better not take these chumps in Toronto lightly. I want the foot down on the pedal and no lifting off until the buzzer ends the third period.

I agree with PKC and SSF. Don't fall into the trap of playing down to the competition. This will not be a cake walk if they go in thinking it will be.

Just added the poll. Don't forget to vote!

Cap'n Clutch wrote:Just added the poll. Don't forget to vote!

It was an easy choice.

I was thinking of adding this: : as an option but it wouldn't let me.

I want a severe beating of the maple leafs tomorrow. On another note, all three games between the two teams have been decided by a single goal. It'll end up being close.

Michallica wrote:I want a severe beating of the maple leafs tomorrow. On another note, all three games between the two teams have been decided by a single goal. It'll end up being close.

This season has definitely rekindled the BoO for sure. They've been good games to watch. I'm convinced that had that team been Toronto in the first period last night it would have been 5 zip after 1 period. If the Sens can come out like they did last game, and sustain it, this will be a Sens win walking away.

What's the over/under on the new kid, Phaneuf, not fighting Neil or Carkner?

I agree, tho', can't take this team lightly. They're all playing for their jobs, and that motivates everyone. Whatever their other problems, TOR has never had a work ethic issue. OTT needs to work for this one. If OTT pursues the puck tomorrow and battles anything like they did yesterday, this should be a win.

rooneypoo wrote:What's the over/under on the new kid, Phaneuf, not fighting Neil or Carkner?

I agree, tho', can't take this team lightly. They're all playing for their jobs, and that motivates everyone. Whatever their other problems, TOR has never had a work ethic issue. OTT needs to work for this one. If OTT pursues the puck tomorrow and battles anything like they did yesterday, this should be a win.

I think if he watched the game last night, he'll not even cross the ringette line to get close to Carkner....

Got two cocky Leaf fans sitting near me full of Hubris

Dash wrote:Got two cocky Leaf fans sitting near me full of Hubris

I wonder if they dipped pita bread in it or if they just used it as a vegetable dip?

I may have missed something here, but how come Shabbs doesn't do the GDT anymore?

Leafs play hard from the get go so I think the Sens will be very awake early too, which is good.
I cannot believe we're gonna lose with their current forward line up, and the way ours have been playing consistently good from 1st to 4th line.

What's good is, when the Leafs score an early goal there's more probability for them to lose the game, and when we score first we have one of the best record in the league, so it's a win win

Michallica wrote:I may have missed something here, but how come Shabbs doesn't do the GDT anymore?

shabbs informed us that he's taking a hiatus from the site. He didn't say for how long and I didn't ask. I figured if he wanted us to know he would have said something.

Cap'n Clutch wrote:

Michallica wrote:I may have missed something here, but how come Shabbs doesn't do the GDT anymore?

shabbs informed us that he's taking a hiatus from the site. He didn't say for how long and I didn't ask. I figured if he wanted us to know he would have said something.

Weird, I see him posting on the HB forums though. Thanks for the info.

On forth we go....

P.S. Great job on the GDT!

I pegged this one as a Leafs victory, though not by much.

I think the two keys will be a) playing a lesser team might be bring out a touch of lethargy and laziness. As was pointed out earlier, no one can fault the Leaf's work ethic. b) JS Giguere, a huge step up over Toskala and Gustafsson. He's a real goaltender, with real pedigree.

I call TO winning by a goal.

Updated first post. Karlsson not expected back until after the Olympic break, as reported in the Karlsson thread via Sens Twitter and the Ottawa Sun.

beedub wrote:I pegged this one as a Leafs victory, though not by much.

I think the two keys will be a) playing a lesser team might be bring out a touch of lethargy and laziness. As was pointed out earlier, no one can fault the Leaf's work ethic. b) JS Giguere, a huge step up over Toskala and Gustafsson. He's a real goaltender, with real pedigree.

I call TO winning by a goal.

Fixed.

beedub wrote:I pegged this one as a Leafs victory, though not by much.

I think the two keys will be a) playing a lesser team might be bring out a touch of lethargy and laziness. As was pointed out earlier, no one can fault the Leaf's work ethic. b) JS Giguere, a huge step up over Toskala and Gustafsson. He's a real goaltender, with real pedigree.

I call TO winning by a goal.

a) I doubt it now that Karlsson is a definite no go. They know they'll need to work even harder with him out. It's the BoO and that brings out the best in both teams. It should be a close game. The streak is going to end so predicting losses from here on out is an easy way to look smart once it happens.

b) Elliott's play over the last nine games is light years ahead of the way Giggy has played this season.

c) Who's going to score for the Leafs? Henrik freakin' Sedin and Burrows couldn't do it last night.

How important is the streak to Clouston? Does anyone think he considers putting Leclaire in to ease him back into the lineup?

SeawaySensFan wrote:How important is the streak to Clouston? Does anyone think he considers putting Leclaire in to ease him back into the lineup?

I don't think he eases Leclaire back in until after the Olympics if the streak is still alive. I think it was stupid that they didn't send Leclaire down on a 2 week conditioning stint personally. Either stupid or there's some rule that I'm not aware of that wouldn't allow this to happen.

SeawaySensFan wrote:How important is the streak to Clouston? Does anyone think he considers putting Leclaire in to ease him back into the lineup?

I don't think CC cares too much about the streak but as long as Elliott is hot we should play him until fatigue sets in, he'll have the break to rest up.

Leclaire just came back I think he should get more practices in. Coming back from a concussion I wonder what state he's in. Players are rarely quite the same after a concussion for a while.

I know that Karlsson is an important piece to this team but they were able to pull through while some of the other important players were out. The thing that has impressed me the most during this streak is how the players have been able to handle the adversity. This has not been true in the past. The fact is the players have bought in to what Clouston is selling. It just means tonight that they have to work a little harder. Are they ready for the challenge? Definitely (in my books!!)

SeawaySensFan wrote:How important is the streak to Clouston? Does anyone think he considers putting Leclaire in to ease him back into the lineup?

I was thinking that myself. Not to ease Leclaire in, but rather rest Elliott. Elliott has had an incredible 10 game run, but if we take him out when he loses, then I'd be afraid of sending a message of, "Well thanks, but we're going back to Leclaire." Elliott has earned the starting role, and if we allow Leclaire the start here, and he loses, we go back to Elliott cause he's the hot hand. If Leclaire starts and wins, well he beat a team that is 2nd last in the conference, big woop, go back to Elliott cause he's earned the right to be called our number 1.

I'm hoping Clouston is looking at it as though Elliott is the number 1 until proven otherwise because it's the right thing to do.

Cap'n Clutch wrote:

beedub wrote:I pegged this one as a Leafs victory, though not by much.

I think the two keys will be a) playing a lesser team might be bring out a touch of lethargy and laziness. As was pointed out earlier, no one can fault the Leaf's work ethic. b) JS Giguere, a huge step up over Toskala and Gustafsson. He's a real goaltender, with real pedigree.

I call TO winning by a goal.

a) I doubt it now that Karlsson is a definite no go. They know they'll need to work even harder with him out. It's the BoO and that brings out the best in both teams. It should be a close game. The streak is going to end so predicting losses from here on out is an easy way to look smart once it happens.

b) Elliott's play over the last nine games is light years ahead of the way Giggy has played this season.

c) Who's going to score for the Leafs? Henrik freakin' Sedin and Burrows couldn't do it last night.

I didn't pick TO to look smart. I picked TO as they have a legitimate chance of winning.

Since when did Karlsson become the dominant force on the blue line. He's good, sure, improving in leaps and bounds with each passing game, and a future star, absolutely, but he is yet to become a game-breaker.

When Elliot streaks, he's great! I had this argument with someone last year, when Auld when on a streak. I said it wouldn't last then, either.

Don't forget, Elliot is the same guy people were comparing to the turd in the bowl when they were losing.

Giguere may not be the flashiest goalie around, but he's consistently good when he plays a lot. Oh, yup, almost forgot, has won more cups than Elliot and Leclaire combined

Lets put it this way. Should the Leafs win it won't have anything to do with them being a better team, being better than their record or Giggy being "money". It will be just one of those things where a streak has to end.

And as far as the Cup comment is concerned - Andre Roy also has more cups. Should we pick him up?

beedub wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:

beedub wrote:I pegged this one as a Leafs victory, though not by much.

I think the two keys will be a) playing a lesser team might be bring out a touch of lethargy and laziness. As was pointed out earlier, no one can fault the Leaf's work ethic. b) JS Giguere, a huge step up over Toskala and Gustafsson. He's a real goaltender, with real pedigree.

I call TO winning by a goal.

a) I doubt it now that Karlsson is a definite no go. They know they'll need to work even harder with him out. It's the BoO and that brings out the best in both teams. It should be a close game. The streak is going to end so predicting losses from here on out is an easy way to look smart once it happens.

b) Elliott's play over the last nine games is light years ahead of the way Giggy has played this season.

c) Who's going to score for the Leafs? Henrik freakin' Sedin and Burrows couldn't do it last night.

I didn't pick TO to look smart. I picked TO as they have a legitimate chance of winning.

Since when did Karlsson become the dominant force on the blue line. He's good, sure, improving in leaps and bounds with each passing game, and a future star, absolutely, but he is yet to become a game-breaker.

When Elliot streaks, he's great! I had this argument with someone last year, when Auld when on a streak. I said it wouldn't last then, either.

Don't forget, Elliot is the same guy people were comparing to the turd in the bowl when they were losing.

Giguere may not be the flashiest goalie around, but he's consistently good when he plays a lot. Oh, yup, almost forgot, has won more cups than Elliot and Leclaire combined

Ill argue that point in a heart beat. The two previous games to last night he set up Fisher for the OT winner and set up Alfi for the game winner. I would say he is absolutely a game breaker right now and last night until he was injured was EASILY the best player on the ice with Spezza, Alfi, both Sedins, Kessler, Fisher, and Kovy. Karlsson might not be a star right now but he is absolutely a game breaker and on the verge of being a star.

Cap'n Clutch wrote:Lets put it this way. Should the Leafs win it won't have anything to do with them being a better team, being better than their record or Giggy being "money". It will be just one of those things where a streak has to end.

And as far as the Cup comment is concerned - Andre Roy also has more cups. Should we pick him up?

AS soon as he picks up a Conn Smythe, yup, grab him

beedub wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:Lets put it this way. Should the Leafs win it won't have anything to do with them being a better team, being better than their record or Giggy being "money". It will be just one of those things where a streak has to end.

And as far as the Cup comment is concerned - Andre Roy also has more cups. Should we pick him up?

AS soon as he picks up a Conn Smythe, yup, grab him

We also have a 50 goal scorer on our roster making only 3 Million. Should we be excited?

beedub: Are you the one that voted TO wins by 2 or more goals? Is Giggy gonna score?

Cap'n Clutch wrote:beedub: Are you the one that voted TO wins by 2 or more goals? Is Giggy gonna score?

SeawaySensFan wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:beedub: Are you the one that voted TO wins by 2 or more goals? Is Giggy gonna score?

It wasn't you that voted that was it? I thought you voted for Truculence-ness?

Cap'n Clutch wrote:

SeawaySensFan wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:beedub: Are you the one that voted TO wins by 2 or more goals? Is Giggy gonna score?

It wasn't you that voted that was it? I thought you voted for Truculence-ness?

Obviously.

Toronto being a better team than Ottawa ? i

SeawaySensFan wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:

SeawaySensFan wrote:

Cap'n Clutch wrote:beedub: Are you the one that voted TO wins by 2 or more goals? Is Giggy gonna score?

It wasn't you that voted that was it? I thought you voted for Truculence-ness?

Obviously.

Nope, I voted for TO wins by a goal in reg. Um, exactly as I put in my 1st post in this thread

Hoags wrote:Toronto being a better team than Ottawa ? i

Who said TO was better than Ottawa?. I said on paper, Toronto is a better team than their record suggested. That's all.

Kaberle - Great PMD for the price
Beauchemin - Did Neidermeyer and Pronger make him look better than he is?
Phaneuf - Started off his career great. Can he bounce back? I think so.
Schenn - Jury still out on this guy
Exelby - Truculent fringe NHLer
Komisarek - Truculent over paid 5/6 D man

My quick take on the Leafs D.