GAME DAY: Ottawa Senators @ Chicago Blackhawks - 8:30pm ET - FRI. Jan. 7 2011

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:20 am

GAME DAY: Ottawa Senators @ Chicago Blackhawks - 8:30pm ET - FRI. Jan. 7 2011

"It's all downhill from here baby!"

The Ottawa Senators (16-19-5, 37 pts) visit the Chicago Blackhawks (21-18-3, 45pts) Friday night in the first of back to back games for the Senators. Ottawa was embarrassed so badly on home ice by Toronto that even the Leaf fans stopped taunting us they felt so badly for us. Elliott allowed 3 goals on 7 shots and then in comes Brodeur who let in 2 goals on the first 4 or 5 shots he faced before settling in and finishing the game with an 857 SV%. That's not bad considering he'd been riding the pine for several games and his last game action before that was in the ECHL.
The Blackhawks aren't doing too well themselves this season sitting in 12th in the conference and only 1 game above 500 on home ice. The Hawks have lost their last two home games with the most recent being a 4-2 decision for the Stars on Wednesday night.

It's going to be a bumpy ride the rest of the season so sit back and enjoy the Senators as they look to secure a top 5 pick in the upcoming draft. Hopefully whoever is in charge will turn it into a blue chip forward prospect.

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We sit alone in 26th overall. Don't screw it up and jump out of the draft lottery Ottawa. Dammit!

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GO SENS GO!!!

by **LethalLehner** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:27 am

Hopefully the discussions between the players and Murray won't affect the tail spin they are in. Though it is hard to watch them lose, I really want a high draft pick.

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 8:36 am

If they play their cards right they could fall to 13th or if their really lucky maybe even 14th in the conference by the end of the season.

by **shabbs** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:17 am

Cap'n Clutch wrote:If they play their cards right they could fall to 13th or if their really lucky maybe even 14th in the conference by the end of the season.

All aboard the Tank Tain?

Wink

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:24 am

shabbs wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:If they play their cards right they could fall to 13th or if their really lucky maybe even 14th in the conference by the end of the season.

All aboard the Tank Tain?

It's the Tank Bus this season. Sheesh. Wink

Seriously though how many times does a team make the playoffs when they sit in 12th at the midway point in the season?

I know Steve Loyd refers to this all the time on Team1200 but I don't know where he finds the stats on it but it's pretty rare so lets root for a lotto pick because it's more likely than a playoff spot IMO.

by **shabbs** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:29 am

I think we're all in agreement that the post season is a pipe-dream for the Sens. No doubt about it.

These are strange days for Sens fans, with a high draft pick a real possibility, I'm sure fans are torn as to what to "hope" for.

by **strachattack** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:37 am

I'm on the tank bus and have therefore reversed the value of the NHL standings. Last place is first place but I would be happy to fall in the bottom/top three.

by **Flo The Action** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:39 am

i hope all the bottom teams start winning games so we can win some too. losing so many can`t be good for the players who will remain on this team next year or for the fans.

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:46 am

Flo The Action wrote:i hope all the bottom teams start winning games so we can win some too. losing so many can`t be good for the players who will remain on this team next year or for the fans.

Look what winning did for the Isles. They traded away Wisniewski and Roloson.

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:06 am

strachattack wrote:I'm on the tank bus and have therefore reversed the value of the NHL standings. Last place is first place but I would be happy to fall in the bottom/top three.

Best thing to do is just flip the standings page upside down. Looks way better.

by **Michallica** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:07 am

yeah we need to string together some good performances right now, if only to drive up trade values of our for sale items...such as glasscale leclaire made out of only the finest china money can buy (WARNING: extra fragile, handle with extra care....no refund)

Honestly, I don't expect a full-out tanking till they start trading away some guys (at the deadline probably) and then give the young boys a chance full time

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:25 am

I don't see any signs of this turning around at all so I suspect we'll see a January performance that is comfortably below 500.

by **Oglethorpe** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:32 am

Michallica wrote:yeah we need to string together some good performances right now, if only to drive up trade values of our for sale items...such as glasscale leclaire made out of only the finest china money can buy (WARNING: extra fragile, handle with extra care....no refund)

Honestly, I don't expect a full-out tanking till they start trading away some guys (at the deadline probably) and then give the young boys a chance full time

Unfortunately for tank nation history has shown that removing deadwood vets while bringing in kids who want to make an impression on the organization may lead to winning.

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:45 am

Oglethorpe wrote:
Michallica wrote:yeah we need to string together some good performances right now, if only to drive up trade values of our for sale items...such as glasscale leclaire made out of only the finest china money can buy (WARNING: extra fragile, handle with extra care....no refund)

Honestly, I don't expect a full-out tanking till they start trading away some guys (at the deadline probably) and then give the young boys a chance full time

Unfortunately for tank nation history has shown that removing deadwood vets while bringing in kids who want to make an impression on the organization may lead to winning.

True but it's usually short lived due to the lack of experience and the number of mistakes made by the youth brought in.

by **shabbs** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 11:50 am

Cap'n Clutch wrote:BREAKING NEWS!

Lehner with the big club as per Team1200.

Was he called up?

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:05 pm

shabbs wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:BREAKING NEWS!

Lehner with the big club as per Team1200.

Was he called up?

Sorry my bad. RETRACTION NOTICE: I f'd up royally.

Lehner is on the TEAM as in TEAM1200 sorry 'bout that folks. Facepalm

by **SeawaySensFan** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:24 pm

Cap'n Clutch wrote:
shabbs wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:BREAKING NEWS!

Lehner with the big club as per Team1200.

Was he called up?

Sorry my bad. RETRACTION NOTICE: I f'd up royally.

Lehner is on the TEAM as in TEAM1200 sorry 'bout that folks.

Not really. Lehner would have deserved a trip back to Bingo for talking to those fools anyway.

by **SensGirl11** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:39 pm

Has O'Brien been recalled for the weekend games or are they leaving it up to the vets to pull it out?

by **SpezDispenser** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:46 pm

Why aren't we giving Greening and O'Brien - and maybe Condra a chance. I want new blood in the lineup!

by **wprager** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:57 pm

Cap'n Clutch wrote:
Flo The Action wrote:i hope all the bottom teams start winning games so we can win some too. losing so many can`t be good for the players who will remain on this team next year or for the fans.

Look what winning did for the Isles. They traded away Wisniewski and Roloson.

And when they told Wis that he would have to move mid-season, did he say "That sucks" or did he just signal it?

by **wprager** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:58 pm

Cap'n Clutch wrote:I don't see any signs of this turning around at all so I suspect we'll see a January performance that is comfortably below 500.

Well, we haven't seen how the boys play now that Luke is back on the ice.

by **Michallica** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:59 pm

SpezDispenser wrote:Why aren't we giving Greening and O'Brien - and maybe Condra a chance. I want new blood in the lineup!

maybe after they sell kovalev, ruutu? chances are we'd probably have to take someone back though.

I think for sure these 3 will 100% be dealt by the trade deadline:
Kovalev
Ruutu
Leclaire

These three....still up in the air:
Campoli
Phillips
Kuba.....bahahaha who am I kidding?? Facepalm

by **wprager** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:00 pm

shabbs wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:BREAKING NEWS!

Lehner with the big club as per Team1200.

Was he called up?

I'm ambivalent about this move, to tell the truth. Excited to see him play, cautious about what it could do (bring us up from 12th to 9th if he plays well? see the kids facing 35+ shots every night?)

by **wprager** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:01 pm

Cap'n Clutch wrote:
shabbs wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:BREAKING NEWS!

Lehner with the big club as per Team1200.

Was he called up?

Sorry my bad. RETRACTION NOTICE: I f'd up royally.

Lehner is on the TEAM as in TEAM1200 sorry 'bout that folks.

Really have to start reading more than one post at a time.

by **wprager** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:01 pm

SpezDispenser wrote:Why aren't we giving Greening and O'Brien - and maybe Condra a chance. I want new blood in the lineup!

Locke!

by **SpezDispenser** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:07 pm

Michallica wrote:
SpezDispenser wrote:Why aren't we giving Greening and O'Brien - and maybe Condra a chance. I want new blood in the lineup!

maybe after they sell kovalev, ruutu? chances are we'd probably have to take someone back though.

I think for sure these 3 will 100% be dealt by the trade deadline:
Kovalev
Ruutu
Leclaire

These three....still up in the air:
Campoli
Phillips
Kuba.....bahahaha who am I kidding??

I think once Kovalev and Ruutu move on we'll see Greening and O'Brien for the rest of the year. Maybe Butler instead of one of those guys, but I think you're right, I guess we have to be patient. I find it frustrating that we sent O'Brien down to the AHL for cap purposes, then didn't recall him for this game.

by **shabbs** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:08 pm

Elliott gets the start, Lee in, Carkner out.

by **SpezDispenser** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:08 pm

wprager wrote:
SpezDispenser wrote:Why aren't we giving Greening and O'Brien - and maybe Condra a chance. I want new blood in the lineup!

Locke!

I guess...I can't recall hearing once positive thing about his speed though and at his size, he'll be executed in the NHL if he doesn't have the speed.

by **wprager** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:09 pm

Michallica wrote:
SpezDispenser wrote:Why aren't we giving Greening and O'Brien - and maybe Condra a chance. I want new blood in the lineup!

maybe after they sell kovalev, ruutu? chances are we'd probably have to take someone back though.

I think for sure these 3 will 100% be dealt by the trade deadline:
Kovalev
Ruutu
Leclaire

These three....still up in the air:
Campoli
Phillips
Kuba.....bahahaha who am I kidding??

Leclaire dealt by the deadline? If anyone is that desperate they can have Emery for a lot less.

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:10 pm

I think this may be Murray and Clouston's chance to show they can win with this lineup. If it doesn't work then changes?

by **shabbs** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:10 pm

Ruutu also in the line-up tonight.

by **SpezDispenser** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:13 pm

shabbs wrote:Ruutu also in the line-up tonight.

Fair. Murray needs him to play to get his value back up to trade him.

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:13 pm

wprager wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:
shabbs wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:BREAKING NEWS!

Lehner with the big club as per Team1200.

Was he called up?

Sorry my bad. RETRACTION NOTICE: I f'd up royally.

Lehner is on the TEAM as in TEAM1200 sorry 'bout that folks.

Really have to start reading more than one post at a time.

How do you read more than one at a time?

by **shabbs** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:13 pm

SpezDispenser wrote:
shabbs wrote:Ruutu also in the line-up tonight.

Fair. Murray needs him to play to get his value back up to trade him.

It's the showcase of showcases tonight folks... all items are for sale!!!!

Wink

by **SpezDispenser** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:14 pm

shabbs wrote:It's the showcase of showcases tonight folks... all items are for sale!!!!

Yeah, I think you're bang on, I forgot that Ruutu needed to be back in.

by **Cap'n Clutch** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:15 pm

SpezDispenser wrote:
shabbs wrote:Ruutu also in the line-up tonight.

Fair. Murray needs him to play to get his value back up to trade him.

Or it's like I said. Murray and Clouston are putting the lineup back together that they started with and will make it or break it with what was originally assembled.

by **SpezDispenser** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:16 pm

Cap'n Clutch wrote:
SpezDispenser wrote:
shabbs wrote:Ruutu also in the line-up tonight.

Fair. Murray needs him to play to get his value back up to trade him.

Or it's like I said. Murray and Clouston are putting the lineup back together that they started with and will make it or break it with what was originally assembled.

That too, but that works both ways. If the lineup fails, then they'll be sold anyway, might as well get them in there to be 'showcased' a little.

by **wprager** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:17 pm

Cap'n Clutch wrote:
wprager wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:
shabbs wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:BREAKING NEWS!

Lehner with the big club as per Team1200.

Was he called up?

Sorry my bad. RETRACTION NOTICE: I f'd up royally.

Lehner is on the TEAM as in TEAM1200 sorry 'bout that folks.

Really have to start reading more than one post at a time.

How do you read more than one at a time?

You can use CTL-scroll to make the font larger or smaller. Making it smaller puts more than one post on the screen. Then you read two (or more) of them. You read a single post one-word at a time, so don't tell me you can read a post as an atomic operation.

by **shabbs** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:24 pm

Cap'n Clutch wrote:
wprager wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:
shabbs wrote:
Cap'n Clutch wrote:BREAKING NEWS!

Lehner with the big club as per Team1200.

Was he called up?

Sorry my bad. RETRACTION NOTICE: I f'd up royally.

Lehner is on the TEAM as in TEAM1200 sorry 'bout that folks.

Really have to start reading more than one post at a time.

How do you read more than one at a time?

GMHockey.com on my 60" HDTV!!!!

Smile

by **Michallica** on Fri Jan 07, 2011 1:32 pm

wprager wrote:
Leclaire dealt by the deadline? If anyone is that desperate they can have Emery for a lot less.

As of now, I think emery has more question marks about his health than leclaire.....don't forget, leclaire has some decent stats, though not the healthiest, he's pretty low risk for a team in the playoff hunt. and the fact that he had one monster game last season in the playoffs can come in his favor...and say he avoids key injuries and pads his stats some more between now and the deadline....I defi think a team will take a chance on him.

basically nothing to lose. agree or disagree?