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Post by BigT on Mar 9, 2023 9:58:42 GMT -6
Couple things. I think Chabot will be fine, he’s 26 and will probably win a Norris soon. He’s got all the tangibles. Even the great Nick Lidstrom didn’t win his first Norris until he was 31. I will say this. DJ Smith is a good dude and a good coach. I’ve known him for quite a while. He’s the perfect new age coach. He doesn’t come down on the guys and he understands how they wanna be treated. He won 3 Memorial Cups ( 2 as assistant and 1 as head coach). He put in his time. Spent 10+ years figuring out coaching. The Sens are a young team that needed some tough lessons. They’ll be good next year. And all because DJ taught them lessons. They get it now. They’re like 12-3-1 in their last 15. Same as Boston. They made a huge step this year and they’ll be fine. Making the playoffs this year was a tall order. Next year teams like the Leaves, Rangers etc will have difficulty making the playoffs. Even the Bruins won’t be this good again. This is just a stepping stone for the Sens. Just like the 2008 Hawks. They’ll be good. Scary good!!! Not sure about Chabot wining a Norris, but Jake Sanderson might in a few years, will be only 21 in July and already playing 20+ minutes in most games, 6' 3" and almost 200 lbs. Chabot has the offensive capability to be a Norris winner. As we’ve seen over the past 30 years is the highest scoring dmen get the trophy. I will say that usually they have to be good defensively too. If not, Gus would a got a nomination for the trophy!!! |
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Post by squishy24 on Mar 9, 2023 12:29:34 GMT -6
Reading about Ottawa, many are saying Chabot is in a decline already and be should be the one to go to fit Dcat’s new salary. But, the same people will say that Chabot’s replacement is already in house, like Zub, so Chabot wouldnt be a big loss. Ottawa has a lot of players in the pipeline. I think they need three things- 1. i agree with you about the goalie situation and there really isnt a “good” goalie in FA. Maybe trade Chabot for that goalie? 2. Their coach sucks, they need a better one to take them further 3. Salary cap, they need to get better soon before all the entry level contracts expire for the young guys. Theyre already giving up picks to get rid of contracts Couple things. I think Chabot will be fine, he’s 26 and will probably win a Norris soon. He’s got all the tangibles. Even the great Nick Lidstrom didn’t win his first Norris until he was 31. I will say this. DJ Smith is a good dude and a good coach. I’ve known him for quite a while. He’s the perfect new age coach. He doesn’t come down on the guys and he understands how they wanna be treated. He won 3 Memorial Cups ( 2 as assistant and 1 as head coach). He put in his time. Spent 10+ years figuring out coaching. The Sens are a young team that needed some tough lessons. They’ll be good next year. And all because DJ taught them lessons. They get it now. They’re like 12-3-1 in their last 15. Same as Boston. They made a huge step this year and they’ll be fine. Making the playoffs this year was a tall order. Next year teams like the Leaves, Rangers etc will have difficulty making the playoffs. Even the Bruins won’t be this good again. This is just a stepping stone for the Sens. Just like the 2008 Hawks. They’ll be good. Scary good!!! I disagree about Chabot, but ive been wrong before Cant argue about DJ Smith though, it does look like theyre finally figuring out how to win. I guess he “grows” with the team (just like Bednar was in Colorado). We’ll see how they continue |
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Post by hsbob on Mar 10, 2023 16:09:35 GMT -6
Go into Seattle,double-up the 'Krak' in 1st period SOG's,go up 3-0 8:27 in and get a PP that could really put a foot on their throats.......then give up a shorty that bounces in off a D-man's leg. Shouldn't be a problem but the young team goes on to trail by a 4-3 score before tying it up and winning in regulation.
NERVE-RACKING as hell but maybe an example of a young team's who's learned how to win games they didn't earlier in the season.
The dreaded three point game between Pitt and the Isle didn't help last night,4 points out with 18 games to play and only one team to jump over at this point.
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Post by BigT on Mar 11, 2023 11:29:34 GMT -6
I like what Dorion said. The playoffs aren’t the be all end all this year, it’s the ability to play meaningful games now. Their hunger will grow immensely and they’ll make a huge step next year and probably win the east and or the Presidents trophy. They’re ready now!!!
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Post by hsbob on Mar 11, 2023 12:22:57 GMT -6
The Sens this year look like the 2008 Hawks. Where the Hawks missed the playoffs by 4 points. Then the next year they went to the conference finals, then the dynasty was on. I think the Sens have that same type feeling. They have sooooo many good players. Tkachuk, Stutzle, Dcat, Batherson, Giroux, Norris, Pinto, Chabot, Chychrun, Sanderson. All that right there reminds me a lot of the Hawks. Plus they’ve still got a few coming. Their rebuild is complete. They’re turning the corner and have an established core group. They just need experience and they’re getting it now. I’d maybe upgrade the goaltending. Nothing against Talbot, but he’s just too injured for my liking. And too inconsistent over his career. Their rebuild only took 5 years to get here. That’s very impressive!!! Reading about Ottawa, many are saying Chabot is in a decline already and be should be the one to go to fit Dcat’s new salary. But, the same people will say that Chabot’s replacement is already in house, like Zub, so Chabot wouldnt be a big loss. Ottawa has a lot of players in the pipeline. I think they need three things- 1. i agree with you about the goalie situation and there really isnt a “good” goalie in FA. Maybe trade Chabot for that goalie? 2. Their coach sucks, they need a better one to take them further 3. Salary cap, they need to get better soon before all the entry level contracts expire for the young guys. Theyre already giving up picks to get rid of contracts Chabot,Sandeson and Chychrun are all true LS D-men,Chychrun's listed as LS/RS but he's a true LS,35yro Holden won't return. 23yro Erik Brannstrom's also a LS D-man but in no contention with the other three for a top-six LS spot. Chychrun's signed for two more and since he's happier than a pig in shit up there,I believe an extension is a given. He's 24,6'2" 220 with the build of a super-hero,his offensive game can be dynamic at times,he tracks pucks and breaks-up plays with his stick at a high level and has all the necessary size/physicality to be considered a top pair D-man and he only gets better at his age. He can also play either side if need be. 20yro,6'3" 195lb,#5 over-all Sanderson has had a very nice rookie debut but I'd want to see more(not a lot)before I'd consider him ready to be a top four D-man on the left side of a cup contender. We have to remember Chabot just turned 26 himself and also has size. He's solid in his own end IMO,but not elite,he's an offensive producer on pace for a career year and a good PP QB as well who'll blow his career PP numbers out of the water this year along the way. He can execute a dazzling stretch pass and the outstanding defensive play too......those passes and plays can also be less than dazzling and outstanding at times also........just going off of what I've personally seen this year. Could the Sens move Thomas Chabot? Not until they're 100% sure Sanderson is his top-four replacement and only because of his value as a proven top-six D-man and the return he'd bring.....NO way it happens THIS summer IMO. His 8M cap hit for 5 more years isn't ideal but the team has space with 5M more in dead space coming off after next year. You mentioned young guys coming due,but this is where the Sens have a real advantage as far a roster continuity goes..... 23yro Tkachuk,23yro Norris and 20yro Stutzel are all wrapped-up long-term,Chabot for 5 more,Batherson 4 more,Zub 4 more,Joeseph 3 more,Giroux,Chychrun and Kastelic 2 more and Kelly and Sanderson 1 more.......he'll need a bridge after that or maybe something longer. If they re-do D-Cat,I doubt it's much more than 2M over the 6.4M hit he has now but Pinto could be interesting. Do they go bridge deal or long-term like they did with their other young forwards.....they'll have the space to do either from what I see. The net is indeed the problem,both 22yro GT's have looked good but neither's close to leading a team into the PO's and expiring Talbot's old and injured a lot. With a weak FA market for GT's as you mentioned,I can see another(hopefully better)stop-gap in net again next year. As improved as the Sens are this year,it'll still be another before they're a true cup contender.....unless they somehow land that top GT this summer. |
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Post by hsbob on Mar 11, 2023 12:39:51 GMT -6
I like what Dorion said. The playoffs aren’t the be all end all this year, it’s the ability to play meaningful games now. Their hunger will grow immensely and they’ll make a huge step next year and probably win the east and or the Presidents trophy. They’re ready now!!! I thought from the start this year,that a REAL 'push' to make the PO's would be huge for the Org and the fanbase whether it's successful or not and that's where your guy DJ has em right now. This young team had a few opportunities to go the wrong way this year with their 23yro #1 center out after 5gms and w/o BOTH starters in net but DJ's held the kids together with some nice veteran additions by Dorian helping too. It's not like they caught teams by surprise and ran up points early either,they struggled early as young teams can do,losing way too many close games in regulation that they win now......points they'll more than likely regret when it's all said and done. They're 'upping' their play as the games have become more important,and that's a great look into the future if they can sustain it........look for a MUCH better start from a young team that's learning it's lessons next year! |
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Post by hsbob on Mar 11, 2023 13:05:57 GMT -6
If the Sens want to keep pace,a win in Vancouver is a must tonight.....
Stops in Calgary and Edmonton to finish the trip and the Avs and Leafs waiting to welcome the team home before a trip to Boston and Pittsburgh......careful what you ask for....it's TOUGH out there!LOL!
The Canucks might want to stay outta the box tonight,the 6th best PP against the worst PK in the league could be explosive! Now watch Vancouver kill 5 or 6!LOL!!!!!
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Post by BigT on Mar 11, 2023 14:12:28 GMT -6
I know the road is tough. Hopefully DJ has the boys on a real curfew. Not the ole wink wink be in your room by 12. They need the wine and the team needs to suck it up and put the night life on the shelf for a few days here. I’m guessing they’ll be ready. DJs no fool to this. Young horny dudes with all the money they can think of is a dangerous thing on the road. But they gotta show their serious and pull together as a team here and go for the wins!!!
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Post by hsbob on Mar 12, 2023 9:01:02 GMT -6
Beat a much better team in Seattle Thursday night and then lose to the 5 under Knuckleheads?LOL! I will say Tocchet has his boys playing with gusto after moving Horvat and Lazar but they added Hronek and Beauvillier and Miller and Boesser look happy they were kept.
I thought before the game,the 6th best PP might take advantage of the 32nd ranked PK but that stat's a FOOLER. The Canucks have killed @ a 90% pace and scored NINE shorties just since Tocchet took over! 7-2-1 over their last 10.
On to Calgary tonight for a road back-back,finish-up in Edmonton,then go home and play the best teams in hockey the next two weeks........it was a good year.
They say 'you can't make the PO's in Oct & Nov but you sure can miss em' and it looks like that's what the Sens did early in the season,or maybe they missed em when BOTH NHL goaltenders went down for the year but it's good experience for all involved either way.
Even .500 hockey from here on out with two 22yros w/10 NHL starts between em in net would be impressive IMO. Great experience for those young GT's though and that can always pay dividends.
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Post by hsbob on Mar 14, 2023 10:13:16 GMT -6
Excuses don't wash but name the team that could lose both starters in net for the season(days after the TDL)and compete for a spot in the east.....or the west.
Maybe a couple of 22yros getting pressure packed NHL starts pays dividends at some point but it seems to have sucked the life out of the team.
I don't see em bouncing back but I didn't think I'd see the Sabres win in Toronto last night either. Nice start from 41yro Anderson,they'll have to ride the Old horse real hard the rest of the way though.....a little TDL help in net woulda been a good thing IMO. Look at their back-up's numbers and tell me just about any decent, cheap vet GT wouldn't have helped.
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Post by hsbob on Mar 18, 2023 12:27:53 GMT -6
Scoring 3 or even 4 doesn't get the young team a single point in their current situation.......what an awful time for that!
Scoring has been a bit down over the 1-0-5 streak with 15 goals in the six games while trying to cover for two 22yros in net but D's actually improved with the addition of Chychrun,allowing an average of 31 shots against over the six games. Avs scored 5 on 30 shots,Oil potted 6 on 33 shots at home,Calgary 5 on 39 shots at home,Van 5 on 30 shots at home,Seattle 4 on 33 shots at home and the Hawks 5 on only 21 shots in Chicago.....an .865 save percentage.......in a PO push.
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Post by hsbob on Mar 19, 2023 10:25:15 GMT -6
The Sens had to scramble for their 4th goal @19:49 of the 3rd to tie it up after out-shooting the Leafs 52-29. Another 22yro allowing another 4 on only 29 shots but at least they got a point this time. Two of Ottawa's first three shooters pot one and you still lose the shoot-out?
The Sens were on quite the heater before losing both starters in net,the 2nd just days after the TDL. Dorian knew 1B Forsberg was done for the year(at least) and 35yro,1A Talbot was dinged-up off and on all year too.......ANY cheap vet GT might have gone a long way in net.
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Post by BigT on Mar 20, 2023 16:05:27 GMT -6
Maybe the games left have caught up with the Sens. Not sure if there’s enough games left. But I’m not giving up on the Sens. I still see a window there. I hope they take it if she’s open!!!
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Post by BigT on Mar 20, 2023 19:25:51 GMT -6
I don’t wanna say anything. 5:53 left in this one. That 4 plus minute stretch where Zub and Sanderson were stuck out there. Ahhhhhh fugazi. pens just scored!!!
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Post by BigT on Mar 20, 2023 19:42:22 GMT -6
What a game that was. Nice to see them get a win in a 4 point game. If they lose, they were 9 out. If they win 5 out!!!
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Post by galaxytrash on Mar 20, 2023 20:27:45 GMT -6
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Post by hsbob on Mar 21, 2023 9:09:18 GMT -6
Dylan Who? I barely noticed when the Sens signed an AHL/ECHL GT back in March out of necessity when Forsberg went down to injury and Sogard came up after the Marlies traded the 24yro to Bellville for future considerations. Drafted in the 7th round by Dallas,then traded to LV where he saw one relief appearance as a 20yro stopping 1 of 2,before bouncing back and forth between the 'A' and the 'E' the last four Covid confused years,going unsigned after his ELC expired.
I've been 'belly-aching' for a 'goalie win',or at lest a good performance and I got one from an emergency call-up.......go figure.
The Sens are 6pts out and go into Boston tonight where the Bruins are 27-3-3 and they finished their road-trip 3-0(thumping their opponents 15-2)after the Hawks pissed them off but the young Sens have handed Boston 2 losses so far this year.....one in Boston.
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Post by hsbob on Mar 22, 2023 9:18:36 GMT -6
Good effort up in Boston on the 2nd of a road back-back and a solid start from 22yro Sogaard after watching an emergency call-up in net stand on his head the night before. Outshot,out-hit and out-drew the league leaders and gave-up the tying goal on a 3 on 5 in a tough 2-1 loss that saw #1 star Ullmark stone yet another team,stopping 40 of 41......good all-around effort in an important game.
Speaking of Ullmark,Buffalo drafted and developed him until he was 27 and he played well when he was up and in the 'A' for the Org,but they just let him walk. Boston signs him for a manageable 5M through '24-25' while Buffalo struggles with 41yro Anderson and a few sub.890 young guys with GAA's that stink. I guess that's why Boston's Boston and Buffalo's Buffalo.
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Post by BigT on Mar 22, 2023 13:13:59 GMT -6
I’m not saying the Sens should a won. But it would a been oh so nice to even get a point. Close game. I fear the schedule is now their enemy. Not enough games left to make up the 6 plus points they gotta make up.
One thing is for sure. I doubt Ottawa is in this position next year. I would be surprised if they win the East next year. They’re primed to make that huge jump. We see them almost there now. And that defense should be next level in 23/24.
I really don’t like saying “wait till next year”. But I really mean it, wait till next year!!!
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Post by vadarx on Mar 22, 2023 15:43:28 GMT -6
I’m not saying the Sens should a won. But it would a been oh so nice to even get a point. Close game. I fear the schedule is now their enemy. Not enough games left to make up the 6 plus points they gotta make up. One thing is for sure. I doubt Ottawa is in this position next year. I would be surprised if they win the East next year. They’re primed to make that huge jump. We see them almost there now. And that defense should be next level in 23/24. I really don’t like saying “wait till next year”. But I really mean it, wait till next year!!! they better find a reliable goaltender if they plan on doing anything anytime soon. they got the talent in front of the net minder, now they need someone who can bail em out on occasion... |
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Post by Nikos on Mar 22, 2023 17:13:01 GMT -6
I’m not saying the Sens should a won. But it would a been oh so nice to even get a point. Close game. I fear the schedule is now their enemy. Not enough games left to make up the 6 plus points they gotta make up. One thing is for sure. I doubt Ottawa is in this position next year. I would be surprised if they win the East next year. They’re primed to make that huge jump. We see them almost there now. And that defense should be next level in 23/24. I really don’t like saying “wait till next year”. But I really mean it, wait till next year!!! they better find a reliable goaltender if they plan on doing anything anytime soon. they got the talent in front of the net minder, now they need someone who can bail em out on occasion... No goaltending no shot as they say. |
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Post by galaxytrash on Mar 22, 2023 19:22:50 GMT -6
they better find a reliable goaltender if they plan on doing anything anytime soon. they got the talent in front of the net minder, now they need someone who can bail em out on occasion... No goaltending no shot as they say. straying a bit off the subject of the thread, but it seems to me this year there's a whole lot of playoff teams (or potential playoff teams) where goaltending could be a weak spot. a lot more than usual at least. or maybe it's just me... |
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Post by squishy24 on Mar 22, 2023 21:05:20 GMT -6
No goaltending no shot as they say. straying a bit off the subject of the thread, but it seems to me this year there's a whole lot of playoff teams (or potential playoff teams) where goaltending could be a weak spot. a lot more than usual at least. or maybe it's just me... Pretty much. Among the contenders, only Vasilevsky has been with his team for more than a year. (If you call TB a contender) I think every team in the PO will have a goalie that will be a first timer for the cup, if they go that far. (Except Fleury and Vasi) |
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Post by BigT on Mar 23, 2023 5:20:34 GMT -6
I’m not saying the Sens should a won. But it would a been oh so nice to even get a point. Close game. I fear the schedule is now their enemy. Not enough games left to make up the 6 plus points they gotta make up. One thing is for sure. I doubt Ottawa is in this position next year. I would be surprised if they win the East next year. They’re primed to make that huge jump. We see them almost there now. And that defense should be next level in 23/24. I really don’t like saying “wait till next year”. But I really mean it, wait till next year!!! they better find a reliable goaltender if they plan on doing anything anytime soon. they got the talent in front of the net minder, now they need someone who can bail em out on occasion... In all fairness, Talbot was injured. He could be the missing link. Or he could just be missing!!! |
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Post by hsbob on Mar 23, 2023 8:51:09 GMT -6
they better find a reliable goaltender if they plan on doing anything anytime soon. they got the talent in front of the net minder, now they need someone who can bail em out on occasion... In all fairness, Talbot was injured. He could be the missing link. Or he could just be missing!!! He was in and out all year and he ain't gonna fare any better health-wise @35 going forward IMO. He was coming off a 32 win season in MN but his play tailed off,losing the net to MAF in the PO's and it never really picked back up when healthy this year either...(2.85/.905%). Maybe as a cheap back-up since he's stated how much he wants to stay but they need a better starter. Sogaard also looks better as a back-up than as 'the guy' as you'd expect @22,he was 4-0-1 with good numbers coming into the game in Chicago. |
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Post by galaxytrash on Mar 23, 2023 9:00:04 GMT -6
In all fairness, Talbot was injured. He could be the missing link. Or he could just be missing!!! He was in and out all year and he ain't gonna fare any better health-wise @35 going forward IMO. He was coming off a 32 win season in MN but his play tailed off,losing the net to MAF in the PO's and it never really picked back up when healthy this year either...(2.85/.905%). Maybe as a cheap back-up since he's stated how much he wants to stay but they need a better starter. Sogaard also looks better as a back-up than as 'the guy' as you'd expect @22,he was 4-0-1 with good numbers coming into the game in Chicago. talbot's a capable nhler but he never struck me as "the guy". |
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Post by T-man2010 on Mar 23, 2023 10:29:24 GMT -6
He was in and out all year and he ain't gonna fare any better health-wise @35 going forward IMO. He was coming off a 32 win season in MN but his play tailed off,losing the net to MAF in the PO's and it never really picked back up when healthy this year either...(2.85/.905%). Maybe as a cheap back-up since he's stated how much he wants to stay but they need a better starter. Sogaard also looks better as a back-up than as 'the guy' as you'd expect @22,he was 4-0-1 with good numbers coming into the game in Chicago. talbot's a capable nhler but he never struck me as "the guy". A goalie really recently only has to get hot at the right time for a contending team to win it all. Binnington of the blues for one, and Muarry for the Pens comes to mind. Even our own Niemi is one. |
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Post by BigT on Mar 24, 2023 8:13:12 GMT -6
Nice win last night. Hopefully Chychrun isn’t hurt long term. Nice 2 goals by the Cap’n and Dcat. The lightning are looking like fading idols. Hawks may get some decent picks from them.
However game was chippy and looked like a playoff atmosphere. The Sens are really coming to life. Hoping there’s enough season left to catch anyone!!!
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Post by hsbob on Mar 24, 2023 10:02:05 GMT -6
Mads Sogaard looked good in his first five starts(4-0-1) as a back-up,then shats the bed once Talbot goes down for the year and he realizes he's 'the guy but then snaps back to form,allowing Boston and Tampa 4 between em after watching an unknown,emergency call-up stand on his head.......goalies are indeed a strange breed!
The Sens would have to win 8 of their last 10 games to get a sniff at this point and I don't see it happening.....lotta tough teams left.
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Post by hsbob on Mar 25, 2023 10:52:24 GMT -6
Tough to see Chichrun and 20yro Grieg go down but these games will offer much needed experience that could give the young team a taste for late season play.
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