The Ottawa Senators were shut out by the LA Kings for the second straight meeting last night. Much of the media has already taken new coach Cory Clouston’s to task for the club’s failure to implement a more offensive game plan. I feel it a bit reactionary to deem his coaching philosophy “more of the same” after only one game. Sens fans should be willing to give the guy a longer showing – at least the rest of the season – before judging him too sternly.
Clouston, while assuring the beat writers he was not pleased with his club’s failure to score a goal, said there were a lot of positives to take form this victory. The Sens had a great second period, out-shooting the Kings by a count of 13-4. Brian Lee, Chris Neil, Dany Heatley, and Chris Phillips all had quality scoring chances in the middle stanza, but each one failed to capitalize. Brian Elliott had a strong game for the Ottawas, making several big saves
in the third period to keep the score tied, but his teammates couldn’t reward score a goal for him. The Sens, barring a shaky first period, put forth a good effort, but the execution was not there. If the team plays the way they did last night, however, the goals will come.
That’s not to suggest the evening was a coming out party for the team. The Senator power play seems over-cautious about taking shots. The team looks to be searching for the perfect scoring chance rather than throwing puck on net through traffic. Daniel Alfredsson’s decision to pass up a point-blank shot on goal in the second really stood out, and was part of the reason the team managed only 5 shots on 5 opportunities with the man advantage.
Chris Kelly missed the net completely on a beautiful break-away chance. Is there any player in the National Hockey League who posses the ratio of speed, hockey sense and shiftiness to stone-handedness that Chris Kelly does? Oh well, at least it wasn’t as bad as David Perron’s failed shoot-out move from the other night.
Give credit to Kings goaltender John Quick. A relatively unknown NHL commodity, Quick gave the senators shooters fits. Quick is a great story, as he has gone from playing in the ECHL last season to experiencing NHL success this year. Quick has strong stats, and last night's shutout was his third in 16 games this season. Clouston acknowledged Quick, saying he was the Kings’ best penalty killer.
Clouston, while assuring the beat writers he was not pleased with his club’s failure to score a goal, said there were a lot of positives to take form this victory. The Sens had a great second period, out-shooting the Kings by a count of 13-4. Brian Lee, Chris Neil, Dany Heatley, and Chris Phillips all had quality scoring chances in the middle stanza, but each one failed to capitalize. Brian Elliott had a strong game for the Ottawas, making several big saves
in the third period to keep the score tied, but his teammates couldn’t reward score a goal for him. The Sens, barring a shaky first period, put forth a good effort, but the execution was not there. If the team plays the way they did last night, however, the goals will come.That’s not to suggest the evening was a coming out party for the team. The Senator power play seems over-cautious about taking shots. The team looks to be searching for the perfect scoring chance rather than throwing puck on net through traffic. Daniel Alfredsson’s decision to pass up a point-blank shot on goal in the second really stood out, and was part of the reason the team managed only 5 shots on 5 opportunities with the man advantage.
Chris Kelly missed the net completely on a beautiful break-away chance. Is there any player in the National Hockey League who posses the ratio of speed, hockey sense and shiftiness to stone-handedness that Chris Kelly does? Oh well, at least it wasn’t as bad as David Perron’s failed shoot-out move from the other night.
Give credit to Kings goaltender John Quick. A relatively unknown NHL commodity, Quick gave the senators shooters fits. Quick is a great story, as he has gone from playing in the ECHL last season to experiencing NHL success this year. Quick has strong stats, and last night's shutout was his third in 16 games this season. Clouston acknowledged Quick, saying he was the Kings’ best penalty killer.
Notes:
1) I noticed the Sens are running a commercial featuring the roman anthem as part of their “Fans First” campaign (or as I call it, their “We’re SO sorry we suck, please keep buying tickets” campaign.) Coincidence? I think not. It seems as though the club is attempting to curry favour with those who have become disenchanted with the new, worse direction this team has taken both on the ice and inside the marketing department. Hopefully they bring back the side profile logo and some more aesthetically pleasing jerseys as their next act of outreach.
2) Andy has got a new contract with the feds, so the morning wrap-up is on hiatus for this week. It should be back bright and early Monday. Meanwhile, you’re all stuck with me. I know, I know, I don't like it any more than you. frankly, I find your voice nasally and your breath akin to the stench of milk that has fallen behind the heater and gone unnoticed for several months. Nevertheless, we'll have to make it work.
1) I noticed the Sens are running a commercial featuring the roman anthem as part of their “Fans First” campaign (or as I call it, their “We’re SO sorry we suck, please keep buying tickets” campaign.) Coincidence? I think not. It seems as though the club is attempting to curry favour with those who have become disenchanted with the new, worse direction this team has taken both on the ice and inside the marketing department. Hopefully they bring back the side profile logo and some more aesthetically pleasing jerseys as their next act of outreach.
2) Andy has got a new contract with the feds, so the morning wrap-up is on hiatus for this week. It should be back bright and early Monday. Meanwhile, you’re all stuck with me. I know, I know, I don't like it any more than you. frankly, I find your voice nasally and your breath akin to the stench of milk that has fallen behind the heater and gone unnoticed for several months. Nevertheless, we'll have to make it work.
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