The Daily Wrap Up - Thursday March 26, 2009

Apparently certain goalies are taking March madness a little to literally. They're not quite as scary as Kirstie Alley at Pizza Hut when they make a last call on their lunch buffet, but it's still shocking to see the fits Martin Gerber and Tuukka Rask are throwing over calls from the officials. It always makes me smile when players lose their cool, as what do they feel they can accomplish by throwing a milk crate or shooting a puck at an official? Best case is you don't get suspended, and worst case if that you do. Doesn't seem like a lot of upside, but when you're angry and have the ability of a teenager to deal with it, the results that ensue definitely make for some interesting clips on youtube.

*****

A bit of a disappointing game to watch last night. The first two periods lacked any real intensity and the outcome means the Senators cannot afford another loss. It's too bad that the team squandered all those games against the New York Islanders earlier in the season, but there is no point in playing the "what if" game as nobody can change the past (with the exception of Michael J Fox and he didn't return my calls).

The Daily Wrap Up - Wednesday March 25, 2009

The Hockey News - Discusses why every team will not win the Stanley Cup.

Montreal: I wonder if Hiroshima fielded a competitive Japanese baseball league team in 1946?

Ottawa: Actually. You know what? If you give me 1000:1 odds, I’ll bet you a dollar the Sens will win the Cup. Go Senators!

Montreal is going up in flames. Florida is not faring much better, but their play seems to be a lot more consistent. That alone should be the reason why Florida has every advantage over Montreal in making the playoffs.

*****

The Expositer - Washington Capitals sniper Alex Ovechkin is making no apologies for the celebration that followed his 50th goal last week.

The Russian star followed through with a plan to put his stick on the ice and pretend to warm his hands over it. It sparked a debate on how far celebrations should go in the sport.

"If you win the lottery -a million dollars -you go to the bar and drink a lot," Ovechkin said Tuesday before the Capitals' 3-2 shootout loss to the Maple Leafs. "I scored 50 goals and I just celebrated."

In all honesty, he's an over-exuberant youth. Nothing wrong with that. If you don't like it, then go out and try and hit him. Stop whining about it and get him back in the game, that is if you can catch a piece of him.

The Daily Wrap Up - Tuesday March 24, 2009

Looking at a breakdown today in the Citizen of who the Senators are playing between now and the end of the season, they are in tough. Slightly more so than the Florida Panthers, but if the Senators can somehow make the playoffs, the run they will have gone on to get in will mean they are red hot, and ready to go! Also looking at some statistics, the Sens chances of making the playoffs are now 1.1 percent.

SportingNews.com - Time to look at the power ranking again, as the Senators are finally moving up!

23. Ottawa Senators (25): You can't help but wonder how different Ottawa's season would have been if Cory Clouston was brought in to coach a couple weeks sooner.

The current hot streak has helped the Senators break the 25th place threshold, and boost them over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although all I want in the draft is to pick ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs in every round, I would rather go on a hot streak and do as well as possible.

*****

Open question to the readers:

When did Bruce Garrioch become a reliable source in the NHL? I always thought he was a bit of a joke, but Mark Spector (whose website I really enjoy) seems to consistently be using Garrioch's articles on his website as reliable rumour talk.

The Daily Wrap Up - Monday March 23, 2009

 I wonder what Brian Murray has in store for Alexandre Picard, Brenden Bell and Jason Smith going forward.  Clearly the 5 other defensive spots are taken and all that is left is one spot between them.  Unless Jason Smith is traded, he will take that spot, but is there a market available for his services anymore?  Or will Murray let Bell walk for nothing and let Picard sit in the press box next year?  It's a bit of problem, but stocking up on middling defenseman will do it to you.  The simplest solution is to sign Jay Bouwmeester then rid the team of 'c' level defenseman.  Get to it Brian.

Playoff Watch - It's time that we all faced facts and allowed for the possibility of a playoff berth.

7. NY Rangers 73 84
8. Montreal 72 81
9. Florida 72 80
10. Buffalo 72 76
11. Ottawa 72 74
12. Toronto 73 73

Buffalo if easy enough to catch, but the combination of Montreal and Florida makes the situation so difficult.  With only 10 games left, we will find out if Florida made the right move in keeping Bouwmeester and if Montreal really will self-destruct.  My thoughts are no, and yes.

The Daily Wrap Up - Friday March 19, 2009

The original version of the daily wrap up is brought to you by Ovaltine.  Don't forget to drink your Ovaltine!

With the Senators winning last night, they are moving one step closer to drafting behind the Leafs.  And just imagine how long Ottawa fans would whine if the Leafs top pick was amazing and the Senators to pick Daigle'd out.  The whining would be incessant.

Hockeysfuture.com - Marcus Foligno will be entering this year's draft and he looks to be rising.

The coaching staff is impressed with the young Foligno’s steady improvement and his eagerness to rough it up is evident with 96 penalty minutes (fifth on the team) this season.

“Marcus is a power forward and has the physical presence,” said Sudbury associate coach Bryan Verrault. “He works hard, competes and makes people pay the price. His work ethic is there and he brings it on every day. He will do anything to help the team and play any position we ask him to.”

He has not shown to be as offensive as his older brother Nick, but he may develop into a Milan Lucic type forward.  Probably going in the second round, he would be a great addition to Ottawa, as I would love to see them get a true power forward on the team.  His offensive game could always develop as he gets older, but his work ethic and toughness cannot be questioned.

*****

Canoe.ca - Team toughness is something that I would love to see the Senators adapt.  Andre Roy discusses how the Calgary Flames do it.

"This is the first team I've played on that anybody will fight. (Nobody will) back down," said Roy, who was signed last summer to take over as the team's heavyweight after the departure of Eric Godard. "In Tampa, I was pretty much the only guy that would fight. Anyone else, it was pretty rare.

"Here, it's like every game there's a different guy almost."

Fifteen current Flames have scrapped at least once this season. As a team, they sit fifth with 57 fighting majors.

This is quite an interesting stat.  If the Senators could ever adapt a team toughness attitude like this, I would be ecstatic.  It would really eliminate the need for Chris Neil who has turned into an extremely one dimensional player.  The fact that 15 players have dropped the gloves means that they look out for one another and anyone will answer the call.  Very interesting.

The Daily Wrap Up - Thursday March 18, 2009

The original version of the daily wrap up is brought to you by the letter F, because that's what our chances of drafting a top 5 pick are looking like, F'd.

I also thought I would take a look at the standings today.  I put it off over the past month because I know the odds are so badly against Ottawa.  The issue right now is that there are too many teams between Ottawa and eigth spot in the playoffs.  It would take 4-5 teams going on a losing streak for the Senators to slip into the playoffs.  But it's still possible!

google.com - Although not directly related to the Senators, this news does affect owner Eugene Melnyk and his bid for an MLS franchise.  And it would adversely affect the Senators in a positive way, as owner Eugene Melnyk would have less time to interfere with the Senators, should he ever get an MLS franchise, thus helping GM Brian Murray.

Major League Soccer may wait until the next round of expansion before it awards Ottawa a franchise, MLS commissioner Don Garber said Wednesday.  Vancouver was awarded the league's 17th franchise on Wednesday. Ottawa, St. Louis and Portland are vying to become the league's 18th team.

But Garber said Ottawa city council hasn't decided yet if it will spend money on a soccer facility or a stadium for a new Canadian Football League team. "We don't yet have a positive vote in Ottawa so it's less likely Ottawa would be that 18th team," Garber told reporters. "It doesn't mean they can't be either the 19th or the 20th."

*****

mlive.com - Ken Holland is not quick to re-sign Marian Hossa or Johan Franzen.  This is good news as one of them could become available via free agency.  How good would Franzen look in an Ottawa uniform playing with Fisher and Alfie? It's really just a pipe dream, but one I would love to see.

"Given the uncertainty of the economy, I'm moving slow," Holland said Wednesday. "But it's not only the economy. It's about team building, it's about our philosophy. We can keep Franzen and Hossa, but then we'll have to let a whole lot of other players go. I don't know if that's the answer to being competitive. But if I can get a number that I think allows us to have one extra player, you start to think more and more about doing something. Right now, I'm not really close to where I'd like to get to with either side."

The Daily Wrap Up - Wednesday March 18, 2009

Welcome back to the original version of the daily wrap up.

Apparently the role of spoiler sits well with the Senators after all.  I still cannot understand how Buffalo thought taking 9 (or 7?) penalties and barely mustering double digit shots would help them sneak into the playoffs.  A great game for the Senators, and as Lindy Ruff stated, embarrassing for the Sabres.

TheHockeyNews.com - If the draft in 2008 was re-done today, here is how it would now look based on how that years prospects looks now (excluding people playing in the NHL).

1. Nikita Filatov, Columbus, 6th overall, 1st in FW09, plus-1 slot in draft re-do
2. Cody Hodgson, Vancouver, 10th overall, 2nd in FW09, plus-2
3. Jacob Markstrom, Florida, 31st overall, 3rd in FW09, plus-20
4. Colin Wilson, Nashville, 7th overall, 4th in FW09, minus-1
5. Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis, 4th overall, 5th in FW09, minus-4
6. Erik Karlsson, Ottawa, 15th overall, 7th in FW09, plus-3
7. Tyler Myers, Buffalo, 12th overall, 9th in FW09, minus-1
8. Zach Boychuk, Carolina, 14th overall, 16th in FW09, no change
9. Jordan Eberle, Edmonton, 22nd overall, 17th in FW09, plus-6
10. Evgeny Grachev, N.Y. Rangers, 75th overall, 19th in FW09, plus-57
11. Chet Pickard, Nashville, 18th overall, 22nd in FW09, plus-1
12. Tyler Cuma, Minnesota, 23rd overall, 24th in FW09, plus-4
13. John Carlson, Washington, 27th overall, 27th in FW09, plus-7
14. Colten Teubert, Los Angeles, 13th overall, 30th in FW09, minus-7 d
15. Michael Del Zotto, N.Y. Rangers, 20th overall, 32nd in FW09, minus-2
16. Joe Colborne, Boston, 16th overall, 34th in FW09, minus-6
17. Kyle Beach, Chicago, 11th overall, 39th in FW09, minus-12
18. Jake Gardiner, Anaheim, 17th overall, 40th in FW09, minus-7
19. Mattias Tedenby, New Jersey, 24th overall, 43rd in FW09, minus-2
20. Jake Allen, St. Louis, 34th overall, 45th in FW09, plus-6
21. Thomas McCollum, Detroit, 30th overall, 57th in FW09, plus-1
22. Greg Nemisz, Calgary, 25th overall, 59th in FW09, minus-4
23. Vyacheslav Voinov, Los Angeles, 32nd overall, 60th in FW09, plus-1
24. Aaron Ness, N.Y. Islanders, 40th overall, 71st in FW09, plus-8
25. Patrick Wiercioch, Ottawa, 42nd overall, 74th in FW09, plus-9
26. Cameron Gaunce, Colorado, 50th overall, 75th in FW09, plus-16.

The Daily Wrap Up - Tuesday March 17, 2009

With the Senators winning five out of the six past games and sitting just of the bottom five in the NHL, its really becoming more obvious that Tavares and Hedman will not be coming to Ottawa.  Evander Kane, Nazem Kadri, Brayden Schenn or Matt Duchene will probably be playing in Binghamton, unless the Senators continue their futile climb up the standings, but out of the sweet spot of the draft.

ESPN.com - It's funny how taking away the pressure from an NHL team can really bring out the best.

The bottom five teams in the Eastern Conference have only the faintest of odds to make a run at the postseason. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Atlanta Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders are all but mathematically eliminated from the postseason. But their combined records over their past five games are 16-6-3.

It's Chris Campoli who has been the real find for Ottawa, though. Since coming over in a trade with the Islanders, Campoli has eight points in 11 games. He may seem unappealing because he is minus-19 for the season, but remember he was minus-20 when he left the Isles, so he is actually plus-1 as a Senator.

Chris Campoli may have a long way to go before his defensive game is up to par, but no one can doubt his offensive instinct.  Every game there are at least two - three times where he jumps into the rush, and puts himself into a good scoring position.  He will be scary once he gets his timing and hands up to speed with his instincts.  Hopefully he can mature into something more than a number 5 defenseman, which is all I would currently pencil him in for.

The Daily Wrap Up - Monday March 16, 2009

Let the debate between tanking the final 20 games of a season and receiving a high draft pick vs. barely missing the playoffs, getting a middle of the road draft pick, but potentially bringing momentum with them to start the beginning of the year begin!

It boils down to momentum and team chemistry (potential) vs obtaining one of those coveted top three draft picks. My preference if for the momentum, as good players can be found in the top 20 regardless. Either way, it's in the hands of the players now.

yourstittsville.com - After an article profiling the grade 10 'super student' came out, it is clear that Alexandra Power is a dirty, dirty liar! (whose pants may or may not be on fire)

She is an enthusiastic student who loves to read, travel, visit museums, attend concerts and the theatre, play computer games and watch hockey games (Her favourite Ottawa Senators player is Christoph Schubert).

Fact: Christoph Schubert does not have any fans.

Here's a little tip: it's true that writing fictitious statements are the base of any good resume (or article profiling you), but maybe you should make your lies a little less obvious. Even something like 'ability to catch bullets', may be a tad more plausible.

The Hockey News.com - The end of staged fights does not necessarily mean the end to all fights.

Maybe guys like Derek Boogaard or David Koci will be effectively legislated out of the game, but players such as New Jersey’s David Clarkson (15 goals, 28 points, 127 PIMs through 67 games) and Steve Ott of Dallas (13 goals, 33 points, 108 PIMs in 50 games) will live on, because they have value outside of fighting.

I'll say this much, I almost prefer watching two players who rarely fight going at it. Something about seeing mistakes, and fights with some emotion in them really makes it more interesting. This instead of watching two players who fight each other with the technical proficiency and know-how of amateur boxers. The heavy-weight fights are so technically sound that nothing interesting ever happens.

The Daily Wrap Up - Friday March 13, 2009

The Senators lost a thrilling endeavor last night 5-3 against the Boston Bruins. What really surprised me was the fact that Corey Clouston did the right thing in keeping Peter Regin in the lineup when Chris Neil returned. The only problem was that as a result someone else had to come out, and Shean Donovan was that man.

Canoe.ca - Chris Neil returned to action last night and got into a fight, proving he is needed in the lineup (ha!)

The rugged right winger, who has missed the last 15 games with a lacerated calf, will play on the fourth line as Ottawa attempts to extend its winning streak to five games against the Eastern Conference-leading Bruins.

It really grind my gears when people claim that because Chris Neil fought yesterday, he just showed how valuable an asset he is to the team. Those fights prove nothing and don't send any messages, as it was between two heavyweights who only get to show their fighting skills against one another. We have plenty of players will throw down to defend a teammate (which is really the only reason to), and if Chris Neil wasn't playing last night, there would not have been a fight, and the game would have not changed by a whole heck of a lot.

The Daily Wrap Up - Thursday March 12, 2009

The Senators won last night in overtime but is it just me or did the second goal on Brian Elliot disturb you? That is honestly one of the worst mistakes I have seen him make.  It was an absolutely deflating and energy sapping goal, and I do understand that he's young, but it was totally unacceptable to be allowing a goal from that angle.  Good thing the team bounced back or that blunder would have been raised in a 3 column spread in one of the local media.

Philly.com - Gary Bettman is very cautious of the salary cap going forward.

Commissioner Gary Bettman said yesterday that he expects the salary cap to be "about where it was this year" for next season, but there's more uncertainty about 2010-11. The collective bargaining agreement, reached after the 2004-05 NHL lockout, is set to expire in 2011. Players could vote to extend it for another year.

The recent decline of the Canadian dollar will also affect revenues, Bettman said.

I have but two simple points to make on this issue. First, why did the salary cap have to move up so quickly? If it stayed low(er) then players salaries would have adjusted and proportionately it would have worked just fine. Secondly, how is it logical to include a clause that would lower the salary cap? That's the most asinine thing I have seen the NHL do, as teams have signed players to extremely long contracts and while the salary cap goes down, the players salary as a cap hit does not go down.  Would it have not made more sense to raise the salary cap at a much slower pace, and ensure that when it was raised, it was to a level where no retraction was necessary? This all comes from the lockout and the need to ensure that owner profits don't take a hit (which is fine), but some forethought to the envitability of an economic slowdown or recession would have been welcome.

The Daily Wrap Up - Wednesday March 11, 2009

With the battle for Tavares / Hedman pretty much over and the Senators being out of contention (in reality), it's now going to come down to who has the better pick between the Senators and the Leafs.  It's going to be a close contest as both teams suddenly have decided that winning is now what's in (they just figured it out now).

THN.com - The weekly power rankings are out, but it's pretty much standard issue number 26 for the Senators this week. 

TheLantern.com - Looks like former Ottawa Senator Antoine Vermette is fitting in nicely with his new club.

"I think Antoine's a solid player for us," Hitchcock said. "He looks like a guy that can play in every situation. He's a guy who does a good job on the penalty kill."

"That's where we've needed help, is on the power play," said Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash. "We have the worst power play in the league and we'll take all the help we can get."

"He fits right in," winger Jared Boll said. "It feels like his already been here a while."

The deal really was a mutually beneficial affair as Columbus ditches salary and receives an all around players that can slip into the lineup without changing the dynamic of the dressing room.  All I have to say is just wait until he misses his 6th breakaway in a row, or a wide open one-timer before you start singing his praises Columbus.  His lack of finish was really what defined his time here so hopefully he can shed that image in Columbus and fulfill some of his potential.

Anoter Reason To Hate the Toronto Maple Leafs

TSN.ca is reporting that Ron Wilson has decided that Curtis Joseph will start in goal tonight against Ottawa, at the exclusion of Martin Gerber, robbing fans of both clubs of a very interesting storyline. Thanks, Ron.

Who knows why this decision was made? Was it because the Leafs were afraid Gerber's fragile psyche would melt under the pressure of the ex-home rink's bright lights and chorus of boos? Was it the soft goals he let in Saturday's contest with Edmonton? Or, my personal suspicion, is Gerber's new Leafs gear STILL not ready, and the team didn't want to throw him in net with his Ottawa gear on, as that would just be too much?

Either way, this stinks. Who knows? Maybe the Sens build on Saturday's offensive explosion against Buffalo and we get to see both Joseph AND Gerber. Here's hoping.

The Daily Wrap Up - Monday March 9, 2009

With the trade deadline sitting pretty in the rear view mirror, the only thing to look forward to is the NHL Entry Draft.  I know it's far off, and discussing it now is about as bad as when stores put out christmas decorations before halloween, but it's still something to look forward to.  

Hockeysfuture.com - With Ottawa drafting somewhere in the 1-10 range, here's a list of the ISS top 10 ranked players:

1 Tavares, John C 9/20/1990 L 6.00 200 London OHL
2 Hedman, Victor LD 12/18/1990 L 6.06 220 Modo SweE
3 Svensson-Paajarvi, Magnus LW 4/12/1991 L 6.01 200 Timra SweE
4 Duchene, Matt C 1/16/1991 L 5.11 196 Brampton OHL
5 Schenn, Brayden C 8/22/1991 L 6.00 193 Brandon WHL
6 Cowen, Jared LD 1/25/1991 L 6.04.7 218 Spokane WHL
7 Kane, Evander C 8/2/1991 L 6.01 180 Vancouver WHL
8 Kadri, Nazem C 10/6/1990 L 5.11.5 180 London OHL
9 Shore, Drew C 1/29/1991 R 6.02 190 USA Under-18 NTDP
10 Josefson, Jacob C 3/2/1991 L 6.00 187 Djurgarden SweE

I think the top 3 are obvious choices, but after that, it will depend of team needs.  I think that Brayden Shenn would be a perfect fit in Ottawa, and should he drop below the fifth spot, would be a huge steal.  Imagine just how good the BoO would be with the Shenn Brothers going at it?

Canoe.ca - Chris Neil has begun skating with the team, and with his return looming, someone will need to be removed from the lineup.

Senators RW Chris Neil expects to resume skating with the team today. He has been out since Feb. 11, when he suffered a lacerated calf against the Sabres. His next step will be to get cleared for contact

Of course the obvious choice is Binghamton call-up Peter Regin, but it would be an undeserved bump as that third line (with Comrie and Kelly)  has melded together fairly well and will allow Regin some much needed NHL experience.  It's a shame that it will probably come down to that, and a shame Neil was not traded when the Senators had the perfect opportunity to get a return for him.

The Daily Wrap Up - Friday March 6, 2009

Martin Gerber is still being the ultimate teammate, as with every save he makes for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he puts them one step behind us in the draft lottery.  Darth Gerber actually looked pretty good in his first game back, helping the blue death take down the high flying Washington Capitals.  Monday will most likely see Gerber face off against his former team so let's hope he still remembers how to let in weak, team deflating goals.  Actually I'm absolutely positive he still remembers how to do it, he did it so well and for so long with the Senators that it must be in his muscle memory by now.

pressconnects.com - Finally something positive to report on goaltending prospect Jeff Glass.

On New Year's Day, Glass' record was 1-6-2 with a 4.20 goals-against average and a .881 save percentage.

Since then, with more regular playing time after Elliott was recalled in early January, he's gone 7-6-0 with a 2.82 goals-against average and .908 save percentage. He's won four of his last six decisions, and it's not a stretch to say he outshined Gerber over the last three weeks.

Jeff Glass's career came into the headlights in 2005, when he helped backstop a talent laden Team Canada to World Championship Gold.  Oh and he also got these accolades: WHL West First All-Star Team (2005), WHL Goaltender of the Year (2005), Canadian Major Junior First All-Star Team (2005), Canadian Major Junior Goaltender of the Year (2005).  For the first time in years, I thought the Senators had a future number one goalie in the system.  Unfortunately for Glass, 2006 came around and his play deteriorated as he went to play in the AHL.  Since then he has never been able to put up decent numbers, so it's great to see that Glass might have some life left in him.

The Daily Wrap Up - Thursday March 5, 2009

Skepticism
Skep"ti*cism\, n. [Cf. F. scepticisme.] [Written also scepticism.]
1. An undecided, inquiring state of mind; doubt; uncertainty.
That momentary amazement, and irresolution, and confusion, which is the result of skepticism. --Hune. 

Here are five reasons to not be skeptical of Pascal Leclaire.

1. Entry to NHL - Unlike Martin Gerber, Pascal Leclaire was actually sought after in the NHL entry draft, he went eighth overall in the 2001, compared to Martin Gerber who was drafted in the eighth round in the same draft.
2. FCG - French Canadian Goalie.
3. Age - at only 26, he is on the cusp of being in his prime.  Goalies always take longer to mature and become consistent, what we are getting is someone who has four years of NHL experience under his belt.  Not too shabby if you also consider the three(ish) years he has played in the AHL as well.
4. Skill - Leclaire has shown that at every level he has played, the ability to adapt and become one of the best.  People are worried about him being the next Martin Gerber, because he has only shown he can play well in "one" season.  Well that's erroneous as well.  Take into account the injuries he has sustained while at the NHL level (also the fact that Columbus has been a horrible franchise) and his numbers are really good. In the 07-08 season, he posted 9 shutouts! Just because he has had some surgery, does not mean his skill has all but disappeared.  I seem to remember a player we traded for that had just gotten into a serious car accident, and now look at him.
5. The Ottawa hockey market - After playing in the QJMHL and for team Canada in the World Championships, he should be able to integrate well into the team, and pressure should not be as big of an issue for him as it was for Gerber (who wilted standing next to warm piece of toast).  This may be the most intense hockey market he has played in, but with his pedigree, level of skill and FCG status, he will have every opportunity to be the best goaltender the Senators have ever had.

He could always become a bust, but every indication is that he won't and this trade could really turn around the position that has always been a liability, into one of strength.

The Daily Wrap Up - Wednesday March 4, 2009

Our good friend (and double cheeseburger eating champion) Mike will be participting in a live blog of the trade deadline today over at The 6th Sens, so check it out for all the up to the minute analysis and banter.  The cast will be a medley of people in the know, bloggers and sports personalities.

Last night's game was a great one to see in person, and although there was a huge contingent of Calgary fans, they were nowhere near as bumptious and boisterous as Toronto fans.  Unfortunately Alex Auld took the night off, and subsequently ruined the game, but there were a couple of nice goals, and Spezza got in a fight.  Crazy!

Also, a game with Calgary seems to draw alot of attractive women wearing cowboy hats out to the game.  Picture that woman on the right in a cowboy hat, and that's pretty much what was speckled throughout the crowd.  As a result of my new discovery, I have decided the Senators should play Calgary more often.

That's it for this edition of the daily wrap up! With so much of the media covering the trade deadline, I'm sure tomorrow there will be lots to re-hash.

The Daily Wrap Up - Tuesday March 3, 2009

 I just bought my tickets to the Calgary game tonight.  Although the Senators won't be going on a cup run this year, it'll still be nice to see them compete and give it a go against the best Canadian team.  Hopefully my 45$ will be well spent on a Senators victory, or at least and entertaining night.

The trade deadline is tomorrow, and I don't want to rehash the rumours and speculation this close to it.  We all know which players could be dealt (anyone except Daniel Alfreddson and Dany Heatley), with the most likely being:

Filip Kuba

Chris Neil

Antoine Vermette

Jason Smith

Get a good night's rest, hydrate, an get ready to call in sick.  Tomorrow is as good as gets for this hockey team.

The Daily Wrap Up - Monday March 2, 2009

I only wish I could take the day off on wednesday like I used to when I was in school, and watch the trade deadline with some friends.  This year figures to be pretty interesting for the Senators.

TFP.com - Trade rumours swirl, and although they are as reliable as your drug using roommate, this time of year you won't have to wait long to see if they come true!

"I'm getting a lot of calls," Murray told the paper.

Murray recently had a face-to-face meeting with Neil to try and get him signed to a new contract, but both sides appear to be far apart on salary.

The Sun claims the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins are all interested in Neil, while it's also been reported that the Calgary Flames are also intrigued.

Kuba, meanwhile, has apparently attracted interest from the New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota Wild.

The Senators are also trying to unload defenseman Christoph Schubert, while teams are calling about defenseman Jason Smith and center Jason Spezza.

Pretty much what everyone already knew, but it's interesting to see what teams are involved.  It's not a huge surprise that Chris Neil cold fit well on any team at this time of year, but he can no longer be relied upon to put up points.  He might fit better on a team like Detroit, who has always found a great role for their grinders, than on a team like Edmonton, who might expect him to put up some PP goals.

Filip Kuba needs to be traded, and quickly, before the wool gets pulled off the eyes of other NHL teams.  His play has deteriorated since the first 20 games of the season and he is not even taking shots from the point anymore.  Compared to the newly acquired Chris Campoli, his feet appear slow, and his passes slack, so anything over a second rounder + (player or prospect) would be a steal for the Senators as he will be easily replaced.

The Daily Wrap Up -Friday February 27, 2009

What a disappointing way to lose the game last night after going up 1-0 and dominating the first period.  Those are some of the growing pains that you get from playing some of the younger players I suppose.

Pressconnects.com - Martin Gerber has been placed on re-entry waivers.  At this point in time with his contract in it's final year and the season almost over, it's not a big deal.  But entering a new Martin free era is rather exciting!

The other 29 NHL teams can claim Gerber by noon today for half his remaining salary, and Senators general manager Bryan Murray told the Ottawa Sun there has been some interest.

"There's limited interest from a couple of teams I've spoken with," Murray told the Sun, which estimated there was about $850,000 left on Gerber's $3.7 million salary. "What I'd like to do is put him on re-entry and find out if there's a market."

More than anything, this is a move to keep Eugene Melnyk happy and cut some of the fat off the books.  To a team going on a cup run, it could sound enticing to have Gerber take the ride with you.  He has shown a history of being a good luck backup for Anaheim and Carolina on their cup winning runs.

THN.com - The debate over trading vs. signing Chris Neil is not really a debate, because signing him would be so monumentally bad, it can't be considered a good argument.

Neil is what is known as a declining asset. He’ll be 30 years old when training camp starts next season and will have come off two straight seasons in which he has missed considerable time with injuries. With just 44 games under his belt this season, Neil has two goals and is minus-12.

With declining numbers every year after the lockout, I have never been less enamored with Chris Neil than at this current point in time.  Anything over a second rounder and he should be dealt.  He is physical and gritty, but there are many other players our there that can do just that and score more than two goals.