SB Nation - Jason Spezza

2010 Olympics: Picking Team Canada

James Mirtle — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:05:00 -0000

by Jeff McIntosh - AP

With the Canadian Olympic brass finally set to name their roster a week from today, expect a whole bunch of these lists over the coming days. For mine, I've tried to offer a bit of a statistical bent — although without relying solely on numbers to pick the team.

All of the stats I'm using are from Behind The Net and prior to last night's games. The metrics are "rating," an advanced form of plus-minus; "quality of competition," which measures the strength of opponents; "points per 60 minutes"; and "on ice goals for and goals against per 60 minutes" (along with goal differential).

Players that scored the highest across the board are ranked higher and those marked in yellow are my picks for the team. Keep in mind that this is based solely on even-strength play, so some of these players offer more on the PP and PK that's not ranked here.

Goaltenders

I didn't delve too deeply into the netminder side of things simply because there are only three Canadian-born goalies with more than 11 wins this season, and they'll be the ones that make the team: Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo and Marc-Andre Fleury.

Should one go down to injury, I'm not even sure who No. 4 would be given their play this season. Canada's famed depth at the position isn't all that evident this year.

Defencemen

Into the numbers we go. I've included 12 blueliners I think represent both those talked about and those who should be considered for the team (with my choices to make it in yellow):

	NAME	TM	RATING	QCMP	P/60	GF/60	GA/60	GF-GA
1	BRENT SEABROOK	CHI	0.72	0.16	0.95	2.54	1.69	0.85
2	MIKE GREEN	WSH	0.84	-0.02	1.65	4.22	2.57	1.65
3	CHRIS PRONGER	PHI	0.90	0.11	1.06	2.02	1.64	0.39
4	DREW DOUGHTY	L.A	1.08	0.00	1.10	2.99	2.19	0.80
5	DUNCAN KEITH	CHI	-0.28	0.14	1.44	2.34	1.98	0.36
6	DAN BOYLE	S.J	0.31	0.00	1.19	3.47	2.56	0.91
7	SHEA WEBER	NSH	0.55	0.08	0.84	3.13	2.40	0.73
8	MARC-EDOUARD VLASIC	S.J	-0.36	0.09	0.79	2.68	2.19	0.50
9	JAY BOUWMEESTER	CGY	0.10	0.02	0.37	2.25	1.78	0.47
10	SCOTT NIEDERMAYER	ANA	-1.13	0.11	0.75	2.14	3.20	-1.07
11	DION PHANEUF	CGY	-0.34	0.05	0.67	2.99	2.79	0.19
12	ROBYN REGEHR	CGY	-1.31	0.05	0.74	2.33	2.76	-0.42

If we were to go strictly by the numbers, Niedermayer wouldn't make the team, and Doughty and Weber would. Both youngsters have had great seasons and given some of the other teams I've seen picked, they have a lot of popular support.

My reasoning was putting together three really solid pairings: One made up of Keith and Seabrook, as they've been the best duo on the NHL this season (save for maybe last night); One made up of veterans Niedermayer and Pronger, who had a lot of success together in Anaheim; and one made up of Bouwmeester and either Green or Boyle, a solid third pairing with one excellent defensive player and an excellent offensive one.

Doughty's youth concerns me more than anything, as I saw plenty of games last season when he was still overmatched. He's going to be a pillar on the Canadian blueline going forward, however, and may go as the No. 7 just to gain some experience.

Weber meanwhile just gets lost in the numbers game. He'll also play a major role with Canada down the line.

Phaneuf and Regehr, however, rank last among the metrics I've used here and shouldn't in my mind make the team. There are other players available who do what they do better.

Forwards

Once again, I've included 32 forwards I think represent both those talked about and those who should be considered for the team (with my choices to make it in yellow):

	NAME	TM	RATING	QCMP	P/60	GF/60	GA/60	GF-GA
1	SIDNEY CROSBY	PIT	1.68	0.12	3.37	4.27	2.58	1.68
2	NATHAN HORTON	FLA	2.03	0.09	2.82	3.61	2.71	0.90
3	JOE THORNTON	S.J	1.25	0.07	3.04	3.82	2.25	1.57
4	JONATHAN TOEWS	CHI	1.71	0.09	1.92	3.25	1.48	1.77
5	PATRICK MARLEAU	S.J	1.50	0.02	3.18	4.12	2.35	1.77
6	DUSTIN PENNER	EDM	2.31	-0.04	3.28	4.13	2.67	1.46
7	RYAN SMYTH	L.A	2.13	-0.04	2.59	4.18	2.59	1.59
8	MIKE FISHER	OTT	1.13	0.09	2.21	2.86	2.21	0.65
9	RYAN GETZLAF	ANA	1.25	0.07	2.58	3.33	2.90	0.43
10	PATRICE BERGERON	BOS	0.31	0.18	2.43	3.07	2.81	0.26
11	MIKE CAMMALLERI	MTL	2.16	0.04	2.11	3.22	2.32	0.91
12	DANY HEATLEY	S.J	0.54	0.08	2.28	3.69	2.61	1.09
13	VINCENT LECAVALIER	T.B	1.15	0.06	2.37	2.75	2.25	0.50
14	PATRICK SHARP	CHI	1.26	0.06	1.93	2.96	1.55	1.42
15	JAMES NEAL	DAL	0.95	0.03	2.83	3.67	3.11	0.57
16	JAROME IGINLA	CGY	-0.13	0.10	2.43	2.75	2.43	0.32
17	COREY PERRY	ANA	0.91	0.08	2.31	3.41	3.19	0.22
18	STEPHEN WEISS	FLA	0.55	0.11	2.15	2.82	2.94	-0.11
19	MARTIN ST. LOUIS	T.B	0.45	0.09	2.22	2.92	2.92	0.00
20	MIKE RICHARDS	PHI	0.58	0.10	1.37	2.23	1.99	0.25
21	BRENDEN MORROW	DAL	1.18	0.04	1.58	2.79	2.06	0.73
22	JASON ARNOTT	NSH	0.89	0.01	2.03	3.05	2.03	1.02
23	BRAD RICHARDS	DAL	0.29	0.03	2.87	3.52	3.39	0.13
24	ERIC STAAL	CAR	0.91	0.08	2.00	3.33	3.83	-0.50
25	JORDAN STAAL	PIT	-0.11	0.04	2.20	2.93	2.44	0.49
26	STEVEN STAMKOS	T.B	0.24	0.09	2.09	3.00	3.13	-0.13
27	JASON SPEZZA	OTT	-0.61	0.16	1.37	2.33	2.88	-0.55
28	MARC SAVARD	BOS	0.23	0.04	2.03	2.25	2.03	0.23
29	JOHN TAVARES	NYI	0.65	0.03	1.33	2.54	2.66	-0.12
30	JEFF CARTER	PHI	-0.68	0.05	1.62	2.24	2.86	-0.62
31	SHANE DOAN	PHX	-1.12	0.05	1.07	2.01	2.49	-0.47
32	RICK NASH	CBJ	-0.69	0.03	2.01	2.90	4.01	-1.11

Nash, like Niedermayer, gets a pass because of his experience, both in the NHL and internationally, but neither are having great years. Doan, Carter, Staal, etc. aren't so lucky and I'd leave them behind.

Crosby is, by almost every measure, the top Canadian forward. Thornton, Iginla and Toews are three more no-brainers, and given their success, I think it makes sense to take Thornton's Sharks linemates Marleau and Heatley and try and squeeze some of that chemistry into Team Canada.

Getzlaf-Perry and St. Louis-Lecavalier are two duos to keep together, meanwhile, and all four have been playing better of late even though their teams have struggled. That leaves Richards and Fisher as my depth guys to win faceoffs and kill penalties, which both can do with the best of them.

If you're not a Fisher fan, Sharp and Bergeron could also fill that 13th forward role well.

As for players who are playing well who I left behind, keep in mind that the statistics are only based on 34 or 35 games to this point. Sure, Horton's been a stud in the early going, but his entire body of work isn't enough to get him a spot at the Olympics. Ditto for Penner, Cammalleri and Neal — although don't be surprised if these are the sorts of players we're talking about four years from now.

There's my picks — drop a note in the comments or as a FanPost with yours.

Happy holidays everyone.

Up next: Daniel Alfedsson, Pascal Leclaire and the Ottawa Senators

FrankD — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:00:24 -0000

[SBN Senators blog - Silver Seven]

I guess Pascal Leclaire picked a good night to come back from injury. Since that fateful day in late November when a stray puck met and broke the jaw of an unsuspecting Leclaire minding his own business on the Ottawa bench, the Senators have gone 6-8-1. Whether he'll get the official nod is still up in the air, but all signs point to yes on the Sens' page. Back-up netminder Brian Elliot has done his part to keep the Sens in it, but with injuries plaguing Chris Neil (also expected back tonight) and Jason Spezza (torn MCL), the going has been tough for Ottawa. Although, much to his credit, he did shutout the Sabres and Flyers in December (thanks).

If there's one thing the Sens and Pens have in common heading into tonight's game, it's that they are both coming off the wrong end of shutouts. While the Pens were trying to crack the egg on Mellon ice Monday night, up in Ottawa the Bruins were sealing a 2-0 shutout for Tim Thomas.

Sof ar this season the series between Ottawa and Pittsburgh is tied at one a piece. The Pens picked up a 4-1 win on the road earlier in the season on October 12, but a little over a month later fell 6-2 on Ottawa ice. So far this season the Pens are 12-6-1 on home ice (although for some reason I thought it was worse), whereas the Sens are 5-9-1 on the road.

Names you want to keep an eye on: Daniel Alfredsson (9g, 22a), Mike Fisher (15g, 14a), Milan Michalek (16g, 6a) and our old friend Alex Kovalev (7g, 13a).

Oh, and how could I forget? Carrie Underwood and Fisher are tying the knot. How lovely. As Greg from PuckDaddy suggests, the new Carrie Fisher is just mere months away. Star Wars nerds unite!

Puck and thread drop at 7:05. Come on by.

Silver Nuggets: Fisher and Underwood engaged, injury updates

PeterR — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:46:34 -0000

IS SILVER NUGGETZ NOW! Ottawa Senators news for the day

Yes, it is confirmed: Senators centre Mike Fisher has proposed to country star Carrie Underwood, and she accepted. Good for them, congratulations to both. Now, some buzzwords to increase the SEO: fisherwood, boyfriend, american idol, girlfriend, hot celebrities. (Sun)
The prediction panel makes a triumphant return for tonight's game against the Boston Bruins, and a pretty significant majority are picking Ottawa for the win. (Citizen)
No lineup changes for tonight, but Pascal Leclaire and Chris Neil are both expected to slot in for Wednesday's game, while Shean Donovan may be as little as a week away from a return. (Twitter)
It had been a while between goals for Erik Karlsson, but he's apparently looking for a bit more consistency. I'd be fine with that. (Citizen)

(Read more... )

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds head coach Denis Lambert gave Senators prospect goaltender Robin Lehner plenty of credit for his team's early-season success (or at least relative to their expectations going into the year). (Sault Star)
Apparently a swap of Jason Spezza for Dion Phaneuf would be a "dream deal" for both teams, according to Brian Costello's blog on The Hockey News website. As much as I'd love to see Phaneuf come in and stabilize the d-corps, Ottawa's future offensive picture are a lot bleaker than the defensive prospects in the system. Getting rid of Spezza, even if he is underperforming, would just compound those problems. (THN)

Thursday links: Happy Birth-day after edition

averagejoe — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:00:28 -0000

One year ago yesterday, this little blog left its humble Word Press home and joined SB Nation. It's hard to imagine a world without the "z" button and auto-refresh comments. Happy Birth-day after to everyone.

Blues news

Blackhawks top Blues via a shutout. Ugh. Classic letdown game. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Alex Pietrangelo may not have played last night — in fact, he was in Canada — but according one fan, he helped knock off the glass last night at the United Center. [Chicago Now]
Team Canada has named its World Junior Roster, and Jake Allen and Alex Pietrangelo are on it. Go Team Canada? [NHL.com]
With Jake Allen making Team Canada, his family will be doing some traveling. [Daily Gleaner]
Look, this year may be a bit of a downer, but the future is still bright in St. Louis. [The Hockey News]
Erik Johnson and the Blues are talking contract. Surprisingly, the Blues aren't talking to David Perron. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
If you see cats and dogs living together, you'll know why: Brett Hull and Mike Keenan have patched things up. [Belleville News-Democrat]

Hockey news

Results from last night. [Yahoo! Sports]
Hey look, the Blues aren't playing tonight. We can't lose! [Yahoo! Sports]
The NHL wants not one, but TWO outdoor games. One in the States and one in Canada land. [ESPN]
Speaking of Canada, the Canadian teams are no longer struggling to stay afloat. [ESPN]
More Canada: The league is looking at increasing exposure in the Great White North. [TSN]
Joffrey Lupul will be out 6-to-8 weeks with back surgery. Does he have any kids to lift so Ducks fans can chart his progress? [TSN]
Joining Lupul in the "out 6-to-8" club will be Jason Spezza. Spezza has a torn MCL. [TSN]
The NHLPA is looking for a new leader and five players have joined the search. [TSN]

Other links

A list of the 10 biggest memes of 2009. The drunk guy we featured twice? He's No. 1. [Ranker]
The best mugshots of 2009. There are some AWE. SOME. ones in here. [Buzzfeed]
Get someone really good? That's a burn. [Buuurn]
Remember earlier I said dogs and cats living together might be a sign of the end of the world? I meant bears, lions and tigers. [urlesque]

Video

I think we all could use something lighter with the struggles on ice. I present you singing Muppets.

Adios, bitches. Gametimelinks(at)gmail.com

Game Preview: Buffalo Sabres @ Ottawa Senators

Rafal Ladysz — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:22:51 -0000

More photos » by Paul Chiasson - AP

9 days ago: Buffalo Sabres' Tim Kennedy, center, celebrates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens with teammates Patrick Kaleta, left, and Tyler Myers during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 in Montreal. The Sabres beat the Canadiens 4-3. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Paul Chiasson)

Browse more photos »

Records, statistics and the standings don't matter, at least not for this match-up. Whether the Ottawa Senators are improving or playing poorly, they seem to have the Buffalo Sabres' number winning every season series in the last four years. Buffalo had a 41-26 shot advantage in the first contest of the season yet fell 5-3 to the Senators showing just how snake bitten they are when it comes to their Division foe.

But the Sabres don't look concerned with the past. Winners of four straight including a hard-fought 4-3 final in Montreal where they've struggled as well, the team believes they can beat anyone, anywhere. That's the mindset Buffalo needs and tonight is their best shot to really take it to the Senators which they undoubtedly would relish.

Five thoughts on each team below.

I dug up some numbers to give you an idea of how dominantly Ottawa has handled Buffalo. Since the lock-out, the Senators are 21-6-4 including this year's first clash. Of those 21 victories, 17 have ended by two or more goals and the Sabres have been outscored 126-88 when you count it all up which I did. Ouch.
Ryan Miller and Brian Elliott are the starting netminders. Patrick Lalime surrendered five goals in the November contest. If anyone can put an end to Buffalo's slump with Ottawa, it's Miller who continues to lead the league in every major category for goaltenders with the exception of wins where he is one shy of the lead held by Martin Brodeur and Jonathan Quick.
Clarke MacArthur banged home the game-winner Monday in Montreal via a five-on-three powerplay. The fourth-year winger passed Thomas Vanek in goals with his tenth by doing so. He put in 17 last season and looks to set a new career-high in the mid-20s.
Out with a torn MCL, Jason Spezza will be on the shelf as long as eight weeks possibly. It's a big break for Buffalo because the former Windsor Spitfire has 47 points in 37 career games with the Sabres. Also out of action for Ottawa is Chris Neil and Shean Donovan.
Three goals in two games including Buffalo's only two shorthanded markers have Patrick Kaleta receiving attention everywhere. Tied for sixth in team scoring with this outburst, the energetic checker has done it in style during and after the goal. A shorthanded goal would surely suck the life out of the Senators.
Spezza may be out but Ottawa still has three major threats up front. Daniel Alfredsson is always a thorn in our side, Mike Fisher is having a superb year and Milan Michalek already has 15 goals. And Alex Kovalev, in terms of work-rate, will be there maybe.
Buffalo's powerplay percentage is down to 21st and their penalty-kill has dropped to eighth which is the result of four of the last five goals they've conceded coming on the man-advantage. New York and Montreal both made two count. Ottawa is 12th on the penalty-kill and 21st when they are a man up so they aren't separated by Buffalo very much.
Against their Division, the Sabres are 4-2-2 as are the Senators strangely enough. Buffalo has won eight of ten and the Senators have lost six of ten.
Elliott is 5-0 lifetime versus Buffalo which shouldn't come as a surprise with their inabilities to close out the Senators. On the flip side, Miller is 8-11 against Ottawa but this will be his first crack at shutting them down this season.
A 15-2-2 record after scoring first is again irrelevant for Buffalo because Ottawa is one of the two squads who have won after allowing the opening goal to the Sabres. Boy have they ever had their way with Lindy Ruff's troops.

This is a must-win situation purely because Buffalo must prove it to the coaches, staff, fans and themselves that they have the ability to defeat Ottawa. With Spezza, Neil and Donovan out and a back-up goaltender standing in their way, this is their most timely opportunity. It's now or never.

Silver Nuggets: Spezza has torn MCL, Foligno injured, Campoli to play forward

DarrenM — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:57:45 -0000

More photos » by Ryan Remiorz - AP

Browse more photos »

Good afternoon Sens fans, and welcome to another highly anticipated edition of Silver Nuggets, your collection of all the Ottawa Senators headlines fit to print:

According to Ian Mendes, Jason Spezza has a torn MCL in his right knee and will miss 6-8 weeks. Clouston said they'll be lucky if he's back before the Olympic break. Uh-oh. (Mendes)
To make matters worse, Nick Foligno is out for tonight's game with a lower body injury. At the skate this morning, Peter Regin took Nick's spot on the second line, and on the fourth line with Ryan Shannon and call up Josh Hennessy was... defenceman Chris Campoli. It makes sense, I guess, as he's the best d-man on the team at joining the rush, but it's still worrisome. (Mendes)
Other injury updates: Clouston hopes Leclaire and Neil can return next Wednesday for the game against the Penguins. (Score)

Though commentators on Sportsnet and TSN have speculated as much, Canada's Olympic team assistant coach Lindy Ruff has put it on record that Mike Fisher is on the team's radar and in consideration. Fisher probably won't make the team, but I'm sure he's quite flattered just to be in the conversation. (Examiner)
It turns out prospect Robin Lehner will be a part of Team Sweden's World Junior squad -- he'll travel with the team as their "third goalie." Congrats to him on the honour, even if it just means he gets free tickets to watch some games. It'll be a good experience. (Sault Star)
Another Ottawa Senators Blog with an interesting article, crunching the numbers to show how the Senators' offence is more potent with Pascal Leclaire in net. (AOSB)
Sens players spread some Christmas cheer by visiting children at hospitals. (Senators)

Jason Spezza out up to 8 weeks with knee injury

DarrenM — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:56:44 -0000

More photos » by FRED CHARTRAND - AP

Browse more photos »

The official word on Jason Spezza's injury is in, and it's not good. Spezza could miss up to 8 weeks after sustaining a serious injury to his right knee in last night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. When asked about it, Spezza simply said "I don't want to speculate, but it didn't feel good." Jason is going to get an MRI this afternoon to determine the full extent of the damage.

Despite his relative lack of production this season, Spezza had started to heat up, with goals in his last two games. This is a huge blow to the Senators, who are now missing their number one centre, starting goaltender Pascal Leclaire, and two relied upon energy players in Chris Neil and Shean Donovan. How the team bands together and handles this injury will be a true test, especially given their heavy workload in the next couple of months.

On the plus side, this will force Spezza to rest, which may not be a bad thing. The time off could be what he needs to heal the nagging injury that has been bothering him for the majority of the season.

As mentioned earlier, Josh Hennessy has been recalled to replace Spezza in the lineup for the time being. It currently looks as though Hennessy will play on a bottom-six line, with Jesse Winchester taking Spezza's spot between Milan Michalek and Daniel Alfredsson. If that doesn't work, look for Peter Regin, Nick Foligno or Ryan Shannon to get a shot as pivot in the top-six.

Tuesday links: Brett Hull night part two edition

averagejoe — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:00:35 -0000

Game tonight. Will the Blues show up?

Blues news

Blues vs. Flames tonight. Will the bed stay poo-free tonight? [Sporting News]
Brett Hull and his Dream Team will be honored tonight. [The Canadian Press]
Like the Blues, the Flames are talking about hitting each other, too. [Toronto Sun]
Reminder: No T.V. for tonight's game. It's 2009, why do the Blues keep fucking up with T.V. First Dish, then High School football and now Brett Hull night. Get your shit together, Blues. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
For those of you salivating over Andy Murray getting fired if the Blues lose on Brett Hull night, John Davidson says that's not likely. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch]
Alex Pietrangelo reported to a very cold Regina for the World Juniors. [The Globe and Mail]
Some of the Blues went to Cardinal Glennon to cheer up some sick kids. I hope they didn't show them Friday's game. [Blues]

Hockey news

Last night's results. [Yahoo! Sports]
Blues are just one many teams playing tonight. [Yahoo! Sports]
Brian Burke says U.S. Hockey roster is nearly done. [CTV Olympics]
Jason Spezza may be hurt. Well ... he is, but we don't know for how long. [TSN]
Is it a little early to look at the 2009 free agent signings? Yes. That doesn't mean we still won't [TSN]
Speaking of the Flames, Olli Jokinen is playing terribly. [ESPN]
The Wild(s) are having struggling with head injuries.[ESPN]

Other links

I have a feeling this is going to be a big story. [New York Times]
Here are 50 great headlines for 2009. [Buzzfeed]
Wanna see some ass tattoos? Not tats of asses, tats ON asses. [City Rag]
Holy shit this does not look good. [eating the road]

Video

It's Brett Hull night. Here are some videos.

I think it's pretty cool Hull got 500 with a hat trick goal.

Senators outworked by Maple Leafs in 3-2 loss

Mark Parisi — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:54:42 -0000

More photos » by Frank Gunn - AP

Browse more photos »

If only hockey games were decided after 20 minutes. Ottawa brought the play to Toronto for much of the first period, outshooting the Leafs 10-6, and had to walk out of the frame feeling good about their game. However, despite strong pressure throughout, they had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.

Unfortunately for the Sens, they were unprepared for what the Leafs brought for the remaining 40 minutes. If the team thought Toronto was going to roll over, they guessed wrong tonight. Toronto proceeded to outhit, outwork, and outskate Ottawa for the remainder of the game, and Ottawa was not able to overcome their opponent’s adjustments in spite a strong effort of their own at the end of the third period.

Sens Heroes: Nick Foligno, Mike Fisher, Jason Spezza

Is it a good sign that two of the players on here were also heroes in the last game? At the very least, it’s encouraging.

Nick Foligno was Ottawa’s hardest working player on the ice for the third game in a row, and that’s saying something considering the efforts players like Fisher, Daniel Alfredsson, and Anton Volchenkov bring every night. But there was Foligno, driving his legs, going to the net, fighting along the boards, you name it. Once again, Foligno’s hard work around the net led to an easy goal for a teammate, this time Mike Fisher. If he keeps this level of play, he should see his point totals rise quickly.

Mike Fisher, the beneficiary of Foligno’s work on the night, put together a fine night of his own. Fisher was his typical self, racing all over the ice and generally playing smart, physical hockey. Too bad more of his teammates didn’t follow his lead.

Jason Spezza also had another strong game. He was second on the team with four shots and what can only be described as a fun goal, where he dangled Vesa Toskala while standing still and then used a strong wrist shot to put it in the net. It should also be noted that Spezza was a turnover machine in this game, but much of the credit for that goes to the Leafs, who seemed to have every passing lane clogged up once they made adjustments.

Sens Zeroes: Filip Kuba, Brian Elliot

Brian Elliot really doesn’t deserve to be here, but his first goal was a brutal softie that visibly emboldened the Leafs. It’s hard to call the first goal of the game a gamebreaker, but it really was. Elliot has been prone to bad goals at bad times and tonight was no different. Get well soon, Pascal!

Kuba, on the other hand, was a borderline Sens Killer tonight. A painful minus two with a power play assist, his play was so bad tonight that I wondered if he was trying to get traded. Bad decisions, bad passes, bad skating… bad, bad, bad. Also, bad.

Sens Killer #1: Phil Kessel
He embarrassed Elliot with a soft wrister to the glove side. I don’t really want to talk more about it. Watch the highlights, I guess.

Sens Killer #2: The Road
Ottawa drops to 5-8-1 on the road this year, and that is not going to get it done if the team wants to have a realistic shot at the playoffs. This team must play better on the road, plain and simple.

Say What?
There were two bench penalties for too many men on the ice tonight. Shockingly, neither was against Ottawa.

Hmmm:
Chris Phillips had another tip-in chance tonight. That’s two in two games. Phillips jumping into plays? Take note, Karlsson.

Speaking of…
If there was a "Solid Sens" category, Karlsson would be in there. He’s gotten steadily better since his call-up. Let’s hope this is a trend that continues.

Sens Killer #3: Toronto’s adjustments
You thought we were done with two? You were wrong. Credit must be given to the Leafs (and it hurt to type that) for the changes they made after the first intermission. They had passing lanes filled and Ottawa’s players stymied. It seemed like every option for outlet passes had a blue jersey draped over them. At one point, Volchenkov couldn’t even break out from behind his own net without turning it over. Cory Clouston usually is able to adjust what he sees on the ice, but there was no answer tonight.

Game Highlights:

Listen to Silver Seven Radio, Dec. 14, 2009

PeterR — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:00:39 -0000

Mark Parisi and Peter Raaymakers talk about the Ottawa Senators for the week of Dec. 7-13, 2009. Is Alex Kovalev the player who didn't score for 16 games, or the player who scored a hat trick? Is Jason Spezza going to get his offensive groove back? Is Brian Elliott the goalie who shut out the Flyers, or the goalie who allowed four goals to the Canadiens? Who's got the lead on the Senators roster, Chris Campoli or Alex Picard? All these questions, and a couple million-dollar questions, are broached this week.

Check out the embedded player below: