I am surprised there are no comments about Zibanejad's play. He is a very weak link right now.

He is the only Senators' forward who has played all games and has zero points. After 8 games he has 0 points and is -3.

He was directly responsible for both goals against Chicago - the first one he let his man Toews go at center ice and weakly backchecked. Then when a wide open Toews got the puck for the wraparound Zibanejad just stood flat-footed in front of the net. On the winning goal he had a chance to clear the puck on the penalty kill but was easily out-battled by Hossa who took it from him. Pass to the point and the winning PP goal was in the net.

Last night he again lost constant puck battles and cleanly lost the draw that resulted in the 2nd Columbus goal to tie the game.

So he is providing zero offense and playing weak defense. Something seems very off in his game so far this year.

So your favorite part was when the guy was laying on the ice with a severe concussion? Nice, good to see there is still some integrity in the society.
- Habsody

Yup... It was a clean hit and it wasn't Gryba's fault that Diaz made a stupid pass or that Ellers head hit the ice. Also, Eller had his head down. It was partially his fault...

I am surprised there are no comments about Zibanejad's play. He is a very weak link right now.

He is the only Senators' forward who has played all games and has zero points. After 8 games he has 0 points and is -3.

He was directly responsible for both goals against Chicago - the first one he let his man Toews go at center ice and weakly backchecked. Then when a wide open Toews got the puck for the wraparound Zibanejad just stood flat-footed in front of the net. On the winning goal he had a chance to clear the puck on the penalty kill but was easily out-battled by Hossa who took it from him. Pass to the point and the winning PP goal was in the net.

Last night he again lost constant puck battles and cleanly lost the draw that resulted in the 2nd Columbus goal to tie the game.

So he is providing zero offense and playing weak defense. Something seems very off in his game so far this year.
- maaddmike

Only thing Zibby can do now is make sure his last 10 games of the season are his best and his first 10 were his worst.

He's back to his falling down for no reason stuff, he had a couple of plays last night where he just fell down while turning and he looked like he did in his rookie season. Definitely Ryan has looked 100% better since he's been moved off the Zibby line.

He had a couple of moments last night where he looked good but he cannot get going through the neutral with speed at all. His FO% is the best on the team and the stats guys say he gets a ton of Dzone starts because of that so that may help explain his 0 points - but he also only had 7 shots going into last nights game and he has the best one timer on the team.

Good news is the team is 5-2-1

The one player who was guilty on the play was Diaz with his suicidal pass in the middle of ice. I just don't understand how you can enjoy seeing someone injured. But hey, there is a lot of stupid stuff going on lately...
- Habsody

Sorry that I like tough hockey. If a guy gets injured then it's too bad but I still love seeing the big hits. You're trying to be too politically correct.

I have an honest question regarding the Neil thing. He's a guy who has been known to overstep his bounds when the emotions get going, which happens in hockey. But should being apologetic after the game absolve him absolutely? Matt Cooke was apologetic about many of his hits after the fact, and so was Todd Bertuzzi. I'm not comparing the plays apples-to-apples, but my point is that being apologetic after the fact should have little bearing on any penalties/suspensions the league feels necessary to hand out. Do you guys think the play, basically clawing/gouging, should be penalized further by the league, and do you think his apology should be a deciding factor in any ruling?
- jmatchett383

Neil should be suspended... I don't think he was going for the eye gouge but it happened. He should get at least 3 games. There is no place for that in the NHL. Beat a guy to a pulp with your fists is no problem though. I'm not sure the last time I've seen a really good NHL scrap where both guys threw em and connected.

Zbad needs a demotion or shake. I think it's time he sees the game from the pressbox and is issued a firm wake up call

I'd roll with this vs Chicago:

Mac - Turris - Stone
Ryan - Lazar - Chiasson
Michalek- Legwand - Hoffman
Condra - Smith - Neil

Healthies: Greening, Zbad (for a lesson)



Also- Anderson is almost guaranteed to get the start. Lehner's wife is being induced today, so I imagine they'll give him the rest of the week off and call up Hammond.

Put Lehner back in the pipes vs. Boston on Saturday night

Should not discount the value that comes with two goaltenders playing at a top level. There are injuries and if one of them goes down you will be grateful to have the other. And, other teams will be looking for goaltender help as the season goes deeper. Do we see a trade at the deadline or in the post season.

Neil should be suspended... I don't think he was going for the eye gouge but it happened. He should get at least 3 games. There is no place for that in the NHL. Beat a guy to a pulp with your fists is no problem though. I'm not sure the last time I've seen a really good NHL scrap where both guys threw em and connected.
- riceroni

agreed.....but only because i want hoffman to take his lineup spot, not because i think he deserves it.

Zbad needs a demotion or shake. I think it's time he sees the game from the pressbox and is issued a firm wake up call

I'd roll with this vs Chicago:

Mac - Turris - Stone
Ryan - Lazar - Chiasson
Michalek- Legwand - Hoffman
Condra - Smith - Neil

Healthies: Greening, Zbad (for a lesson)



Also- Anderson is almost guaranteed to get the start. Lehner's wife is being induced today, so I imagine they'll give him the rest of the week off and call up Hammond.

Put Lehner back in the pipes vs. Boston on Saturday night
- Jordo

lazar had a good game last night. it seemed like he was a menace to the opposition on every shift. i liked the energy he brought. however, don't think he's ready for 2nd line duties. third--- maybe.
we knew zibs would have growing pains, but i agree he hasnt been able to find the net at all. i'd switch him to 3c, or worst case, move him to the wing on a 2nd line. for me, the decision btw right wing or center depends on where we see him playing for us down the road (ie. will lazar eventually jump him?) if we don't see c in his future, then may as well move him to rw now. but personally, i'd bump him down to 3c to give him time / space to find his game. he's going thru a bit of a learning curve and it may help him to face some easier competition.

lehner was a beast last nite. i'd go for him against boston. andy against hawks. the hawks are a fast team, neil should be benched for the hoff.

Yeah ,there was something fishy about that hit they mentioned it on the broadcast.But as far a Boro and gryba they have been great ,and i want a team that sticks up for each other mediocre or not

- top shelf 15

I was referring to the little hit Boll gave Gryba prior to the Boro fight. I don't feel either guy has much use on this team. As I said, the team looked better once they were both removed from the lineup. I get why people like them. They are tough and can hit. I just find their hockey IQ is AHL quality.

Should not discount the value that comes with two goaltenders playing at a top level. There are injuries and if one of them goes down you will be grateful to have the other. And, other teams will be looking for goaltender help as the season goes deeper. Do we see a trade at the deadline or in the post season.
- spatso

Do you still want to trade Lehner?

Mac - Turris - Chiasson
Ryan - Legwand- Zibanejad
Michalek- Smith- Stone
Condra - Lazar- Hoffman

Mac - Turris - Chiasson
Ryan - Legwand- Zibanejad
Michalek- Smith- Stone
Condra - Lazar- Hoffman
- riceroni

has ryan been paired with legwand yet this season?

Mac - Turris - Chiasson
Ryan - Legwand- Zibanejad
Michalek- Smith- Stone
Condra - Lazar- Hoffman
- riceroni

Here's what I don't get.

Why the actual f*** would anyone want to take Ryan away from MacArthur and Turris? When they're together, that line is outstanding. So you want to take a natural RW away from a situation where he's set up to succeed and THEN you take a natural C and put him in a RW spot on the line where you just put the natural RW out of position? Like, you just took two guys that the Senators are counting on for offensive support from, and put them together in positions where they don't normally play.

I've never understood the logic in taking Ryan away from MacArthur and Turris. They played together last night and the team scores 5 goals. 'Spreading out the offence' is a dumb concept. Put your players in the best situation for them to succeed individually.

I personally think that Chiasson should be playing with Zibanejad, with Hoffman on the left. Give them some time to work together, and the results will come. Here's how I'd line the forwards up.

MacArthur-Turris-Ryan
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Michalek-Legwand-Stone
Lazar-Smith-Neil

And why not, right?

Here's what I don't get.

Why the actual f*** would anyone want to take Ryan away from MacArthur and Turris? When they're together, that line is outstanding. So you want to take a natural RW away from a situation where he's set up to succeed and THEN you take a natural C and put him in a RW spot on the line where you just put the natural RW out of position? Like, you just took two guys that the Senators are counting on for offensive support from, and put them together in positions where they don't normally play.

I've never understood the logic in taking Ryan away from MacArthur and Turris. They played together last night and the team scores 5 goals. 'Spreading out the offence' is a dumb concept. Put your players in the best situation for them to succeed individually.

I personally think that Chiasson should be playing with Zibanejad, with Hoffman on the left. Give them some time to work together, and the results will come. Here's how I'd line the forwards up.

MacArthur-Turris-Ryan
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Michalek-Legwand-Stone
Lazar-Smith-Neil

And why not, right?
- the_terror

I don't mind your lines either but Neil in the press box for Condra.

Zibby hasn't been doing so well at C so maybe a game or two at RW would be beneficial. That would move Legwand up in my opinion.

Hoffman and Legwand looked good together, I wouldn't mind keeping them together.

As time progresses, you are going to see Lazar be a 2nd line C and MZ be a 3rd. Im not talking this year necessarily, just over time. MZ will be a great 3rd line centre who will score you 20g and get you another 20-30a. But I think thats his ceiling.

Hoffman needs to play. They need to piss or get off the pot with this bullpoop upfront. The guy should be in the lineup. Make a trade to make room....

Methot will be back soon and its gonna be a poop show. I think Stone may be a piece they could move with a Dman to fetch something decent.... who knows. Gotta decide soon

Hoffman and Legwand looked good together, I wouldn't mind keeping them together.
- david22

i second this. prefer not to split up pairs. ie grizz and kt et.c

i would consider temporarily moving legwand up to 2c, and zibs to 3c. roll with 2nd line of hoff, legwand and chiassan...

i'd then put zib with mm9 stone and see how that goes. stone has good hands, vision and is great at finding the open man. he might work ok with zibs. worth trying out anyways.

I was referring to the little hit Boll gave Gryba prior to the Boro fight. I don't feel either guy has much use on this team. As I said, the team looked better once they were both removed from the lineup. I get why people like them. They are tough and can hit. I just find their hockey IQ is AHL quality.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

This why they are bottom pair defenders,their job is to play hard and make the simple play.I agree both of them shouldnt be on the ice for more than 10 to 15 mins a game .But due to our left side in the top 4 being poor they have to play more than they should

Here's what I don't get.

Why the actual f*** would anyone want to take Ryan away from MacArthur and Turris? When they're together, that line is outstanding. So you want to take a natural RW away from a situation where he's set up to succeed and THEN you take a natural C and put him in a RW spot on the line where you just put the natural RW out of position? Like, you just took two guys that the Senators are counting on for offensive support from, and put them together in positions where they don't normally play.

I've never understood the logic in taking Ryan away from MacArthur and Turris. They played together last night and the team scores 5 goals. 'Spreading out the offence' is a dumb concept. Put your players in the best situation for them to succeed individually.

I personally think that Chiasson should be playing with Zibanejad, with Hoffman on the left. Give them some time to work together, and the results will come. Here's how I'd line the forwards up.

MacArthur-Turris-Ryan
Hoffman-Zibanejad-Chiasson
Michalek-Legwand-Stone
Lazar-Smith-Neil

And why not, right?
- the_terror

Perhaps you're correct- but may I remind you that the Blue Jackets lineup is not equal to the Blackhawks lineup we're going to see tomorrow night. Different situations call for different lineups. If we put all of our eggs in one hypothetical basket (or line)- that line will be facing up against the Bickell - Toews - Hossa combo in Chicago, and will get shut down completely.

Then, the Sharp - Shaw - Kane line will roll all over L2 and L3.

Chicago demands a more balanced attack.

While 90-% of the games I agree with you- that should be our top line- this team doesn't have enough high-scoring depth to run with the Chicagos of the league.

As time progresses, you are going to see Lazar be a 2nd line C and MZ be a 3rd. Im not talking this year necessarily, just over time. MZ will be a great 3rd line centre who will score you 20g and get you another 20-30a. But I think thats his ceiling.

Hoffman needs to play. They need to piss or get off the pot with this bullpoop upfront. The guy should be in the lineup. Make a trade to make room....

Methot will be back soon and its gonna be a poop show. I think Stone may be a piece they could move with a Dman to fetch something decent.... who knows. Gotta decide soon
- BodyCheckRadio

Wier,greening, and condra need to be gone .Neil is fine as the 13th forward

I don't mind your lines either but Neil in the press box for Condra.

Zibby hasn't been doing so well at C so maybe a game or two at RW would be beneficial. That would move Legwand up in my opinion.
- riceroni

I'd be SHOCKED to see Neil healthy scratched in any games this season. Just isn't happening.

I'm not saying I don't agree with you, because I do, 100% - but they'll never do it.

i agree that quick is EASILY the best goalie of the 4, but i think andy and lehner are both better than jones. jones has good numbers, but i think that has a lot to do with the fact that: 1 - he plays for LA & 2 - he played a lot of "gimme games" last season against edm, ott, tor, cgy, nyi, etc.

i agree that LA is up there too.....and for what it's worth, if you gave me the choice between the two tandems, i'd probably take LAs.

it's funny, i think there were 4 tandems that the panel could choose from last night, and i don't think LA's goalies were there. if i recall correctly, the choices were Rangers, Ducks, Sens, and Preds goalie tandems.
- sensarmy_11

Quick is also severely overrated, his SV% is pedestrian.

Only reason he looks so good in the playoffs is because that team in front of him allows NO second chances when it counts.

I don't think LA has the best goaltending tandem in the NHL. Their numbers are great partly because Quick and Jones are competent NHL goaltenders, but also partly because of the fact that the team in front of them is extremely competent defensively.

The numbers are extremely comparable between Quick and both Lehner and Anderson, but Jones has only played a single game so there isn't really enough data to judge him on yet.

In my view, if LA was as disastrous in their own zone as the Senators are in theirs, you'd probably see different numbers for those guys.
- the_terror

Exactly.

I am surprised there are no comments about Zibanejad's play. He is a very weak link right now.

He is the only Senators' forward who has played all games and has zero points. After 8 games he has 0 points and is -3.

He was directly responsible for both goals against Chicago - the first one he let his man Toews go at center ice and weakly backchecked. Then when a wide open Toews got the puck for the wraparound Zibanejad just stood flat-footed in front of the net. On the winning goal he had a chance to clear the puck on the penalty kill but was easily out-battled by Hossa who took it from him. Pass to the point and the winning PP goal was in the net.

Last night he again lost constant puck battles and cleanly lost the draw that resulted in the 2nd Columbus goal to tie the game.

So he is providing zero offense and playing weak defense. Something seems very off in his game so far this year.
- maaddmike

Yep, definitely a big concern.

I would still like to see Hoffman tried out on his wing, but if that doesn't work there's nothing to be done with him until he steps it up.

poop, I'd almost be inclined to see a lineup for one game where we sit Zibby and give Lazar a shot in that spot.