Jared Crozier: Jets 2, Sens 1 Post Game Thoughts; Smith: Square Peg, Round Hole? Thoughts on Senators 2-1 loss to Jets, Why The Senators feel the need to put players in a position where they don't fit

Hard to complain about Mclean's deployment or comments about players in the pre-season. At this point, you're always going to be looking for more out of guys. If by the end of October, the same things happen, then red flags should be raised.

I'm not a big fan on commenting on preseason games as it's really only for guys on the fence. With that being said, Hoffman, a fence guy, was invisible or visible for all the wrong reasons this pre-season. In my opinion he has fallen in the depth chart behind guys like Stone, Puemple, and Lazar. I assume he'll get ice time over the weekend, so let's hope he can turn it around.

Pre-season hockey is awful to watch. Can't wait for some real hockey next week.

The one thing that angers me about Murray is that he always gives early extensions to guys that don't deserve them...

Case in point: Boroweki, Phillips, Anderson and Greening when these guys had little to no leverage in negotiations and were gifted with fat contracts that if the Sens had been a little more patient with most likely would not have those burdens on the payroll. Then also signed guys who he should have walked away from Neil, Gryba, Michalek and Phillips (I know he's there twice but it's so bad that I decided to mention him twice).

What also bothers me is that he hasn't done that with our skilled players. This summer he could have extended Zibanejad, Stone and who know what happens with Ryan and Methot!

I'd have liked Zibby to have the same contract as Turris, imagine him locked up at 6 years at $3.5M and Stone at 3 years at $1.5M! If (and I hope they do) have big seasons then Zibby may ask for $4.5 and Stone around $3M.

Murray has done a lot for this organization but lately I think he's lost a lot of his mojo. I think he needs to retire gracefully.

Hard to complain about Mclean's deployment or comments about players in the pre-season. At this point, you're always going to be looking for more out of guys. If by the end of October, the same things happen, then red flags should be raised.
I'm not a big fan on commenting on preseason games as it's really only for guys on the fence. With that being said, Hoffman, a fence guy, was invisible or visible for all the wrong reasons this pre-season. In my opinion he has fallen in the depth chart behind guys like Stone, Puemple, and Lazar. I assume he'll get ice time over the weekend, so let's hope he can turn it around.

Pre-season hockey is awful to watch. Can't wait for some real hockey next week.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I would agree with this IF it hadn't been such a major issue last year. To me, this isn't a "pre-season" thing, but rather it seems to be the continuation of a trend that we saw far too often last year....that being, his seeming inability to properly deploy his players in situations that best help the team.

I agree that hoffman was pretty bad last night, but he seemed to be pretty solid the other 2 games i saw him play (or saw 1 and read about the other). obviously not going to be in the top six, but i have confidence that he'll be a solid bottom six player for this team

Agree on the Smith comments.

Last night I thought Lazar was Ottawa's best defensive player. He was strong on faceoffs and for the first time I thought maybe Smith is the guy that may be on the bubble.

The one thing that angers me about Murray is that he always gives early extensions to guys that don't deserve them...

Case in point: Boroweki, Phillips, Anderson and Greening when these guys had little to no leverage in negotiations and were gifted with fat contracts that if the Sens had been a little more patient with most likely would not have those burdens on the payroll. Then also signed guys who he should have walked away from Neil, Gryba, Michalek and Phillips (I know he's there twice but it's so bad that I decided to mention him twice).

What also bothers me is that he hasn't done that with our skilled players. This summer he could have extended Zibanejad, Stone and who know what happens with Ryan and Methot!

I'd have liked Zibby to have the same contract as Turris, imagine him locked up at 6 years at $3.5M and Stone at 3 years at $1.5M! If (and I hope they do) have big seasons then Zibby may ask for $4.5 and Stone around $3M.

Murray has done a lot for this organization but lately I think he's lost a lot of his mojo. I think he needs to retire gracefully.
- riceroni

i sort of agree with this. he's great at acquirign players, but it's true, he's kind of horrible (with turris and karlsson being the exceptions) at the whole "getting the right guys signed to the right deals" thing.

not sure it's time for him to walk, as we all know that he's SEVERELLY handicapped by his owner......let him finish out his contract, hopefully ownership situation will improve, and then hand the reigns over to dorion or whoever.

I dont like the 2nd line ,too many of the same type of player.All three of them are more goalscorer than playmaker.Maybe switch stone and chaisson ,thus giving lines 2 and 3 some goalscorer /playmaker balance

Milo/Zibby/Stone

greening/hoff/puemp/legwand/chiasson

Welcome Jared. AY baby lol

Just a few thoughts...

Patrick Wiercoch: Probably played himself out of lineup last night. He has no business in this team’s top 6. The guy has failed to meet expectations since being drafted and it might be time to realize that whatever the team is looking for isn’t really there. I think the fear of giving up on him and him potentially taking the next step with another team has helped keep him around, but at this stage it’s time to realize he isn’t anything special. The guy is now 24, not old by any means, but to be 24 and not show many signs of progression does say something about the player.

Zack Smith: It’s hard not to like a player that plays hard, plays tough, fights occasionally and plays the right way, but in Smith’s case I think this has really helped camouflage the fact that he really isn’t a very good player. His efforts rarely lead to anything. He is responsible defensively which makes him a neutral player, but at this point I think we might have some players that are a bit better then neutral players. By no means should he feel safe and assume he has guaranteed playing time. In my opinion, Smith is a 4th line centre at best and shouldn’t see more than 10 mpg. I actually wouldn't have him in my top 12, but I know that won't happen

Buddy Robinson: He is really having a strong camp and leaving a positive impression on the organization. I don’t know if he will ever be enough of a pure offensive forward to warrant a top 6 roster spot. I think he needs to go back to bingo and work on the defensive part of his game that will allow him to solidify himself as a future 3rd line player with some offensive upside.

Curtis Lazar: This kid just doesn’t make any mistakes, I have yet to see him make a bad play. He is mature, understands how to play the game. Has all the tools. Solid skater and speed, can play physical and has scoring touch. In my opinion (I know others won’t agree), but going back to junior isn’t the best option. I think he is good enough to play 3rd line minutes and some PK with the Sens this year. I could see him in the 12-14 mpg range. Going back to junior is basically just a season to kill time. Playing against 16-17-18 year olds won’t help him. He has already dominated junior and going back and doing the same won’t add anything to his game. If you’re picking the 12 best forwards in training camp, he is definitely part of that group.

Cody Ceci: I have heard some say that Ceci might be the odd man out because we have too many defenceman signed and he has a 2-way deal. Ceci has to play in the NHL this season, for the simple fact that besides Karlsson and Methot, we have no puck movers on D. It would be a disaster starting the season with only 2 puck movers on D. Wiercoch has no business making this team, so Ceci is a must, and simply he is the 3rd best defenceman this team has, and the gap isn’t even close between the 3rd and 4th D.

Mike Hoffman: At the beginning of camp I had already penciled him in to the starting roster, but he really hasn’t done himself any favors. He hasn’t stood out or carried over any positive momentum from last season. I now see him on the outside looking in. His last stint with the Sens last year was positive, but prior to that he was ineffective and he couldn’t think the game at NHL speed. His ability to think the game at the NHL level is what’s holding him back. He has the speed, the skill and a solid shot, but without the head to go with it, the skill is worth nothing. A good example was last night about 5 minutes into the 2nd period, the Sens had been running around a bit and needed a line change., the puck came to him on the left wing just inside the Sens blueline, he panicked and dump the puck down the ice too strong for an icing, he had lots of space and time to make a better decision.

JG Pageau: I think he has had a very solid camp so far. His speed and determination have led to a lot of positive plays and opportunities. I think he should be rewarded for his efforts and how hard he has fought for a roster spot. I think he is fully capable of being as efficient defensively as Condra, with the bonus of more speed and finishing touch. I think he has leap frogged Hoffman and so far is one of the top 12 forwards in camp.

Matt Puempel: Great camp so far. Has displayed his skill and really surprised and impressed the organization. I don’t think he is ready to play in the top 6 at the NHL level yet, and I don’t see any point of playing him in a bottom 6 role. Back to Bingo for this year and the greatest experience he will get there as a young guy is playing against men and continuing to score goals and building confidence. Look for him to be the #1 offensive call up this year. He has earned it.

Alex Chiasson: Has been impressive so far. He seems to be one of those players that is around the puck a lot or the puck finds him. Good size, good speed and has some skill. I think he will definitely be a 20+ goal scorer. Different player and style, but physically at a quick glance looks like Jason Spezza on the ice.

Another quick note from last night’s game against the Jets…The penalty on Zach Bogosian for kneeing Mark Stone. I know that Stone was able to just move at the last second to avoid the worst of it, but that was actually a very dirty play. It was not a last minute reaction by Bogosian, when looking at the replay he clearly made up his mind and decided to lead with and use his knee to make contact with Stone. I think the intent was absolutely there. I really hate it when the outcome is the deciding factor. In my opinion this is a play that should be reviewed by the league and I think it warrants a suspension. Considering it was a kneeing penalty I would assume the league probably automatically looks at it.

i like your point about smith (i mentioned it in my post on the previous thread), i would even go one step further, and perhaps suggest that he would be the forward ottawa could move in order to clear space for a younger guy. It's clear that his role should be that of a 4th liner, so losing him wouldn't be a major blow to the team, and at the same time it's clear (atleast if you believe some of the speculation from guys like Jackel and Yost) that chicago has shown a great deal of interest in him.

why not a deal centering around smith and leddy. this would give chicago some cap relief as well as the gritty/physical center they need, and it would give ottawa another top 4 d-man as well as the roster spot to keep lazar. i realize that ottawa would need to add another asset, probably in teh form of a pick or prospect (so the cap works), but i think it would help both teams.

Welcome Jared. AY baby lol

Just a few thoughts...

Patrick Wiercoch: Probably played himself out of lineup last night. He has no business in this team’s top 6. The guy has failed to meet expectations since being drafted and it might be time to realize that whatever the team is looking isn’t really there. I think the fear of giving up on him and him potentially taking the next step with another team has helped keep him around, but at this stage it’s time to realize he isn’t anything special. The guy is now 24, not old by any means, but to be 24 and not show many signs of progression does say something about the player.

Zack Smith: It’s hard not to like a player that plays hard, plays tough, fights occasionally and plays the right way, but in Smith’s case I think this has really helped camouflage the fact that he really isn’t a very good player. His efforts rarely lead to anything. He is responsible defensively which makes him a neutral player, but at this point I think we might have some players that are a bit better then neutral players. By no means should he feel safe and assume he has guaranteed playing time. In my opinion, Smith is a 4th line centre and shouldn’t see more than 10 mpg.

Buddy Robinson: He is really having a strong camp and leaving a positive impression on the organization. I don’t know if he will ever be enough of a pure offensive forward to warrant a top 6 roster spot. I think he needs to go back to bingo and work on the defensive part of his game that will allow him to solify himself as a future 3rd line player with some offensive upside.

Curtis Lazar: This kid just doesn’t make any mistakes, I have yet to see him make a bad play. He is mature, understands how to play the game. Has all the tools. Solid skater and speed, can play physical and has scoring touch. In my opinion (I know other won’t agree), going back to junior isn’t the best option. I think he is good enough to play 3rd line minutes and some PK with the Sens this year. I could see him in the 12-14 mpg range. Going back to junior is basically just a season to kill time. Playing again 16-17-18 year olds won’t help him. He has already dominated junior and going back and doing the same won’t add anything to him game. If you’re picking the 12 best forwards in training camp, he is definitely part of that group.

Cody Ceci: I have heard some say that Ceci might be the odd man out because we have too many defenceman signed. Ceci has to play in the NHL this season, for the simple fact that besides Karlsson and Methot, we have no puck movers on D. It would be a disaster starting the season with only 2 puck movers on D. Wiercoch has no business making this team, so Ceci is a must, and simply he is the 3rd best defenceman this team has, and the gap isn’t even close between the 3rd and 4th D.

Mike Hoffman: At the beginning of camp I had already penciled him in to the starting roster, but he really hasn’t done himself any favors. He hasn’t stood out or carried over any positive momentum from last season. I now see him on the outside looking in. His last sting with the Sens last year was positive, but prior to that he was ineffective and he couldn’t think the game at NHL speed. His ability to think the game at the NHL level is what’s holding him back. He has the speed, the skill and a solid shot, but without the head to go with it, the skill is worth nothing. A good example was last night about 5 minutes into the 2nd period, the Sens had been running around a bit and needed a line change., the puck came to him on the left wing just inside the Sens blueline, he panicked and dump the puck down the ice too strong for an icing, he had lots of space and time to make a better decision.

JG Pageau: I think he has had a very solid camp so far. His speed and determination have led to a lot of positive plays and opportunities. I think he should be rewarded for his efforts and how hard he has fought for a roster spot. I think he is fully capable of being as efficient defensively as Condra, with the bonus of more speed and finishing touch. I think he has leap frogged Hoffman and so far is one of the top 12 forwards in camp.

Matt Puempel: Great camp so far. Has displayed his skill and really surprised and impressed the organization. I don’t think he is ready to play in the top 6 at the NHL level yet, and I don’t see any point of playing him in a bottom 6 role. Back to Bingo for this year and the greatest experience he will get there as a young guy is playing against men and continuing to score goals and building confidence. Look for him to be the #1 offensive call up this year. He has earned it.

Alex Chiasson: Has been impressive so far. He seems to be one of those players that is around the puck a lot or the puck finds him. Good size, good speed and has some skill. I think he will definitely be a 20+ goal scorer. Different player and style, but physically at a quick glance looks like Jason Spezza on the ice.

Another quick note from last night’s game against the Jets…The penalty on Zach Bogosian for kneeing Mark Stone. I know that Stone was able to just move at the last second to avoid the worst of it, but that was actually a very dirty play. It was not a last minute reaction by Bogosian, when looking at the replay he clearly made up his mind and decided to lead with his knee. I think the intent was absolutely these. I really hate it when the outcome is the deciding factor. In my opinion this is a play that should be reviewed by the league and I think it warrants a suspension.
- matt272

good write up, agree with just about everything except wiercioch. i think he's a solid player, who has the skill to play in the top 4 on this team. i willing to give him the benefit of the doubt as it's still pre-season, but he was one of our best d-men last year.....i prefer him over gryba, boro, phillips, and cowen at this point.

I would agree with this IF it hadn't been such a major issue last year. To me, this isn't a "pre-season" thing, but rather it seems to be the continuation of a trend that we saw far too often last year....that being, his seeming inability to properly deploy his players in situations that best help the team.

I agree that hoffman was pretty bad last night, but he seemed to be pretty solid the other 2 games i saw him play (or saw 1 and read about the other). obviously not going to be in the top six, but i have confidence that he'll be a solid bottom six player for this team
- sensarmy_11

It's frustrating to watch, I know, but who else was he going to play last night? I'll reserve the judgement until this happens in the regular season.

I know everyone loves Hoffman. He is a little engine that could story. I just don't find he brings anything to this team that 3 or 4 other guys who are younger and playing just as well if not better than him right now could bring. He has the one way contract, so in all likelihood will clinch a roster spot. However, it wouldn't surprise me if he was one of the first casualties after 10-20 games.

@matt272 : solid write-up, sir.

Welcome Jared. AY baby lol

Just a few thoughts...

Patrick Wiercoch: Probably played himself out of lineup last night. He has no business in this team’s top 6. The guy has failed to meet expectations since being drafted and it might be time to realize that whatever the team is looking for isn’t really there. I think the fear of giving up on him and him potentially taking the next step with another team has helped keep him around, but at this stage it’s time to realize he isn’t anything special. The guy is now 24, not old by any means, but to be 24 and not show many signs of progression does say something about the player.

Zack Smith: It’s hard not to like a player that plays hard, plays tough, fights occasionally and plays the right way, but in Smith’s case I think this has really helped camouflage the fact that he really isn’t a very good player. His efforts rarely lead to anything. He is responsible defensively which makes him a neutral player, but at this point I think we might have some players that are a bit better then neutral players. By no means should he feel safe and assume he has guaranteed playing time. In my opinion, Smith is a 4th line centre at best and shouldn’t see more than 10 mpg. I actually wouldn't have him in my top 12, but I know that won't happen

Buddy Robinson: He is really having a strong camp and leaving a positive impression on the organization. I don’t know if he will ever be enough of a pure offensive forward to warrant a top 6 roster spot. I think he needs to go back to bingo and work on the defensive part of his game that will allow him to solidify himself as a future 3rd line player with some offensive upside.

Curtis Lazar: This kid just doesn’t make any mistakes, I have yet to see him make a bad play. He is mature, understands how to play the game. Has all the tools. Solid skater and speed, can play physical and has scoring touch. In my opinion (I know others won’t agree), but going back to junior isn’t the best option. I think he is good enough to play 3rd line minutes and some PK with the Sens this year. I could see him in the 12-14 mpg range. Going back to junior is basically just a season to kill time. Playing against 16-17-18 year olds won’t help him. He has already dominated junior and going back and doing the same won’t add anything to his game. If you’re picking the 12 best forwards in training camp, he is definitely part of that group.

Cody Ceci: I have heard some say that Ceci might be the odd man out because we have too many defenceman signed and he has a 2-way deal. Ceci has to play in the NHL this season, for the simple fact that besides Karlsson and Methot, we have no puck movers on D. It would be a disaster starting the season with only 2 puck movers on D. Wiercoch has no business making this team, so Ceci is a must, and simply he is the 3rd best defenceman this team has, and the gap isn’t even close between the 3rd and 4th D.

Mike Hoffman: At the beginning of camp I had already penciled him in to the starting roster, but he really hasn’t done himself any favors. He hasn’t stood out or carried over any positive momentum from last season. I now see him on the outside looking in. His last sting with the Sens last year was positive, but prior to that he was ineffective and he couldn’t think the game at NHL speed. His ability to think the game at the NHL level is what’s holding him back. He has the speed, the skill and a solid shot, but without the head to go with it, the skill is worth nothing. A good example was last night about 5 minutes into the 2nd period, the Sens had been running around a bit and needed a line change., the puck came to him on the left wing just inside the Sens blueline, he panicked and dump the puck down the ice too strong for an icing, he had lots of space and time to make a better decision.

JG Pageau: I think he has had a very solid camp so far. His speed and determination have led to a lot of positive plays and opportunities. I think he should be rewarded for his efforts and how hard he has fought for a roster spot. I think he is fully capable of being as efficient defensively as Condra, with the bonus of more speed and finishing touch. I think he has leap frogged Hoffman and so far is one of the top 12 forwards in camp.

Matt Puempel: Great camp so far. Has displayed his skill and really surprised and impressed the organization. I don’t think he is ready to play in the top 6 at the NHL level yet, and I don’t see any point of playing him in a bottom 6 role. Back to Bingo for this year and the greatest experience he will get there as a young guy is playing against men and continuing to score goals and building confidence. Look for him to be the #1 offensive call up this year. He has earned it.

Alex Chiasson: Has been impressive so far. He seems to be one of those players that is around the puck a lot or the puck finds him. Good size, good speed and has some skill. I think he will definitely be a 20+ goal scorer. Different player and style, but physically at a quick glance looks like Jason Spezza on the ice.

Another quick note from last night’s game against the Jets…The penalty on Zach Bogosian for kneeing Mark Stone. I know that Stone was able to just move at the last second to avoid the worst of it, but that was actually a very dirty play. It was not a last minute reaction by Bogosian, when looking at the replay he clearly made up his mind and decided to lead with his knee. I think the intent was absolutely these. I really hate it when the outcome is the deciding factor. In my opinion this is a play that should be reviewed by the league and I think it warrants a suspension.
- matt272

Nice write up. Ceci is going to be a stud. Not sure why people were calling for him to be sent down. He may have a few bumps in the road this season, but it's nothing he can't work on in the NHL. I'd argue he is our smartest defensman behind Karlsson.

It's frustrating to watch, I know, but who else was he going to play last night? I'll reserve the judgement until this happens in the regular season.

I know everyone loves Hoffman. He is a little engine that could story. I just don't find he brings anything to this team that 3 or 4 other guys who are younger and playing just as well if not better than him right now could bring. He has the one way contract, so in all likelihood will clinch a roster spot. However, it wouldn't surprise me if he was one of the first casualties after 10-20 games.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I agree that it's hard to judge based on last night, and who was available. i'm more concerned with his comments, rather than his action. that being said, seeing neil out on a PP with less than a minute in the game, made me want to throw poop at my TV.

as for hoffman, i won't lose any sleep if he isn't on the NHL roster, but he seems like a real good guy to have on your 4th line...he has speed, hands, is good in all 3 zones, can chip in offensively, is a solid possession player...and i guess, since it's the senators, also important to note that he's inexpensive

Nice write up. Ceci is going to be a stud. Not sure why people were calling for him to be sent down. He may have a few bumps in the road this season, but it's nothing he can't work on in the NHL. I'd argue he is our smartest defensman behind Karlsson.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

i had actually suggested that perhaps it wouldn't be the worst idea to send him down...however that was early in the offseason, when i mistakingly thought that murray would actually bring in a d-man to play in our top 4, instead of simply extending 2 of the 6/7 plugs that we have back there now and rolling with the same D group that was arguably one of, if not THE worst in the NHL last year. given what our D looks like now, there isn't a chance in hell that ceci is sent down. he's EASILY our 2nd best d-man while methot is down, and maybe even after methot comes back.

good write up, agree with just about everything except wiercioch. i think he's a solid player, who has the skill to play in the top 4 on this team. i willing to give him the benefit of the doubt as it's still pre-season, but he was one of our best d-men last year.....i prefer him over gryba, boro, phillips, and cowen at this point.
- sensarmy_11

Thanks.

I think he has the skill to move the puck well. But I compare him to a defenceman with a 100mph shot, but has no offensive skill, no puck skills and plays primarily as a shut down defenceman. Basically a player not being able to show strengths because of other deficiencies. Wiercoch can move the puck, but he's too weak in other areas which keeps him out of the lineup. I agree with you in regards to preferring him over phillips, Boro and Gryba. Doesn't say much about our D. its nice to have depth I guess, but if your depth is garbage then it's pretty useless. From what I have seen from Claesson, his puck moving and handling ability is decent. Saw him show some good patience with the puck and make good plays. He is very solid in his own zone. I think he is one of the Sens top 6 defenceman, but I don't see him making the team unfortunately.

Thanks.

I think he has the skill to move the puck well. But I compare him to a defenceman with a 100mph shot, but has no offensive skill, no puck skills and plays primarily as a shut down defenceman. Basically a player not being able to show strengths because of other deficiencies. Wiercoch can move the puck, but he's too weak in other areas which keeps him out of the lineup. I agree with you in regards to preferring him over phillips, Boro and Gryba. Doesn't say much about our D. its nice to have depth I guess, but if your depth is garbage then it's pretty useless. From what I have seen from Claesson, his puck moving and handling ability is decent. Saw him show some good patience with the puck and make good plays. He is very solid in his own zone. I think he is one of the Sens top 6 defenceman, but I don't see him making the team unfortunately.
- matt272

i would LOVE to see claessen on this team, and have been preaching it to anyone who would listen since about halfway through last season. sadly, given the sad state of the contracts and financials of this team, i can't see any situation that has claessen on this team regularly (unless there are injuries)

Thanks.

I think he has the skill to move the puck well. But I compare him to a defenceman with a 100mph shot, but has no offensive skill, no puck skills and plays primarily as a shut down defenceman. Basically a player not being able to show strengths because of other deficiencies. Wiercoch can move the puck, but he's too weak in other areas which keeps him out of the lineup. I agree with you in regards to preferring him over phillips, Boro and Gryba. Doesn't say much about our D. its nice to have depth I guess, but if your depth is garbage then it's pretty useless. From what I have seen from Claesson, his puck moving and handling ability is decent. Saw him show some good patience with the puck and make good plays. He is very solid in his own zone. I think he is one of the Sens top 6 defenceman, but I don't see him making the team unfortunately.
- matt272

Out of the kids i think JGP is the only one that will stick this season.He is making condra very easy to move

Weircoche is getting passed by defencemen on this team - Ceci has passed him, Gryba has passed him and it looks like Claessen and Boro are about to pass him.

Sadly he's our Michale Del Zotto - all the skill with the puck, without the puck he is completely lost. He can't play D in the NHL, if you can't play pre-season D how do we expect him to play Regular season D.

Weircoche is getting passed by defencemen on this team - Ceci has passed him, Gryba has passed him and it looks like Claessen and Boro are about to pass him.

Sadly he's our Michale Del Zotto - all the skill with the puck, without the puck he is completely lost. He can't play D in the NHL, if you can't play pre-season D how do we expect him to play Regular season D.
- tuna99

Too soft and slow ,Cowen needs to work on his game starts.He starts games slow,then finishes strong

Too soft and slow ,Cowen needs to work on his game starts.He starts games slow,then finishes strong

- top shelf 15

I find he plays on the end of his stick too much and at times it causes him to look really weak for a big guy. I think he does this though to help keep his positioning on a player. His footwork is too slow to get in too tight on a player and play the body, it causes him to get beat and out of position. Definitely something he should continuously be working at optional skates and after practice with the defensive staff.

Condra is only mentioned once, and only by last name?

I find he plays on the end of his stick too much and at times it causes him to look really weak for a big guy. I think he does this though to help keep his positioning on a player. His footwork is too slow to get in too tight on a player and play the body, it causes him to get beat and out of position. Definitely something he should continuously be working at optional skates and after practice with the defensive staff.
- matt272

Yep agreed ,i also find his lack of battle in corners and in front of the net to be troubling .He really needs to toughen up in these areas

Condra is only mentioned once, and only by last name?
- GardinerExpress

Lots of players in camp have started to really show how expendable he really is.JGP has my vote to take his place

Welcome Jared. AY baby lol

Just a few thoughts...

Patrick Wiercoch: Probably played himself out of lineup last night. He has no business in this team’s top 6. The guy has failed to meet expectations since being drafted and it might be time to realize that whatever the team is looking for isn’t really there. I think the fear of giving up on him and him potentially taking the next step with another team has helped keep him around, but at this stage it’s time to realize he isn’t anything special. The guy is now 24, not old by any means, but to be 24 and not show many signs of progression does say something about the player.

Zack Smith: It’s hard not to like a player that plays hard, plays tough, fights occasionally and plays the right way, but in Smith’s case I think this has really helped camouflage the fact that he really isn’t a very good player. His efforts rarely lead to anything. He is responsible defensively which makes him a neutral player, but at this point I think we might have some players that are a bit better then neutral players. By no means should he feel safe and assume he has guaranteed playing time. In my opinion, Smith is a 4th line centre at best and shouldn’t see more than 10 mpg. I actually wouldn't have him in my top 12, but I know that won't happen

Buddy Robinson: He is really having a strong camp and leaving a positive impression on the organization. I don’t know if he will ever be enough of a pure offensive forward to warrant a top 6 roster spot. I think he needs to go back to bingo and work on the defensive part of his game that will allow him to solidify himself as a future 3rd line player with some offensive upside.

Curtis Lazar: This kid just doesn’t make any mistakes, I have yet to see him make a bad play. He is mature, understands how to play the game. Has all the tools. Solid skater and speed, can play physical and has scoring touch. In my opinion (I know others won’t agree), but going back to junior isn’t the best option. I think he is good enough to play 3rd line minutes and some PK with the Sens this year. I could see him in the 12-14 mpg range. Going back to junior is basically just a season to kill time. Playing against 16-17-18 year olds won’t help him. He has already dominated junior and going back and doing the same won’t add anything to his game. If you’re picking the 12 best forwards in training camp, he is definitely part of that group.

Cody Ceci: I have heard some say that Ceci might be the odd man out because we have too many defenceman signed and he has a 2-way deal. Ceci has to play in the NHL this season, for the simple fact that besides Karlsson and Methot, we have no puck movers on D. It would be a disaster starting the season with only 2 puck movers on D. Wiercoch has no business making this team, so Ceci is a must, and simply he is the 3rd best defenceman this team has, and the gap isn’t even close between the 3rd and 4th D.

Mike Hoffman: At the beginning of camp I had already penciled him in to the starting roster, but he really hasn’t done himself any favors. He hasn’t stood out or carried over any positive momentum from last season. I now see him on the outside looking in. His last stint with the Sens last year was positive, but prior to that he was ineffective and he couldn’t think the game at NHL speed. His ability to think the game at the NHL level is what’s holding him back. He has the speed, the skill and a solid shot, but without the head to go with it, the skill is worth nothing. A good example was last night about 5 minutes into the 2nd period, the Sens had been running around a bit and needed a line change., the puck came to him on the left wing just inside the Sens blueline, he panicked and dump the puck down the ice too strong for an icing, he had lots of space and time to make a better decision.

JG Pageau: I think he has had a very solid camp so far. His speed and determination have led to a lot of positive plays and opportunities. I think he should be rewarded for his efforts and how hard he has fought for a roster spot. I think he is fully capable of being as efficient defensively as Condra, with the bonus of more speed and finishing touch. I think he has leap frogged Hoffman and so far is one of the top 12 forwards in camp.

Matt Puempel: Great camp so far. Has displayed his skill and really surprised and impressed the organization. I don’t think he is ready to play in the top 6 at the NHL level yet, and I don’t see any point of playing him in a bottom 6 role. Back to Bingo for this year and the greatest experience he will get there as a young guy is playing against men and continuing to score goals and building confidence. Look for him to be the #1 offensive call up this year. He has earned it.

Alex Chiasson: Has been impressive so far. He seems to be one of those players that is around the puck a lot or the puck finds him. Good size, good speed and has some skill. I think he will definitely be a 20+ goal scorer. Different player and style, but physically at a quick glance looks like Jason Spezza on the ice.

Another quick note from last night’s game against the Jets…The penalty on Zach Bogosian for kneeing Mark Stone. I know that Stone was able to just move at the last second to avoid the worst of it, but that was actually a very dirty play. It was not a last minute reaction by Bogosian, when looking at the replay he clearly made up his mind and decided to lead with and use his knee to make contact with Stone. I think the intent was absolutely there. I really hate it when the outcome is the deciding factor. In my opinion this is a play that should be reviewed by the league and I think it warrants a suspension. Considering it was a kneeing penalty I would assume the league probably automatically looks at it.
- matt272

Without worrying about cap/contracts, what would your ideal forward group be?