Jared Crozier: Senators bounce back with 7-4 win over Coyotes

We had a discussion at the beginning of the year about who were our 'players that needed to be on top of their game in order for the Sens to have a good year'.

I picked Anderson #1 and after the first 4 games, I couldn't feel more strongly about my choice. I know picking a goalie is generally obvious (even though I think I was the only one to mention him).

Andy has looked completely lost so far this year. Actually, it almost seems like he's disinterested. Weak shots look tough and he looks like he has no desire to jump on pucks around the crease.

Arizona's 4th goal was a perfect example: The puck went around our boards and to the point. Anderson didn't even get into his stance! He wasn't in the 'ready position' the entire time the Yotes were in our zone on that play. I know it was a deflection, and a tough save to make, but if you aren't ready with your stick on the ice, you have zero chance. I know the Sens were up 3 with only a few mins left, but still.

I get that the Sens gave up a ton of shots last night, but most of those were not quality shots. He made things way more difficult than they had to be.

Hammond is not a bona-fide NHL goalie in my opinion, and if Andy doesn't at least give us an average NHL starter-type performance this season, we are going to be screwed.

how about those 11 000 in attendance!!! WTF!????

#notNHLworthy

thats why I hate the ottawa senators... crap fanbase, mediocre on ice product and internal budget that handcuffs it all... SMH

how about those 11 000 in attendance!!! WTF!????

#notNHLworthy

thats why I hate the ottawa senators... crap fanbase, mediocre on ice product and internal budget that handcuffs it all... SMH
- marcandredespatie

If the Sens are not NHL worthy, then there are also at least 10 other teams that aren't NHL worthy as well.

If the Sens are not NHL worthy, then there are also at least 10 other teams that aren't NHL worthy as well.
- Charliebox

I don't care, doesn't take away the fact that Ottawa is in that same boat... Even more shameful being a canadian team #pathetic

Great start. Guy Boucher is amazing - this team has so far to go but it's nothing but positives for the team. Everything in Ottawa changed with him and Dorion coming in and giving the team fresh blood.

Gotta like the team. Boucher is getting the most out of his guys and he isn't letting loose players get away with poor efforts. Hoffman had a really bad game #1 and then he's been great since, and he's getting the ice he deserves.

I don't care, doesn't take away the fact that Ottawa is in that same boat... Even more shameful being a canadian team #pathetic
- marcandredespatie

https://en.wikipedia.org/...League_attendance_figures

Actually, just based on attendance there are 15 other teams that are not NHL worthy.

Also, you do realize that the Canadian teams' TV deals are richer than any of the American teams, right? The NHL would never, ever let Ottawa move simply based on the TV revenue.

Finally, it's almost like you don't understand demographics. Ottawa is a gov't city. They can't buy season's tickets, boxes, or wine and dine people. The vast majority of season's tickets sold in every other Canadian city are owned by corporations. Ottawa has by far the least corporate influence of all Canadian cities.

Ottawa relies on game-day sales.. always has and always will.

This is why you see no one at games on Tuesday nights in October against Phonenix, but you see near sell-outs on Saturday night games.

Honestly, take your dumbass troll garbage and go away.

how about those 11 000 in attendance!!! WTF!????

#notNHLworthy

thats why I hate the ottawa senators... crap fanbase, mediocre on ice product and internal budget that handcuffs it all... SMH
- marcandredespatie

Must be nice to have an arena downtown and a population of 3Million plus. When Ottawa gets that, you won't see any empty seats.

Has nothing to do with the fan base. Location and population.

We had a discussion at the beginning of the year about who were our 'players that needed to be on top of their game in order for the Sens to have a good year'.

I picked Anderson #1 and after the first 4 games, I couldn't feel more strongly about my choice. I know picking a goalie is generally obvious (even though I think I was the only one to mention him).

Andy has looked completely lost so far this year. Actually, it almost seems like he's disinterested. Weak shots look tough and he looks like he has no desire to jump on pucks around the crease.

Arizona's 4th goal was a perfect example: The puck went around our boards and to the point. Anderson didn't even get into his stance! He wasn't in the 'ready position' the entire time the Yotes were in our zone on that play. I know it was a deflection, and a tough save to make, but if you aren't ready with your stick on the ice, you have zero chance. I know the Sens were up 3 with only a few mins left, but still.

I get that the Sens gave up a ton of shots last night, but most of those were not quality shots. He made things way more difficult than they had to be.

Hammond is not a bona-fide NHL goalie in my opinion, and if Andy doesn't at least give us an average NHL starter-type performance this season, we are going to be screwed.
- Charliebox

And it was my biggest concern heading into the season (and last), and despite the final results I think the concerns are legitimate and "beast mode" games are fewer and farther between.

how about those 11 000 in attendance!!! WTF!????

#notNHLworthy

thats why I hate the ottawa senators... crap fanbase, mediocre on ice product and internal budget that handcuffs it all... SMH
- marcandredespatie

cool hashtags bro... #hashtag

how about those 11 000 in attendance!!! WTF!????

#notNHLworthy

thats why I hate the ottawa senators... crap fanbase, mediocre on ice product and internal budget that handcuffs it all... SMH

I don't think you understand the issue here. We have an arena that isn't even located inside the city with a population that is majority suburban functionaries. There was a tech sector in Kanata when the team was brought over but it has been decimated over the last 15 years. It's not that nobody wants to support the team, it's just harder when it's not corporate money and you need to sit in traffic a bunch when you have a bar right down the street that has screens the size of barn doors showing the same game with cheaper beer.... give me stats on TV audience then we'll talk... Our local pubs and restaurants depend on the Sens and when they don't make the playoffs... they hurt.

You talk about this like the only way to consume the product is live

I don't care, doesn't take away the fact that Ottawa is in that same boat... Even more shameful being a canadian team #pathetic
- marcandredespatie

personally I think it's less pathetic than having tons of fan support, unlimited money, and running out the crap on ice product that the habs have for the last little while. with the exception of price your roster is bottom 5 in the league (as evidenced last year)........perhaps you should worry more about the embarrassment that is your team, rather than what is going on in Ottawa.

Any idea on what they plan to do with the defense Jared?

I know there was a lot of talk of cutting down the GA this season, but it seems to have escalated so far.

Any idea on what they plan to do with the defense Jared?

I know there was a lot of talk of cutting down the GA this season, but it seems to have escalated so far.
- walshyleafsfan

I think they'll wait a few weeks, give the players time to get used to the new system.........if at that point it's still an issue then start to see about addressing it with a roster move (mainly in goal since goaltending has been average to below average to downright awful in all 4 games so far)

Any idea on what they plan to do with the defense Jared?

I know there was a lot of talk of cutting down the GA this season, but it seems to have escalated so far.
- walshyleafsfan

Ottawa's D is pretty rough in their own end. Boucher keeps saying that it's going to take 6 weeks for his 'system' to be in full effect.

In my opinion, it's not just the D's fault. Our forwards aren't good at all at back checking... especially our top 2 lines. On line 1, Stone is the only guy with a defensive conscience, but he's pretty slow and can get caught up ice. On line 2, Smith is the only guy. Ryan isn't a back checker and neither Zibby nor Brassard are known for their defensive games.

I do hope the Sens cut down on goals and chances against, but they have played a 'run and gun' style for the better part of 5 years now. If you're going to be one of the top scoring teams, you probably aren't going to be one of the best in GA. The only teams that boast those two things are cup contenders.

Also, Boucher's 'system' is all about having the D pinch and join the rush. Not sure how much conducive that is to limiting chances against.

personally I think it's less pathetic than having tons of fan support, unlimited money, and running out the crap on ice product that the habs have for the last little while. with the exception of price your roster is bottom 5 in the league (as evidenced last year)........perhaps you should worry more about the embarrassment that is your team, rather than what is going on in Ottawa.
- sensarmy_11

yes you must be right. last year full on injuries... besides that, top 2 in the NHL 3 out of the last 4 years... bad team, you're right.

Any idea on what they plan to do with the defense Jared?

I know there was a lot of talk of cutting down the GA this season, but it seems to have escalated so far.
- walshyleafsfan

Those who have followed along over the past year know my doubts about Anderson being a top end goalie any more. I don't think the extra 3 shots per game should equal half a goal per game, regardless of the quality of those 3 or 4 extra shots. I think that has been overblown and has made apologists for Anderson/Hammond.

I have hesitated in pointing the finger directly in that direction because it is early in the season, but I see more and more opinions reflecting mine as each game passes.

They have played 4 games, shots against have been 38 (in OT), 24 (in SO), 25 and 35. It has been hit or miss, but aside from being dominated by the Leafs at 5 on 5 in the opener, their 5 on 5 play has been relatively even or Senators-tilted in the other 3. It is a new system they are learning so there are going to be ups and downs.

The bottom line is that the goalies have to make the stops. That is what will cut down on the goals against. Good goalies cover up a lot of blemishes on defense, that most teams have, but they get exposed more with mediocre or worse goaltending.

As for the defense, I like the 7 man rotation and giving Chabot more time. It provides flexibility and accountability because if you aren't doing the job, there is an extra guy there waiting for those minutes. I hope that continues and that Chabot progresses to the point where he can contribute every night and they can reduce Borowiecki's minutes to shelter his minutes.

yes you must be right. last year full on injuries... besides that, top 2 in the NHL 3 out of the last 4 years... bad team, you're right.
- marcandredespatie

yes.....bad team, great goalie. it's a one man team.

also, we must have a different definition of "top 2 in the nhl" because I only see them there once.....once they were 4th, and other than that haven't really even been in the top 10 in the last decade (I think they may have been 8th or 9th one time). so when they don't get record setting goaltending they're either a middle of the pack team, or they're bottom 5 in the league (which they have been 2 of the last 5 years)

https://en.wikipedia.org/...League_attendance_figures

Actually, just based on attendance there are 15 other teams that are not NHL worthy.

Also, you do realize that the Canadian teams' TV deals are richer than any of the American teams, right? The NHL would never, ever let Ottawa move simply based on the TV revenue.

Finally, it's almost like you don't understand demographics. Ottawa is a gov't city. They can't buy season's tickets, boxes, or wine and dine people. The vast majority of season's tickets sold in every other Canadian city are owned by corporations. Ottawa has by far the least corporate influence of all Canadian cities.

Ottawa relies on game-day sales.. always has and always will.

This is why you see no one at games on Tuesday nights in October against Phonenix, but you see near sell-outs on Saturday night games.

Honestly, take your dumbass troll garbage and go away.
- Charliebox

Nice try bud... do some research before posting. In 2013 u guys had around 11 to 12 000 season ticket holders vs around 15 000 for habs. Thats not a huge difference if you ask me. The issues about location and all are true, but alas, they don't seem like they'll be going away. To me, the situation looks worrisome but we'll see I guess. You're 11 000 last night looked like some of the season ticket holders (a lot of them) were not even there!!!!

... and, I never talked about moving the team... you seem a little sensitive. My post might have pinched a nerve.!?

yes.....bad team, great goalie. it's a one man team.

also, we must have a different definition of "top 2 in the nhl" because I only see them there once.....once they were 4th, and other than that haven't really even been in the top 10 in the last decade (I think they may have been 8th or 9th one time). so when they don't get record setting goaltending they're either a middle of the pack team, or they're bottom 5 in the league (which they have been 2 of the last 5 years)
- sensarmy_11

you're both idiots. it's a week into the season.

Ottawa is a smaller market team, big deal. The only market that's smaller in Canada is Winnipeg, and they bemefit from the team still being new in town, so the fanbase is more enthusiastic then a losing market usually has. A Montreal fan shouldn't be crapping on the Sens attendance woes, it's still their best chance of watching their own team play live.

you're both idiots. it's a week into the season.
- DoubleDown

hey, I'm not the one on the habs thread going on and on and on and on about how pathetic montreal is........maybe you should take your little friend by the hand and bring him back to his own thread.

if he's going to come in here and be a little female dog you can rest assured that I will point out every single little deficiency that exists on his favorite team.......it's not that hard to do.

Nice try bud... do some research before posting. In 2013 u guys had around 11 to 12 000 season ticket holders vs around 15 000 for habs. Thats not a huge difference if you ask me. The issues about location and all are true, but alas, they don't seem like they'll be going away. To me, the situation looks worrisome but we'll see I guess. You're 11 000 last night looked like some of the season ticket holders (a lot of them) were not even there!!!!

... you seem a little sensitive. My post might have pinched a nerve.!?
- marcandredespatie

You seem to be proving my point here.

Ottawa has less corporate support, therefore less season ticket holders. The gap of 3000 probably all due to that.

Ottawa is a city that relies on game day sales. That means a Tuesday in October against the Phonenix Coyotes, after the Sens played the night before (we are not stupid, I will never spend my money on tickets after the team played the night before) is obviously not going to have good attendance.

and, I never talked about moving the team...

What the (frank) else does #notNHLworthy mean, dumbass?

yes.....bad team, great goalie. it's a one man team.

also, we must have a different definition of "top 2 in the nhl" because I only see them there once.....once they were 4th, and other than that haven't really even been in the top 10 in the last decade (I think they may have been 8th or 9th one time). so when they don't get record setting goaltending they're either a middle of the pack team, or they're bottom 5 in the league (which they have been 2 of the last 5 years)
- sensarmy_11

are you Donald Trump...!? so basically you're confirming what I said but denying it at the same time...??? #hilarious

You seem to be proving my point here.

Ottawa has less corporate support, therefore less season ticket holders. The gap of 3000 probably all due to that.

Ottawa is a city that relies on game day sales. That means a Tuesday in October against the Phonenix Coyotes, after the Sens played the night before (we are not stupid, I will never spend my money on tickets after the team played the night before) is obviously not going to have good attendance.



What the (frank) else does #notNHLworthy mean, dumbass?
- Charliebox

to you, it obviously means to move the team... I was just stating an opinion.

and by the way, we will go see the habs play arizona even they have played the night before... always!

less corporate support yes, but with 12 000 season ticket holders, you should have more than 11 000 people in the stands whatever the circumstances