Jared Crozier: Senators enter bye with a win over Leafs; Local connections on team Canada

Crazy that the Sens managed to pull this off. One of the most lopsided games I’ve ever seen....

Karlsson seems completely disinterested out there

Pyatt.... Who knew lol

^ Might be Karlsson seeing an owner who is interested in making this team "competitive" enough to generate playoff revenue; but not enough to put them over the top. Losing Alfie was one thing but going out and signing MacArthur and trading 3 young pieces for Ryan (who you sign to a horrible, crippling contract) shows this team was never committed to a "full rebuild"

I thought the game was fairly well played. Andy played well enough to get by. I’m really impressed with Duchene (he’s got the flue right now too). He just on a different level skill-wise. Nice to see him and Hoffman develop some chemistry.

Not sure why the NHL mandated bye weeks all within the same couple of weeks (I guess half way through the season is more useful), but here we are.

Karlsson has checked out

Boucher made a really good point in an interview the other day.

He said if you look at the schedule when they were on their losing streak, right after the Sens Avs trip. they never really had time to recover because it was non stop traveling and back to backs.

Now that the schedule has given them a bit of rest and time for guys to build chemistry, we're getting some wins and heading in the right direction.

Personally I don't see this being a clear winning direction but it has certainly helped.

I love the chemistry with Hoffman and Duchene (Gee who called that one?)

But I feel like Karlsson has checked out and Andy is just starting to pull it together.

Speculation on my part but I would not be surprised that Karlsson is very close to the bidding groups trying to buy Sens from Melnyk.

Now Melnyk is saying he can build a new arena on his own and where he is (Kanata) and does not need to move down town.

Bettman is getting whip lash trying to keep up with Melnyk changing priorities and trying to create a bidding war between the local groups interested in buying the Sens.

The local groups have met with Bettman. I believe they are prepared to cooperate with one another on the redevelopment of LeBretton. Everybody just needs to be patient and allow the drama to play itself out.

I thought the mayor looked incredulous on the news last night as he tried to explain that Melnyk was now proposing to build a new arena in Kanata. Bizarre.

I believe that the players are fully enmeshed in the front office drama. Right now it is only about price. Don't know for certain, but someone has suggested to me that buyers would like to pay $500m for the Sens and Melnyk wants $700m. Sounds like reasonable numbers for starting negotiations but I have no assurance that these are actually the numbers.

Always love it when we beat the Leafs.

No big dump from Leafs fans in here today.

Speculation on my part but I would not be surprised that Karlsson is very close to the bidding groups trying to buy Sens from Melnyk.

Now Melnyk is saying he can build a new arena on his own and where he is (Kanata) and does not need to move down town.

Bettman is getting whip lash trying to keep up with Melnyk changing priorities and trying to create a bidding war between the local groups interested in buying the Sens.

The local groups have met with Bettman. I believe they are prepared to cooperate with one another on the redevelopment of LeBretton. Everybody just needs to be patient and allow the drama to play itself out.

I thought the mayor looked incredulous on the news last night as he tried to explain that Melnyk was now proposing to build a new arena in Kanata. Bizarre.

I believe that the players are fully enmeshed in the front office drama. Right now it is only about price. Don't know for certain, but someone has suggested to me that buyers would like to pay $500m for the Sens and Melnyk wants $700m. Sounds like reasonable numbers for starting negotiations but I have no assurance that these are actually the numbers.
- spatso

Bettman has already said he wants a downtown arena on several occasions. I don't know why Eugene wants to hold onto this team still, to be honest. You don't like the city of Ottawa, the fans hate you, the players hate you, your staff can't stand you, and Gary Bettman continues to try and put out fires when you run your mouth. If he is struggling to make money as he so often suggests, get out. It really doesn't make sense. He bought the team for a fraction of what he would get if he sold it.

Owners need to be silent, trusting, generous, and most importantly enjoy being an owner. Eugene doesn't fall into any category.

Always love it when we beat the Leafs.

No big dump from Leafs fans in here today.
- SensFan25

Shocking, eh?

Bettman has already said he wants a downtown arena on several occasions. I don't know why Eugene wants to hold onto this team still, to be honest. You don't like the city of Ottawa, the fans hate you, the players hate you, your staff can't stand you, and Gary Bettman continues to try and put out fires when you run your mouth. If he is struggling to make money as he so often suggests, get out. It really doesn't make sense. He bought the team for a fraction of what he would get if he sold it.

Owners need to be silent, trusting, generous, and most importantly enjoy being an owner. Eugene doesn't fall into any category.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I think he enjoys the prestige that comes with owning a franchise. Hated or loved, you 're constantly talked about. You're part of th big boys when you own a franchise, it's a status symbol.

Similar to why he's always breeding race horses, and the status that comes from winning horses.

I think he enjoys the prestige that comes with owning a franchise. Hated or loved, you 're constantly talked about. You're part of th big boys when you own a franchise, it's a status symbol.

Similar to why he's always breeding race horses, and the status that comes from winning horses.
- david22

I think that is how it started, but now I kind of think that he just enjoys stirring the pot to be honest.

I mean, he has all the money in the world and he is still pissed the city wouldn't let him build a Casino. So, he stirs the pot by punishing fans by not spending to the cap and then when they get mad at him he either says something stupid or complains.

Always love it when we beat the Leafs.

No big dump from Leafs fans in here today.
- SensFan25

enjoy it

enjoy it
- Aetherial

Even the sun shines on the dogs ass some days.

enjoy it
- Aetherial

I take it where ever I can get it these days.

Karlsson has checked out
- Nucker101

Don't think so.

Still recovering from injury.

AND no one has stepped up to replace Methot.

I think that is how it started, but now I kind of think that he just enjoys stirring the pot to be honest.

I mean, he has all the money in the world and he is still pissed the city wouldn't let him build a Casino. So, he stirs the pot by punishing fans by not spending to the cap and then when they get mad at him he either says something stupid or complains.
- Maverick1818

Agreed.

He's starting to remind me of Pal Hal - the reason I quit being a Leafs fan so many years ago.

Seems he is naively thinking he can play hardball with the NCC. Maybe he will learn that what works in Toronto won't work here because the NCC truly doesn't give a cr*p. Should have kept Cyril on the job because he gets it.

Meanwhile he trips over his own self importance and personifies everything that is problematic in the organization.

Don't think so.

Still recovering from injury.

AND no one has stepped up to replace Methot.
- Storman

I don’t think he has completely checked out. I do think he has sort of lost interest in leading a roster with 2/3 of the guys stinking it up. He needs to get guys going more and lead by example.

I’ll always refer to Karlsson in the Boston series for how he should lead. He called guys out who didn’t perform and that got them going. He was leading the charge every time he was on the ice. That’s what you need him to do. He hasn’t done much of that this season. Mark Stone has show more leadership.

Karlsson is a guy who likes a big time/meaningful game. He must get better at getting up for the games that aren’t that. Growing pains as a young captain.

I am hoping Ottawa looses / sells

There is too small of a gap between 3rd worst (VAN 38 points) & 8th worst (FLA 42 points)

What happens if Sens start winning games? They play themselves out of a top 5 no doubt. And to make it a lot worse, how bad is it if they fall to 8-9 and have to draft another Lee or Cowen. OR fall to 10/11.....loose the pick to Avs AND miss the playoffs. There is a clear distinction between what Melynk is willing to do and what Dorion wants.

I'd MUCH rather have traded Ceci, Bowers, White, and a pick for Duchene AND kept Turris here

Hoffman - Duchene - Ryan
Brassard - Turris - Stone

Methot - Karlsson
Chabot - Phaneuf

now THAT would have been a LOT better

I am hoping Ottawa looses / sells

There is too small of a gap between 3rd worst (VAN 38 points) & 8th worst (FLA 42 points)

What happens if Sens start winning games? They play themselves out of a top 5 no doubt. And to make it a lot worse, how bad is it if they fall to 8-9 and have to draft another Lee or Cowen. OR fall to 10/11.....loose the pick to Avs AND miss the playoffs. There is a clear distinction between what Melynk is willing to do and what Dorion wants.

I'd MUCH rather have traded Ceci, Bowers, White, and a pick for Duchene AND kept Turris here

Hoffman - Duchene - Ryan
Brassard - Turris - Stone

Methot - Karlsson
Chabot - Phaneuf

now THAT would have been a LOT better
- AlfieisKing

I don’t think this trade works capwise, but they may have been able to move other money around. Who knows. I don’t think there was any level of interest in Ceci from the Avs. I also think White’s value is being watered down fast. Too bad we couldn’t use him as chip in any other potential deals sooner. Another case of holding onto a prospect for too long I think.

As for the draft pick, I wouldn’t panic. There is Dahlin, but I don’t think anyone else is in the “can’t miss” category. It will be largely dependant on development and luck. If we pick at 8 instead of 4, meh. If we miss out on the 12 overall selection to the Avs, meh.

The draft is usually more of crapshoot. Tired of everyone assuming a 1st rounder will end up being a cornerstone of a franchise. History has shown that the odds are against you of a guy turning into anything of value.

The focus should be on scouting and developing. Pick the guy best suited to develop into a good NHL player. Have a competent staff to make it happen. But Eugene squeezes pennies there too.

Unless this team blows up and we trade away the core, I hope to see some positive results to get hope for next season. I won’t be cheering for a tank.

I don’t think this trade works capwise, but they may have been able to move other money around. Who knows. I don’t think there was any level of interest in Ceci from the Avs. I also think White’s value is being watered down fast. Too bad we couldn’t use him as chip in any other potential deals sooner. Another case of holding onto a prospect for too long I think.

As for the draft pick, I wouldn’t panic. There is Dahlin, but I don’t think anyone else is in the “can’t miss” category. It will be largely dependant on development and luck. If we pick at 8 instead of 4, meh. If we miss out on the 12 overall selection to the Avs, meh.

The draft is usually more of crapshoot. Tired of everyone assuming a 1st rounder will end up being a cornerstone of a franchise. History has shown that the odds are against you of a guy turning into anything of value.

The focus should be on scouting and developing. Pick the guy best suited to develop into a good NHL player. Have a competent staff to make it happen. But Eugene squeezes pennies there too.

Unless this team blows up and we trade away the core, I hope to see some positive results to get hope for next season. I won’t be cheering for a tank.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Agree, except about White. He needs more exposure at the NHL level. Didn't look out of place in Ryan's spot the other night. He has top 6 (or 9) potential in the next year.

Especially agree about scouting. If you are going to be a budget team then you better have top notch scouting. Cutting back there is suicide and Euge is playing with fire.

Agree, except about White. He needs more exposure at the NHL level. Didn't look out of place in Ryan's spot the other night. He has top 6 (or 9) potential in the next year.

Especially agree about scouting. If you are going to be a budget team then you better have top notch scouting. Cutting back there is suicide and Euge is playing with fire.
- Storman

I may be jumping the gun on White. He had an injury in training camp and players usually struggle if they miss training camp, so maybe a little more time is needed.

I just watch him play the last couple of games and there is not one aspect of his game that looks “impressive” or a step up from a regular 3rd/4th line guy. That’s what I look for anyway. Something that makes him standout. So far, I haven’t seen that or read about it recently.

If he isn’t going to be a top 6 forward, get rid of him while he has some stock left. The Sens hold onto “will they/won’t they” prospects for way too long until it’s usually too late to salvage anything.

I may be jumping the gun on White. He had an injury in training camp and players usually struggle if they miss training camp, so maybe a little more time is needed.

I just watch him play the last couple of games and there is not one aspect of his game that looks “impressive” or a step up from a regular 3rd/4th line guy. That’s what I look for anyway. Something that makes him standout. So far, I haven’t seen that or read about it recently.

If he isn’t going to be a top 6 forward, get rid of him while he has some stock left. The Sens hold onto “will they/won’t they” prospects for way too long until it’s usually too late to salvage anything.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

He's played less than a dozen NHL games. Don't know if I'd call that holding on too long.

He's played less than a dozen NHL games. Don't know if I'd call that holding on too long.
- Storman

Not saying 6 games is too long, but you look at other examples, Ceci, Lazar, Cowen, etc all prospects with top notch potential, but value was driven down.

Dallas moved prospects like Paul and Chaisson when their value was high.

It's a tricky game with prospects.

I'll give White more time, but watching him lately and everything I have read about him over the past year, is all meh really. Hope I am wrong. I have been on plenty of occasions.