It would not be an understatement to suggest that there’s been a seismic shift in the hockey world over the last few days. Between reports of Mike Babcock treating Mitch Marner unfairly and Bill Peters using entirely offensive, racist language, things that were once kept behind the curtain are now being shared in the open. That at least some players now feel empowered to share their stories is a good thing, and something that will hopefully have a positive impact on the game and its culture at all levels.
This wasn’t a subject that I was going to touch in this space, but it’s a subject that has started to encroach on the Ottawa Senators sphere:
I think it's worth noting that in addition to Babcock, up until this summer the Leafs also had D.J. Smith as an assistant; Smith was an assistant coach with the Spitfires and was on the bus during the hazing incident that first earned Akim Aliu his reputation as "difficult".
— draglikepull (@draglikepull) November 26, 2019
...."I tried to break the cycle there and there would no rookie (initiation) there. By the time the kids were 19 years old...that they would take care of the young guys and that would break the cycle. I believe that's still going on in Oshawa."
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) November 27, 2019
What is particularly relevant with respect to Smith’s stated approach is the fact that he *does* appear to be getting the most out of this Ottawa Senators group. He’s getting a lot out of young players, including some young players (i.e. Anthony Duclair) who have been described as “difficult… in previous stops. On the assumption that his actions reflect his words, the approach is working.
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In other news, the Senators are at home tonight for a matchup against the league-leading Boston Bruins. It’ll be a tough task for the Senators, who recently had their mini hot streak snapped at the hands of the Blue Jackets. As reported by TSN 1200, the morning skate lines were as follows:
Morning skate Lines:
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) November 27, 2019
Paul- Pageau-C.Brown
Tkachuk-L.Brown-Duclair
Ennis -Tierney- White
Chlapik- Beaudin- Veronneau
Chabot -Hainsey
Borowiecki -Zaitsev
Brannstrom -DeMelo
Nilsson starts
Hogberg-Backs up
Anderson-inj
Specifically, the idea of putting Erik Brannstrom and Dylan DeMelo together is a really promising one. While I’ve been clamouring for a Chabot/DeMelo reunion all year, I’d be equally excited to see DeMelo paired up with Brannstrom. It’s no secret that Brannstrom has struggled at times this year, so providing him with a partner who can go about his business quietly, efficiently, and effectively will only serve to benefit the young Swede. It’ll allow him the opportunity to go out and play his game, largely free of material risk. When things go wrong, DeMelo will be there to save the day more often than not. Against a team as skilled and dominant as the Bruins, that will be important.
Enjoy the game!
As always, thanks for reading.