Two point is two points. I think I have said that a lot this season, but it is true every time. There are no style points and although some things in last night's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks were better, there is still a long way to go for the Ottawa Senators to play a complete game.
Starting with goaltending, where there isn't really an option right now where you can put a guy in and expect a great performance. You might get one, but I don't think you can expect one. After Craig Anderson had allowed (depending on your definition) multiple "bad goals" against the Predators on Tuesday, Andrew Hammond followed that up with 2 "stinky" goals in the win. I have said multiple times it isn't always the number of goals that go in but it is when and how they go in that are crippling. The first one against Hammond let the Canucks open the scoring, was a deflection but went right through him. The other one came late with the Senators holding a 3-1 lead, and made for an interesting final 30 seconds and some white-knuckle time for Senators fans, but didn't end up costing them in the end. Hammond made his mark in the 19 save second period, most of them coming while the game was tied, that should be enough to earn him another start on Saturday afternoon.
Next, after saying yesterday that Erik Karlsson had to be better for the Senators to even think about reaching the next level of consistency, the captain had what was one of his best games of the season. He was assertive with the puck, seemed like he gave a damn on defense and chipped in a goal and an assist. And there was still more available to him including a nice rush during which he created his own breakaway and could have extended the lead shortly after he had given his team the 2-1 edge.
The defense played a bend-but-don't break system, which they have been doing all season. Just this time they didn't break like they have so often and i don't imagine Patrick Wiercioch will be back in the lineup any time soon given the way Chris Wideman played. It was Wideman's knuckle-puck on the power play that looked like it was an insurance goal that ended up being the difference and the game winner, and while there were still some struggles I like the lineup as it was against the Canucks.
It also helped that they tripled their production on the power play (at CTC), going 2-for-4 on the night after having just 1 PP maker so far this season at home.
The bottom line is it was a decent effort, a win at home, and a chance to build some momentum with the tough New York Rangers coming to town for a Saturday matinee.
ON MATT DUCHENE
The Matt Duchene rumors heated up yesterday with TSN's Insider Trading segment saying that Joe Sakic had been in touch with Bryan Murray regarding the Canadian Olympian.
While Duchene would be a very nice addition at this point in time, I wonder what the cost would be. I can imagine the Avalanche are not interested in just giving him away, and the package would probably include 3 viable assets (usually the going rate).
I am just spit-balling here but I can see the Avs asking for something like:
Lazar/Zibanejad Ceci/Chabot 1st round pick
The Avalanche aren't going to want spare parts in return, so forget the "Cowen, Smith and Greening" fantasy. And if the suggestion that almost any deal would have to include taking Colin Greening's contract back, the price is going to be at least the above package and maybe even more.
Duchene is a very good, talented player and has obviously fallen out of favor in Colorado, but I am not sure he is any more of a #1 centre than Kyle Turris at this point in time, but he can also play the wing as well. Turris-Duchene would be a dynamic duo up the middle and Duchene would definitely make the Senators better, but like any trade for a star player you are going to have to give up something in other areas in order to make it happen.
It is kind of a catch-22 because while you would think he can still produce at nearly a point per game (he has fallen off that pace in the last couple of years, and he is the type of player the Senators need in their top 6, he is still too young not to have to give up a ton to get him.
The Senators are deep, but not deep enough to give up 3 solid assets to get 1 again, after just having done that 2 years ago to get Bobby Ryan. I would be in favor of doing something like Zibanejad and a first, or if they could pry Jarome Iginla as well as a top 6 who has great leadership abilities that would sweeten the pot.
It is an intriguing prospect to say the least, but when you weigh the cost with the return, the Senators are probably damned if they do, and damned if they don't.