I'm not particularly sure why, but Bryan Murray made it pretty clear that tonight's decision against Edmonton would play a role in whether or not the team was a buyer or seller at the trade deadline.
I kind of think Murray wanted to see the team really inch closer to that playoff berth, and I kind of think Murray thought that Ottawa would take care of business against one of the worst teams in the league.
Well, that didn't happen. Ottawa was swept in the season series to Edmonton with a 3-2 loss at Rexall on Tuesday night, and if you believe Bryan Murray, that should suggest that the team sells in the next eighteen or whatever hours.
I thought one play really did well to sum up these last few weeks. Hell, the entire season. Ales Hemsky -- who really was a one man show tonight -- scored his first on the power-play, blowing by Chris Phillips with ease and tucking it past Craig Anderson. Forget the fact that the team should've targeted Hemsky weeks ago (and, for some, have turned their attention to "power forwards" or whatever). The man who was totally embarrassed on the play was defenseman Chris Phillips.
Phillips has apparently drawn interest from teams who think he's still got something left in the tank, and there are rumors that he can be pitched off for a pretty respectable draft pick. But Ottawa, sort of inexplicably, has decided to not only consider extension, but have caved on their once-firm one-year offer -- tabling a
So, weird thing going on. Ottawa, if you believe Bryan Murray, is heading towards Sellville. But they're re-upping a player that's on his last legs and could net something on March 5.
Weird times.
Back with more tomorrow.
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