You mean the bottom-4D to which they've systematically added Del Zotto, Mete, and Holden over the past 6 months, despite already having Zaitsev and Brown? Depth is one thing, but that's more of a self-inflicted administrative screw job. Not to mention that they actively dismantled the Brannstrom-Zub pairing in the process, which looked promising at the end of last year.

I mean, I get that Sanderson is the long-term plan on the 2nd pairing, but you have to wonder if adding Mete was actually such a good idea, if that waiver move has effectively cost them Brannstrom because they didn't leave enough NHL roster space to allow him to develop properly.
- khawk

I get the narrative but if a player can't beat out those guys that you have mentioned, you have to start questioning. Despite salary and cap challenges, if a player is good enough, they will crack the lineup. There is no weird conspiracy to keep Brannstrom out of the lineup.

It's extremely hard to be a primary puck moving d-man and try to make a place on a team that already has one (in Chabot). They just don't get the allocated primary power play time and 5 on 5 time with top forwards to make up for the less than average defensive play with depth players.

It's not totally different than what happened with Cody Ceci. His entire career he was a primary #1 d-man who lead a power play and was close to a point per game player. Then you arrive to the NHL where someone is already fulfilling those duties (Karlsson) and you are forced to adjust your game accordingly. Hard to do when you have played one way your whole life.

Pinto could be out up to 6 months depending on severity in shoulder injury....

Pinto could be out up to 6 months depending on severity in shoulder injury....
- Mithos

Dorion should have already been looking to add a quality centre. If Pinto is out longterm, that search should be expedited. There was a lot of pressure on Pinto, a very raw prospect, anyways.

Hope it's just a separation and not dislocation.

Pinto is on the4 sens bench and on the ice, he may be OK, just sore.

I get the narrative but if a player can't beat out those guys that you have mentioned, you have to start questioning. Despite salary and cap challenges, if a player is good enough, they will crack the lineup. There is no weird conspiracy to keep Brannstrom out of the lineup.

It's extremely hard to be a primary puck moving d-man and try to make a place on a team that already has one (in Chabot). They just don't get the allocated primary power play time and 5 on 5 time with top forwards to make up for the less than average defensive play with depth players.

It's not totally different than what happened with Cody Ceci. His entire career he was a primary #1 d-man who lead a power play and was close to a point per game player. Then you arrive to the NHL where someone is already fulfilling those duties (Karlsson) and you are forced to adjust your game accordingly. Hard to do when you have played one way your whole life.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Being waiver exempt is a big thing with Brannstrom. There just wasn't any need to sign MDZ when you had Holden, Mete, Brown already.

Pinto is on the4 sens bench and on the ice, he may be OK, just sore.
- Mithos

He left the game again, he was the reason SJ scored, he was in obvious pain.

Dorion should have already been looking to add a quality centre. If Pinto is out longterm, that search should be expedited. There was a lot of pressure on Pinto, a very raw prospect, anyways.

Hope it's just a separation and not dislocation.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Yup, man....last thing you want is a nagging shoulder injury all year. As for Dorion, I know he was working the phones before the season started. Now he has no choice and teams will know it, that he's desperate for a center.

He left the game again, he was the reason SJ scored, he was in obvious pain.
- Kevin Francis

ya saw that, but i guess if he tried to come back its not as serious as we think, he maybe just day to day or out 1-2 weeks

Tierney is basically a player for the Sharks so far this game.

Being waiver exempt is a big thing with Brannstrom. There just wasn't any need to sign MDZ when you had Holden, Mete, Brown already.
- Kevin Francis

I don't disagree. The MDZ signing still makes me wonder, but if you are good enough, teams will make room. Brannstrom had an average preseason which didn't really help his cause. Still early in the year, so roster shuffles are inevitable.

Stay out of the box.

game over.

Stay out of the box.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Another listless 2nd period by this team, incredible! Start moving your feet! Like you said, stay out of the box!

I don't disagree. The MDZ signing still makes me wonder, but if you are good enough, teams will make room. Brannstrom had an average preseason which didn't really help his cause. Still early in the year, so roster shuffles are inevitable.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I have been hard on Brannstrom, but he was better than MDZ, Brown and Mete in the pre-season. What we saw from Mete the last 12 games last year compared to pre-season and the first game this year, night and day.

Another listless 2nd period by this team, incredible! Start moving your feet! Like you said, stay out of the box!
- Kevin Francis

Stutzle seems to be one of the only few that is actually trying.

Stutzle seems to be one of the only few that is actually trying.
- Mithos

He has been dynamite tonight. Paul and Brown are relentless though, they are always noticeable out there, love that duo!

I have been hard on Brannstrom, but he was better than MDZ, Brown and Mete in the pre-season. What we saw from Mete the last 12 games last year compared to pre-season and the first game this year, night and day.
- Kevin Francis

Mete is demoralized and do you blame him, you play fantastic along with Branny to end the season and the idiot GM goes and gets 2 more LD and he ends up getting screwed along with Branny...

Mete is demoralized and do you blame him, you play fantastic along with Branny to end the season and the idiot GM goes and gets 2 more LD and he ends up getting screwed along with Branny...
- Mithos

No doubt! But I will say this, Holden has been very solid and a nice surprise.

If Pinto ends up being out, wonder if the Sens take another shot at Dylan Strome with his diminished trade value?

If Pinto ends up being out, wonder if the Sens take another shot at Dylan Strome with his diminished trade value?
- Minnyhock

I really am not a fan of Strome. I think they need to get someone that can provide more impact! But Pinto....he came back in 2nd period for one shift and he was in pain.....

How will Ottawa ever solve their issues with scoring? I'm not aware of any high scoring prospects in their system.

Will chabot ever get back into that production he had his first full season without karlsson? Was that partially just have demelo backing him up and stone up front?

How will Ottawa ever solve their issues with scoring? I'm not aware of any high scoring prospects in their system.

Will chabot ever get back into that production he had his first full season without karlsson? Was that partially just have demelo backing him up and stone up front?
- TDBSenatoR

Maybe Sokolov?

The team really does seem to prioritize "two way" players when drafting.

How will Ottawa ever solve their issues with scoring? I'm not aware of any high scoring prospects in their system.

Will chabot ever get back into that production he had his first full season without karlsson? Was that partially just have demelo backing him up and stone up front?
- TDBSenatoR

No true, they are building a team that is tough to play against it seems. As for Chabot, very true, he hasn't come close to those numbers since then.

Maybe Sokolov?

The team really does seem to prioritize "two way" players when drafting.
- david22

Please leave Sokolov in the AHL for a full year. He clearly isn't ready, don't rush him. But true, he has a ton of upside offensively!

Please leave Sokolov in the AHL for a full year. He clearly isn't ready, don't rush him. But true, he has a ton of upside offensively!
- Kevin Francis

Oh I agree 100%.

Jarventie (sp?) is intruiging as well, but he'll need even more time.