They can't defend and it's not going to get fixed JUST by moving people around or signing veterans. The same applies to the lack of scoring where they're totally dependant on outstanding goaltending to win games. If the coaches haven't figured it out after 2 1/2 years they never will. Like Jacques Martin said in TSN interview about defense "Defense is a 5 man system".
- granpa

They haven't changed anything, exactly! Some players have regressed here under DJ.

It believe it was Craig Ramsey.
- granpa

Yes, thank you! He was terrific.

Zaitsev makes 4.5M this year..not a chance in hell melnyk is paying a player 4.5M for sitting in the press box if he is healthy
- Mithos

Having Zaitsev play so soon, one practice after being off for over 2 weeks, plus flight across the country, time change, etc....why the rush? Let him practice for a few more days, like he's game shape!

They can't defend and it's not going to get fixed JUST by moving people around or signing veterans. The same applies to the lack of scoring where they're totally dependant on outstanding goaltending to win games. If the coaches haven't figured it out after 2 1/2 years they never will. Like Jacques Martin said in TSN interview about defense "Defense is a 5 man system".
- granpa

I can't disagree with the concept of team defence, and God knows this team could use a dose of it... but let's not get overly misty-eyed over Jacques Martin. He was an expert at defensive systems, but he was also a closet android with only a rudimentary understanding of human emotions. As a result, he had virtually no ability to effectively coach the emotional side of the game or react appropriately when the game intensity picked up, which led to chronic playoff failure. He also had an obsessive priority with not taking penalties vs. teammates standing up for each other, which left them vulnerable to getting pushed around when the refs put the whistle away in the post-season. He would even try to convince the players that things like a Game 7 in the playoffs against your arch-rival team was "just another game"... which is pretty much a textbook way to lose a Game 7.

The flip side of that was something like Matt Carkner beating the living $hit out of Brian Boyle in the first 3 minutes of Game 2 against the NYR a few years back. The team immediately responded by killing the resulting major penalty in their sleep, and went on to win despite being on the road and down 1-0 in the series, because of how fired up they were at pushing back vs. the abuse that Karlsson took in Game 1. Or pretty much every moment of Alfredsson's playoff run in 2007, where he was a legitimate Conn Smythe candidate by himself. Or how tenaciously the Senators were playing when Pageau scored 4 goals against the NYR (including 2 in the last 4 min of the 3rd period, plus the 2OT winner). That's what harnessing the emotions of the playoffs, and playing a smart game with championship-level intensity looks like. No Martin-coached team would ever look like that in a million years.

It's obvious Smith is in over his head and this is sheer desperation. It's Melnyck and McGuire time. Clean house at the NHL and AHL levels.
- granpa

Actually I think trying out Stutzle at center is a good idea and even suggested it a month ago along with Kevin and a couple of other people on this site.

If it turns out he can handle it that would go a long way towards solving the center depth issue. Obviously you can't expect too much from a young guy thrust into the 2C slot, see Pinto, but it will interesting to see if there's anything there. Just don't try this for two shifts and quit at the first sign of trouble but give the guy a minimum of ten to twenty games to adjust.

With nothing to lose this year it's the perfect time to find out what you've got with these guys.

Eventually I would like to see Formenton tried out higher up in the lineup as well.

Let's have some fun, DJ!

Actually I think trying out Stutzle at center is a good idea and even suggested it a month ago along with Kevin and a couple of other people on this site.

If it turns out he can handle it that would go a long way towards solving the center depth issue. Obviously you can't expect too much from a young guy thrust into the 2C slot, see Pinto, but it will interesting to see if there's anything there. Just don't try this for two shifts and quit at the first sign of trouble but give the guy a minimum of ten to twenty games to adjust.

With nothing to lose this year it's the perfect time to find out what you've got with these guys.

Eventually I would like to see Formenton tried out higher up in the lineup as well.

Let's have some fun, DJ!
- Whatisavailable

I couldn't agree more! This coaching staff and team has NO, ZERO expectations now....try things, find out what you have for the summer. At least 10 games at center for Stutzle....and yes on Formenton, give him a try on other lines.

I can't disagree with the concept of team defence, and God knows this team could use a dose of it... but let's not get overly misty-eyed over Jacques Martin. He was an expert at defensive systems, but he was also a closet android with only a rudimentary understanding of human emotions. As a result, he had virtually no ability to effectively coach the emotional side of the game or react appropriately when the game intensity picked up, which led to chronic playoff failure. He also had an obsessive priority with not taking penalties vs. teammates standing up for each other, which left them vulnerable to getting pushed around when the refs put the whistle away in the post-season. He would even try to convince the players that things like a Game 7 in the playoffs against your arch-rival team was "just another game"... which is pretty much a textbook way to lose a Game 7.

The flip side of that was something like Matt Carkner beating the living $hit out of Brian Boyle in the first 3 minutes of Game 2 against the NYR a few years back. The team immediately responded by killing the resulting major penalty in their sleep, and went on to win despite being on the road and down 1-0 in the series, because of how fired up they were at pushing back vs. the abuse that Karlsson took in Game 1. Or pretty much every moment of Alfredsson's playoff run in 2007, where he was a legitimate Conn Smythe candidate by himself. Or how tenaciously the Senators were playing when Pageau scored 4 goals against the NYR (including 2 in the last 4 min of the 3rd period, plus the 2OT winner). That's what harnessing the emotions of the playoffs, and playing a smart game with championship-level intensity looks like. No Martin-coached team would ever look like that in a million years.
- khawk

What I will say about Jacques is, in listening to him 2 weeks ago on the radio, you can tell he has mellowed out and learned from his shortcomings. He has a great interview on TSN1200 on the mid day show. But yes, JM frustrated the hell out of me on many of things you stated!

D parings confirmed -

Chabot-Thomson
Holden-Zub
Mete-Zaitsev

Thomson has a great shot! He got that to the net nicely for the rebound home by Norris.

They needed that after falling behind early when Ottawa dominated the play

First time all year that each defenseman took 9 shifts in the first period, all in the 6-7:30min TOI. Nice to see! Stutzle 3 hits too! Sens outhit, outshot, and won the faceoff battle 60% in the 1st period! Now let's NOT have a typical Sens 2nd period, please!

Oh Matt Murray, Oh Matt Murray!

Thomas Chabot huge on the Sens last 2 goals!

Sens this season after two periods.

Leading: 4-1-0
Tied: 0-2-1
Trailing: 0-8-0