It was interesting listening to Team 1200 this afternoon. Both AJ Jakubec and Lee Versage agreed on something which rarely happens but they did today. They said if teams could have a redo on the 2020 NHL draft, number 1 would most likely be Jake Sanderson and number 2 would be Tim Stutzle! Interesting! The Sens scouts did well, let’s hope Tyler Boucher pans out as a first round pick in 2021. He is doing much better this year!
- Barrykerr1

This team is very young. It is going to be very good.

Timmy is a superstar.

But, I believe Sanderson is even more special. He shows those flashes of brilliance. He will sign a long term deal and edge ahead of Chabot on the salary scale.

Giroux and DeBrincat have been good adds. Not sure how Sens balance off the top end of salary cap. They are flirting with the upper edges on the cap around their long term signings. I think they are doing a good job but they need to be cautious there is not much space for a mistake.

Well Team Canada just got their as_es handed to them by Czechia and it wasn't even close. This is a good thing because I think they may have been starting to believe the nonsense about being the best Canadian juniour team ever assembled.

They sure played like they thought there was no point in even showing up and the Czechs should just concede the game. Maybe they will recognize that they're not even close to being that good and are going to have to work hard or go home early. Even then they might not be good enough. This wasn't a fluke. Czechia was the better team.

Bedard looked good doing his dipsy doodling offensively but saw no need to think about defensive stuff. Neither did the rest of the team except they didn't do any fancy dipsy doodling either. They didn't do anything at all. Not sure why they bothered to get suited up.

I don't know their coach at all but the Czechian team played a 60 minute 200 foot solid game and obviously were coached very well. They're big and fast and disciplined and organized. Team Canada reminded me of the Sens play - disorganized and chaotic.

I sure hope they wake up soon.

If Dorion tries to spin this season as somehow successful, he needs to go!!
- AlfieisKing

“There are very few men-and they are the exceptions-who are able to think and feel beyond the present moment”
― Carl Von Clausewitz

von Clausewitz on "War" is still being taught in most military colleges.

A game is merely a skirmish in the grand design of the NHL hockey wars. Seasons are battles or campaigns directed towards a larger end and an ultimate victory.

Teams (and their fans) that bench mark success around making the playoffs are destined for eternal mediocrity.

The Sens may not be able to make the playoffs this year. But, can you not see a potential Stanley Cup finalist beginning to take shape?

I do.

Why does the coach only play Heatherington 2:48, 4 shifts in the first period. Big body against a big bruins team, he clears he front of the net and plays the body. Zaitsev gets 2nd most TOI on defense though.

Bruins owning Ottawa in the faceoff circle in the first period 75%

what a goal by Cat

what a goal by Cat
- Mithos

Ottawa needed that, but yes, nifty goal.

Zaitsev out for the game after taking a shot off the leg. Will this coach play Heatherington, finally?

JBD, Brannstrom and Zaitsev now out. Lassi Thomson might finally get a call up. But will get more than 10 or 12 minutes a game unlike the only time he has been called up this year?

unless Talbot becomes the greatest G in NHL his tory for the next 20 minites OTT is going to lose this game, OTT is not skating they are all standing still letting Boston do as they please in their zone

Lord Thundering Jesus.

What a great game.

Talbot was amazing

DeBrincat was really solid.

20,008 fans in the stands.

Just a great game

Lord Thundering Jesus.

What a great game.

Talbot was amazing

DeBrincat was really solid.

20,008 fans in the stands.

Just a great game
- spatso

I was one of the 20,016.
What a game. What a penalty kill by Watson even though it was ultimately unsuccessful. Chabbot and Holden looked dreadful most of the game. But Thomas’ skating ability gets him out of trouble. Great hockey game.

Lord Thundering Jesus.

What a great game.

Talbot was amazing

DeBrincat was really solid.

20,008 fans in the stands.

Just a great game
- spatso

Finally no Zaitsev.

Now that's the way overtime was meant to be played. Great action with lots of chances and terrific goaltending on both sides.

Nice hands by DeBrincat on a beautiful feed from Batherson. Great shot by Stutzle on the feed from Chabot on another nice feed from Batherson on a strong looking PP and a goaltending clinic by Talbot. Gotta love Watson's PK. Chabot played 31 minutes and is deadly on the PP.

The Sens looked very competitive the first two periods but then in the third just tried to protect the one goal lead for twenty minutes. Typical Smith strategy and when you do that you're just asking for trouble especially when playing a really good team. Aside from that I enjoyed an entertaining game.

Chabot played a ton of minutes along with Sanderson, Hamonic and Holden. If two of those guys get injured then Smith will just play the remaining two 60 minutes each and if one of those gets injured then Smith will just play the whole game with one Dman and if he gets injured Smith will just play whole games without any Dmen. I know what I want for a belated Christmas present!

Anyway Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Loved TSN SportsCenter this morning. Main feed.

Oilers v. Flames.
Leafs v. whoever
Jets and someone...
then...raptors...

Then canucks.

and world juniors

“There are very few men-and they are the exceptions-who are able to think and feel beyond the present moment”
― Carl Von Clausewitz

von Clausewitz on "War" is still being taught in most military colleges.

A game is merely a skirmish in the grand design of the NHL hockey wars. Seasons are battles or campaigns directed towards a larger end and an ultimate victory.

Teams (and their fans) that bench mark success around making the playoffs are destined for eternal mediocrity.

The Sens may not be able to make the playoffs this year. But, can you not see a potential Stanley Cup finalist beginning to take shape?

I do.
- spatso

While I understand your point about making the playoffs vs building a true contender, there are certainly some decisions that Dorion needs to be put to task on:

Getting ONLY Erik Brannstrom for Mark Stone (MTL got Suzuki, Tatar, 2nd)
Zibanejad for ONLY Derrick Brassard
Matt Duchene trade
Getting Zaitsev, trading Nic Paul, Signing Matt Murray instead of other goalies

These moves have ripple effects. The main issue is on defense. The (lack of) development of JBD, Brannstrom, Thomson is quite concerning when ALL were highly drafted players. Let's see what happens but they have to be in the hunt otherwise what's the point of getting a pick somewhere btw 9-15?

While I understand your point about making the playoffs vs building a true contender, there are certainly some decisions that Dorion needs to be put to task on:

Getting ONLY Erik Brannstrom for Mark Stone (MTL got Suzuki, Tatar, 2nd)
Zibanejad for ONLY Derrick Brassard
Matt Duchene trade
Getting Zaitsev, trading Nic Paul, Signing Matt Murray instead of other goalies

These moves have ripple effects. The main issue is on defense. The (lack of) development of JBD, Brannstrom, Thomson is quite concerning when ALL were highly drafted players. Let's see what happens but they have to be in the hunt otherwise what's the point of getting a pick somewhere btw 9-15?
- AlfieisKing

I think von Clausewitz on "War" is talking about strategic vision. You cannot become overly distracted by strategic losses. Every season will involve losses. If you look at the development of JBD, Brannstrom and Thompson it is becoming increasingly clear that they simply may not be good enough. And, more important, perhaps it is time to move on from them. You do not reenforce failure by repeating a pattern that is proving unsuccessful. Sens have a top 3 in Chabot, Zub and Sanderson. They have need of a RHD that has some size and grit. I do not see that player on the roster or in their prospect pool.

I think von Clausewitz on "War" is talking about strategic vision. You cannot become overly distracted by strategic losses. Every season will involve losses. If you look at the development of JBD, Brannstrom and Thompson it is becoming increasingly clear that they simply may not be good enough. And, more important, perhaps it is time to move on from them. You do not reenforce failure by repeating a pattern that is proving unsuccessful. Sens have a top 3 in Chabot, Zub and Sanderson. They have need of a RHD that has some size and grit. I do not see that player on the roster or in their prospect pool.
- spatso

I don't see it either. And it seems every team is looking for a RHD, so my preferred method of going this UFA route this summer might be difficult.

Dumba is going to get paid this summer.

Does LA have any RD? Figure something like Holden, Formenton and a goalie for Cal Peterson and RD with term/upswing. Gets LA out from a horrible contract.

I don't see it either. And it seems every team is looking for a RHD, so my preferred method of going this UFA route this summer might be difficult.

Dumba is going to get paid this summer.

Does LA have any RD? Figure something like Holden, Formenton and a goalie for Cal Peterson and RD with term/upswing. Gets LA out from a horrible contract.
- GrimmdaGoalie

It seems like only yesterday when the Sens had the cap room to play with.

I think von Clausewitz on "War" is talking about strategic vision. You cannot become overly distracted by strategic losses. Every season will involve losses. If you look at the development of JBD, Brannstrom and Thompson it is becoming increasingly clear that they simply may not be good enough. And, more important, perhaps it is time to move on from them. You do not reenforce failure by repeating a pattern that is proving unsuccessful. Sens have a top 3 in Chabot, Zub and Sanderson. They have need of a RHD that has some size and grit. I do not see that player on the roster or in their prospect pool.
- spatso

Exactly. It looks like they will need to add through trade or UFA.

I think von Clausewitz on "War" is talking about strategic vision. You cannot become overly distracted by strategic losses. Every season will involve losses. If you look at the development of JBD, Brannstrom and Thompson it is becoming increasingly clear that they simply may not be good enough. And, more important, perhaps it is time to move on from them. You do not reenforce failure by repeating a pattern that is proving unsuccessful. Sens have a top 3 in Chabot, Zub and Sanderson. They have need of a RHD that has some size and grit. I do not see that player on the roster or in their prospect pool.
- spatso

War is typically 1 vs 1 or 2 vs 2.

This is 1 team vs 1 team vs another vs 30 others. This is competition. The goals should be to maximize potential in players, learn from mistakes, retain and develop important players, etc.

It's unacceptable to me IMO that JBD, Brannstrom, Thomson don't develop. Zub Chabot and Sanderson is a solid upgrade to what we've had but we can do better. It's also the structure and overall defensive play at times that can improve a lot

It seems like only yesterday when the Sens had the cap room to play with.
- Whatisavailable

If Sens were top 3 in the Atlantic Division you might say they are in great cap shape going forward. They do have the space to add DeBrincat (+$3), Sanderson (+$7.5) and Pinto (+$4.). We know Zub is already on the books for next year as a (+$2.1m) addition. Stutzle goes up (+$7.5m). Approximate total cap increases ($24m.)

Cost reductions include contract completions for Giroux (-$6.5m), Zaitsev (-$4.5m), Hamonic ( -$3.0), Holden (-$1.3m), and the end of dead cap space commitments for Matt Murray (-$1.6m), Bobby Ryan (-$1.8m) and Michael Del Zotto (-$.750m). Approximate total cap reductions over next two years (after this season) is $19.4m.

Cap will increase by another $5m over the next 2 seasons (likely more). Other players will be moved out but they will likely be offset at an equivalent incoming cost. Forsberg is settled but Talbot may be a wild card in overall goaltending costs

Sens can only risk adding $5m in the addition of a top 4 RHD. More likely they will need to move out a big salary as they transition to a max cap team.

If the Sens are not playoff contenders at the deadline, Giroux becomes the obvious choice to be dealt. But, he is so good with the kids.

If they cannot come to agreement with DeBrincat and he is moved, any discussion of cap space becomes secondary in terms of making additions.

If Sens were top 3 in the Atlantic Division you might say they are in great cap shape going forward. They do have the space to add DeBrincat (+$3), Sanderson (+$7.5) and Pinto (+$4.). We know Zub is already on the books for next year as a (+$2.1m) addition. Stutzle goes up (+$7.5m). Approximate total cap increases ($24m.)

Cost reductions include contract completions for Giroux (-$6.5m), Zaitsev (-$4.5m), Hamonic ( -$3.0), Holden (-$1.3m), and the end of dead cap space commitments for Matt Murray (-$1.6m), Bobby Ryan (-$1.8m) and Michael Del Zotto (-$.750m). Approximate total cap reductions over next two years (after this season) is $19.4m.

Cap will increase by another $5m over the next 2 seasons (likely more). Other players will be moved out but they will likely be offset at an equivalent incoming cost. Forsberg is settled but Talbot may be a wild card in overall goaltending costs

Sens can only risk adding $5m in the addition of a top 4 RHD. More likely they will need to move out a big salary as they transition to a max cap team.

If the Sens are not playoff contenders at the deadline, Giroux becomes the obvious choice to be dealt. But, he is so good with the kids.

If they cannot come to agreement with DeBrincat and he is moved, any discussion of cap space becomes secondary in terms of making additions.
- spatso

yes trade away one of the very very very few big time UFA that wanted to come to OTT that OTT signed, very smart thing to do...sure sends a signal to others to stay away

If Sens were top 3 in the Atlantic Division you might say they are in great cap shape going forward. They do have the space to add DeBrincat (+$3), Sanderson (+$7.5) and Pinto (+$4.). We know Zub is already on the books for next year as a (+$2.1m) addition. Stutzle goes up (+$7.5m). Approximate total cap increases ($24m.)

Cost reductions include contract completions for Giroux (-$6.5m), Zaitsev (-$4.5m), Hamonic ( -$3.0), Holden (-$1.3m), and the end of dead cap space commitments for Matt Murray (-$1.6m), Bobby Ryan (-$1.8m) and Michael Del Zotto (-$.750m). Approximate total cap reductions over next two years (after this season) is $19.4m.

Cap will increase by another $5m over the next 2 seasons (likely more). Other players will be moved out but they will likely be offset at an equivalent incoming cost. Forsberg is settled but Talbot may be a wild card in overall goaltending costs

Sens can only risk adding $5m in the addition of a top 4 RHD. More likely they will need to move out a big salary as they transition to a max cap team.

If the Sens are not playoff contenders at the deadline, Giroux becomes the obvious choice to be dealt. But, he is so good with the kids.

If they cannot come to agreement with DeBrincat and he is moved, any discussion of cap space becomes secondary in terms of making additions.
- spatso

Giroux is not going anywhere. He's got a NMC and is too good to part with even if he didn't. That wee little detail about a goalie might become problematic.

This team can not afford a 9 million dollar winger without neglecting to properly address other weaknesses in the lineup and if they don't take care of those things they will be relegating themselves to middle of the pack status. No top picks and challenging for a wild card spot for years to come. Lord save us from perennial mediocrity!