Travis Yost: G79: Ottawa @ New York

Your GW2.0 hot girl of the day!!

4 games left, here's hoping Turris can put up 4 points, get to 60.

Point a game, tough, but not out of the question.

Not much else to hope for, other than stopping that pick from being to low.

Mclean isn't going anywhere. I do think he deserves some blame, but he is not the sole reason this season was basically a failure. I get that Wiercioch has played well in the last handful of games, but I highly doubt putting Wiercioch in over Gryba or Cowen was going to make a giant difference. Our defence just isn't that good. With that said, I also don't entirely understand why Wiercioch was put in the doghouse for as long as he was. Perhaps there is something more with attitude or something that we don't know about.

Good post. If MacLean's trying to hoodwink mgmt. into getting better defensemen, let's keep our mouths shut about the numbers not adding up! Someone Melnyk Dellow's column, quick.

Give aways and terrible zone coverage were/have been the problem for the lsst few year. While ill agree that tending hasnt been solid this year, I can see why maclean wants to shelter the goalies from some of the blame this year. They have along with an incredble player in karlsson have been the source of otts successs the lsst few years.

If you couldnt see it last year, you have to see it now that over the top goaltending hid some glaring defensive problems. People called the habs overachievers well I think that can be put to bed. Ott overchieved. Sorry. Love the direction and it doesnt take away from the fact the team has some great components moving forward, they are just plain bad intheir own zone.

Better d, and a better leadership group is in dire need. The team can score and have some great puck movers, they just need a better option than having only karlsson to carry the play out of the def zone. Ill also say/agree that the side drama of a terrible ownership group didnt make it easier for anyone in the dressing room. Melnyck et al, have to go.

Can always cheers for the habs during the playoffs

Karlsson, Methot are no brainer stays.

Cowen will get another shot and hope that he succeeds.

I believe Ceci will also stick around, but in a lesser role- a 5/6 and get some PP time.

Phillips will be a #6/7 guy.

I think Claesson might have a chance at cracking the lineup next year, but it's probably unlikely unless he blows them out of the water at camp.

That leaves Wiercioch, Gryba, who are probably trade bait over the draft, if not will just be sent down.

This team is 100% bringing in another defenseman, and a veteran one. I'm gunning for Keith Yandle, but I doubt that happens without significant pieces going out the door the other way. If D. Boyle still has some legs and you can lure him out of San Jose, I'd love to see them try and bring him in and play a veteran role, kinda like Gonchar did. They really need some veteran stability from a guy who can still play.

Karlsson - Methot/Cowen
Boyle - Methot/Cowen
Phillips - Ceci
#7 - Gryba/Claesson/Weircioch

Give aways and terrible zone coverage were/have been the problem for the lsst few year. While ill agree that tending hasnt been solid this year, I can see why maclean wants to shelter the goalies from some of the blame this year. They have along with an incredble player in karlsson have been the source of otts successs the lsst few years.

If you couldnt see it last year, you have to see it now that over the top goaltending hid some glaring defensive problems. People called the habs overachievers well I think that can be put to bed. Ott overchieved. Sorry. Love the direction and it doesnt take away from the fact the team has some great components moving forward, they are just plain bad intheir own zone.

Better d, and a better leadership group is in dire need. The team can score and have some great puck movers, they just need a better option than having only karlsson to carry the play out of the def zone. Ill also say/agree that the side drama of a terrible ownership group didnt make it easier for anyone in the dressing room. Melnyck et al, have to go.

Can always cheers for the habs during the playoffs
- munky123

Montreal overachieves every year. Highly evidenced by their high regular season finish, and quick bounce from lesser opponents in the 1st round, annually

I really don't think Ottawa needs to do too much with their offense. Realistically speaking, considering Spezza's really slow start, and Ryan's injury- they still scored enough goals to be a playoff team, as bad as people think it may be.

Michalek's gone, Greening's gone, and it pains me to say it but Neil should go too- he just doesn't really serve his purpose like he used to. I'd be trying to sign Hemsky and extend Ryan, wait til the off season with Spezza.

Bring in Pageau, Stone, Hoffman and call up Lazar as well to try him (or Zibanejad) out on the wing.


Stone - Spezza - Hemsky
Ryan - Turris - McArthur
Hoffman - Zibanejad - Lazar
Pageau - Smith - Condra

Looking at that, we may not be tough enough. Would be interesting to see someone tough be put with the Hoffman/Zbad combo or even the Zbad/Lazar combo as protection to let those two guys go to work.

I really don't think Ottawa needs to do too much with their offense. Realistically speaking, considering Spezza's really slow start, and Ryan's injury- they still scored enough goals to be a playoff team, as bad as people think it may be.

Michalek's gone, Greening's gone, and it pains me to say it but Neil should go too- he just doesn't really serve his purpose like he used to. I'd be trying to sign Hemsky and extend Ryan, wait til the off season with Spezza.

Bring in Pageau, Stone, Hoffman and call up Lazar as well to try him (or Zibanejad) out on the wing.


Stone - Spezza - Hemsky
Ryan - Turris - McArthur
Hoffman - Zibanejad - Lazar
Pageau - Smith - Condra
- Jordo

I'd like to see Greening gone, but, not much they can do. He wont be bought out. Maybe some team will take a chance on him, but I doubt it.

This is kind of amazing in that it basically is crafted to not mention one player:

This is kind of amazing in that it basically is crafted to not mention one player:


- Travis Yost

That Cody Ceci is awful. Not worth mentioning.

That Cody Ceci is awful. Not worth mentioning.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

(He may be saying something there, too. Ceci's definitely coming along nicely but by NHL standards, he's another 3P guy. Today, anyway. I like what I see for the future.)

(He may be saying something there, too. Ceci's definitely coming along nicely but by NHL standards, he's another 3P guy. Today, anyway. I like what I see for the future.)
- Travis Yost

Karlsson took slow strides starting his career too. Not saying Ceci will get to Karlsson's level, but the progression from year to year should be similar. Right now he is a 3rd pairing guy, but may be ready for consistent top 4 minutes next year. You have to love the potential style Ceci will bring in a year or two.

As for the guy not mentioned (Cowen) I think the whole organization has wrote this year off for him. Murray has already done that with a few statements he has made regarding his play. Big gamble hoping he finds his game next year because he is sticking around and being penciled into the lineup. If he bounces back, this team gets a lot better. If not, it will be the same old song and dance as this year most likely. Methot is also in the same boat, but I have more faith in his ability to bounce back.

(He may be saying something there, too. Ceci's definitely coming along nicely but by NHL standards, he's another 3P guy. Today, anyway. I like what I see for the future.)
- Travis Yost

That's exactly why I don't like him being up here right now solely due to the fact we can't afford to pay another veteran.

Cody Ceci playing in the AHL for two years almost surely develops into a top 4 if not top 2 defenseman.

Cody Ceci developing in lesser minutes in the NHL as a stopgap since we have no one else to drag around Chris Phillips? Well, that remains to be seen.

I really don't think Ottawa needs to do too much with their offense. Realistically speaking, considering Spezza's really slow start, and Ryan's injury- they still scored enough goals to be a playoff team, as bad as people think it may be.

Michalek's gone, Greening's gone, and it pains me to say it but Neil should go too- he just doesn't really serve his purpose like he used to. I'd be trying to sign Hemsky and extend Ryan, wait til the off season with Spezza.

Bring in Pageau, Stone, Hoffman and call up Lazar as well to try him (or Zibanejad) out on the wing.


Stone - Spezza - Hemsky
Ryan - Turris - McArthur
Hoffman - Zibanejad - Lazar
Pageau - Smith - Condra

Looking at that, we may not be tough enough. Would be interesting to see someone tough be put with the Hoffman/Zbad combo or even the Zbad/Lazar combo as protection to let those two guys go to work.
- Jordo

I don't think Pageau is going to be a part of this franchise much longer. He was Tim's pet project, and Brian prefers guys with size. Expect him to be traded, fan favorite or no.

That's exactly why I don't like him being up here right now solely due to the fact we can't afford to pay another veteran.

Cody Ceci playing in the AHL for two years almost surely develops into a top 4 if not top 2 defenseman.

Cody Ceci developing in lesser minutes in the NHL as a stopgap since we have no one else to drag around Chris Phillips? Well, that remains to be seen.
- TommyDeVito

He was playing top 4 minutes when he first came up and played brilliantly. Lately, his play has been up and down and his minutes have reflected that. I don't think this season has hurt his development at all. If can play top 4 minutes here next season, then I say keep him here. If not, then send him to the AHL. The AHL is helpful to an extent. If a player can play decent minutes in the NHL, then you gotta play him in my opinion.

Montreal overachieves every year. Highly evidenced by their high regular season finish, and quick bounce from lesser opponents in the 1st round, annually
- Jordo

i think 5 injuries and a goalie that couldnt stop a beach ball did them in last year. that said, its growing pains. better to make the playoffs get exp then to, well not make them. both the sens and habs have great young talent, but the last 2 years, the proof is in the pudding, the habs are not overachieving. sorry

i think 5 injuries and a goalie that couldnt stop a beach ball did them in last year. that said, its growing pains. better to make the playoffs get exp then to, well not make them. both the sens and habs have great young talent, but the last 2 years, the proof is in the pudding, the habs are not overachieving. sorry
- munky123

Still butt hurt over last years playoffs. Has nothing to do with what is happening now for both teams.

Montreal has been playing some great hockey of late, but have been the recipient of some weak goaltending playing against them (particularly obvious this past weekend). Montreal has a great veteran mix (guys who can still play), which is helpful dealing with growing pains along with their young core. Ottawa has an average veteran mix with their young core.

Montreal has a great goaltender in Price. He may buy them round one, but when they have to play Boston or Pittsburgh, I think they will be in deep. Bottom line, Montreal only goes as far as Price takes them. Montreal is a good team this year. Ottawa is a sub par team this year. However, both play in a joke conference compared to the West.

That's exactly why I don't like him being up here right now solely due to the fact we can't afford to pay another veteran.

Cody Ceci playing in the AHL for two years almost surely develops into a top 4 if not top 2 defenseman.

Cody Ceci developing in lesser minutes in the NHL as a stopgap since we have no one else to drag around Chris Phillips? Well, that remains to be seen.
- TommyDeVito

this is basically exactly how i feel too. which just brings up the issue of finances and how they hurt this team. rushing ceci into the league comes at a risk of hurting his development, thus hurting this team in the long wrong (possibly having negative impact on what type of dman ceci becomes, how good he becomes)... which, ultimately hurts this team FINANCIALLY in the long run as well (if we ever want to be a competitive team) as we will have to go out an "buy" or "trade" for a top 4 dman, when we could have just waited on ceci and developed him properly. not saying all is lost, but the way this organization handles player management BAFFLES me.

Great post as always. Also, congrats on your appearance in 'Turn'



In all seriousness though, Ottawa needs to another Top 4 Dman. Let's hope that this summer we can clear the log jam of bottom pairing defensemen and turn the old 'something for nothing' trade we all love to propose.

Great post as always. Also, congrats on your appearance in 'Turn'



In all seriousness though, Ottawa needs to another Top 4 Dman. Let's hope that this summer we can clear the log jam of bottom pairing defensemen and turn the old 'something for nothing' trade we all love to propose.
- KarlKarlsson

it's the hair

Gord 2.0, I'd really appreciate if you could put some names to those faces, so i can do further .......investigation, yeah investigation, later at home.

Gord 2.0, I'd really appreciate if you could put some names to those faces, so i can do further .......investigation, yeah investigation, later at home.
- OtownSens

>click picture
>copy link
>go to google
>reverse google image search using link
>profit???

edit: her name is imogen thomas btw nice search gord
"imogen thomas hot"

Quick question. In terms of Neil, Smith, Greening's ice time allocation, I was looking at the TOI/G for this year and last, and was surprised by the following:

Neil: 13:51 (in '12-13; 18th on team) down to 11:44 (in '13-14; 22nd on team)
Smith: 15:08 (in '12-13; 15th on team) up to 15:26 (in '13-14; 15th on team)
Greening: 14:43 (in '12-13; 17th on team) down to 13:47 (in 2013-14; 18th on team)

I was expecting an increase for these guys, but it doesn't show up. I agree wholeheartedly that they are being overused, but why do you think we were ok with it last year?