Michael Stuart: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Senators Lose to Oilers... Again

Very seldom will you see a rookie break into the NHL that does not have serious defensive deficiencies in their game. Most players, and, it would be especially true of Stutzle, learned to play the game by dominating offensively on every shift. Their defensive games have been shaped by offensive puck possession as an end in itself.

An established team is able to protect their prize rookies by giving them sheltered minutes. Unfortunately, the Sens just don't have enough depth to offer Stutzle a chance to play in controlled situations. Remember the 2nd and 3rd liners are far more talented and offensively gifted than any player Stutzle will have played against in the German league.

Clearly he is already the most creative and talented player on the Sens roster. You can see it on the power play. Even at even strength it is apparent that he sees the ice and play so clearly and makes exceptional passes to the open man.

Yes, he is a gifted offensive talent. And, my guess is he master the defensive challenges and become one of the better defensive forwards in the league, his talent is that expansive. But, in the meantime, we all need to be patient and enjoy watching his progress one game at a time.

Im worried were entering the realms of Buffallo and Edmonton.

Very seldom will you see a rookie break into the NHL that does not have serious defensive deficiencies in their game. Most players, and, it would be especially true of Stutzle, learned to play the game by dominating offensively on every shift. Their defensive games have been shaped by offensive puck possession as an end in itself.

An established team is able to protect their prize rookies by giving them sheltered minutes. Unfortunately, the Sens just don't have enough depth to offer Stutzle a chance to play in controlled situations. Remember the 2nd and 3rd liners are far more talented and offensively gifted than any player Stutzle will have played against in the German league.

Clearly he is already the most creative and talented player on the Sens roster. You can see it on the power play. Even at even strength it is apparent that he sees the ice and play so clearly and makes exceptional passes to the open man.

Yes, he is a gifted offensive talent. And, my guess is he master the defensive challenges and become one of the better defensive forwards in the league, his talent is that expansive. But, in the meantime, we all need to be patient and enjoy watching his progress one game at a time.
- spatso

Good teams shelter rookies in a much wiser manner, keeping rookies in the minors where they play plenty of minutes, in a variety of situations. This is an important step for the development of most players. Competitive teams only grant full time duty to players once they are ready to compete regularly, shift-in, shift-out at the NHL level. Playing top prospects on the third line is foolish. More TOI is required for top prospects. Ottawa's development system is mocked league-wide as they continune to shunt prospects. Professionally run organizations provide top players the tools and atmosphere necessary to develop. Its inexcusable how teams like the Sens and Buffalo continue to waste potential.

Almost all recent first round Senators picks have been mishandled:
Brady Tkachuk was drafted with the ability be a point-per-game elite player. Unfortunately he was rushed into the NHL where he was/is flanked by sub-mediocre players. Top prospects should nit be lining up with a 3rd or 4th line talent like Connor Brown. Its inconceivable he can find success in this situation. It appears unlikely he will reach his potential. His prospects have dropped from potential elite player to very good second line winger.

Tim Stutzle was also drafted with the potential to be an elite player. It is understood elite players never play less than 17 to 18 minutes. This is necessary for successful development. Stutzle plays far less, relegated to the third line, alongside trash like Anisimov. His 5-on-5 time appears capped around 10 minutes.

Thomas Chabot was admittedly an astute pick by the front office. He has developed an elite level offensive game. Unfortunately, much like Quinn Hughes in Vancouver, lack of development in his defensive game will prevent him from becoming an elite defender. This lapse would make him a 3D on most competitive clubs. On a couple of teams in the north division he would be the 3rd pairing left-D.

Curtis Lazar needed time in the minors. Unfortunately, the Senators foolishly refused to accept this. He was not demoted to the farm system until his 3rd professional season. This blunder wasted his potential.

Codi Ceci is self explanatory. Another undeveloped player.

Senators management is blind to this. The entire front office needs to change from the owner down to the commentators and corporate shills. This lack of development ensures the team will continue to flounder. This is eerily reminiscent of the ongoing issues in Buffalo. This is a big "thumbs down."

Im worried were entering the realms of Buffallo and Edmonton.
- spazzbot

Too soon for that kind of possibility. We'd need about 5 more years of this, coupled with an Okposo contract or two.

Good teams shelter rookies in a much wiser manner, keeping rookies in the minors where they play plenty of minutes, in a variety of situations. This is an important step for the development of most players. Competitive teams only grant full time duty to players once they are ready to compete regularly, shift-in, shift-out at the NHL level. Playing top prospects on the third line is foolish. More TOI is required for top prospects. Ottawa's development system is mocked league-wide as they continune to shunt prospects. Professionally run organizations provide top players the tools and atmosphere necessary to develop. Its inexcusable how teams like the Sens and Buffalo continue to waste potential.

Almost all recent first round Senators picks have been mishandled:
Brady Tkachuk was drafted with the ability be a point-per-game elite player. Unfortunately he was rushed into the NHL where he was/is flanked by sub-mediocre players. Top prospects should nit be lining up with a 3rd or 4th line talent like Connor Brown. Its inconceivable he can find success in this situation. It appears unlikely he will reach his potential. His prospects have dropped from potential elite player to very good second line winger.

Tim Stutzle was also drafted with the potential to be an elite player. It is understood elite players never play less than 17 to 18 minutes. This is necessary for successful development. Stutzle plays far less, relegated to the third line, alongside trash like Anisimov. His 5-on-5 time appears capped around 10 minutes.

Thomas Chabot was admittedly an astute pick by the front office. He has developed an elite level offensive game. Unfortunately, much like Quinn Hughes in Vancouver, lack of development in his defensive game will prevent him from becoming an elite defender. This lapse would make him a 3D on most competitive clubs. On a couple of teams in the north division he would be the 3rd pairing left-D.

Curtis Lazar needed time in the minors. Unfortunately, the Senators foolishly refused to accept this. He was not demoted to the farm system until his 3rd professional season. This blunder wasted his potential.

Codi Ceci is self explanatory. Another undeveloped player.

Senators management is blind to this. The entire front office needs to change from the owner down to the commentators and corporate shills. This lack of development ensures the team will continue to flounder. This is eerily reminiscent of the ongoing issues in Buffalo. This is a big "thumbs down."
- Jackie Daytona

Disagree with Stutzle, Chabot, and Tkachuk. They are all fine in terms of their development. Better talent will continue to come to fill in the ranks around them. Ottawa technically has a top nine that has players that are moved up and down depending on the how the game goes (Norris, Jimmy, Bath all prime top 6 looks). Young players are finally getting ice time which we haven't seen in previous years. Buffalo is not a good comparison as they are several years farther along in their rebuild and have had a few retools

With the level of ridiculous goals and passing and skating from Mcjesus and Draisaitl.... I don't think we can blame much on anyone last night.... how the heck do you stop that?

In terms of development, we're had some mistakes and some successes. We have a good young core with one of the best talent pools in the league..... give it time and keep in mind that the more we lose, the better picks we get.

I really think development is happening despite the losses.

Our future is bright.

With the level of ridiculous goals and passing and skating from Mcjesus and Draisaitl.... I don't think we can blame much on anyone last night.... how the heck do you stop that?

In terms of development, we're had some mistakes and some successes. We have a good young core with one of the best talent pools in the league..... give it time and keep in mind that the more we lose, the better picks we get.

I really think development is happening despite the losses.

Our future is bright.
- Maverick1818

Other teams seem to manage to avoid losing 6-2 over and over again to them. It's just a sign that the defence and goaltending are incredibly weak right now.

Ottawa's D Prospects can't arrive soon enough (not to be rushed though...)

Good teams shelter rookies in a much wiser manner, keeping rookies in the minors where they play plenty of minutes, in a variety of situations. This is an important step for the development of most players. Competitive teams only grant full time duty to players once they are ready to compete regularly, shift-in, shift-out at the NHL level. Playing top prospects on the third line is foolish. More TOI is required for top prospects. Ottawa's development system is mocked league-wide as they continune to shunt prospects. Professionally run organizations provide top players the tools and atmosphere necessary to develop. Its inexcusable how teams like the Sens and Buffalo continue to waste potential.

Almost all recent first round Senators picks have been mishandled:
Brady Tkachuk was drafted with the ability be a point-per-game elite player. Unfortunately he was rushed into the NHL where he was/is flanked by sub-mediocre players. Top prospects should nit be lining up with a 3rd or 4th line talent like Connor Brown. Its inconceivable he can find success in this situation. It appears unlikely he will reach his potential. His prospects have dropped from potential elite player to very good second line winger.

Tim Stutzle was also drafted with the potential to be an elite player. It is understood elite players never play less than 17 to 18 minutes. This is necessary for successful development. Stutzle plays far less, relegated to the third line, alongside trash like Anisimov. His 5-on-5 time appears capped around 10 minutes.

Thomas Chabot was admittedly an astute pick by the front office. He has developed an elite level offensive game. Unfortunately, much like Quinn Hughes in Vancouver, lack of development in his defensive game will prevent him from becoming an elite defender. This lapse would make him a 3D on most competitive clubs. On a couple of teams in the north division he would be the 3rd pairing left-D.

Curtis Lazar needed time in the minors. Unfortunately, the Senators foolishly refused to accept this. He was not demoted to the farm system until his 3rd professional season. This blunder wasted his potential.

Codi Ceci is self explanatory. Another undeveloped player.

Senators management is blind to this. The entire front office needs to change from the owner down to the commentators and corporate shills. This lack of development ensures the team will continue to flounder. This is eerily reminiscent of the ongoing issues in Buffalo. This is a big "thumbs down."
- Jackie Daytona

W
This might be the worst assessment of our 3 best players I've ever seen.

Matt Murray might = Okposo by early next year, if not sooner.

W
This might be the worst assessment of our 3 best players I've ever seen.
- forbetterorWORSE

It may not be favorable, but it is how the development of these players is viewed by hockey people outside of the Ottawa market. There are structural issues in place which are negatively impacting player development in cities like Ottawa and Buffalo.

Unlike Buffalo fans, local Ottawa fans choose to believe the shills who defend the team. Buffalo fans don't pretend their woeful team is "hard to play against" or "a year or two away from contention." This is obvious nonsense. I always find it comical that some fans gleefully accept idealistic and obvious misdirection, rather than accept the painful reality. Ownership and management change is needed quickly, before Steutzle and Sanderson are severely impacted like their predecessors.

Things are so pathetic right now that Ottawa does not have a single players in the top-100 PPG. Fans in any other market would find this utterly unacceptable. Even on a developing team one of the players, particularly Tkachuk, must be able to crack the top-100. The best forward on this team is ranked 158. This can not be called successful development. Its is shamefully unacceptable to see how Ottawa has wasted these talents.

Good teams shelter rookies in a much wiser manner, keeping rookies in the minors where they play plenty of minutes, in a variety of situations. This is an important step for the development of most players. Competitive teams only grant full time duty to players once they are ready to compete regularly, shift-in, shift-out at the NHL level. Playing top prospects on the third line is foolish. More TOI is required for top prospects. Ottawa's development system is mocked league-wide as they continune to shunt prospects. Professionally run organizations provide top players the tools and atmosphere necessary to develop. Its inexcusable how teams like the Sens and Buffalo continue to waste potential.

Almost all recent first round Senators picks have been mishandled:
Brady Tkachuk was drafted with the ability be a point-per-game elite player. Unfortunately he was rushed into the NHL where he was/is flanked by sub-mediocre players. Top prospects should nit be lining up with a 3rd or 4th line talent like Connor Brown. Its inconceivable he can find success in this situation. It appears unlikely he will reach his potential. His prospects have dropped from potential elite player to very good second line winger.

Tim Stutzle was also drafted with the potential to be an elite player. It is understood elite players never play less than 17 to 18 minutes. This is necessary for successful development. Stutzle plays far less, relegated to the third line, alongside trash like Anisimov. His 5-on-5 time appears capped around 10 minutes.

Thomas Chabot was admittedly an astute pick by the front office. He has developed an elite level offensive game. Unfortunately, much like Quinn Hughes in Vancouver, lack of development in his defensive game will prevent him from becoming an elite defender. This lapse would make him a 3D on most competitive clubs. On a couple of teams in the north division he would be the 3rd pairing left-D.

Curtis Lazar needed time in the minors. Unfortunately, the Senators foolishly refused to accept this. He was not demoted to the farm system until his 3rd professional season. This blunder wasted his potential.

Codi Ceci is self explanatory. Another undeveloped player.

Senators management is blind to this. The entire front office needs to change from the owner down to the commentators and corporate shills. This lack of development ensures the team will continue to flounder. This is eerily reminiscent of the ongoing issues in Buffalo. This is a big "thumbs down."
- Jackie Daytona

I am sure this might have made sense 20 years ago. But, the NHL has fallen way behind most other major sports in their development of elite athletes. Imagine holding Lemelo Ball down for a few years so he might learn to refine his defensive skills. Hockey is loaded with dinosaurs who do not understand that thoroughbreds need to be raced and rapidly move up in class.

When you think that elite players hit peek career performance levels at age 24-25 it gives you some insight into the sheer lunacy of holding elite players back so they can refine their game in minor league play.

I don't dispute some players don't have the skill to move up and should be held back in junior or remain in college or European play. But, thoroughbreds need to be raced against elite challengers..

Im worried were entering the realms of Buffallo and Edmonton.
- spazzbot

I'm not. If they start this way next season THEN I certainly am.

I'm not surprised with the level of play from the veteran players that cost $30M against the cap that (for the most part) haven't lived up to what they cost: Dadonov, Anisimov, Stepan, Watson, Coburn, J.Brown, Murray

I'm not. If they start this way next season THEN I certainly am.

I'm not surprised with the level of play from the veteran players that cost $30M against the cap that (for the most part) haven't lived up to what they cost: Dadonov, Anisimov, Stepan, Watson, Coburn, J.Brown, Murray
- AlfieisKing

There is a long history of Stanley Cup winners and contenders. At some point in time, a team needs to crash and burn and use the draft to build around an elite core of talent. Right now, the elite teams of the North are Winnipeg, Edmonton and Toronto. Study their recent history. They all share the similar formula for rebuild. You can also look at Carolina, I really like New Jersey. Los Angeles is coming and so is Anahiem. Funny how nobody seems keen on talking about how bad Colorado became before they became good.

Short term, I think Winnipeg is playing the best hockey of any team in the North. However, watch Edmonton, their key players are just settling into their peek performance years. With improved goaltending, I think, the Oilers can take down any team in the North and go on to win a Cup this year.

I would feel so much better about Ottawa if we had more data and better profiles on the top picks projected for the 2021 draft. Don't listen to the nervous Nellies who panic over the McDavid and Draisaitl firepower exhibition during the past few games. The Sens are doing exactly what they need to do in order to become an elite team.

Good teams shelter rookies in a much wiser manner, keeping rookies in the minors where they play plenty of minutes, in a variety of situations. This is an important step for the development of most players. Competitive teams only grant full time duty to players once they are ready to compete regularly, shift-in, shift-out at the NHL level. Playing top prospects on the third line is foolish. More TOI is required for top prospects. Ottawa's development system is mocked league-wide as they continune to shunt prospects. Professionally run organizations provide top players the tools and atmosphere necessary to develop. Its inexcusable how teams like the Sens and Buffalo continue to waste potential.

Almost all recent first round Senators picks have been mishandled:
Brady Tkachuk was drafted with the ability be a point-per-game elite player. Unfortunately he was rushed into the NHL where he was/is flanked by sub-mediocre players. Top prospects should nit be lining up with a 3rd or 4th line talent like Connor Brown. Its inconceivable he can find success in this situation. It appears unlikely he will reach his potential. His prospects have dropped from potential elite player to very good second line winger.

Tim Stutzle was also drafted with the potential to be an elite player. It is understood elite players never play less than 17 to 18 minutes. This is necessary for successful development. Stutzle plays far less, relegated to the third line, alongside trash like Anisimov. His 5-on-5 time appears capped around 10 minutes.

Thomas Chabot was admittedly an astute pick by the front office. He has developed an elite level offensive game. Unfortunately, much like Quinn Hughes in Vancouver, lack of development in his defensive game will prevent him from becoming an elite defender. This lapse would make him a 3D on most competitive clubs. On a couple of teams in the north division he would be the 3rd pairing left-D.

Curtis Lazar needed time in the minors. Unfortunately, the Senators foolishly refused to accept this. He was not demoted to the farm system until his 3rd professional season. This blunder wasted his potential.

Codi Ceci is self explanatory. Another undeveloped player.

Senators management is blind to this. The entire front office needs to change from the owner down to the commentators and corporate shills. This lack of development ensures the team will continue to flounder. This is eerily reminiscent of the ongoing issues in Buffalo. This is a big "thumbs down."
- Jackie Daytona

100% agree! I should add also that the asset management is crap ex: lost Balcers to waivers and he's become a very important player for SJ ( 16+ min.per game, PP and PK), Wolanin will probably walk at the end season, they let Duclair walk, jerked L. Brown around to the point where he wants out, Zub is our best D, White is our best C, Daccord is our best goalie and none of them were in the starting lineup, they came off the scratch list or TS, Batherson is our best F and he's a rookie, something wrong here.

Good teams shelter rookies in a much wiser manner, keeping rookies in the minors where they play plenty of minutes, in a variety of situations. This is an important step for the development of most players. Competitive teams only grant full time duty to players once they are ready to compete regularly, shift-in, shift-out at the NHL level. Playing top prospects on the third line is foolish. More TOI is required for top prospects. Ottawa's development system is mocked league-wide as they continune to shunt prospects. Professionally run organizations provide top players the tools and atmosphere necessary to develop. Its inexcusable how teams like the Sens and Buffalo continue to waste potential.

Almost all recent first round Senators picks have been mishandled:
Brady Tkachuk was drafted with the ability be a point-per-game elite player. Unfortunately he was rushed into the NHL where he was/is flanked by sub-mediocre players. Top prospects should nit be lining up with a 3rd or 4th line talent like Connor Brown. Its inconceivable he can find success in this situation. It appears unlikely he will reach his potential. His prospects have dropped from potential elite player to very good second line winger.

Tim Stutzle was also drafted with the potential to be an elite player. It is understood elite players never play less than 17 to 18 minutes. This is necessary for successful development. Stutzle plays far less, relegated to the third line, alongside trash like Anisimov. His 5-on-5 time appears capped around 10 minutes.

Thomas Chabot was admittedly an astute pick by the front office. He has developed an elite level offensive game. Unfortunately, much like Quinn Hughes in Vancouver, lack of development in his defensive game will prevent him from becoming an elite defender. This lapse would make him a 3D on most competitive clubs. On a couple of teams in the north division he would be the 3rd pairing left-D.

Curtis Lazar needed time in the minors. Unfortunately, the Senators foolishly refused to accept this. He was not demoted to the farm system until his 3rd professional season. This blunder wasted his potential.

Codi Ceci is self explanatory. Another undeveloped player.

Senators management is blind to this. The entire front office needs to change from the owner down to the commentators and corporate shills. This lack of development ensures the team will continue to flounder. This is eerily reminiscent of the ongoing issues in Buffalo. This is a big "thumbs down."
- Jackie Daytona

It may not be favorable, but it is how the development of these players is viewed by hockey people outside of the Ottawa market. There are structural issues in place which are negatively impacting player development in cities like Ottawa and Buffalo.

Unlike Buffalo fans, local Ottawa fans choose to believe the shills who defend the team. Buffalo fans don't pretend their woeful team is "hard to play against" or "a year or two away from contention." This is obvious nonsense. I always find it comical that some fans gleefully accept idealistic and obvious misdirection, rather than accept the painful reality. Ownership and management change is needed quickly, before Steutzle and Sanderson are severely impacted like their predecessors.

Things are so pathetic right now that Ottawa does not have a single players in the top-100 PPG. Fans in any other market would find this utterly unacceptable. Even on a developing team one of the players, particularly Tkachuk, must be able to crack the top-100. The best forward on this team is ranked 158. This can not be called successful development. Its is shamefully unacceptable to see how Ottawa has wasted these talents.
- Jackie Daytona

i take back my previous post, this might be dumber.

this is very obviously the burner account of some idiot leaf fan who's just trying to troll

i take back my previous post, this might be dumber.

this is very obviously the burner account of some idiot leaf fan who's just trying to troll
- sensarmy_11

Every take he has is the complete opposite of reality!!

Every take he has is the complete opposite of reality!!
- forbetterorWORSE

like i said, he's very obviously just a troll leaf or habs fan with a burner account.

nothing sadder than a troll who pretends to be a fan and says nothing but bad poop. it's incredibly transparent.

Brandon Montour is apparently on the trading block. Young RHD who can skate having an off year... wonder if there's any interest from Dorian??

like i said, he's very obviously just a troll leaf or habs fan with a burner account.

nothing sadder than a troll who pretends to be a fan and says nothing but bad poop. it's incredibly transparent.
- sensarmy_11

He's definitely not a troll. He's a PRO SCOUT, says so in his location so it must be true. lol

He's definitely not a troll. He's a PRO SCOUT, says so in his location so it must be true. lol
- GPHawksfan

To be clear, Tkachuk was never drafted to be a point a game player, in fact no NHL team saw the offensive upside he’s already displayed.

The fact that you’ve put Chabot, BT and Stutzle in the same breath as Cecil and Lazar is hilarious.

A few players you might want to include however include Stone, Dzingle, Hoffman, Karlsson, Pageau, Paul. Players take different paths it’s not a one size fits all.

As for Logan Brown, putting aside skating and desperation needed to play at this level, the kid is made of glass. They tried to hit a home run based on raw ability and it hasn’t worked out. I’d still like to see him get an extended look . 6’6 centers with high end skill don’t grow on trees

I haven't ever really paid close attention to the Ottawa Senators much in the past. I followed the success and "runs" with the Alfie, Karlsson, Spezza, Hossa, etc. days. I had a friend play on the team for a while...but I never really paid close attention to them. One thing I have always thought of the Sens however, is that they've always seemed to show class, and I would even argue that they lacked a bit of grit due to a sort of classy, gentlemanly culture there.

Not anymore!

What a sorry bunch of whiney, dirty, hit you in the numbers, hack-job ankle benders they've turned out to be! What happened? It can't be only because of Tkachuk...but there is such a huge void in any sort of leadership to this group. I mean, they're down 3,4,5 goals and you see them joking around on the bench like it's a day camp. Penalties at just horrible times of the game, knees out, hitting their own d-men into the tender...it's impressive actually how lost this group is.

I really don't mean to come on here and b1tch about the team, but I'm curious if anyone else sees this? What has happened to this team? I don't think Daniel Alfredsson would be too impressed with these punks.

I haven't ever really paid close attention to the Ottawa Senators much in the past. I followed the success and "runs" with the Alfie, Karlsson, Spezza, Hossa, etc. days. I had a friend play on the team for a while...but I never really paid close attention to them. One thing I have always thought of the Sens however, is that they've always seemed to show class, and I would even argue that they lacked a bit of grit due to a sort of classy, gentlemanly culture there.

Not anymore!

What a sorry bunch of whiney, dirty, hit you in the numbers, hack-job ankle benders they've turned out to be! What happened? It can't be only because of Tkachuk...but there is such a huge void in any sort of leadership to this group. I mean, they're down 3,4,5 goals and you see them joking around on the bench like it's a day camp. Penalties at just horrible times of the game, knees out, hitting their own d-men into the tender...it's impressive actually how lost this group is.

I really don't mean to come on here and b1tch about the team, but I'm curious if anyone else sees this? What has happened to this team? I don't think Daniel Alfredsson would be too impressed with these punks.
- JLO961

After all the years of mismanagement in Edmonton you have a right to feel bitter.