Michael Stuart: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: The Blue Line's Future is Now

Fun, fun team to watch!

That Norris shot was a beaut.

He's gaining more confidence as time goes on.

I’ll be that guy, again. While Chabot’s ice time should be reduced, to indicate that as the sole reason for the Lewis goal is just lack of accountability. It is indicated in the blog that it would be nice to reduce his ice time to 22-23 minutes. Fair. However, he capped out last night at 26:39 and it is safe to assume that he was around 22-23 at the time of the Lewis is goal (at 9:39 of the 3rd) maybe even less. So, I think it is reasonable to expect more awareness on the blueline and urgency to back check on the Lewis goal.

It’s tiring to see almost every other d-man and forward for that matter get called out for poor defence by fans and media, but Chabot always gets the time on ice excuse. Do not get me wrong, I think his ice time should get reduced, but there needs to be some accountability at the same time. The ice time argument never goes the other way in that he gets more offensive chances and drives because he plays more. It is interesting to me.

I will say Chabot’s play from the eye test, to me, has improved aver the last few weeks then where it was. He seems to be a more commanding force at times which is nice to see. I do think with the hopeful emergence of guys like Mete and Brannstrom, his ice time should come down a bit.

I know I’ll get grilled today, but it is what it is.

I’ll be that guy, again. While Chabot’s ice time should be reduced, to indicate that as the sole reason for the Lewis goal is just lack of accountability. It is indicated in the blog that it would be nice to reduce his ice time to 22-23 minutes. Fair. However, he capped out last night at 26:39 and it is safe to assume that he was around 22-23 at the time of the Lewis is goal (at 9:39 of the 3rd) maybe even less. So, I think it is reasonable to expect more awareness on the blueline and urgency to back check on the Lewis goal.

It’s tiring to see almost every other d-man and forward for that matter get called out for poor defence by fans and media, but Chabot always gets the time on ice excuse. Do not get me wrong, I think his ice time should get reduced, but there needs to be some accountability at the same time. The ice time argument never goes the other way in that he gets more offensive chances and drives because he plays more. It is interesting to me.

I will say Chabot’s play from the eye test, to me, has improved aver the last few weeks then where it was. He seems to be a more commanding force at times which is nice to see. I do think with the hopeful emergence of guys like Mete and Brannstrom, his ice time should come down a bit.

I know I’ll get grilled today, but it is what it is.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Which you just hate, too.

I’ll be that guy, again. While Chabot’s ice time should be reduced, to indicate that as the sole reason for the Lewis goal is just lack of accountability. It is indicated in the blog that it would be nice to reduce his ice time to 22-23 minutes. Fair. However, he capped out last night at 26:39 and it is safe to assume that he was around 22-23 at the time of the Lewis is goal (at 9:39 of the 3rd) maybe even less. So, I think it is reasonable to expect more awareness on the blueline and urgency to back check on the Lewis goal.

It’s tiring to see almost every other d-man and forward for that matter get called out for poor defence by fans and media, but Chabot always gets the time on ice excuse. Do not get me wrong, I think his ice time should get reduced, but there needs to be some accountability at the same time. The ice time argument never goes the other way in that he gets more offensive chances and drives because he plays more. It is interesting to me.

I will say Chabot’s play from the eye test, to me, has improved aver the last few weeks then where it was. He seems to be a more commanding force at times which is nice to see. I do think with the hopeful emergence of guys like Mete and Brannstrom, his ice time should come down a bit.

I know I’ll get grilled today, but it is what it is.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

i agree with you 100%......i'll defend a lot of what Chabot does on the ice, but there was ABSOLUTELY no excuse for him just flat out giving up on that play. if he was gassed and just got outskated, but still made an effort to get back, that's one thing....but he flat out didn't even try to get back. that's inexcusable IMO.

Which you just hate, too.

- david22

maybe that was his way of telling DJ, 'you're overplaying me you f ing ass hole"... maybe that's all that was

i agree with you 100%......i'll defend a lot of what Chabot does on the ice, but there was ABSOLUTELY no excuse for him just flat out giving up on that play. if he was gassed and just got outskated, but still made an effort to get back, that's one thing....but he flat out didn't even try to get back. that's inexcusable IMO.
- sensarmy_11

It was certainly a frustrating sequence. Game was within reach to only have that happen with arguably your franchise player.

He does have a bad habit of not really hustling after a player passes him on the attack. Sort of like a “(frank) it, hopefully the goalie makes a save” habit.

Fun, fun team to watch!
- spatso

I agree. No doubting the work ethic. You boys don't give easy wins out. Most sens games I watch tend to see the Sens getting tons of pucks on the net. Brady and Weber sure got me out of my seat too. Kid has some farmer muscles for sure.

We want to be in the game, we want to develop the kids, we want to build the competitive foundation for next year and beyond. But, we don't want too win too many games at this point in the season.

Last night was a great show. This is going to be a very good team.

I mean, I think we are overblowing this. He is our top d man, and effortlessly skates circles to create chances and elude the opposition. Another two primary assists. The shortie was ugly, but he also lost sight of the puck for the few seconds there. He is going to make mistakes and people need to stop putting everything under a microscope. The ice time will naturally go down when other d men are trusted by DJ.

I mean, I think we are overblowing this. He is our top d man, and effortlessly skates circles to create chances and elude the opposition. Another two primary assists. The shortie was ugly, but he also lost sight of the puck for the few seconds there. He is going to make mistakes and people need to stop putting everything under a microscope. The ice time will naturally go down when other d men are trusted by DJ.
- AlexProScout

A+

I mean, I think we are overblowing this. He is our top d man, and effortlessly skates circles to create chances and elude the opposition. Another two primary assists. The shortie was ugly, but he also lost sight of the puck for the few seconds there. He is going to make mistakes and people need to stop putting everything under a microscope. The ice time will naturally go down when other d men are trusted by DJ.
- AlexProScout

There are a few fans on this site that still miss Ceci. They need someone to blame.

There are a few fans on this site that still miss Ceci. They need someone to blame.
- spatso

so then are players like chabot just immune from criticism when they make a terrible and lazy play, that leads directly to a goal in a close game?

had brown made that same play last night, 99% of people on here would be calling for him to be put on waivers today.

i'm sorry, but if you're the highest paid player on the team, a guy who's paid very well to be the absolute best.......and you make plays like he did last night.......criticism isn't just warranted, it's necessary.

if you don't call out and criticize star players when they play like that, then you end up with guys who just run through the motions to collect a pay cheque

I believe Chabot knows his mistake for the SH goal (and probably he is pissed off); but he is still young at 24 and he will still progress along with the other kids....This year, it's a learning process, with growing pains, but useful for next year's competitive curve....I have faith in our youth movement and we shall see significant strides during next season for our Sens....Let's be patient and let's roll the good times!

so then are players like chabot just immune from criticism when they make a terrible and lazy play, that leads directly to a goal in a close game?

had brown made that same play last night, 99% of people on here would be calling for him to be put on waivers today.

i'm sorry, but if you're the highest paid player on the team, a guy who's paid very well to be the absolute best.......and you make plays like he did last night.......criticism isn't just warranted, it's necessary.

if you don't call out and criticize star players when they play like that, then you end up with guys who just run through the motions to collect a pay cheque
- sensarmy_11

Yes- but the positive effects of Chabot (from the eyetest) certainly negate any mistakes. The guy is a horse and oozes talent. He warrants minutes because he can and the team WANTS him to play: 8 million dollar investment is your reasoning. It's an unfair comparison with Brown because he is barely an NHLer. Can't skate, pass, or handle the puck (how many unforced giveaways last night?). Chabot lost sight on the puck that went by him on the PP- poopty, but he was literally skating circles around the opposition before and had a good game.

The point is Chabot plays exceptionally most games, but I feel especially this year, alot of fans are unduely critical of him. He is still developing his game as well...

i'm sorry, but if you're the highest paid player on the team, a guy who's paid very well to be the absolute best.......and you make plays like he did last night.......criticism isn't just warranted, it's necessary.
- sensarmy_11

This was precisely the rationale I had for being very hard on Spezza when he was with the team... elite players aren't beyond making mistakes, but they absolutely need to own those mistakes, and be held accountable (which Spezza was notorious awful at doing). There's little question that too much is being asked of Chabot right now, but any way you slice it that play was a bad read of the situation, and showed a lack of effort to get back. It doesn't make Chabot a bad player, but as a leader he needs to take responsibility for a bad play, demonstrate how even the best players can accept that criticism, and learn from their mistakes.

Great to see a solid debut effort from JBD as well. The talking points from UND/WJC have often noted the maturity of his game, and how calm he is with the puck - which leads to solid decision-making, and reading the play well. He'll obviously need some time to really get up to speed, but it really looks like he'll be a valuable complement player for the likes of Chabot/Sanderson.

so then are players like chabot just immune from criticism when they make a terrible and lazy play, that leads directly to a goal in a close game?

had brown made that same play last night, 99% of people on here would be calling for him to be put on waivers today.

i'm sorry, but if you're the highest paid player on the team, a guy who's paid very well to be the absolute best.......and you make plays like he did last night.......criticism isn't just warranted, it's necessary.

if you don't call out and criticize star players when they play like that, then you end up with guys who just run through the motions to collect a pay cheque
- sensarmy_11

Good post.

This was precisely the rationale I had for being very hard on Spezza when he was with the team... elite players aren't beyond making mistakes, but they absolutely need to own those mistakes, and be held accountable (which Spezza was notorious awful at doing). There's little question that too much is being asked of Chabot right now, but any way you slice it that play was a bad read of the situation, and showed a lack of effort to get back. It doesn't make Chabot a bad player, but as a leader he needs to take responsibility for a bad play, and demonstrate how even the best players can learn from their mistakes.

Great to see a solid debut effort from JBD as well. The talking points from UND/WJC have often noted the maturity of his game, and how calm he is with the puck - which leads to solid decision-making, and reading the play well. He'll obviously need some time to really get up to speed, but it really looks like he'll be a valuable complement player for the likes of Chabot/Sanderson.
- khawk

Good post

Yes- but the positive effects of Chabot (from the eyetest) certainly negate any mistakes. The guy is a horse and oozes talent. He warrants minutes because he can and the team WANTS him to play: 8 million dollar investment is your reasoning. It's an unfair comparison with Brown because he is barely an NHLer. Can't skate, pass, or handle the puck (how many unforced giveaways last night?). Chabot lost sight on the puck that went by him on the PP- poopty, but he was literally skating circles around the opposition before and had a good game.

The point is Chabot plays exceptionally most games, but I feel especially this year, alot of fans are unduely critical of him. He is still developing his game as well...
- AlexProScout

there is a BIG DIFFERENCE between making a mistake, and just not trying. i can live with a player making a mistake, i can't live with a player who just gives up and doesn't even try to make a play.....and that's EXACTLY what chabot did last night

Good post.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Agreed.

Great start for JBD. He's looking like a solid top 4D option on the right side.

While Chabot's defensive game has improved since the start of the season, there is still room for meaningful improvement. It is time to reduce his minutes to under 24 minutes a night.

there is a BIG DIFFERENCE between making a mistake, and just not trying. i can live with a player making a mistake, i can't live with a player who just gives up and doesn't even try to make a play.....and that's EXACTLY what chabot did last night
- sensarmy_11

What are we supposed to say?

Chabot plays his heart out every night. He has a bad play and the Ceci haters get all excited and say,"see we knew he is a quitter. We will help him by pointing out that he is just a big piece of crap."

What are we supposed to say?

Chabot plays his heart out every night. He has a bad play and the Ceci haters get all excited and say,"see we knew he is a quitter. We will help him by pointing out that he is just a big piece of crap."
- spatso

you're supposed to acknowledge that it was a bad play

you're supposed to expect much more than that type of effort from your highest paid player

you're supposed to stop making the "time on ice" excuse every time he makes a bad play.


he's a great player, but he's made a poop ton of mistakes this year......crticism is warranted and deserved.

you're supposed to acknowledge that it was a bad play

you're supposed to expect much more than that type of effort from your highest paid player

you're supposed to stop making the "time on ice" excuse every time he makes a bad play.


he's a great player, but he's made a poop ton of mistakes this year......crticism is warranted and deserved.
- sensarmy_11

Gotta love that we are on the same side here. Has hell frozen over?!