Is Washington that good or was Ottawa that bad? While I realize that the Caps have a star studded line up, I'm going to go with the latter after that stinker. But mostly, I need to focus on the powerplay, which was downright awful. The only advantage in having an extra man is that the opposing team's player is off the ice for two minutes, and unless that player's a stud like Ovie, I'd wish Ottawa could decline their powerplays. Basically, we're better 5 on 5.
This is not an insightful post but rather just a forum for me to vent. In the words of Wayne Gretzky from Gold Rush 2002, "Am I hot? yeah I'm hot!". It's Red Pynch! It's at the point that when Ottawa draws a PP, I groan. A man advantage should mean a chance to score, but for me it's a continual source of frustration. Do we even have a system out there? It's not even like we're snake bit, it's borderline comical! Further to Duff's post below - we need to work hard, ESPECIALLY ON THE POWERPLAY! An extra man doesn't mean two minutes to breath. We should be desperate to get a goal with these opportunities. Instead, we are soft on the puck and slow moving. Ugh.
So Alfie and Spez are out, and that hurts like a kick to the shins, but we still have an extra guy out there. I can understand our unit finding problems versus an elite killing unit. But going into tonight's game, Washington's PK was ranked 15th in the league! We can't even pose a threat to an average penalty killing unit!
As this busy month of January is underway, it appears we have lots to work on - defence and goaltending being the most discussed amongst our esteemed blog community. But I'm going to state the obvious, well beg the obvious, that Clouston find a solution to this PP disaster. At least find something that makes us a threat. But with minimal days off this month, is there enough time to spend working on this issue? He'd better or it's going to get more and more frustrating and I fear a remote control will be launched at my TV.
That's just my two cents, entirely spent on mild rage. Anyone disagree? Feel free to vent along with me. It actually feels good.
On a completely separate note, kudos to Jonathan Cheechoo for potting one tonight. I don't care how inconsequential it was. I find myself constantly rooting for this guy to get some breaks and have some success. So thanks Cheech for leaving me with something to be happy about...
Thursday, January 07, 2010
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The last coupld of seasons have been really trying for Sens fans. Unlike leafs fans we are not used to having a poor team. That said, Clouston and the boys have done a Much better than predicted (remember all of those analysts picking the leafs ahead of us! Har!). I like this blog because you guys call out the shortcomings of the Sens game while acknowledging the reality of their situation and some of their strong points. Lots of average Joes have contributed, the team has been well coached and not totally gone into a tailspin given injuries and some cold streaks. The biggest shortcoming this season I have to concur is our GOD AWFUL POWER PLAY. I am totally with you in that I have gotten to the point that I’m actually pretty bummed out when we get a power play because I feel like the other team will kill it off no problem and in effect have their confidence boosted. You see it all the time, if a team definitively kills off say a 5 on 3 it boosts the team’s morale big time. Anyway, I cannot get over how we don’t even LOOK like were on a power play. We’re not in position we’re not cycling…we’re got guys trying to dipsy doodle in the slot, Kovalev’s deaking out 3 guys with with one hand on his stick an boom next thing you know we’re working our way back up ice (again). I’m no coach but frig..from my minor hockey days, two guys in front to screen and draw their d out and blast away from the outside. Without this element to the Senators game were going to continue to score very few goals …most importantly fewer than the other team. This team is surprisingly good. I believe in them. We need special team support.
Honestly though if your paycheck is more than six figures a year for playing hockey you should be able to shoot a puck at the net and score occasionally. So these excuses about not having Spezza and Alfie to run the powerplay is bullshit. These guys (Regin, Foligno, Shannon, Fisher) can cycle the puck so why hell don't/can't they with one less man checking them? You get Kovalev who can stickhandle and shoot and these other guys with decent releases. Move the puck around and wrist/snap the puck at the net while someone goes to the crease to deflect or bang the garbage.
The key is getting off a quick shot instead of trying to blast it, by telegraphing your move to the opponents so they can get ready to block.
Trying to set up a perfect play is not working.
The team would be in better shape if 15-20% of the powerplays resulted in a goal. Before the whine was they weren't getting enough opportunities and now it's "the powerplay is impotent".
It's like a broken record - key to success - powerplay, defense, goaltending. But seriously, even average PP success and .900 goaltending would yield .500 on the road.
I can't believe a guy like Cheechoo can't fulfill a Johan Franzen or Tomas Holmstrom role on the powerplay.
Christ it's bloody frustrating watching this team play without intensity and desperation.
They should be fired up to roll over the Panthers and then try to get a head of steam rolling on the road. I wish they'd start playing like preseason was over.
There's my rant for today.
Doesn't it feel great MoP? Fully agree with your comments. And great point about how we complained about our PP opportunities earlier in the season.
This is an issue that can and must be turned around. A PP goal a game would go a long way and deter the shift in momentum, as per Rink's point above.
Hopefully Clouston can figure it out with the talent at hand before it gets too late...
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