The Streak Remedy

Surgery is a beautiful thing (photo via flickr)

The Sens were exactly what the Caps physician ordered. The diagnosis: a comeback sparked by 3 unanswered goals all scored in the second period ending an 8 game losing streak. As for the Senators, the role players led the charge while the million dollar actors stayed behind the scenes. Kelly is 3 goals away from being the team's leading scorer. A very telling stat for the 2010-11 season which can be summed up with a 3 letter acronym: WTF.

What the Blood Clot

Ottawa is winning 67% of their games when scoring first. Which, if you ask me, isn't very strong. Over the last 5 years, they averaged out at 74%. If you look at the top tier teams and their average, well they come in at a cool 83%. Sens Army, welcome to the bottom 33%.

Doctor Not-So-Feelgood

Leclaire was playing well until he broke his jaw eating oatmeal and Elliott has not held up his end of the bargain in his absence...which is stopping pucks...when he's in front of the net...while the team is playing hockey. This would be the perfect time for Lehner to get some experience but we'll see him play for Team Sweden in the WJC. Update: Brodeur on the fast Greyhound to Binghamton, Leclaire backing up or hopefully starting.

Offensive Cardiac Arrest

Barring triple bypass surgery, this offense needs a kick start that a defibrillator cannot provide. Alfie missed the net early in the first on what looked like a guaranteed goal. The significance of that missed shot proved to be huge. What about the dudes that were expected to, I don't know, score some goals during the season? The biggest culprits are Foligno and Regin. Head on down to Black Aces to read his take (which I'm really feeling) on these young players.

Sick Days

Sens will play their next game Thursday against the Nashville Predators. A few days off might do this team some good.

Big thanks to Greg @ Puck Daddy for introducing SILN to the puck heads out in the wide world of blogs. Cheers!

-MP

Flying Elbows of Fury

Weber was in shock after he was hit by Kelly's elbow, but quickly gathered himself for the ensuing powerplay.

From what I can see online, there's no talk of Kelly getting a suspension for his hit on Weber. From my point of view, it was accidental and Weber didn't prepare himself for the hit. But what really karateed my chops was seeing Weber laughing on the bench after the hit. Life goes on while the world witnesses just how untouchable Kelly really is.

"If do Right Kuba, no can Defense" - Mr Miyagi (kinda)
Did you know that  "Kuba" translated to English from Czech means "really, really, really....really bad giveaway"? I wasn't keeping track, but at least 2 of the Canadiens goals where a direct result of Kuba's bumbles. I wasn't sad when he was out of the lineup.

Gimme that Black Belt. Here Take this White One Instead.
BB Gunns, or Butler, was quickly demoted to the 4th line and played minimal minutes. Maybe this kid should not have been called up and they should have let him develop with the B-Sens. I'm no Bryan Murray, I'm just shlaying.

Seriously out of Ninja Stars
The Sens have scored one or less goals in 12 of their 29 games played this year. Well that's brutal. To make matters worse, Alfie is on an 8 game pointless streak. Let's hope he ends this streak against the Rangers. And PLEASE put Regin back in the lineup!

The CTCE tracker has been updated.

-MP

Donut Shop

UPDATE: Butler in, Regin out...Huh? Wha?

Jarkko Ruutu and Nick Foligno are working drive through today.

“It's not so safe or drivable, this one. Step on the gas, and you'll do nothing but donuts.” -  Michael Prichinello

10,410 seconds. 174 minutes. That's the last time the Senators scored a goal. You have to feel for Elliott and Leclaire since they never get any goal support. Elliott did everything that he could last night but couldn't stop that Vanek slapshot in the shootout.

Triple Chocolate Donut
Peter Regin showed us again that he can be the hardest working player on the ice. Only problem is that he's not scoring. Is this another case of Vermettisitis? A natural center playing the wing who will eventually be traded and find success playing his role and his position somewhere else? Only time will tell.

Day Old Donut
Carkner had the least amount of ice time among defensemen and the most penalty minutes. Never a good combo even if you add a coffee or the soup of the day.

Employee of the Day
We saw what Erik Karlsson can bring to the table last night and that's speed. I've seen him try the homerun pass way to many times this season which scares the candy sprinkles out of me. Karlsson needs to push the puck up on the rush and back up the defense. He did it a few times against the Sabres with success and just needs to remember to read the play before trying to go coast to coast.

Fresh Donut of the Day

Looks like we'll get a look at Bobby Butler today for the first time this season. He's leading the B Sens in goals and has been lighting it up with Locke. Don't expect him to turn this team around in one game, but his offense will definitely be a welcome addition. I'm hoping that he gets a chance to play on one of the top 2 lines with Foligno or Shannon taking a seat in the press box.

Prepping the Fryer for a New Batch
Game time is 5 pm for the Rangers / Sens game today. I've had my fill of donuts.

Please drop me a line and let me know what you think about the blog. This is new for me and any feedback is appreciated.

- MP