Author Archives: Varada

2011.03.05: Hey you jerks, check out these great seats

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That’s right: 100 level, center ice, where all the action happens. Which is to say, where you can actually see a woman reading a book in her $200 seat and get an epic view of people streaming to their cars with five minutes left, even when the Sens are carrying the play and making a real game of it. Your Ottawa Senators Fans: still totally alienating, even if I’m pleasantly surprised the building was 2/3rds full.

So: the game! Pretty good, these young kids can skate. There were a couple of chances that could have gone Ottawa’s way and then you’ve got a different game, but the Rangers made them pay for their mistakes and the next thing you know I’m three hot dogs and several Creemore in and we’re gonna go see Gabriel Landeskog play against the 67’s tomorrow. First star of the game goes to the guy who lip synched Eminem’s song from Eight Mile, second star to that creepy six year old who danced while wearing a demonic expression on her face to thoroughly creep out the crowd, and third star to Rob, who let me have the extra ticket and hauled my ass out to Kanata. Keep yer chin up, Karlsson, you’re aces in my book.

2011.03.04: In which haters gon’ hate, on grammar most of all

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James

We need to make a post Stat…this image is too good to waste…which we sort of have to pick up our game with lately…

Did you watch the game last night? I saw a tiny bit…watched the high lights…love how every goal Bobby B has scored

this year has been different. Shows he’s not a one trick pony…last night’s was by far his nicest yet

The Mark Messier classic off wing far side top cheese special! 

Its still early obviously a bit early to tell but maybe Ottawa has a cheap top six winger on their hands with versitile finish.

Conrad

That picture is a thing of beauty.

I watched a little bit of last night’s game, but I’ll be honest with you: I was pretty bored watching Atlanta’s annual shitting-of-the-bed. There was a time they were fourth in the conference. Fourth! They’ve got some nice pieces in place. They’re spending money. And now they can’t buy a win, even against the second last-place team in the league. I really am rooting for Atlanta. They deserve some playoffs, even if only by fluke, and once again they’re nowhere close. Makes me depressed to think about how a team can have that many high draft picks and not just luck into a good team eventually. Makes me worry about our rebuild.

Butler’s goal was indeed pretty, though, and I’m excited to watch him score at least 20 next year. Unless he ends up being this year’s Peter Regin – promising end to the season leads to dull thud in year to come. I don’t think that’ll happen though. He’s got a natural goal-scorer’s hands, and now that his confidence is up he’s buzzing the net, finding open spaces. He looks like a threat out there.

If Butler, Regin and Foligno all play up to our hopes, and we still have Spezza, Alfie and Michalek, and we pick up a top six forward via trade, and we draft another top sixer in the top five this year…hey, this team don’t stink! Also interesting will be if any of the young kids stick with the big club next year. Greening and Condra have looked good. I could stand to see them get bottom six minutes. Also watch for Lessard to finally get through that Dostoevsky book he’s been working on.

…so what I was doing instead of watching all of the game last night was playing Be a GM mode in NHL 2010 (always be one year behind, that’s what I say). I inserted the worst team in the game – Italy’s national team, of course – into the NHL and am starting a rebuild from scratch. Pretty addictive. And the Italian jerseys are beautiful.

Pete

Ugh, Conrad please don’t remind me of the high hopes we had for Foligno and Regin. I thought you were feeling pessimistic about the rebuild? I believe this is going to be the up and down rollercoaster ride that will be the next three years. The terrifying lows, the dizzying highs, the creamy middles!

Meanwhile, Craig Anderson is pricing himself out of our plans. Brian Murray’s got one more big decision before he rides off into the sunset to his spot on Melnyk’s pharma company’s board of directors. I’m not sure we want to spend a large chunk of our cap space for someone to keep the net warm for Lehner. I know there’s been talk of Jimmy Howard money, but I’m thinking Neimi’s new deal will be the bench mark. (Even though that’s crazy)

I’m having people over to watch the game tonight. If you guys can make it out to the heart of the darkest part of the suburbs you are more than welcome

James

What am I the Barack Obama campaign of rebuild talk?

I was a bit resistant to the idea of a rebuild for a while b/c it is a gamble for sure. I mean lest we forget that Ottawa’s bottom 6 depth was the talk of the league all the way back in 2009-2010. Before I was of the mind that the team really just needed a goaltender, to kidnap Volchenkov back, and a top 6 forward that could right the ship. That it was just a matter of ditching your Cheechoos, Kovalazes and so forth top get cap space…That’s not how it panned out but perhaps that’s maybe how Murray was thinking a the time too, what with all those playoff push rentals. It’s easy for us to complain but hey, I suppose the team WAS making the playoffs, flawed as it was. Regardless, I must say it’s a real testament to the accelerated state of the drafting and prospect pool to show how Murray could jettison a bunch of those stalwart guys and the team has undeniably improved or at least kept steady. Does the team look like shit against Vancouver? Yeah, Vancouver is also pretty much the best team going. Rebuild is still scary at times, every move so critical to the future. Seems like for every Chicago there is a Florida that just cant get it together. Speaking of getting it together, I’m not as frowny face about Foligno now, he’s really improved the last while. Regin was getting into a groove too before his injury. I think it might have done a lot of good to have a lot of the guys have it off their mind that they are no longer trade bait and are part of the rebuild. Phillips has looked strikingly better of late. Call me glassy eyed but the turn around could be quicker than the other examples that we tend to work off of. Do we get a Crosby rebuild? No. Does anyone get a Crosby rebuild? Few do. Yeah Murray’s not perfect but he’s a pretty good general manager who has drafted par excellence the past couple of seasons and maybe we are starting to see some dividends of that good work now that guys are getting the shot they weren’t before with all the vets in the way. Butler has been a prime example of seeing what a guy can do if he has space to play top 6 and not bottom. Ottawa also has the advantage of not having a cheap skate owner (RIP Islanders). Melnyk definitely seems to have the guts to go for it but also the smarts to suck it up and know when to pull the plug and refocus.

I’ve said it a million times but we are goddamn spoiled in this city, getting a rebuild after missing the playoffs twice in more than a decade? A fan base super bummed out after signing a defenseman who has been a minus player something like twice in his whole career? If Ottawa picks Larsen we’ll have a log jam of highly skilled young defensement? Team’s been terrible but sometimes I cant help but think we have some “good problems.” Were going to get a lotto pick, we’ve got some pretty ridiculous defensemen ready to break into the league next season, a promising goalie prospect, retained veteran leadership and there are plans to aquire a top six forward…I don’t know, maybe it’s the getting rid of Kovalev and Elliot talking but I’ve seen teams in way worse shape moving forward. Edmonton has some fantastic young guys up front but literally nothing going on from the blueline back and it will be a while to build that up. That’s where a successful team is born if you ask me.

Conrad

That was pretty inspired, James, and actually made me feel a bit better! I’m not inclined to disagree with any of that. And I’m definitely happy that the team went into rebuild mode. I think Murray’s done a reasonably good job as GM. When the team was competitive, he traded for more resources to push them on. When the team wasn’t, he traded for picks. He’s had less luck on the UFA market, but that’s always a crap shoot for a small market. And most of all, Heatley screwed him. So I’m not mad at him so much as subjecting myself to the wild insecurities and anxieties that come of a team entering into No Man’s Land. Tis’ scary! But yeah, the team is pretty lucky to have an owner who blindly pays out, to have had the kind of skill it’s had for so long that it didn’t have to rely on 2-1 wins like it does now, and that Murray knew enough to start rebuilding the back end from day one. This team won’t be so bad.

If there’s one thing that NHL 10 has taught me, it’s never draft Italians.

James

Sorry i didnt use the term “Dog Garbage” several times. I did vow to turn myself into blogger jail for crimes against people’s eyes if Butler scored in yesterday’s Lame Day Preview. I guess Bobby B, who reads the CCFR every single day, really wants me put away by scoring such a beaut.

About not drafting Italians, I say listen to your dreams and draft Tom Waits into your top six.

Conrad

Thought I’d add it to this thread that Gabriel Landeskog and the Kitchener Rangers are playing the Ottawa 67s this Sunday at 2pm, and come of us CCFRers will be there. Any readers who want to drop by, I look like an angry tire with muscly arms. Come say hi.

Speaking of Landeskog, here’s an awesome article about him, the Sens scouting efforts post-deadline, and how he’s actually kinda an Ottawa fan. Well worth the read.

James

Wow…now i REALLY want to see Landeskog play

btw i am not even half way through this amazing Lehner interview and hes already referred to how he hopes Ottawa retains Craig Anderson so he can HUNT HIM LIKE GAME. This kid is going to be the best interview in the NHL soon.

Marc

I watched the game in the form of a TSN highlight and they looked great in that 40 second clip. I remember the days when this team couldn’t win a game to save their lives without the Captain in the lineup. So on that front, I’m impressed by how the Sens have stepped up in his abscence and how they have become Spezzmatic.

I agree with James on the spoiled brat syndrome in Otown. The naysayers will have a full on bitch fest for the next couple years. So let’s get together and bitch slap some patience into these bitches. I still believe that team has an awesome foundation so I’ll be positive until they have a 20 game losing streak next year.

Not ready to jump on the Anderson/Butler/any roster player with more hustle than Kovalev bandwagon just yet. They’ve all been playing great lately. But I still feel that we should all wait and see how this nets out. To me, Anderson isn’t worth more than what he’s making right now. Let hope Murray or the incumbent see it the same way.

2011.03.02: Hey, Craig Anderson has a new maAAAAAAAAARGHWHAT?!

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Anderson’s new mask (Due credit: the Anderson mask was originally posted by the Goalie Guild. Also in fairness, the artist has asked the Goalie Guild to take the mask down until he can fix the logo on the side so that it’s the current one.)

The CCFR humbly suggests the following completely fucking incredible design:

James

when are they finally just going to cave and admit they are wrong, give the people what theve been demanding and let Steven design the goalie masks? What a pile of dog garbage. You know masks are in a sad state when Jonas Hiller has the nicest mask because its black with a matte finish

http://www.senstown.com/2011/03/craig-andersons-new-mask.html

Steven

That’s a joke right? I wouldn’t sign him with a mask like that.  That’s embarrassing.  It’s going to take a lot of 50 save nights to down play that garbage dump.

Conrad

Oh man, that is brutal. Especially the afterthought car on the bottom. And the OLD LOGO… I prefer the repurposed Sasquatch with a Sens sticker on the chin that he’s been rolling with. Hopefully he tunes this up for next season. When he re-signs in Colorado.

This is a good discussion though: best Sens goalie masks. There have been a ton of bad ones. Martin (?) the Martian on Lalime, Hasek’s Goth Senator on the dome.

Personal favorites are Martin Prusek’s columns, and I guess Gerber’s Darth Gerber mask gets points for picking up on a fan meme, though having all black was way cooler than going literal. I was also a fan of Ray Emery’s boxer mask (more so than the weird, tan pupa thing he ended with)

I second Steve being in charge here. Steve, what would you do? I vote for Kovalev / Foligno Back to the Future 2.

Prianka

I actually really liked Lalime’s Marvin the Martian mask back in the day, and always thought it was a little strange that Emery had Mike Tyson on the side of his mask. Tyson is a rather strange person to openly admit to idolizing, all things considered.

Anderson’s mask is downright ugly, and what is the deal with the massive stick shift? (I know, I know, I am practically setting someone up with that one). I’m curious about his decision to use the wrong logo, was it a conscientious comment on the fact that the logos keep getting uglier, or is this is favourite one? If it had been me, I would have gone back all the way to the old sharp featured Senator that was shown in profile,

James

Conrad youre really pessimistic about this whole Anderson situation ive noticed. Unless youre joking …im not made of knowing things (clearly).

Anyway…favorite Sens mask of all time …would be…….so many to choose from…so few nice ones…probably…darth gerber…

Prusek clear winner creativity wise but that helmet itself was so dumb looking, it was like Hasek helmet meets Bruce McCulloch

as that cabbage head character for toddlers.

Conrad

It’s not that I don’t like Anderson. I think he’s the kind of goaltender that Ottawa could use – plays well, is cheap, character guy. Will probably play better splitting games with Lehner than playing 81 games in a season and facing 50 shots a game like in Colorado. I’ve been in his corner ever since he was in Florida, filled in for a month or two for an injured Vokoun, and I picked him up in my pool. I made sure to pick him up the next year. That season he was in the Vezina conversation, and to be able to pick up a guy like that for around the $2M he’ll cost (though who knows…maybe there will be a market for him this off season and his salary goes higher) would be a coup.

Having said that, I just don’t know why he would re-sign here. He could go anywhere. He could sign in Washington and play for the Cup. Or Chicago, or Philly. There are plenty of amazing teams looking for a goalie project. Why sign on for a rebuild, with no GM in place, in a high pressure market, in a small Canadian city? Maybe it’s worth the risk to get to know him and offer a contract, because after all, all we gave up was a 7th round goalie who had played himself out of a job. But if he walks this summer, and Elliott could have maybe gotten a pick instead, I just think that would have made more sense. Not a huge big deal, but I’m resisting the urge to swoon like the blogs and the media are doing. I don’t want to get attached. I think he waits until July 1st to see what offers he gets. Though with the CBA expiring, maybe he signs short term in Ottawa for the stability. I’m reserving judgement.

As for the mask, I don’t understand who actually gets contracted to do these things. I can’t get a newsletter made at my work without it going through my comms department to make sure the branding and messaging is consistent, how can a goalie for a pro sports franchise accidentally get the old logo on his mask? There have got to be hundreds of freelance artists and designers in this city who could come up with cooler designs than that.

Steven

Allright.  This design took 15mins.

Here’s my thoughts Anderson.  Go the Hiller route to the end of the season.  Obviously the Senators are going to have a new look for the 3rd jersey next year (Please Uncle Melnyk).  If you are signed for next season, as I assume you will.  GO WITH THAT LOOK.  It would be a great idea to be the new face of the Senators re-build, and ABSOLUTELY NO SENA-GOTH.  That’s collectively let that Logo DIE.

Also you have to give bonus points to Robin Lehner for incorporating the SNES logo into his mask and it still looks great.

James

Agree with Steven. I was just looking at a picture of a buddy on Facebook meeting Alfie taken in 2010 and he’s wearing the Senagoth in the picture and i was almost like HOW DARE YOU PRESENT TO HIS HOLINESS IN THAT MESS! Instead i think just ate dinner..

Im with Prianka also in that with the Side Profile Senator (who we call SPS around here)…you dont know what you got till it’s gone, eh?

Conrad, some optimism on the Anderson front apparently Jimmy Howard signing for so little* reaaaaaally changed the game on how much Craig Anderson is projected to earn next year….it will be a small miracle to see CA get 3M now that Howard, who has way more upside, just signed for something like 2.2M…Idea: can we just kidnap Ken Holland (you know the locks are broken at the Joe) put a bag over his head and while he is en route to Ottawa just paint and redecorate all of the offices and insides of Scotia Bank Place to look like its Joe Louis Arena so he can manage the Sens without knowing it?  I guess that could make Andy more attractive to other teams though 😦

Anyway, you make a really good point. It’s prudent not to get excited about him sticking around (note: One of the most boring things about the rebuild so far is not being allowed to get excited about anything…except losing?) but all indications are that it’s a top priority of Murray to get him locked down by the end of the season, if that means anything. I think it would be wise to get him, because…the team will need a goaltender that can get into an R rated movie and isn’t made of macaroni glued to construction paper. Maybe they sell him on this rebuild having a very fast turnaround of which he is a cornerstone and will subsequently see the benefits of? Hard to say what Anderson is worth considering he was having a Brian Elliotesque season up to the trade….for Brian Elliot…Colorado trading you for a dude who is literally the new Dan Cloutier has got to lower your value even IF one has hoisted the Sens to .500 in the week since arriving. Teen Jesus, how do the Capitals have the cap space to do anything? Ovechkin, Greene, Semin, Laich, Backstrom..other dudes…ugh…fuck other teams.

*by little I mean, money i could live off of for the rest of my pathetic life

Peter

Amazing,

My idea for mask artwork would be to plaster the entire thing with a collage of visages of former Sens goalies. Gerber, Sidorkiwicz, Beaupre, Hurme! Of course it would end up looking like a promotional still for country super-group Alabama. But hey, in a city devoid of artistic merit (well lacking merit easily represented on a contoured surface with a giant hole in the middle) we could do worse.

If Anderson wants to stick around he should probably do some research. It’s like going to a job interview and having no background info on the organization you desperately want to work for. It’d be kinda cool to do a retro, log driving thing i guess (Doesn’t Luongo have that going on?). I dunno, I’m not an artist. Famous album covers repurposed? Just spitballing here.

Conrad

I absolutely do not have a problem with goalies getting masks that have pictures of their teammates on them. I’m surprised it’s never happened. If I were a goalie for Ottawa, I’d get a picture of Big Hair Alfie.

2011.03.02. In which okay fine, we talk about deadline day

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Here is a picture of a kitten.

James

Chris Phillips re-signs for 9.3 million over three years. Thoughts?

Conrad

I don’t like the re-signing, as much as I like Phillips. I distrust a situation where the player wants to help rebuild without bringing in in a pick to do it. We could have re-signed him on July 1st and also had a pick. I appreciate the hometown discount, of course, but the guy has a once-in-his-career opportunity to play for a contender, and pick his destination at that, and he chooses to stay with a rebuilding club for its last twenty games. No thanks. We could have used the 2nd round pick.

Add to that that we have yet another logjam of mediocre defensemen on this team. Kuba, Gonchar, Phillips, Lee, Carkner, and that’s five without including our one good player, Karlsson, or any of our good prospects. You end up with a team that looks disturbingly like this year’s version.

Ultimately, it’s up to him – he has a NTC. (Which we gave him another one of, by the way.) And I know he’s a good, character guy, etc. But if he plays like he did this season for the next three years, we’re gonna look like buffoons.

Steven

I totally agree.  I like Phillips, but this deal doesn’t leave me with a good feeling.

Coming into this deal I thought that Phillips had no leverage.  Wants to stay in Ottawa, super unproductive season, getting long in the tooth, and wants to be a part of the re-build.  If he wasn’t willing to be rented out / no teams wants him, why is this re-signing even happening now? Why not wait till the off season. (I’m sure that there’s a detail I’m missing)  Was this for the potential of assuring fans that there is a reason to go to the games for the rest of the season?  Couldn’t it have been possible to negotiate 3.1/season without a no trade clause or 2.5 million with one?

I don’t know.  It feels rushed, especially if we need room to bring in prospects and as of now, Kuba isn’t going anywhere.

Conrad

I guess the big X factor is that nobody knows who the GM is going to be in June, and he really wants to stay, so no matter the strength of the agreement in principle, Phillips couldn’t be sure he’d get a contract offer in the summer. So he hung tight and assumed that Ottawa would want to re-sign him rather than risk losing him for nothing.

So, we trade Campoli and a 7th for Potulny and a 2nd. I’m psyched to have the 2nd – that’s potentially five picks in the first two rounds, if that Nashville conditional kicks in. I don’t know anything about Potulny except that he’s a third liner and I guess we needed one of those with Jarkko going out the door. Sort of sucks to trade a late 1st for Campoli and then, only a couple of season later, trade him for a late 2nd. But I guess he served his purpose – he was a cheap stop-gap until our young prospects were ready, which a couple of them are, so he became expendable.

Peter

Watching Bryan Murray’s press conference and typing this at the same time.  Starts off by being excited about the Phillips deal, asked him to take a pay cut and he did. Murray thinks Phillips also has a lot left in the tank and hinted that he might have been hurt to start the season.

Potulny is going to finish the year with the big club, since they need bodies. McIlhenny is going to backup Anderson. Pascal’s probably done for the year and Lehner’s going to play the playoffs in Bingo.

Wasn’t planning on signing Campoli, the pick he got will be decided from one of the 3 2nd rounders Chicago has two days before the draft

Anticipates signing a top six forward and possibly packaging picks for a player or 1st rounder. Plans on drafting a first rounder that can play with the club next year

2 1st rounders

3 2nd rounders

Total of 12 picks

Sounds like there will be two new faces on the back end. Didn’t speculate on what the top six forwards would look like.

Look at me I’m reporting!

My opinion, Phillips is here way too long for way too much money. Could have returned after the season, like Conrad said. Murray practically outed Campoli and Kuba as one or both of the guys he was looking to move today. Trying to figure out who’ll be here next year is the fun part.  If Murray works his plan and drafts an NHL-ready forward and signs a top six forward (so pissed Williams resigned with LA!) This might not be the worst team in the NHL?

Conrad

I’m feeling pretty pessimistic about this rebuild today. Didn’t trade Neil or Kuba. Didn’t trade Phillips or Lee. Didn’t trade Anderson. Of course they didn’t have the balls to trade Alfredsson or Spezza. After all of this overhaul, we end up with a late 1st, a couple of late 2nds and potentially a third 2nd that might also be a 3rd and might also be nothing, all depending on if Nashville, who has never won a playoff round, wins a playoff round.

If they sign a top six forward and package picks to get another top six forward and it doesn’t work RIGHT AWAY, then they just fucked this rebuild for a year. This all sounds suspiciously like exactly what they’re already doing. The East is wide open, blah blah blah, anyone can make it. There’s about three quality players available July 1st, and the last two UFAs we signed, Kovalev and Gonchar, we overpayed and got burned. Sounds like they’re trying to get back to the bubble team grind.

Maybe it works. Maybe it’s the only option because of a lack of assets and a weak draft. But it sort of sucks. I was looking forward to a crazy draft day. Maybe Murray / his replacement (Omega Murray) makes more moves after the season.

Marc

The injury excuse for Phillips’ subpar season is a weak one if you ask this guy. But I do like this signing. He can and will be solid for this team next year, with all of that (post) teenage spirit hanging in the dressing room.

Campoli was serviceable and brought his speed to a relatively not fast defense. I liked the kid and wish him good luck with Chicago.

I’ll be the little ray of sunshine up everybody’s ass and bring a bit of positivity. The draft is only the beginning. The off-season will see the purge continue with (hopefully) more trades including Kuba. In my twisted mind, a rebuild isn’t about getting rid of all the old pieces. We all know this is borderline impossible unless you Redden all the bunk Murray signings or straight-up buy them out. You need a healthy mix of vets and youth to make this work. Stay the course. It’s that fuckin simple y’all. I believe the foundation is there, with more pieces on the way. Do not sign a top six forward and develop one internally.

I’m on to you old man Murray. You may trick the Euge into signing you for another year, but we all know you’re done.

My proposition: let the CCFR run the team for a season. It can only get better.

Conrad

Grading the rebuild thus far, I would dip into the C grades until at least the draft. I think until such time as this team no longer has $25M still tied up in veteran contracts – Neil, Kuba, Gonchar, Spezza, Alfredsson, Phillips – I don’t think this went as far as it should. None of those players, save for maybe Spezza, are good enough or young enough to build around, and they also won’t help you win now. It’s tough for me to rate Murray, because I don’t want him to trade players just for the sake of it – meaning, he probably just didn’t receive any worthwhile offers – but all I see is a weak 1st rounder and a couple of 2nds in a weak draft. That’s not enough to launch a rebuild.

Add to that the needless pickup of Anderson, and I’m pessimistic. Why would Anderson sign in Ottawa, and who is Brian Murray to offer him a contract? Why wasn’t he flipped for a pick at the deadline? Why is Murray again talking about signing a top six forward? It’s starting to sound like this team is returning to the sneak-in-as-a-low-seed strategy. Rebuilding needs to be from the ground up, and trading away a couple of centers, an agitator, a useless winger, and a third pairing D is not a complete rebuild.

I say C-, unless there’s more trades at the draft.

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It’s trade deadline day. You know what that means: near-ubiquitous coverage by absolutely every blog and channel for eight straight hours, partnered with breathlessly banal analysis as TSN’s Team Deadline Overkill grasps desperately at something relevant to talk about.

The CCFR is going out on a limb and guessing that there isn’t much we can offer during what has increasingly become a hype machine that almost always underwhelms and nearly never is of consequence come June. Which makes it even more perfect that Phillips re-signed last night, making today even less exciting for Ottawa fans. Really glad we got that player who doesn’t want to play for a competitor under contract. We can guarantee him we won’t be that.

Will Chris Neil stay or go? Can we get a third round pick for him? Is there a single team out there stupid enough to trade for Filip Kuba? Would it be dickish to flip Anderson? These are questions that can almost certainly wait until tomorrow.

So have fun out there, stay safe, keep yourself hydrated. And enjoy reading 500 words about why someone trading a 7th round pick for Jody Shelley will almost certainly change the landscape of professional hockey.

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Hey, work-surfers. Just a note that Hockey’sFuture is now featuring one of the most detailed break-downs of Ottawa’s prospects. You won’t find a more comprehensive analysis outside of Ottawa’s scouting department. Click here to see. Also features one of THE BEST pictures of Lehner (above) looking like he’s just locked eyes on someone at the back of the room who he’d like to kill and eat.

2011.02.24: In which our two-years-too-long arrangement with Kovalev AKA Sting comes to an end in exchange for a bag of burning garbage

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Where does this leave our resident image genius Steve, for whom Kovalev provided the best material? Can he perform similar miracles with Michalek, who looks like an escaped chimp?

James

Kovalev to Pittsburgh in exchange for S. Crosby, E. Malkin, J. Staal and a 1st Rounder!

Conrad

I can’t even think of anything to say to analyze this except that I know Kovalev sucks, and I hate him, and even I’m a little puzzled that he only got a 7th rounder. He got less than Jarkko Ruutu. I know he’s terrible, and costs a lot, but I thought at least a 5th for a veteren on an expiring contract with good playoff numbers.Anyway, I’m wrong. Pick is conditional. If Pens make it past the 1st round and Kovalev plays in fifty percent of the games, it turns into a 6th. Which is a fucking hilarious condition, because I can see him leaving 1/3 of the way through the third game and it turning into a math equation. Plus, the more he plays, the more he sucks. Maybe Murray coulda waited until deadline day? See if anyone missing out on the good players gets desperate?

Now’s a good time for a retrospective on Kovalev’s time in Ottawa. Just imagine a donkey defecating in the street. That’s it. He did nothing, he made way too much, he’s KHL bound after these playoffs so I hope, for his sake, that he tries. This is his swan song. Just like…a…donkey…? Never mind.

Also, Ottawa picks up Marek Svatos on waivers! (*farting sound*)

James

Hey just ordering my authentic 300 dollar on ice Svatos jersey…(obviously Black S.N.E.S. 3rd jersey)

Conrad I think you saying “He did nothing, he made way too much, he’s KHL bound after these playoffs so I hope, for his sake, that he tries. This is his swan song” and again, taking ZERO salary back might explain is why its a seventh rounder.

Listen, before I go too far the other way i think its a pretty insane return…i would have thought 4th round. I just look at it as getting him off the books and taking no salary back = more money for the scoreboard piggy bank.

I used to be like “god why do people give so much of a crap about the scoreboard” then i saw the Hurricaines scoreboard at the all star game and with tears forming in my eyes said “i get it now” its like how you think Blu Ray isnt a big deal until someone with Planet Earth invites you over to watch it on their HD tv.

Pete

Just like I thought… Meh okay I thought bri mur would wait the final two games before dealing AK. Then again it’s been a while since he took a few games off with a hyperextended glavin.

No salary back. Nicely done. Are we going to see some of these picks put together in a package for JM Liles? Vokun?

Hoooow weeeee!, B Murray’s wheel-and-deal meter is approaching dangerous, Sutter-ian le

Conrad

So, to Pens fans who might be checking out this blog to see what you got: apparently, having Kovalev for the playoffs was always the plan for Ottawa, but he was hurt in the first year of his contract ,and we’re obviously light years from the playoffs now. But there’s some logic at play here. Also, he can’t possibly not live up to the cost, even if he only scores a couple of goals on the 2nd unit PP. But man, will he ever piss you off. Prepare for some sick stickhandling up until he hits the blue line, then he’ll toss it away. Postgame interviews will also be 170% Zen and an anecdote about not sweating the small stuff or changing a thing, even as Bylsma probably says something about expecting more from him. Congratulations!

Prianka

I’m not too surprised that Kovalev only brought in a 7th round (I think it’s 6th, depending on his performance in Pitts). You just know Murray and Melnyk hated him for making $5M a year to either turn over the puck or be the world’s laziest skater. Like everyone else is saying, it is definitely so that we didn’t have to take back any of his salary.

Looking at capgeek.com, our projected cap space for 2011/12 is $22M. I am thinking this translates into some big names signed in the off season, rather than picking anyone up before the trade deadline. I don’t really see us going for Vokoun since we just got Anderson, but I guess that will depend on how Anderson plays for the rest of the year.
Oh and the Avalanche losing 5-1 with Elliot in nets is hilarious. It really isn’t that man’s year.
Just a few days left until the trade deadline, I still have high hopes for what we can get for Phillips but I am also worried about losing Chris Neil. Imagine a team with no one names Chris. Too weird. Seriously though, I think Neil is an awesome player. He is so scrappy and hardworking, he will definitely be an asset next year as he brings a little leadership to the table (which is much needed when half your roster is fresh outta the AHL) as well as being one of the fan favourites.

2011.02.24: In which we sing The Ballad of Bobby Bultaterro

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Conrad

Hey guys, I just wrote this song.

“Baaahhhhbeeeeee / Bahbee Butlaaaa-aaaaahhhh / Like fifteen Dean McAmmonds, on the surface of an ice / cold suuuuuuuuuuuun / scored two motherfucking goals / the guys are feeding him all night, awesome / hadouken”

Now that that’s out of the way, you want to know why Cory Clouston is fucking nuts? Ryan Shannon on the point of the power play, that’s why. Sure, there’s literally no one left in this lineup, but can’t Brian Lee get something resembling love? He’s gotta play a preschooler making $500k a year as power play quarter back? Crazier still, it sort of worked. Shannon didn’t flub the puck at the blue line, and scored a goal.

Speaking of Brian Lee being fuckin’ awful, that goal by the Cats (I love that this is short for Panthers. Adorable team name, wish the logo was one of those carpet-covered climbing things) was textbook Terrible Season Senators. Higgins blows by Lee, takes a brutal shot on net, but it reflects off of Phillips’ skate and in. Two minutes later, Carkner, in an attempt to spark his team, takes a needless roughing penalty.

Anyway, more Bobby Butler. Kid goes 11 games without a point. Not goal. A point. Now he’s got five goals in five games. Can we agree that maybe playing him on the fourth line for two minutes a night was a terrible idea and that the guy belongs up there with some talent? He’s a friggin’ scorer, you need to put him with a pivot, give him power play time, not ask him to be a checking power forward. Anyway, Kovalev has 14 goals, fuck that guy. He kills his own team’s penalty stick handling into the corner. Also, there was only five minutes left in the game, Butlahhhh has two goals, Sens are on the power play and Clouston doesn’t put him out there. Does this guy just completely misread his bench or what? (Butler’s awesome.)

You know who else ain’t bad? Spezza. That guy gets a bum wrap, from me occasionally, but he might actually be undervalued, even at $7M. Such a dynamic player. (Probably not undervalued.)

The Panthers are one awful team. I don’t know what the hell Dale Tallon is going to do with them. That’s a five year rebuild if I ever saw one. Look at the Sens lineup. No Alfie, Gonchar, Karlsson, Fisher gone, Kelly gone, and the Panthers lose 5-1. Barf.

Hey, Brian Elliott is playing tonight! Against the Oilers! I can’t wait to read the Avalanche blogs tomorrow to see if they’re like “What….did we…do?”

Marc

I get sooooo pissed off when Clouston traps it up with the lead. Keep that pressure going all game and up the sonic booms.

Here’s what happened after the Great Flushing of 2011: goodiness in the form of hockey intelligence. This team is thinking before reacting. Is it me just me (or the listerine/blue caracao cocktail now known as the Plaqueless Blue Ball Buster) or is this team showing tons of patience, waiting for the play to develop before doing….well….any hockey related action with the puck. I’m feeling the youth movement (that sounds disgusting).

Butler is the new Heatley without the crashed baggage, Manson eyes and lack of respect for back checking. B-Spot is really killing it right now without Alfie, Van Allen, Brunet and Bonk in the lineup. Sign him to a Dipietro type contract now!! But add 10 years.

A miracle happened tonight: Kuba skated and hard at that! Next step which is kinda important if you’re a defenseman: learn how to clear the frickin zone, especially on the PK. Why the hell is he on the PK to begin with?

Prianka

I wish I had had the effort to get out of bed this morning to watch the Florida game. Butler and Anderson seem to be really rocking it, but c’monnnnnnn I thought we were after a top 3 draft pick?! I hate to be that fan that complained about the team sucking all year, and is now complaining because they’ve posted back to back wins for the first time in over two months but if we win too many games and end up 20th or 21st overall, this really will be the worst and most useless season in Senators history. Also we will have traded guys like Fisher and Kelly for no reason – turns out the real change that needed to be made (big surprise, right …) was the goaltender.

When is the trade deadline anyways? I can’t even keep track of what day/time it is in Ottawa these days. Are we trading Kovalev, Gonchar and Phillips are what? I know Phillips would like to stick around and help with the rebuild, and I suppose it isn’t the worst idea but I am ready to see the backs of Kovy and Gonchar.

My friend who has been traveling for the last two months or so is still confused about how our goalies went from being Elliot and Leclaire to Anderson and Lehner within the span or two or three weeks. I say we play Lehner for the rest of the year. It will let him get comfortable, ensure there aren’t too many wins and it will preveent Anderson from getting injured. Then next year we come out with Karlsson, Anderson, Butler and Lessard/Cowen to destroy everyone and anyone. Could be the fastest rebuild ever! Or maybe I am getting ahead of myself after beating two barely mediocre teams.

Conrad

The deadline is this coming Monday. Should be good. I suspect Kovalev is gone, and Phillips too. If Phillips wants to stick around, that’s cool. Just get traded for a pick, then re-sign in the off season, that’s what I would say to him. There’s helping with the rebuild by being around, and then there’s actually helping with the rebuild. We need that pick. As for Gonchar, I think it would be a miracle if someone traded for him. They could have had him in the summer for nothing, but Ottawa out-bid everyone. Why would they give up a pick now to pay terms that Ottawa agreed to?

As for not getting a top three draft pick, I wouldn’t worry: Sens are still four points back of the Isle for 3rd last overall, and seven back of NJ for 4th last. And only one point up on the Oil for 1st overall. We’re getting a top three pick.

Speaking of the Oilers, they beat the Avalanche last night 5-1, scoring 5 goals on 31 shots on…Brian Elliott. Poor guy. I’m not into Schadenfreude, so I won’t pile on, but needless to say: the boy’s just not right this season.

Pete

Watching a sens game these days is like watching an political ad on TV. Sure this guy sounds legit but I’m waiting for evidence of serious malfeasance. The Sens jettisoned serious talent in Kelly and Fisher and still went on to pound the cats. What kind of bizarro universe is this? Why are revolutionary ideas making sense? Yes we should harvest old people so we can extract viable nutrients from them.

Anyways the cats made them look sharp, Kuba wasn’t a liability on the back end and the Bingo line of Condra, O’Brien and Greening was pretty sharp (Incidentally, the sens skills competition was pretty eye opening since Greening was the fastest skater and finished second in the hardest shot)

Fear not draft-niks, we still suck, we’ll still get that delicious top three pick.

What I’m concerned about is who coaches this team next year, everyone has Clouston out the door, but I’m not so sure anymore since his roster next year will be about as mature as any AHL roster. I think he sticks around so he can put Shannon on the PP point (worked) and play Foligno at centre (what the hell, he’s not a winger?)

Conrad

Same thing happened in Atlanta last year. They lose Kovalchuk, everyone thinks they’ll go 0-22 to finish the season, and instead they go on a run.
 
As for coaches, man I dunno. I really fucking hope it’s not Bob Hartley or Ken Hitchcock. Dudes are rumored every single time there’s a vacancy. May as well be Patt Quinn. They need to do what Yzerman did in Tampa this year: go out and find whatever AHL savant is trying out new systems. Go new school.

2011.02.23: In which we imagine things more exciting, but rhyming with, “rebuild.” Like, “Warcraft Guild.”

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James

Hey Sports Fans (that’s right- that’s how I’m starting this),
 
First, Its great to be out of jail!

Second, I was up at 4AM last night working on my time machine (making ecstasy in my bathtub) and I thought of an interesting hypothetical (daymare):

Now, before you ask about why blood is coming out of my ears I would like to remind you that it is real because the Matrix MAKES it real

Moving on,
Its been one game. One g’darn game BUT put on your Imagineering Caps (.com) and make believe that newest Senator, Craig Anderson became Thee Fabled Goaltender That Was Prophesized:
He Who Bares The …umm… Scepter Of Not Letting In Soft Goals And Is Truly His Kuba’s Garbage Giveaway Keeper.
 
In plain language: What if Craig Anderson remained as hot as he was in that Toronto game on Saturday for the remainder of the season and the team drastically improved in front of him.

Im talking about his lightening fast glove hand and keen ability to not be Brian Elliot giving the team the confidence to open up a bit and score some goals…MORE GOALS THAN THE OTHER TEAM EVEN!
Im talking about this team becoming .500 plus for the rest of the season.
What I am NOT talking about is some miracle playoff run or something. I am talking about Craig Anderson passing his “audition” with flying colours.
He becomes that answer in net that we fans have been dfkla;jfgfding about since the 1700’s.

My question to you all is: if he were to do this, does he in the process become the most reviled goaltender in recent Sens history?

To further explain, what if Craig Anderson accidentally on purpose turned our visions of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins into a Brian Leegent-BobHoskins by effing up Ottawa’s draft position from top 3 to say…post top 10. I mean, it is a little bit crying with two loaves of banana bread under your arms as I think the first round has a lot of very good players outside the top 3 (Erik Nugent-Karlsson or anyone good selected outside the top ten for example) but on the other hand, the top 3 ALSO has a lot of good players
in IT…have you seen this guy Matt Duschene? …It would be nice if he played on OUR beloved team.
 
I think the fan base has more or less accepted the idea that the team is going to do very poorly for a little while but what if this guy accidentally derails the rebuild by DOING WHAT WEVE BEEN ASKING A GOALIE TO DO FOR…FOREVERRRRRRRRRR?
 
Could we potentially see a world where we run a guy out of town for being a consistent, game stealing goaltender? Or is being competitive again good enough and Pierre McGuire should just use his birth right as one of the five richest kings of Europe and devote his Eleventy Trillion Drachmirs in cap space to BUY a new good team?