Sunday, August 31, 2008
Holy Moly! The Butcher Bolts to Tampa
by Jes
I know my blogmate, Czechmate, an Ottawa resident, was already seething over the lack of CzechoSlovak content on the Ottawa Senators. I'm sure, then, that he'll be crying in his All Bran over the fact that Andrej Meszároš was dealt to the Lightning for some prospect assets. Now, Meszaros can have his surname butchered in whole new ways.
In typical Tampa Bay circus fashion, the Bolts made an offer sheet to the young Slovak, only to find out that *DUH* they don't have the necessary draft picks as compensation. Cue the circus music and annoying clowns.
Ottawa clearly didn't mind the fact that the Bolts wanted Meszaros, so the clubs came up with a rather quick trade to get the deal done.
Tampa Bay gave up defensemen Filip Kuba, Alex Picard, and a 2009 first-round draft pick for the Butcher, and then signed him to a six-year, $24-million dealio.
Kuba is no longer all that great, so it's basically a warm body, a lottery ticket, and Picard for a prime young D-man. Good deal of bad deal for Ottawa? I guess it depends on what Ottawa does with this new salary cap room they have.
Over at FanHouse, JP notes that Tampa, famous for comparing Lecavalier to Michael Jordan, turned on the hyperbole machine to proclaim Meszaros an 'elite' defenseman. JP isn't impressed.
I'll play the Devil's advocate and come to the defense of Tampa. Yes, Andy is not an elite defenseman, but he's one of the better young d-men in the game and ought to get better.
Remember Meszaros' rookie season? D00d was only 20 years old and put up 39 points and went +39 in 82 games. How many 20-year old d-men ever do that much?
Then, something went sour for Meszaros in Ottawa and he's been on the Martin Skoula path to stagnation. Perhaps Ray Emery's influence made Meszaros into a party animal, perhaps the Sens' new anti-Slovak policy hurt Andy's feelings ... we'll likely never know. What we do know, however, is that Meszaros' relationship with the club was quit sour, and he needed to get the hell out of that rathole.
I believe Butcher will become one of the league's better defensemen, and the Bolts will end up getting good value for this deal. Yes, they paid a high price, but good young defensemen are worth a premium. This is a far better deal than some of the other odd signings the Bolts have made.
Of course, it's easy to be nervous if you are a Bolts fan, especially when Meszaros is commenting on how much was given up for him.
I know my blogmate, Czechmate, an Ottawa resident, was already seething over the lack of CzechoSlovak content on the Ottawa Senators. I'm sure, then, that he'll be crying in his All Bran over the fact that Andrej Meszároš was dealt to the Lightning for some prospect assets. Now, Meszaros can have his surname butchered in whole new ways.
In typical Tampa Bay circus fashion, the Bolts made an offer sheet to the young Slovak, only to find out that *DUH* they don't have the necessary draft picks as compensation. Cue the circus music and annoying clowns.
Ottawa clearly didn't mind the fact that the Bolts wanted Meszaros, so the clubs came up with a rather quick trade to get the deal done.
Tampa Bay gave up defensemen Filip Kuba, Alex Picard, and a 2009 first-round draft pick for the Butcher, and then signed him to a six-year, $24-million dealio.
Kuba is no longer all that great, so it's basically a warm body, a lottery ticket, and Picard for a prime young D-man. Good deal of bad deal for Ottawa? I guess it depends on what Ottawa does with this new salary cap room they have.
Over at FanHouse, JP notes that Tampa, famous for comparing Lecavalier to Michael Jordan, turned on the hyperbole machine to proclaim Meszaros an 'elite' defenseman. JP isn't impressed.
Senators GM Bryan Murray referred to Meszaros' play over the past two seasons as "[leaving] a lot to be desired" (not something you typically hear of the game's top defensemen), and the numbers certainly represent something a lot closer to "pretty good player" than "time to adjust the game plan, we're facing Andrej Meszaros tonight" -- Meszaros finished last season 25th among the League's defensemen in scoring and 68th in that group in plus/minus. He was 80th in ice time, 35th in power-play scoring and 100th in shooting percentage.
I'll play the Devil's advocate and come to the defense of Tampa. Yes, Andy is not an elite defenseman, but he's one of the better young d-men in the game and ought to get better.
Remember Meszaros' rookie season? D00d was only 20 years old and put up 39 points and went +39 in 82 games. How many 20-year old d-men ever do that much?
Then, something went sour for Meszaros in Ottawa and he's been on the Martin Skoula path to stagnation. Perhaps Ray Emery's influence made Meszaros into a party animal, perhaps the Sens' new anti-Slovak policy hurt Andy's feelings ... we'll likely never know. What we do know, however, is that Meszaros' relationship with the club was quit sour, and he needed to get the hell out of that rathole.
I believe Butcher will become one of the league's better defensemen, and the Bolts will end up getting good value for this deal. Yes, they paid a high price, but good young defensemen are worth a premium. This is a far better deal than some of the other odd signings the Bolts have made.
Of course, it's easy to be nervous if you are a Bolts fan, especially when Meszaros is commenting on how much was given up for him.
"I was surprised they gave up that much for me," he said of the Lightning. "They gave up some good players. I really appreciate that. I'm excited and happy to be in Tampa. Now it's a great challenge for me to step up and play as hard as I can."
Labels: Lightning, Meszaros, senators
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Sugar Ray Russia's Problem Now...
by Czechmate
Living in Ottawa, but not being a Senators' fan, it was rather amusing to read about the real-life soap opera that was taking place in our Nation's Capital last hockey season. The heir apparent to the starting goaltender's position, Ray Emery, made headlines on a frequent and regular basis, but it had little to do with hockey...
There was the tardiness for practice. There was the lack of work ethic. There were altercations with teammates. But people had to see this coming, right?
Let's go back even further...
Ray Emery was drafted by the Senators 99th overall in 2001, and went to Binghamton to play for three seasons, making occasional appearances with the big team during that time. While with the B-Sens, he put up solid, if unspectacular numbers. But, organizationally, he was deemed to be the eventual replacement to Patrick Lalime (or later, Dominik Hasek). The kid had it made!
Now, after an unceremonious farewell was bid to Hasek, who ceded his spot in goal to Emery after being injured at the 2006 Olympic games, Emery was on the fast-track to stardom. He became the team's starter, and helped lead the team to their first ever appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals, where the Sens ran into a behemoth from Anaheim...
During the summer months, he was given his first big money contract, a three-year pact that would see him rake in a total of $9.5-million.
Then, the trouble started...
During training camp, Emery apparently cut off a senior citizen in his big white Hummer, and then proceeded to threaten the old man once he managed to pull up alongside him. The man, who was 65 years old, opted not to press charges on Emery for the incident.
Then, "Sugar" Ray injured his wrist, and it became clear he wouldn't be available to start the season, which gave the green light to Martin Gerber. Emery, unhappy with having to work his way back into the lineup after Gerber showed he was competent, began to be a distraction and nuissance.
He was late for practice on several occasions, including once on Long Island where he claimed to have gone to the wrong arena. John Paddock, who was coach at the time, sent him home.
Then, there were questions of his work ethic, as he would routinely mail it in at practices.
His act wore so thin that he even ended up fighting the team's tough guy, Brian McGrattan (now with Phoenix).
He reportedly also had scraps with Chris Neil and Wade Redden on other occasions.
Through all of this, the Senators finally began to unravel, and found themselves taking a nose-dive from the top of the Eastern Conferece to nearly missing the playoffs. Simply, Ray Emery had created a major rift in the locker-room. Heck, he even could be considered responsible for John Paddock's dismissal!
And what does all this piss and vinegar get you? A paid trip to Siberia.
I'm sure Emery will fit right in over there. Either that, or he'll continue his antics and find himself in some Gulag (I'm sure there's still a few operating secretly over there). I'm hoping for the latter.
Now, I started the article by suggesting we should all have seen this coming from Rayzor. Why?
Well, Emery, after getting the nod as the team's official number one goaltender, had a custom helmet made, as most goalies will do these days... Instead of something representing the team, or some heavy metal graphic, or even Patrick Lalime's "Marvin the Martian" design, Emery went with....
Mike freakin' Tyson!!! Now, I'm not saying Tyson wasn't a good boxer at the peak of his career, but really, what was Emery thinking? Oh, yeah - he was thinking "I'm Ray Emery, a bigshot".
Anyway, the minute I saw that helmet, I knew this kid would be trouble. Sure enough, only a couple years later and he's been bought out, received only 3 offers - which included two-way contract provisions, and is heading for the KHL!
His agent, JP Barry summed it up best:
On another note, I wanted to point out an article from AOL Fanhouse, written by Jes, about the new Anaheim farm team. No, they're not the Mini-Ducks or anything waterfowl related at all in fact. Presenting: THE IOWA CHOPS! Check it out. It's pretty funny...
Living in Ottawa, but not being a Senators' fan, it was rather amusing to read about the real-life soap opera that was taking place in our Nation's Capital last hockey season. The heir apparent to the starting goaltender's position, Ray Emery, made headlines on a frequent and regular basis, but it had little to do with hockey...
There was the tardiness for practice. There was the lack of work ethic. There were altercations with teammates. But people had to see this coming, right?
Let's go back even further...
Ray Emery was drafted by the Senators 99th overall in 2001, and went to Binghamton to play for three seasons, making occasional appearances with the big team during that time. While with the B-Sens, he put up solid, if unspectacular numbers. But, organizationally, he was deemed to be the eventual replacement to Patrick Lalime (or later, Dominik Hasek). The kid had it made!
Now, after an unceremonious farewell was bid to Hasek, who ceded his spot in goal to Emery after being injured at the 2006 Olympic games, Emery was on the fast-track to stardom. He became the team's starter, and helped lead the team to their first ever appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals, where the Sens ran into a behemoth from Anaheim...
During the summer months, he was given his first big money contract, a three-year pact that would see him rake in a total of $9.5-million.
Then, the trouble started...
During training camp, Emery apparently cut off a senior citizen in his big white Hummer, and then proceeded to threaten the old man once he managed to pull up alongside him. The man, who was 65 years old, opted not to press charges on Emery for the incident.
Then, "Sugar" Ray injured his wrist, and it became clear he wouldn't be available to start the season, which gave the green light to Martin Gerber. Emery, unhappy with having to work his way back into the lineup after Gerber showed he was competent, began to be a distraction and nuissance.
He was late for practice on several occasions, including once on Long Island where he claimed to have gone to the wrong arena. John Paddock, who was coach at the time, sent him home.
Then, there were questions of his work ethic, as he would routinely mail it in at practices.His act wore so thin that he even ended up fighting the team's tough guy, Brian McGrattan (now with Phoenix).
He reportedly also had scraps with Chris Neil and Wade Redden on other occasions.
Through all of this, the Senators finally began to unravel, and found themselves taking a nose-dive from the top of the Eastern Conferece to nearly missing the playoffs. Simply, Ray Emery had created a major rift in the locker-room. Heck, he even could be considered responsible for John Paddock's dismissal!
And what does all this piss and vinegar get you? A paid trip to Siberia.
I'm sure Emery will fit right in over there. Either that, or he'll continue his antics and find himself in some Gulag (I'm sure there's still a few operating secretly over there). I'm hoping for the latter.
Now, I started the article by suggesting we should all have seen this coming from Rayzor. Why?
Well, Emery, after getting the nod as the team's official number one goaltender, had a custom helmet made, as most goalies will do these days... Instead of something representing the team, or some heavy metal graphic, or even Patrick Lalime's "Marvin the Martian" design, Emery went with....
Mike freakin' Tyson!!! Now, I'm not saying Tyson wasn't a good boxer at the peak of his career, but really, what was Emery thinking? Oh, yeah - he was thinking "I'm Ray Emery, a bigshot".Anyway, the minute I saw that helmet, I knew this kid would be trouble. Sure enough, only a couple years later and he's been bought out, received only 3 offers - which included two-way contract provisions, and is heading for the KHL!
His agent, JP Barry summed it up best:
According to Barry, Emery had hoped to play in the NHL next season, but received just three calls.
"It is best for him to get away and to work hard on just being a goalie. He knows that the Russian teams practise very hard, and that is what he needs right now. It is a very competitive league with many talented offensive players. It will be the test that he needs right now to show everyone that he is still an elite goaltender."Good riddance!
On another note, I wanted to point out an article from AOL Fanhouse, written by Jes, about the new Anaheim farm team. No, they're not the Mini-Ducks or anything waterfowl related at all in fact. Presenting: THE IOWA CHOPS! Check it out. It's pretty funny...
Labels: Anaheim Ducks, Ray Emery, Russian Hockey, senators
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Mediot of the Day: Don Brennan
by Jes
I've been asked why I spent so much time and energy ranting about the Mainstream Mediots that pollute our airwaves, papers, and internets.
Want a prime example? How about Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun. Yes, that's him in the picture. I apologize if you should happen to vomit.
It's one thing for a blogger like me to spout out nonsense, since I not paid to post anything here, nor do I have a mass audience. I am the face of my own blog, and not the face of a publication.
Today's Mediot of the Day takes the cake as far as utter stupidity and false bravado.
First, he called on the Ottawa Senators to take out Sidney Crosby's ankles ala Bobby Clarke circa 1972. Classy.
Then, when Pens' enforcer Georges Laraques called Brennan out on his stupidity, Brennan penned this garbage...
For guys like Brennan, they are being paid by a large newspaper chain, and expose a wide audience to their nonsense while making their employer look like idiots.
Yes, Brennan is the typical mediot who wants to make himself the story, rather than the players or the game. Why would the fans care about some balding reporter with a chip on his shoulder is beyond me, but obviously this doofus seems to think he's more important than he is.
Is it any wonder why newspaper subscriptions continue to dwindle?
Can you imagine what would happen if Georgie did walk up to Brennan and call him 'stupid'?
Yeah, Brennan would crap his pants, run away with his tail between his legs, and then write a column about how much of a thug Laraques is. *sigh*
Tell you what, Brennan, if I ever have the mispleasure of coming face-to-face with you, I'll call you 'stupid', and many other names. How about I take out your typing fingers with a hammer? Would you like that?
Bitch!
I've been asked why I spent so much time and energy ranting about the Mainstream Mediots that pollute our airwaves, papers, and internets.
Want a prime example? How about Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun. Yes, that's him in the picture. I apologize if you should happen to vomit.
It's one thing for a blogger like me to spout out nonsense, since I not paid to post anything here, nor do I have a mass audience. I am the face of my own blog, and not the face of a publication.
Today's Mediot of the Day takes the cake as far as utter stupidity and false bravado.
First, he called on the Ottawa Senators to take out Sidney Crosby's ankles ala Bobby Clarke circa 1972. Classy.
Then, when Pens' enforcer Georges Laraques called Brennan out on his stupidity, Brennan penned this garbage...
Seem to have created quite a media uproar with my win-at-all-costs way of thinking and suggestions that the Senators test Sidney Crosby's previously injured ankle by giving it a good whack, eh. We'll spare you details and instead focus on those we are all actually here to cover. Like 6-foot-3, 245-lb. Penguins enforcer Laraque, whom last week we heard Wild tough guy Derek Boogaard refer to as "freakishly strong."
Big Georges, who was quoted as calling yours truly "stupid," had this gem yesterday when asked about Senators targeting Crosby's tender joint. "I thought Slapshot was a movie, not reality." And who didn't like that classic?
By (the way) Georges, stupid? Call me that to my face.
For guys like Brennan, they are being paid by a large newspaper chain, and expose a wide audience to their nonsense while making their employer look like idiots.
Yes, Brennan is the typical mediot who wants to make himself the story, rather than the players or the game. Why would the fans care about some balding reporter with a chip on his shoulder is beyond me, but obviously this doofus seems to think he's more important than he is.
Is it any wonder why newspaper subscriptions continue to dwindle?
Can you imagine what would happen if Georgie did walk up to Brennan and call him 'stupid'?
Yeah, Brennan would crap his pants, run away with his tail between his legs, and then write a column about how much of a thug Laraques is. *sigh*
Tell you what, Brennan, if I ever have the mispleasure of coming face-to-face with you, I'll call you 'stupid', and many other names. How about I take out your typing fingers with a hammer? Would you like that?
Bitch!
Labels: Don Brennan, mainstream mediots, senators
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Must All New Uniforms Suck Eggs?
by Jes
OK, here are the new eyesores from the Ottawa Senabores.
Dreck. It reminds me of the old 'practice' uniforms the Canucks wore as a 3rd uni for a season.
OK, here are the new eyesores from the Ottawa Senabores.
Dreck. It reminds me of the old 'practice' uniforms the Canucks wore as a 3rd uni for a season.
Labels: New Uniforms, senators
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Hail Senator Forsberg?
by Jes
It seems the Peter Forsberg rumor train, that has toured through Colorado and Detroit, has no landed in Ottawa.
Yes, Bryan Murray and the Ottawa Senators apparently have interest in Forsberg, and would love him to play for their squad once he's healthy (as healthy as Forsberg can be, I suppose)
Murray thinks they are friends? Hmm, all of the scuttlebutt I've heard suggests that they are anything but. While Naslund and Forsberg are quite cozy, Alfredsson has, allegedly, been unhappy with the way Forsberg gets star treatment from the Swedish national squad.
However, these are grown men and could put aside such squabble for the common goal of winning a Stanley Cup. The Senators are at $46.4 million in committed cap space, so Forsberg would have to come at a discount, or have part of his salary not count due to injury.
Just imagine the havoc that the follow forward unit could pull off in a playoff situation ...
Heatley-Spezza-Eaves
Vermette-Forsberg-Alfredsson
Kelly-Fisher-Neil
McAmmond-Hennessy-Donovan
Over at The FanHouse, Greg W. is far from impressed ...
I would figure Forsberg's ideal team WOULD be Ottawa, despite its cold winters. The Senators are a definite favourite to take the Eastern Conference, and give Forsberg a shot at one more cup ring.
It seems the Peter Forsberg rumor train, that has toured through Colorado and Detroit, has no landed in Ottawa.
Yes, Bryan Murray and the Ottawa Senators apparently have interest in Forsberg, and would love him to play for their squad once he's healthy (as healthy as Forsberg can be, I suppose)
"There should be a number of reasons why we'd be one of the teams he may be interested in joining. I hope he thinks we have a good team, that we got to the final and we have a chance to do it again, and I think Daniel Alfredsson is his friend. I think there are things in our favour."
Murray thinks they are friends? Hmm, all of the scuttlebutt I've heard suggests that they are anything but. While Naslund and Forsberg are quite cozy, Alfredsson has, allegedly, been unhappy with the way Forsberg gets star treatment from the Swedish national squad.
However, these are grown men and could put aside such squabble for the common goal of winning a Stanley Cup. The Senators are at $46.4 million in committed cap space, so Forsberg would have to come at a discount, or have part of his salary not count due to injury.
Just imagine the havoc that the follow forward unit could pull off in a playoff situation ...
Vermette-Forsberg-Alfredsson
Kelly-Fisher-Neil
McAmmond-Hennessy-Donovan
Over at The FanHouse, Greg W. is far from impressed ...
Despite being a Cup contender, Ottawa just doesn't seem to fit the profile for what Forsberg and his agent desire. But hey, you can't blame Murray for trying: When your biggest off-season addition is a 38-year-old defenseman playing for his fourth team in three years, dropping Forsberg's name months before he's ready to play is a nice distraction.
I would figure Forsberg's ideal team WOULD be Ottawa, despite its cold winters. The Senators are a definite favourite to take the Eastern Conference, and give Forsberg a shot at one more cup ring.
Labels: forsberg, rumours, senators
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Anaheim Ducks, 2007 Stanley Cup Champions
by Jes
(c) Getty Images
Congratulations to the Anaheim Ducks for winning the 2007 Stanley Cup over the Ottawa Senators in 5 games.
It wasn't a terribly memorable and pretty Stanley Cup for most hockey fans, and it certainly wasn't the best, but it was a lesson in how to play tough, defensive hockey the Canadian way.
Once again, a Southern-based US team beats a Canadian team and crushes the hopes and dreams of fans from cities that actually about the sport. Welcome to Gary's NHL.
Good on the NHL for not letting the family and friends onto the ice until the players skated around with the cup. Do we need the ice cluttered with a bunch of blonde bimbos and their spoiled kids? Let the players have their on-ice party.
Scott Niedermayer is not a bad Conn Smythe choice. Chris Pronger had it in the bag until his stupid second suspension. JS Giguere was good, but would have been the cop-out choice, in my awesome opinion.
Ducks fans suck. What the hell was this with cheering Gary Bettman? WTF??!?! If a Canadian team won the cup in a Canadian city, Gary would have to come out surrounded by police officers, Vince MacMahon style.
Yes, that was one f'ugly goal by Chris Phillips into his own net. No, he is not Steve Smith and he didn't cost his team the series. I still feel sorry for the guy, though. He'll always have that on his resume.
Speaking of Gary, did you notice that he was trying to hold on to the cup for a cheesy photo-op while Scott Niedermayer was trying to yank the mug away from him. GIVE HIM THE DAMN THING!!!
To sum it all up, here's a comment that one fan left in one of my NHL Fanhouse posts just after the game ended.
(c) Getty Images
Congratulations to the Anaheim Ducks for winning the 2007 Stanley Cup over the Ottawa Senators in 5 games.
It wasn't a terribly memorable and pretty Stanley Cup for most hockey fans, and it certainly wasn't the best, but it was a lesson in how to play tough, defensive hockey the Canadian way.
Once again, a Southern-based US team beats a Canadian team and crushes the hopes and dreams of fans from cities that actually about the sport. Welcome to Gary's NHL.
Hello Teemu Selanne, My name is Brad Skinner and i am from
Winnipeg,Manitoba, the place where you started your amazing career, the rookie season was unbelieveable with 76 goals in 82 games and 132 points, that will never be broken by an rookie. congradualtions on winning the stanley cup after 15 amazing years you truly do deserve it. i am a big fan of you!!
when you came to winnipeg for the last game at the old Winnipeg Arena you shook my hand and signed my Winnipeg jets jersey of you, i was so happy i almost cried when this amazing moment happened.
i can not explaine in words how much i look up to you. I hope that you return to Winnipeg sometime soon and if you brought the Cup that would be amazing but even for you to just come back to winnipeg would be unbelievebale. congrats on an amazing
15 years and on winning lord Standley\'s Cup, many great years ahead, and who knows if nashville moves to winnipeg, maybe you could end your career there. take care and celerbrate because you deserve it!! hope to see you in the City where you started your amazing carreer, Winnipeg,Manitoba,Canada.
take care,
Brad Skinner, age 16, a teenager who looks up to you.
Labels: ducks, Scott Niedermayer, senators, stanley cup
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Game Three Thoughts: Go Role Players!
by Jes
The Dark Lord is pleased!
See? The Sens DO need their support players to step up and can win without The Top Line (tm) doing all of the scoring.
Last night?
The Top Line(tm): 1 goal, 0 assists, +1
All other players: 4 goals, 8 assists, +9
Guys like Dean McAmmond, Chris Neil, and Mike Fisher have skill and need to use it. While the Ducks do all they can to shut down The Top Line, and do it well, it leaves opportunities for the superior forward depth of the Sens to make a difference.
Oh, Chris Pronger was at it again. Care to guess the suspension?
I am hoping that the NHL sends a message with a suspension and gives Pronger at least two games. This is his second offense in two series and it was clearly a purposeful intent to injure.
Look, if the NHL continues to go soft on the stars of the game, what kind of message does it send to the rest of the league? Is this the NBA?
Francois Beauchemin? -3! Ouch!
It's kind of strange to see that the line of Marchant-Pahlsson-R.Niedermayer looks so dangerous offensively while they are doing their defensive duties.
Overall, it's nice to see we've got a real series developing.
The Dark Lord is pleased!
See? The Sens DO need their support players to step up and can win without The Top Line (tm) doing all of the scoring.
Last night?
The Top Line(tm): 1 goal, 0 assists, +1
All other players: 4 goals, 8 assists, +9
Guys like Dean McAmmond, Chris Neil, and Mike Fisher have skill and need to use it. While the Ducks do all they can to shut down The Top Line, and do it well, it leaves opportunities for the superior forward depth of the Sens to make a difference.
Oh, Chris Pronger was at it again. Care to guess the suspension?
I am hoping that the NHL sends a message with a suspension and gives Pronger at least two games. This is his second offense in two series and it was clearly a purposeful intent to injure.
Look, if the NHL continues to go soft on the stars of the game, what kind of message does it send to the rest of the league? Is this the NBA?
Francois Beauchemin? -3! Ouch!
It's kind of strange to see that the line of Marchant-Pahlsson-R.Niedermayer looks so dangerous offensively while they are doing their defensive duties.
Overall, it's nice to see we've got a real series developing.
Labels: ducks, senators, stanley cup
Thursday, May 31, 2007
The Senators Aren't Hungry Enough
by Jes
How can you explain getting less than 40 shots in 2 games? The Sens are sleepwalking, turning over the puck like it's the new fashion, and pissing away a great opportunity.
Perhaps some of my inspired recipes will generate some hunger in these fools.
You know, Bryan Murray has done a great job with his team up until this series, but I can't help myself to think that he's 'choking' again. Murray has a history of sucking in the playoffs, and now the Sens are being outcoached, outplayed, outhustled, and out-whatever.
When your weakness, Ray Emery, is your best player, then it's either a wasted opportunity, and/or the sign of the rest of the team sucking.
For all of the talk about how the top line has been nullified, how about the supporting cast? Where are they? Spezza/Alfie/Heatley should be shoulder the entire blame when the others on the team aren't lighting the lamp, either.
As for the Ducks, they are simply playing their aggressive style to a 'T'. The Eastern Conference is definitely not nearly as physical as the Western Conference, and the Sens are having troubles with the Ducks physical mosh-pit style of hockey.
How can you explain getting less than 40 shots in 2 games? The Sens are sleepwalking, turning over the puck like it's the new fashion, and pissing away a great opportunity.
Perhaps some of my inspired recipes will generate some hunger in these fools.
You know, Bryan Murray has done a great job with his team up until this series, but I can't help myself to think that he's 'choking' again. Murray has a history of sucking in the playoffs, and now the Sens are being outcoached, outplayed, outhustled, and out-whatever.
When your weakness, Ray Emery, is your best player, then it's either a wasted opportunity, and/or the sign of the rest of the team sucking.
For all of the talk about how the top line has been nullified, how about the supporting cast? Where are they? Spezza/Alfie/Heatley should be shoulder the entire blame when the others on the team aren't lighting the lamp, either.
As for the Ducks, they are simply playing their aggressive style to a 'T'. The Eastern Conference is definitely not nearly as physical as the Western Conference, and the Sens are having troubles with the Ducks physical mosh-pit style of hockey.
Labels: ducks, recipes, senators, stanley cup
Monday, May 28, 2007
Ducks vs. Senators Series Preview Post Thingy
by Jes
Just because every blogger is obligated to have their series preview in by 5PM EST, I might as well post mine before I get smacked with a farmed salmon.
I went 2-for-2 in Round 3, giving me a 12-for-14 record overall (86%). Greg is at like 21% or something.
Of all the bloggers and writers, I am the bestest!
Here's the shakedown, kiddo.
Goaltending
Ray Emery: 15GP 12-3 1.95GAA 91.9SV%
J-S Giguere: 13GP 9-3 1.87GAA 93.1SV%
Sugar Ray Emery (oooh, what an original nickname) was rather ordinary in the first two series, but was just fine in the semi-finals. His SV% is actually in the lower half of playoff goalies, for what is it worth. The Sens play great defense in front of him, and he is their biggest weakness.
Obviously, Giguere is the better of the two and has the experience Emery does not. At least Emery is no Patrick Lalime, and Sens fans aren't nervous about his potential performance.
Edge: ANAHEIM
Defence
Anaheim: 10 goals, 23 assists, +14
Ottawa: 8 goals, 24 assists, +22
I'll take the Big 3 + the unsung Sean O'Donnell over the Senators group any day of the week (even Wednesdays).
The Sens, to their credit, are playing way more than the sum of their individual parts. Wade Redden is a fairly nice chip (even though he looks like a big puss), and "The Butcher "Meszaros is a fine young cannibal, but the Sens should almost be not playing as well as they are, given how ordinary their D looks on paper.
I just feel that the Ducks physical forwards will have their way with the likes of Schubert, Corvo, and Preissing.
Edge: ANAHEIM
Forwards
The Sens are known as a 1-line team, but that one line kicks some serious ass and the players are #1, #2, and #4 in playoff scoring. The Ducks' top forward scorer is Ryan Getzlaf with 13 points in 16 games.
Guys like Andy MacDonald, Dustin Penner, and Chris Kunitz have been rather disappointing. The Sens can throw out Mike "The Brick" Comrie, Mean Dean McAmmond, Chris "The Real Deal" Neil, Peter Schaeffer and Antoine Vermette if they want some secondary scoring.
Sens depth > Ducks Depth
EDGE: OTTAWA
Special Teams
Anaheim: PP = 15.3% (7th), PK = 87.5% (6th)
Ottawa: PP = 20.0% (2nd), PK = 88.6% (4th)
Anaheim also averages a league-high 6 shorthanded opportunities against per game, while the Sens are more disciplined at 5.27.
Edge: OTTAWA
Slovaks
Anaheim = None. Bastards!
Ottawa = Andrej Meszaros.
Edge: OTTAWA
Greg picked ... Ottawa
Edge: ANAHEIM
Overall prediction: Anaheim Ducks in 7.
Just because every blogger is obligated to have their series preview in by 5PM EST, I might as well post mine before I get smacked with a farmed salmon.
I went 2-for-2 in Round 3, giving me a 12-for-14 record overall (86%). Greg is at like 21% or something.
Of all the bloggers and writers, I am the bestest!
Here's the shakedown, kiddo.
Goaltending
Ray Emery: 15GP 12-3 1.95GAA 91.9SV%
J-S Giguere: 13GP 9-3 1.87GAA 93.1SV%
Sugar Ray Emery (oooh, what an original nickname) was rather ordinary in the first two series, but was just fine in the semi-finals. His SV% is actually in the lower half of playoff goalies, for what is it worth. The Sens play great defense in front of him, and he is their biggest weakness.
Obviously, Giguere is the better of the two and has the experience Emery does not. At least Emery is no Patrick Lalime, and Sens fans aren't nervous about his potential performance.
Edge: ANAHEIM
Defence
Anaheim: 10 goals, 23 assists, +14
Ottawa: 8 goals, 24 assists, +22
I'll take the Big 3 + the unsung Sean O'Donnell over the Senators group any day of the week (even Wednesdays).
The Sens, to their credit, are playing way more than the sum of their individual parts. Wade Redden is a fairly nice chip (even though he looks like a big puss), and "The Butcher "Meszaros is a fine young cannibal, but the Sens should almost be not playing as well as they are, given how ordinary their D looks on paper.
I just feel that the Ducks physical forwards will have their way with the likes of Schubert, Corvo, and Preissing.
Edge: ANAHEIM
Forwards
The Sens are known as a 1-line team, but that one line kicks some serious ass and the players are #1, #2, and #4 in playoff scoring. The Ducks' top forward scorer is Ryan Getzlaf with 13 points in 16 games.
Guys like Andy MacDonald, Dustin Penner, and Chris Kunitz have been rather disappointing. The Sens can throw out Mike "The Brick" Comrie, Mean Dean McAmmond, Chris "The Real Deal" Neil, Peter Schaeffer and Antoine Vermette if they want some secondary scoring.
Sens depth > Ducks Depth
EDGE: OTTAWA
Special Teams
Anaheim: PP = 15.3% (7th), PK = 87.5% (6th)
Ottawa: PP = 20.0% (2nd), PK = 88.6% (4th)
Anaheim also averages a league-high 6 shorthanded opportunities against per game, while the Sens are more disciplined at 5.27.
Edge: OTTAWA
Slovaks
Anaheim = None. Bastards!
Ottawa = Andrej Meszaros.
Edge: OTTAWA
Greg picked ... Ottawa
Edge: ANAHEIM
Overall prediction: Anaheim Ducks in 7.
Labels: ducks, predictions, senators, stanley cup
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Photo of the Day: Ottawa, Canada's Team?
Another goodie from The Instigator ...
Neil MacRae (talk radio dumbass here in Vancouver) made a good point this morning that if the Vancouver Canucks were in the semis instead of Ottawa, CBC wouldn't be trying nearly as hard to pump them up as "Canada's Team".
As much as I like/want the cup to come back to Canada, for purely selfish Anti-American reasons, let's just cut this crap with "Canada's Team".
The Senators are Ottawa's team just like the Oilers are Edmonton's team. I am not a Sens fan, nor do their fans deserve the disrepect of us trying to leap on their bandwagon.
Ottawa is a much different city than Vancouver, and their hockey team is also much different than ours. (Theirs can score goals...) Ottawa and the Senators do not represent Canadian hockey any more than the Anaheim Ducks, who have a roster full of Canadians.
Neil MacRae (talk radio dumbass here in Vancouver) made a good point this morning that if the Vancouver Canucks were in the semis instead of Ottawa, CBC wouldn't be trying nearly as hard to pump them up as "Canada's Team".
As much as I like/want the cup to come back to Canada, for purely selfish Anti-American reasons, let's just cut this crap with "Canada's Team".
The Senators are Ottawa's team just like the Oilers are Edmonton's team. I am not a Sens fan, nor do their fans deserve the disrepect of us trying to leap on their bandwagon.
Ottawa is a much different city than Vancouver, and their hockey team is also much different than ours. (Theirs can score goals...) Ottawa and the Senators do not represent Canadian hockey any more than the Anaheim Ducks, who have a roster full of Canadians.
Labels: photo of the day, senators, The Instigator
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
What? The Senators Don't Suck?!
by Jes
Is anyone else surprised by this year's version of the Ottawa Senators? They have this whole 'Team of Destiny' vibe to them that I felt with the Carolina Hurricanes last year. It's very weird to see a team coached by Bryan Murray actually not suck in the playoffs.
I have more on these surprising Sens at The NHL Fanhouse.
As for the Sabres, they've looked like a team that hasn't quite been there during these playoffs. Oh, they won their first two series without much in the way of casualties, but there was always that feeling that they weren't playing their A-game. Well, their special teams have failed them, Tallinder is hurt, and they can't generate offence. I never figured THIS Sabres club would have problems scoring goals.
Back to the Sens, I find myself tempted to join the bandwagon. Oh, I hate the city of Ottawa, but I gotta support the one lone Slovak remaining in the playoffs (Meszaros).
I'd love to see the cup come to a Canadian city, especially over Murder City, USA, or Anaheim, the city of hotel after hotel.
Also at the NHL Fanhouse:
1. A funny video of a pizza commercial starring Martin Brodeur and Luc Robitaille.
Unlike Gretztky's boring-ass commercials (Save for the Brian Leetch as a figure skater), this commercial is actually GOOD.
2. A look at the Minnesota Wild's goaltending glut.
Worst-case scenario, they are stuck with Fernandez/Harding.
Best case scenario, they re-sign Backstrom for fairly cheap, trade Fernandez for a draft pick, and go with Backstrom/Harding.
Either way, they can't really lose, can they?
3. One little Sabres fan who won't give up hope!! - Obviously, someone hasn't been jaded by years of failure...
4. ... Unlike Tom Luongo, who's seen enough Buffalo sports teams fail to drive him to drink straight out of the keg.
Is anyone else surprised by this year's version of the Ottawa Senators? They have this whole 'Team of Destiny' vibe to them that I felt with the Carolina Hurricanes last year. It's very weird to see a team coached by Bryan Murray actually not suck in the playoffs.I have more on these surprising Sens at The NHL Fanhouse.
As for the Sabres, they've looked like a team that hasn't quite been there during these playoffs. Oh, they won their first two series without much in the way of casualties, but there was always that feeling that they weren't playing their A-game. Well, their special teams have failed them, Tallinder is hurt, and they can't generate offence. I never figured THIS Sabres club would have problems scoring goals.
Back to the Sens, I find myself tempted to join the bandwagon. Oh, I hate the city of Ottawa, but I gotta support the one lone Slovak remaining in the playoffs (Meszaros).
I'd love to see the cup come to a Canadian city, especially over Murder City, USA, or Anaheim, the city of hotel after hotel.
Also at the NHL Fanhouse:
1. A funny video of a pizza commercial starring Martin Brodeur and Luc Robitaille.
Unlike Gretztky's boring-ass commercials (Save for the Brian Leetch as a figure skater), this commercial is actually GOOD.
2. A look at the Minnesota Wild's goaltending glut.
Worst-case scenario, they are stuck with Fernandez/Harding.
Best case scenario, they re-sign Backstrom for fairly cheap, trade Fernandez for a draft pick, and go with Backstrom/Harding.
Either way, they can't really lose, can they?
3. One little Sabres fan who won't give up hope!! - Obviously, someone hasn't been jaded by years of failure...
4. ... Unlike Tom Luongo, who's seen enough Buffalo sports teams fail to drive him to drink straight out of the keg.
Labels: Martin Brodeur, musings, sabres, senators, Wild
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Gőlbez's Third Round Predictions
by Jes
So, I was 4-for-4 in the 2nd Round while Greg was 2-for-4. Obviously, this makes me twice as good as Greg. HA!
In the 1st Round, Greg was 50% (4-for-8) and is 6-for-12 overall. Moi? I went 6-for-8 and am now 10-for-12 (83%).
You may now lick the jam from in between my toes.
Now, let's ramble about Round Three.
---
I see a total lack of Cinderella teams, as all the semi-finalists are strong contenders for the cup with very deep rosters and a lot of talent. It's been awhile since we could say that.
Buffalo vs. Ottawa
Two high-powered offensive squads go head-to-head in what should be a fun series to watch.
Ray Emery has not been bad for the Senators, but his 91.9SV% is actually the lowest, by far, of the Final Four goalies. Ryan Miller has been spectacular thus far, and has answered the critics with strong play against some offensively talented Islanders and Rangers squads.
The Senators have been relying heavily on the Heatley-Alfredsson-Spezza trio, while the Sabres have spread out their scoring like a good peanut butter. If the Sabres can hold off the Sens' top line, they'll be well on their way back to the Finals.
One point against the Sabres is their woeful 79.6 PK% in the playoffs. They weren't all that good during the regular season, either. The Sens have the 2nd best playoff PP% at 22.7%.
While the Sens have played like a steamroller, the Sabres have looked rather shaky, despite the fact they've lost only 3 games. There is always the though that the Sabres could play better, but it could be just the fact that their team isn't packed with the same defensive presence up front that other teams have.
Prediction: Senators in 7. I'm going Canadian.
Detroit vs. Anaheim
Two very nice contrasts: the mechanical, finesse, euro-heavy Red Wings vs. the crash-and-bang, in-your-face, euro-light Anaheim Ducks.
Dominik Hasek is back to his old self with a 93.0SV% and a bit of goofiness in the crease. J-S Giguere has a eye-popping 95.2SV%, albeit built up against the Canucks' pathetic offence.
After years of playoff suckiness, Pavel Datsyuk is now 2nd on his team with 11 points in 12 games. The amazing Nick Lidstrom is first, and is controlling games just as well as he ever has. The rest of the offence hasn't been spectacular. The Wings have actually generated the most shots on goal, by far, with 445, but have a low 7% conversion rate. Unless Bertuzzi and Holmstrom can generate more chaos in front of the net, Giguere won't have a tough time handling outside shots, just like he did against the Canucks.
For the Ducks, they kind of have the same issue. Chris Pronger leads the team in scoring, and Samuel F. Pahlsson (!) is second on the team with 7 points. The Ducks' big guns (MacDonald, Selanne, Getzlaf) are capable of more.
The Wings PP was bad during the regular season, but has been effective in the playoffs. With the Ducks tendency to take some undisciplined penalties (they lead the NHL with 191 playoff PIMs), the Wings will have to do what the Canucks couldn't, and score Power Play goals. According to Yahoo!, the Ducks have a 94.6% success rate on penalty kills, and are also more effective with the man advantage.
Given the Ducks amazing defence, goaltending, and superior special teams, I'm going to have to call this series in their favour. That, and the Red Wings suck!
Prediction: Ducks in 6.
So, I was 4-for-4 in the 2nd Round while Greg was 2-for-4. Obviously, this makes me twice as good as Greg. HA!
In the 1st Round, Greg was 50% (4-for-8) and is 6-for-12 overall. Moi? I went 6-for-8 and am now 10-for-12 (83%).
You may now lick the jam from in between my toes.
Now, let's ramble about Round Three.
---
I see a total lack of Cinderella teams, as all the semi-finalists are strong contenders for the cup with very deep rosters and a lot of talent. It's been awhile since we could say that.
Buffalo vs. Ottawa
Two high-powered offensive squads go head-to-head in what should be a fun series to watch.
Ray Emery has not been bad for the Senators, but his 91.9SV% is actually the lowest, by far, of the Final Four goalies. Ryan Miller has been spectacular thus far, and has answered the critics with strong play against some offensively talented Islanders and Rangers squads.
The Senators have been relying heavily on the Heatley-Alfredsson-Spezza trio, while the Sabres have spread out their scoring like a good peanut butter. If the Sabres can hold off the Sens' top line, they'll be well on their way back to the Finals.
One point against the Sabres is their woeful 79.6 PK% in the playoffs. They weren't all that good during the regular season, either. The Sens have the 2nd best playoff PP% at 22.7%.
While the Sens have played like a steamroller, the Sabres have looked rather shaky, despite the fact they've lost only 3 games. There is always the though that the Sabres could play better, but it could be just the fact that their team isn't packed with the same defensive presence up front that other teams have.
Prediction: Senators in 7. I'm going Canadian.
Detroit vs. Anaheim
Two very nice contrasts: the mechanical, finesse, euro-heavy Red Wings vs. the crash-and-bang, in-your-face, euro-light Anaheim Ducks.
Dominik Hasek is back to his old self with a 93.0SV% and a bit of goofiness in the crease. J-S Giguere has a eye-popping 95.2SV%, albeit built up against the Canucks' pathetic offence.
After years of playoff suckiness, Pavel Datsyuk is now 2nd on his team with 11 points in 12 games. The amazing Nick Lidstrom is first, and is controlling games just as well as he ever has. The rest of the offence hasn't been spectacular. The Wings have actually generated the most shots on goal, by far, with 445, but have a low 7% conversion rate. Unless Bertuzzi and Holmstrom can generate more chaos in front of the net, Giguere won't have a tough time handling outside shots, just like he did against the Canucks.
For the Ducks, they kind of have the same issue. Chris Pronger leads the team in scoring, and Samuel F. Pahlsson (!) is second on the team with 7 points. The Ducks' big guns (MacDonald, Selanne, Getzlaf) are capable of more.
The Wings PP was bad during the regular season, but has been effective in the playoffs. With the Ducks tendency to take some undisciplined penalties (they lead the NHL with 191 playoff PIMs), the Wings will have to do what the Canucks couldn't, and score Power Play goals. According to Yahoo!, the Ducks have a 94.6% success rate on penalty kills, and are also more effective with the man advantage.
Given the Ducks amazing defence, goaltending, and superior special teams, I'm going to have to call this series in their favour. That, and the Red Wings suck!
Prediction: Ducks in 6.
Labels: ducks, playoffs, Red Wings, sabres, senators, third round
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Photo of the Day: Cryin' Bryan
It's funny because it's true!
Don't believe me? Then, what is he doing here?
And here...
Don't believe me? Then, what is he doing here?
And here...
Labels: bryan murray, photo of the day, senators
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Jason Spezza's "New NHL" Injury
by Jes
Nobody does METRO quite like Taylor Pyatt and his permanent mascara, but Jason Spezza comes close with his latest injury.
From the Ottawa Citizen:
What's next? A lower body injury from a hair-removal procedure? Day-to-day with Botox inflammation?
Nobody does METRO quite like Taylor Pyatt and his permanent mascara, but Jason Spezza comes close with his latest injury.
From the Ottawa Citizen:
Jason Spezza may have to look into getting himself a personal shopper.Injuring your back while shopping, welcome to the "New NHL".
At the very least, he may have to take seriously coach Bryan Murray's suggestion that he get "hooked up" so he has someone to do his shopping for him.
For Spezza, a shopping trip on Monday was able to do something that Buffalo's Andrew Peters was unable to do two weeks ago: knock him out of a hockey game.
It might be an NHL first.
Clearly chagrined, Spezza said yesterday he wasn't "going to get into too many details" of how he suffered the back injury that forced him to miss Tuesday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and could keep him out of tonight's game here against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Who could blame him?
You wouldn't want people to start joking that you hurt your back reaching for your wallet.
But Murray helped out by sketching the broad strokes of the misadventure, saying Spezza told him he had been sitting in his car and got out, but then felt a tightness in his back.
"I guess he had to go shopping," Murray said. "He should get hooked up and then he wouldn't have to do that. ... It got better (Tuesday), but not to the point where he felt he could play in the game.
What's next? A lower body injury from a hair-removal procedure? Day-to-day with Botox inflammation?
Labels: Jason Spezza, senators, weird injuries
Friday, March 02, 2007
Start Stocking Up on Eric Belanger Jerseys
by Greg
The trade deadline is in the past, the world has continued on its axis despite at least two Thrashers deals (Zhitnik and Dupuis) I was less than thrilled about. The flurry of activity was enough, at least, to earn the humble birds a place in the august pages of the New York Times today (thanks to reader Wayne for passing it along). The article centers around a sports theory I'm not sure I really buy into -- that deals reinvigorate a team on a mental level. Sure, I buy it (generally) that having Keith Tkachuk on the ice is a positive. But I'm not so sure that someone's going to say "holy crap, I've got a locker next to Alexei Zhitnik now. As soon as I get his autograph, I'm going to try harder."
With the Zhitnik and Tkachuk deals taken care of, that was enough for everyone to cite the "New Look" Thrashers winning over the Bruins earlier this week, but c'mon ... it was the Bruins. They've pretty visibly given up. Tonight's game -- against a team north of the Atlantas in the standings -- was a much better gauge.
And, hey, success. I had to listen on the radio -- couldn't pick up a televised broadcast at work -- but everything seemed to be going pretty well. Heard Tkachuk's name surprisingly little, but Eric Belanger's post-trade bounce continues, the announcers were very into saying Pascal Dupuis's name, and when they got up by one goal on the Senators, the Thrashers actually scored the next goal rather than giving it up. A new development, and a promising one.
I'll actually be in attendance for Sunday's game against Carolina -- who beat the Thrashers pretty soundly last time they met. It's on. My enthusiasm is rekindled. Folly though it may be, I've got some faith in this team again. (Check back in two days to see how that holds up.)
The trade deadline is in the past, the world has continued on its axis despite at least two Thrashers deals (Zhitnik and Dupuis) I was less than thrilled about. The flurry of activity was enough, at least, to earn the humble birds a place in the august pages of the New York Times today (thanks to reader Wayne for passing it along). The article centers around a sports theory I'm not sure I really buy into -- that deals reinvigorate a team on a mental level. Sure, I buy it (generally) that having Keith Tkachuk on the ice is a positive. But I'm not so sure that someone's going to say "holy crap, I've got a locker next to Alexei Zhitnik now. As soon as I get his autograph, I'm going to try harder."
With the Zhitnik and Tkachuk deals taken care of, that was enough for everyone to cite the "New Look" Thrashers winning over the Bruins earlier this week, but c'mon ... it was the Bruins. They've pretty visibly given up. Tonight's game -- against a team north of the Atlantas in the standings -- was a much better gauge.
And, hey, success. I had to listen on the radio -- couldn't pick up a televised broadcast at work -- but everything seemed to be going pretty well. Heard Tkachuk's name surprisingly little, but Eric Belanger's post-trade bounce continues, the announcers were very into saying Pascal Dupuis's name, and when they got up by one goal on the Senators, the Thrashers actually scored the next goal rather than giving it up. A new development, and a promising one.
I'll actually be in attendance for Sunday's game against Carolina -- who beat the Thrashers pretty soundly last time they met. It's on. My enthusiasm is rekindled. Folly though it may be, I've got some faith in this team again. (Check back in two days to see how that holds up.)
Labels: Bruins, eric belanger is my new favorite player, senators, thrashers, trades
Thursday, November 16, 2006
A Letter to Sens GM John Muckler
Dear John Muckler,
There has been a lot of recent teeth gnashing in the panicky Ottawa sports media and among the cranky fanbase over the performance of goaltender Martin Gerber, the player on which you pinned so many hopes. A 3-8-1 record with a 3.45GAA and a 89.0SV% puts him right in the lower echelon of the league's goaltenders.
Knowing you operate, you have no doubt tuned out the people in Ottawa and have completely ignored the firestorm of criticism that has been lobbed your way.
So, allow me to give you an outsider's perspective.
You should have seen it coming.
That's right. I'm telling you, flat out, that you should have seen Gerber's performance coming from a country mile away. You should have never expected him to be a great #1 goaltender and lead the Sens to the cup. You shouldn't be surprised that he hasn't turned into a Vezina winner.
Was it last season's awful playoff collapse? No, I'll let that slide. Gerber is not the first NHL goaltender to have an awful time in their playoff debuts.
What was it? How about his performance during the entire season? Did you ever consider that?
Now, at the time the Carolina Hurricanes signed Gerber, I gave them the thumbs up for the transaction. Gerber did very well for the Ducks as a backup, and had a great season during the lockout. Gerber cost only $1mil in salary and had a good pedigree. He deserved the change and he rewarded the Canes with solid goaltending and a franchise record 38 wins.
38 wins!! Yes, the shiny 38 wins that blinded you and caused you to blow your wad and sign Gerber to a $11mil/3 season deal that pretty much sets the guy up for life. I know it can be hard for an old school GM like you to look past his 38-14 record, but that's exactly what you SHOULD HAVE DONE!
Let's dig a little deeper, and see that his 90.6SV% and 2.78GAA were not all that impressive. Gerber ranked about average in his goaltending statistics behind a Stanley Cup winning team. Even the Blues' Curtis Sanford was better than Gerber.
The Canes won so many games thanks to their great offence as supposed to the goaltending of Martin Gerber.
Plus, signing a goaltender named after baby food is considered bad luck on Romulus.
So, the next time you go out into the free agent market to sign a goaltender (if you even get the chance), dig a little deeper and look past the W-L record to know what you are really getting. Would you buy a car simply on the brand name and paint job? Maybe you would, but you'd likely get burned.
Sincerely,
Jes
PS: Meszaros for Morrison?
There has been a lot of recent teeth gnashing in the panicky Ottawa sports media and among the cranky fanbase over the performance of goaltender Martin Gerber, the player on which you pinned so many hopes. A 3-8-1 record with a 3.45GAA and a 89.0SV% puts him right in the lower echelon of the league's goaltenders.
Knowing you operate, you have no doubt tuned out the people in Ottawa and have completely ignored the firestorm of criticism that has been lobbed your way.
So, allow me to give you an outsider's perspective.
You should have seen it coming.
That's right. I'm telling you, flat out, that you should have seen Gerber's performance coming from a country mile away. You should have never expected him to be a great #1 goaltender and lead the Sens to the cup. You shouldn't be surprised that he hasn't turned into a Vezina winner.
Was it last season's awful playoff collapse? No, I'll let that slide. Gerber is not the first NHL goaltender to have an awful time in their playoff debuts.
What was it? How about his performance during the entire season? Did you ever consider that?
Now, at the time the Carolina Hurricanes signed Gerber, I gave them the thumbs up for the transaction. Gerber did very well for the Ducks as a backup, and had a great season during the lockout. Gerber cost only $1mil in salary and had a good pedigree. He deserved the change and he rewarded the Canes with solid goaltending and a franchise record 38 wins.
38 wins!! Yes, the shiny 38 wins that blinded you and caused you to blow your wad and sign Gerber to a $11mil/3 season deal that pretty much sets the guy up for life. I know it can be hard for an old school GM like you to look past his 38-14 record, but that's exactly what you SHOULD HAVE DONE!
Let's dig a little deeper, and see that his 90.6SV% and 2.78GAA were not all that impressive. Gerber ranked about average in his goaltending statistics behind a Stanley Cup winning team. Even the Blues' Curtis Sanford was better than Gerber.
The Canes won so many games thanks to their great offence as supposed to the goaltending of Martin Gerber.
Plus, signing a goaltender named after baby food is considered bad luck on Romulus.
So, the next time you go out into the free agent market to sign a goaltender (if you even get the chance), dig a little deeper and look past the W-L record to know what you are really getting. Would you buy a car simply on the brand name and paint job? Maybe you would, but you'd likely get burned.
Sincerely,
Jes
PS: Meszaros for Morrison?
Labels: John Muckler, Martin Gerber, Ray Emery, senators
