Big Game on Hand

First off, I have to apologize to my readers for my absence the past week. A lot happened in my life the past week and I haven’t been able to get my mind straight and blog on SenShot. Now that it looks like everything is cleared, I will be back to my usual posting. Thank you for your understanding.

The past week, a lot of things happened from an Ottawa Senators point of view. Everything from an embarassing loss to an unsung hero rising up from the dead and possibly creating some controversary. The last game was an exciting one, with Chris Campoli completing a sweet saucer pass from Alex Kovalev to net the game-winner with 1:14 left. Kovalev hasn’t had much oppurtuinities to do that this season, and now that he’s comfortable in Ottawa, he should be racking up those points quickly and often. Mike Brodeur recorded the shutout with 30 saves including three key ones late in the 2nd. Many bandwagon fans are calling for Mike Brodeur to be named the No.1 goalie, already. To them, I spit. Pascal Leclaire is the starting goaltender for this club with no question. He’s had some rough games, but it’s all due to his inactivity in my mind. He’s now out for a week with a concussion, which is horrible luck for him. Cory Clouston has to get him in the groove of the game when he makes his return. I, however, can see some controversary and battle for the No.2 spot. If Mike Brodeur plays very good this week and Brian Elliott is limited to games, you may see Elliott head to Binghamton for a short conditioning stint.

The 6-1 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers was abysmal. I did not watch the game, but from the highlights you could see that the Senators offense has problems. Atlanta was getting shots on both goalies early and a lot of them went in. Ottawa was getting shots on Ondrej Pavelec (remember him), including two breakaways by Jonathan Cheechoo and Jarkko Ruutu which both resulted in possible saves of the season in the NHL.

I’m seeing even more and more criticism towards Erik Karlsson, who has played very well despite the Sens’ shortcomings. With his growing ice-time comes growing responsibility, and he’s responded to that very well. His plus-minus is getting better because he’s been on the ice for many goals. People need to start realizing that.

So a big game is on hand tonight as the Ottawa Senators head to Montreal for a date with the Canadiens. Yours truly will be at the game and I hope to see a win from Les Sens. Daniel Alfredsson is back and will skate on a line with Nick Foligno and Mike Fisher. Alex Kovalev will play alongside Peter Regin and Ryan Shannon, while Chris Neil gets bumped up to third line with Jarkko Ruutu and Chris Kelly. The fourth line is a bit of mystery, as Kaspars Daugavins and Zack Smith are still up from Binghamton and one of them will likely be sent down or scratched tonight. My money is on Smith playing on the fouth line with Shean Donovan and Jonathan Cheechoo. Smith has actually been good since his call-up and his toughness is something to behold for someone his age. Filip Kuba will be back tonight and will likely play with Erik Karlsson. That means that either alexander Picard or Chris Campoli will be a healthy scratch. Mike Brodeur will obviously get the start.

4-3 Sens tonight. Goals from Fisher, Karlsson, Kovalev, and Cheech for the game winner.

GO SENS GO!!!