Crashing The Crease – Sept 7, 2013

Here is a daily collection of some interesting links from around the NHL and the Senators bubble.

Apr 12, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) takes a shot on the Columbus Blue Jackets goal at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won the game 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

• The Senators aren’t getting much respect from around certain areas of the web.  A Winning Habit has the Senators finishing 4th, citing “an injury history to many prominent players and lack of top end scoring” as the major reasons the Senators will not be in the top 3.  I will be making a wager with the writer, and my counter is that you add 80 goals to a lineup that plays outstanding defense, and thats a pretty good combination.
• Our NHL site, Too Many Men On The Ice thinks the Sens will be in tough to make the playoffs, because they don’t have Daniel Alfredsson and Sergei Gonchar.  Yes, Alfredsson’s leadership will be missed, but his stats have been more than covered with Bobby Ryan.  Gonchar played well in Erik Karlsson‘s absence, but Karlsson healthy is a lot better for the Sens.
• Sabre Noise looks at the longest tenured GMs in the league and how the “Class of 97” (including their own Darcy Regier)  has been around for a while, but hasn’t had the ultimate success.
• One of the most dynamic players of the 90’s will get his number lifted to the rafters in Vancouver, as Pavel Bure will be honoured prior to a game against the Leafs.  (the Canuck Way)
• Some other clubs could learn from this, and at least the Islanders waited until John Tavares was an established star before putting the “C” on his jersey.  Another step in the maturation of a budding superstar, the official announcement is expected on Monday. (Eyes on Isles)
• Bleedin Blue looks at a potential stop-gap measure should Alex Pietrangelo not have his name on a contract soon – Ryan Whitney.

Check back tomorrow for an assembly of interesting news and notes from around the league.