Chris Phillips Scratch, Anderson Trade, Bertuzzi Status Unknown

A collection of our Staff Writer’s favourite links from early in the week. This week’s storylines seem to be revolving around Chris Phillips and Craig Anderson. Todd Bertuzzi’s mysterious injury also had me intrigued.

Bonks Mullet, “I will help this team win by any means necessary” – Mike Wheeler

Submission: Josh Chenoweth

Bonk’s Mullet has fun with Phillips being out of the lineup, and what he could possibly do to help the team win.

While poking fun at Phillips is common these days, and his play warrants it along with criticism, I do feel bad for him. He’s been a fixture here seemingly forever, and it wasn’t that long ago he was a solid contributor. Alas, all pro athletes must face the day they can no longer keep up in their respective league. Perhaps we should be asking if Phillips still thinks he can play next season?

Silver Seven Sens, “Why Craig Anderson Shouldn’t Be Traded” – Sheer Craziness

Submission: Zachary Prenner

I was on the trade Andy bandwagon for a little while there as any chance of reaching the post season is looking less and less likely, but I’ve changed my mind in recent weeks.

I’d still say trade him if we can get a first round pick in this year’s draft and/or a quality backup, but that’s a pipe-dream to be sure, so Andy should stay a Sen and I think we’ll benefit more from his presence than any realistic return we could garner.

Silver Seven Sens, “Ups and Downs” – NKB

Submission: Trevor Shackles

Silver Seven Sens ranks the ups and downs for the Senators for week 15, and surprisingly there’s mostly positive movement across the board. Mark Stone and Robin Lehner are two of the biggest movers, while there are a few more positive trends in the bunch.
I can’t disagree with Lehner moving down, as he has not looked like the same goalie he’s capable of being.

Broad Street Hockey, “Sean Couturier’s -5 day is the perfect example of why +/- is awful” – Travis Hughes

Submission: Eldrinson Vado

The plus/minus stat is garbage, we all know that. Travis Hughes (@TravisSBN) of Broad Street Hockey provides another solid case why plus/minus should be demolished with a break down of Sean Couturier’s -5 day against the New York Islanders.

The reason I’m sharing this article is because Ottawa’s Erik Karlsson is often criticized as a bad plus/minus player. People like to evaluate Erik’s play on one simple stat. No one seems to realize relying on one stat to measure a player, especially plus/minus is the worst way to go about it.

Quick Links:

Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen looks at Chris Phillips as he has struggled to find his way into the lineup. Some interesting quotes came out from Phillips about being the 7th d-man, as he fights to play hockey full-time. Scanlan 

Don Brennan takes a look at Colin Greening and the fact that he “deserves a good home. Brennan

The Citizen recaps Bryan Murray’s call with TSN 1200. “Forget an Anderson Trade, But Greening is on the move.” Ken Warren

Senshot Links:

Charlie has a solid piece on Marc Methot and his future in OTT. Marc Methot

Trevor looks at Colin Greening’s potential trade and his value. Colin Greening

Jeff has a two part look at Binghamton’s 2nd quarter grades. Much like Ottawa, Binghamton would need a crazy run to make the playoffs this season, and after entering the year with expectations.. things aren’t looking good. Forwards. Defence

Todd Bertuzzi appears to have injured himself. His current PTO status is unknown. Todd Bertuzzi

Trevor has two mid-season posts. One looking at the NHL awards, and another where he re-visits old predictions he made back in October. NHL Awards. Predictions. 

Alex has a 67’s update. Featuring Erik Bradford, Cody Ceci, and New Faces to Ottawa. 67’s News Update