Who Plays On Line 2 For The Ottawa Senators?
With the acqusition of Bobby Ryan, the Ottawa Sentaors top line appears to be set, with Jason Spezza centering Ryan and Milan Michalek. As long as Spezza’s back and Michalek’s knee stay in check, that should prove to be a solid first line that will dominate on a lot of nights.
But what about the 2nd line. Long the bone of contention and the spot in the lineup that has held the Senators back from reaching true potential. And with Daniel Afredsson jumping ship, that hole becomes even greater. Kyle Turris proved last season that he is a capable supporting forward, as long as he doesn’t have to fill the front line role.
Which leaves the competition for the wing men for Turris wide open. Here are the top 7 contenders, in my mind:
May 13, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Clarke MacArthur (16) shoots the puck during the first period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Bryan Murray signed the veteran winger to a 2 year deal with the intent for him to play on the 2nd line. He got shuffled around the lineup in Toronto and really was miscast in a 3rd-4th line role. Playing quality minutes with quality players, MacArthur should regain the 20 goal pace that he tends to be at or near. That would be a definitie plus.
May 7, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Montreal Canadiens centre Jeff Halpern (24) and Ottawa Senators centre Mika Zibanejad (93) face off in the first period in game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
I have always felt that he would be a better winger than a centre in the NHL, but the Senators apparently don’t feel that way. For him to progress and reach his full potential, I think he needs to step into a top-6 role this year and learn what it takes. That would mean a shift to the wing, because it isn’t a place Turris can move to.
May 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Cory Conacher (89) at the face-off circle against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The sophomore will have to show he can be consistent if he wants to get this role. After a hot start in Tampa last season, he slowed down dramatically and found himself even out of the lineup at times or playing minimal minutes on the 4th line. He has the skill to play a top 6, but needs to show it more often.
May 22, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) controls the puck in the third period in game four of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Place. The Penguins defeated the Senators by a score of 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Although I am not sold that Pageau will be a full-time NHLer next season, I seem to be in the minority there. Many people have put him in the top 6 on their depth charts, but I feel that he is more suited to a 4th line role where he can check and use his speed to chip in here and there. I am not sure a consistent offensive role will be his in the NHL, but I have been wrong before.
May 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators center Colin Greening (14) handles the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Craig Adams (27) during the third period in game two of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Senators keep trying to make Greening fit in a scoring role. Sometimes you can’t fit a square peg into a round hole, and on a contending team, Greening fits more in a 3-4 line spot. His size and speed are assets, but he doesn’t have enough finish to be a top 6 consistently.
May 22, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins centre Brandon Sutter (16) and Ottawa Senators right wing Mark Stone (16) fight for the puck in the second period in game four of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
If you could combine Greening’s speed with Stone’s hands, you would have an all-star. However, until they perfect gene splicing, Stone’s downfall will always be his lack of foot speed. In an offensive zone setup Stone would be good to pick his spot and get open, but those chances are few in the NHL and he is going to have to learn how to better do it at a pro level to stick with the Senators.
Shane Prince
An outside shot at making the team next season, Prince was one of the best players at the recent developmental camp. I saw him play a lot with the 67’s, and his play on the ice reminded me a lot of Daniel Alfredsson in terms of ability to protect the puck and be strong down low. He is also a better skater than Alfie, and if his learning curve continues as it has, he could score at the NHL level before too long. I haven’t seen much of him since he went to Bingo, but by all accounts he is making a positive impression.
So there you have lots of possibilities, and Paul MacLean will be playing with combinations on paper all summer to see what the best fit is. It will probably be trial and error on the ice, and expect a lot of tinkering to find a combination that works.