Ottawa Senators – Thoughts From November: Captain’s Back

We are through November and American thanksgiving, a time where many NHL scouts think that “you are what you are”. And up until this point, the Ottawa Senators have been a fringe Playoff team.

Ottawa has played average hockey thus far, where spectacular goaltending has made them slightly above average. The defence has struggled and Marc Methot has remained out of the lineup. Ottawa saw a bounceback Jared Cowen this month and a changed up forward group.

Here’s more on what was the month of November for the Ottawa Senators.

ALFIE’S BACK

If you haven’t heard, Daniel Alfredsson is “coming back” to the Ottawa Senators. The move is a huge one for the franchise and for Alfie.

Alfredsson is set to retire on Nov 4th vs NYI, and could sign a 1-day contract with the franchise to retire as an Ottawa Senator. Daniel Alfredsson’s retirement has been rumoured for up to 2 weeks now, and is official.

The recent events involving Alfie has fans and media speculating even more. The idea of Daniel Alfredsson joining Ottawa’s front office has been talked about and was expected before he went to Detroit in 2013.

Regardless, it is great to have Alfredsson back and representing Ottawa again. If you’re lucky enough to be attending the game on Dec. 4th, enjoy the show. It’ll be one to remember.

Apr 12, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators Pdefenseman Marc Methot (3) avoids a check from Toronto Maple Leafs right wing

(71) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Marc Methot remains out

Methot was the main focus in my October thoughts piece, and that hasn’t changed in November. Marc Methot still has “no timetable” for a return, but it could come soon. Methot had begun skating with the team on their last road trip.

Methot is a key piece to Ottawa’s lineup, and Senators GM Bryan Murray stressed that in a recent interview on Sens TV. The 23 man roster was another big question mark in October and continued to be in November. Methot’s return will mark him being the 24th skater and unless he’s traded; someone else will have to be moved.

At this point, his injury is impacting the team and Methot’s future contract where teams may become a little more weary when dealing with what appears to be a serious back injury.

The question comes down to Colin Greening or Erik Condra for most. Condra had a great game vs St Louis earlier and may have a little more security than Greening.

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Ottawa Senators goalie

(41) during the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Craig Anderson remains hot

Craig Anderson has easily been Ottawa’s best player in the first 23 games. Anderson has started in 13 games and despite a dismal record of 5-5-3, Andy has been unmatched in his fantastic early performance.

Anderson’s play became very apparent in Ottawa’s loss to Florida, where Ottawa came out flat and Anderson’s vision and game kept them in the battle. Anderson’s performance has been as great as his 12-13 performance, where until an injury Anderson was considered a front runner for NHL MVP and a Vezina trophy candidate.

Questions on Patrick Wiercioch

I saw Jared Cowen make a mistake last night, a big one. What I didn’t see was an outlash on twitter towards Cowen. The media and Sens fans have always appointed a “whipping boy” and for some time Cowen was “whipping boy #1”.

Cowen has been better lately, and its nice to see Sens fans recognize this. As with any defender mistakes are bound to occur, with Patrick Wiercioch they have become more evident of late.

I’ve covered Wiercioch in the past. I looked at whether or not Wiercioch should be traded, with the short answer being “maybe”. Wiercioch has become a fan favourite after his fantastic 12-13 campaign, but the fact is that he has not been great this season.

Looking at the advanced stats, Wiercioch has done fine. Wiercioch holds a CF% over 50 at 50.7 and is among the top 5 in CA and CF at 5 on 5. Yet, the fact remains that Wiercioch has not found a full-time roster spot this season.

Wiercioch has only been in the lineup due to recent injuries, playing due to Chris Phillips and Mark Borowiecki being “dinged up”. Wiercioch has another season on his deal after 14-15 and in being only 24, the potential is still there and Ottawa would take a risk in trading Wiercioch.

Jan 23, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Patrick Wiercioch (46) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Ottawa Senators in a shoot out 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Coming Up. 

The Senators will have a busy December schedule. The month kicks off tuesday @ New York Islander and will be highlighted on the 4th at home as Ottawa will take on New York again as Daniel Alfredsson returns to Ottawa.

Of course, with December brings the holidays and the end of the year. The NHL has a roster trade freeze going into effect on December 19th and understanding the Senators’ situation one has to wonder if the Sens make a move before the freeze.