Defence, Goaltending Key To Ottawa Senators’ 3rd Quarter Play
By Jack Leiper
The Ottawa Senators now find themselves nearing a playoff spot, and after months of that seeming impossible.. it has happened.
It’s a product of the 3rd quarter’s hot streak, but with a strong finish, the playoffs don’t seem like a pipe dream any longer. Here is a look at Ottawa’s back-end from the 3rd quarter. Erik Karlsson has adjusted his game, as the team has been performing well of late. Andrew Hammond continues to be the late 3rd quarter story, and perhaps story of the year.
Erik Karlsson has a shaky second quarter. I gave him a C+, however since then he’s had a great third quarter and has played like a Norris candidate. Perhaps it’s the return of Marc Methot full-time, but Karlsson’s play over the past 20 games earns him an A grade. . Quarter 2: C+. Ottawa Senators. ERIK KARLSSON. A
"Erik Karlsson has 19 points in his last 20 games, including a stretch of 8 points over 4 games."
C-. Jared Cowen had an OK 2nd half, but I felt as though he regressed this quarter once again. Cowen has been slotted as a top 4 guy and has shown us that he is not capable of playing those big minutes yet. He earns a C as he spent time out with a suspension and hasn’t performed well.. Quarter 2: B. Ottawa Senators. JARED COWEN
I’m leaving Ceci where he was last quarter. No major improvements and no major disappointments. Ceci meets expectations as one of the league’s youngest defenceman. The future is bright. . Quarter 1: B-. Ottawa Senators. CODY CECI. B-
Methot’s return to the lineup full-time has meant a lot to this team. He’s played the puck nicely and again seems like the natural partner for Erik Karlsson as both have had fantastic quarter. Methot is the only true Top 4 dman on this team, aside from Erik Karlsson and showed why he’s that this quarter. Methot gets and A.. #Quarter 2: NR. Ottawa Senators. MARC MéTHOT. A
D. Chris Phillips has had a mysterious injury that has led to some questioning his future with the team. Perhaps it’s not just Phillips, but it feels as though the day’s of his role on the ice being meaningful are gone. Phillips gets a D this time around, he’s still a good guy to have around the team and I’d like to see him be an effective hockey player again, but that just might not be possible. . Quarter 1: B. Ottawa Senators. CHRIS PHILLIPS
An interesting scenario has been presented to Patrick Wiercioch. Wiercioch, who didn’t fit into Paul MacLean’s system as also found himself in an awkward spot regarding Dave Cameron’s system. As the numbers suggest, Wiercioch is the best possession player on the team, he’s had some time on the PP and has done his job well when presented the opportunity. Wiercioch meets expectation. .. Quarter 1: C+. Ottawa Senators. PATRICK WIERCIOCH. B
"Patrick Wiercioch has posted a team best CF% of 54.6 over 36 games."
ERIC GRYBA. B. Gryba saw his first healthy scratch this quarter, and for that he has regressed a little. Gryba’s simple style of play earns him a meeting expectations grade. Gryba is signed for another year after this one and could find himself as a trade piece if he is determined as the odd-one out. . Quarter 2: B. Ottawa Senators
B. Borowiecki’s situation is similar to that of Eric Gryba’s. Borowiecki meets expectation much like Gryba. No noticeable mistakes or disappointments. Boro gets a B.. #Quarter 2: B. Ottawa Senators. MARK BOROWIECKI
GOALIES:
B. Lehner had a few consecutive starts after Craig Anderson went down with injury. Anderson has been out since January 21st recently returned where the story has been Andrew Hammond ever since. Lehner didn’t get the results he wanted, but a few late wins and solid games keep him at the grade he was before, a B. . Quarter 2: B. Ottawa Senators. ROBIN LEHNER
Quarter 2: NR. Ottawa Senators. ANDREW HAMMOND. A+. Wow.