Binghamton Senators 3rd Quarter Grades Featuring Defense, Goaltending
By Jeff Ulmer
Ahhh, the defense.
With much being the focus on this defense for the Binghamton Senators in what has become a disappointing three-quarters of play thus far with 18 games left in the season, it has been a real let down as we take a look at this past quarter of play combined along with the goaltenders.
The injury bug has taken a toll on the blue line corps as the only three players that have come out of the quarter unscathed are Chris Wideman, Aaron Johnson and Fredrik Claesson. There have been a few PTO’s added in the mix with one still active being Guillaume Lepine.
They have allowed 2012 shots averaging a league worse 34.69 per outing, leaving the goaltenders in letting in 194 goals get past them as they rank towards the bottom of the league as well. Goaltender Andrew Hammond won’t be returning as he has single-handedly led Ottawa’s push to the post season, so that leaves the tandem of Scott Greenham and veteran Peter Mannino in-between the pipes the rest of the way.
This is a second part in a two-part review of the Senators 3rd quarter grades with the first featuring the offense posted here this past Saturday.
A. A quiet quarter for the defenseman but that works in his favor for his game to reach success, as he is hardly ever called for a penalty and is out on every shorthanded situation while playing his position effectively without making a lot of noise. Forces players to make decisions when containing the odd man rush and being physical at the same time.. Defense. Binghamton Senators. #3 FREDRIK CLAESSON
Binghamton Senators. #4 MIKE SDAO. I. Been out injured the whole quarter.. Defense
Defense. Binghamton Senators. #6 CHRIS WIDEMAN. A-. Got into a little funk with his output but seems to be returning as his ability to produce offensively with some recent points along with a few goals. Still had a decent quarter and continues to do well on the point during the power play creating time and space pushing the pace while protecting the puck.
Binghamton Senators. #7 GUILLAUME LEPINE. B-. New guy in town and making a real promising showing of it with his consistent play in being physical as well as throwing down the gloves with the best of them. Big guy defending the blue line and should remain with the team for the rest of the season.. Defense
Does what is called for in filling in when shorthanded whether it be on the offense or lately on the blue line. Not too many problems in the past quarter as he has been slightly better than average with his play and awareness on and off the puck that doesn’t go unnoticed.. Defense. Binghamton Senators. #8 DANNY NEW. C+
D. This is where it goes south starting with one of the veterans, as he creates way too many turnovers for the liking with limited physical attributes. Decent puck mover, especially during the man advantage, but just can’t be a reliable defensive player that gets caught out of position too many times.. Defense. Binghamton Senators. #14 PATRICK MULLEN
Currently been sidelined again with a foot injury suffered while blocking a shot, but before that he was having a pretty good run offensively featuring his booming slap shot that is quite accurate from the point. Got involved in a few fisticuffs and knows what it takes to play physical while sacrificing his body defending the odd man rush.. Defense. Binghamton Senators. #2O ALEX GRANT. C+
#72 AARON JOHNSON. C-. Ahhh, the Captain might be all that and some off the ice, but doesn’t all crack up to be on the ice with too many penalties and costly turnovers. However, on occasion shows his ability to put some points on the board. Hard to give him a D grade as he’s borderline to say the least. Still a good guy to have around despite his age, ouch!. Defense. Binghamton Senators
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Hasn’t had much help from the defense but shows flashes of greatness with the glove. Does get caught up in trying too hard with letting in the soft goal here and there and has tendencies to be lazy with the puck on certain occasions, but overall he’s been more than a reliable netminder filling in during his presence with the club.. Goaltender. Binghamton Senators. #31 PETER MANNINO. C+
B+. Had some struggles this quarter after his call up from the lower level but has turned it around with a pair of recent road victories as he had to make close to 100 saves to accomplish it with a rather porous defense layed out in front of him. Big guy with quick reflexes that has otherwise shown to maintain his rebounds in check out in front of him and his potential shooter.. Goaltender. Binghamton Senators. #35 SCOTT GREENHAM
*Cover Pic Courtesy of SenShot’s Photographer Alicia Strauch
Next: Binghamton Senators 3rd Quarter Grades Focus On Offense