We keep saying this, but wow what a week for Ottawa. Three more wins that were all huge for their playoff implications added to their total winning streak of six. Here are this past weeks honourable and dishonourable mentions:
Jack Leiper:
Honourable Mention – The Boston Bruins
Thanks a ton for going 0-2-2 in your last 4. A win today puts Ottawa in a playoff spot, and for that we’ve got the Boston Bruins to thank. If it weren’t for a 6 game winning streak mixed with a Boston slump, the Senators aren’t where they are.
For that, I give the Bruins this honourable mention. I strongly believe that you cannot count on others to create successes for you and if the Ottawa Senators do make the playoffs, it’s Ottawa who gets them there. Of course that 0-2-2 record doesn’t hurt either, though.
Dishonourable Mention – Paul Maclean
I’m hopping in my time machine here a little, but hear me out. Do the Senators require this miracle run under Cameron or was it MacLean’s doing that required a miracle run to dig them out of the hole? who knows…but you have to question where this season would have gone if MacLean was fired in the off-season rather than in December.
Zachary Prenner:
Honourable Mention- Mark Stone
The kid’s been fantastic all year, and just cracked 50 points over the weekend. Add to that that he’s 3rd in the league in takeaways, and had a 3 assist night against Boston in one of the most crucial games of the year and you can easily see why anyone would choose him for an honourable mention.
Dishonourable Mention- Not Calling up Shane Prince
He impressed me with his skill and tenacity in the little time he was up here. I was surprised when he was sent down after only 2 games, and then subsequently seeing Puempel stick much longer, even though he wasn’t overly impressive. With Pumps and MM9 hurt it would’ve been perfect timing to call him up, but all signs seem to point to Greening and Smith drawing in instead.
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Trevor Shackles:
Honourable Mention- Patrick Wiercioch
The stats have always said that Wiercioch is criminally underrated, and maybe some people are beginning to realize how good he actually is. On Tuesday he was one of Ottawa’s best players against the Hurricanes, and he scored on the power play to finally get a second goal. He’s looking very confident, and I don’t see how he isn’t passing the eye test for some people. It would be wise to keep him in the top four.
Dishonourable Mention- Milan Michalek and Matt Puempel
No, they aren’t dishonourable mentions for normal reasons. They have both played fine, but as of now both are out of the lineup due to injuries. Because of that, now Colin Greening and Zack Smith are back in, and the fourth line consists of Greening, Legwand, and Smith, or two-thirds of the infamous “Greening-Smith-Neil” line. Also, Alex Chiasson slots on the first line because of this, and it’s evident how much this team may miss Michalek and Puempel, as well as Clarke MacArthur.
Josh Chenoweth:
Honourable Mention- Senators fans
Ottawa is a town often considered boring, bland, etc. But to see Senators fans embrace Andrew Hammond and his ridiculously good run has been a treat. From fans dressing up as the Hamburglar to throwing burgers on the ice (please save it until after the final buzzer, folks) it’s been great to see the fan-base and the city so energized about the team.
Dishonourable Mention- The Sens’ 4th line for the Sharks game
With Michalek and Puempel injured in the last game, we knew some…lesser players would need to return to the lineup. Namely, both Zack Smith, after a 2 game conditioning stint in Bingo, and Colin Greening. But putting them on the same line with David Legwand? Yeeesh.
Prince has emerged this season as the top point producer for Binghamton while setting career highs in goals and assists covering his three years in the pros
That’s almost as bad as Paul MacLean‘s beloved (inexplicably I might add) Greening-Smith-Neil line from 2013-14. Tonight’s is only marginally better in terms of puck control with Legwand there. Think about that for a second. Perhaps they’ll prove me wrong and light the “mupps” tonight, but I’m not holding my breath
Jay Maps:
Honourable Mention- Mike Hoffman
The Hoff has been in a bit of a slump lately, registering 0 points in the prior 6 games. After being demoted to the 4th line for Saturdays game against The Leafs, Hoffman made the most of his time on the ice. He played with pace and speed and was all over the ice, eventually scoring.
Dishonourable Mention- Not Calling up Shane Prince
Shane hasn’t been overly impressive with his time up with the big club, but you have to imagine he’d be better than the alternatives. Colin Greening who has been a complete bust this year, being placed on waivers at one point, and Zack Smith who has only had 2 AHL games under his belt for conditioning.
Feb 16, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Shane Prince (10) celebrates his first NHL point on an assist against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Honourable Mention – Shane Prince
After having back to back game winning goals over the course of this past weekend, Prince has emerged this season as the top point producer for Binghamton while setting career highs in goals and assists covering his three years in the pros. With his entry-level contract set to expire, he’s playing for a new one and the question is if Ottawa is set in offering him a new one or will he simply bolt back home to the Buffalo Sabres Organization during the off-season.
During a recent interview out in Bridgeport, one can sense he’s slightly frustrated as he has only appeared in two games where is counterpart Matt Puempel remains up top. It’ll be a shame to let him go but I don’t see him returning.
Dishonourable Mention – The AHL Schedule Makers?
Enough harping on the defense, shot totals, inconsistent goaltending, etc. for once. Whoever comes up with these 3 in 3 weekends is absolutely crazy. After Saturday night’s game down in WB/Scranton, the team had to make the 200 mile trek by bus for a 3:00pm matinee over in Bridgeport, Conn on Sunday.
The previous week featuring another 3 in 3, the Sunday game resulted up in Adirondack with slightly fewer miles to cover and a later 5:00pm faceoff. Good thing this team won’t be making the playoffs or this could’ve turn into a really awesome rant! Instead, this space is filled without speaking how bad the defense is, how inconstant the goaltending has become, how the shot totals are so out of whack etc. etc. etc.