This past week for Ottawa fans was a bit of a roller coaster. They almost blew a 3-0 lead against the Washington Capitals, but won 4-3 in overtime. They had won three straight, but a shootout loss against the Maple Leafs on Sunday was a huge blow. Here is this weeks Weekly Trending, Who’s Hot and Who’s Not:
Trevor Shackles:
Who’s Hot: Patrick Wiercioch
Another clutch goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in overtime, and finally perhaps the team is beginning to trust him. If they want to be successful they have to trust him, because he’s easily the 2nd or 3rd best defenseman on the team along with Marc Methot. He hasn’t produced too much offensively this year, but he’s made so many great passes and quick rushes up the ice quickly recently.
Who’s Not: Toronto Maple Leafs
Why does it have to be so hard to get two wins against the Maple Leafs? It seems like everybody beats them so easily, yet in a span of eight days, Ottawa lost to Toronto twice in overtime/shootout. Those were two crucial points dropped.
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The Leafs couldn’t get the job done the night before in the shootout against Boston, but then of course the next night they come back to haunt the Senators.
It’s not actually Toronto’s fault here, but we need someone to be angry at.
Zachary Prenner:
Who’s Hot: The power play
After struggling with what was honestly a pathetic power play, things have come around of late and the team has tallied multiple goals with the man advantage in the last two games, including two last night against the Leafs.
Who’s Not: the Universe/ Hockey God’s
Now, I’m totally being dramatic, but after last night’s loss to the Maple Leafs I can’t help but want to get on my knees and curse to the sky “WHYYYYY!?” Add in the fact that a lot of teams we’ve been chasing seem to be winning like it’s going out of style and I’m sure you can understand why I feel like we’re stuck on the wrong end of some karma.
"Kyle Turris along with Mark Stone and Erik Karlsson have officially put this Senators team on their backs"
Jack Leiper:
Who’s Hot – Stone, Karlsson, Turris
This trio was relied on heavily vs the Maple Leafs, and for the most part, performed well. Mark Stone – Kyle Turris has to be one of the most underrated duos in the league and Karlsson on the back-end highlights Ottawa’s 3 big pieces.
Who’s Not – Jared Cowen
He has not found his way into the lineup since March 29th, and March 17th before that. He’s paid 3 million bucks for two more seasons, and can’t make his way into a lineup that has featured Eric Gryba as a consistent player. Wow. Moving Cowen in the off-season would make sense, especially if Ottawa can still get an asset back.
Jay Maps:
Who’s Hot: Kyle Turris
After recording 6 points in his last 5 games, which included a break-a-way overtime goal against the Washington Capitals, Kyle Turris along with Mark Stone and Erik Karlsson has officially put this Senators team on his back. Turris’ 60 points is a career high, and I expect him to continue to come up big in the Senators final games.
Who’s Not: Mike Hoffman
Although Hoffman continues to lead this team with 26 goals, his production has taken a nose dive. Hoffman’s play in the offensive zone hasn’t been bad, but its his defensive liabilities that have found him in David Cameron’s dog house. Hoffman hasn’t scored in his last 5 games and only has 2 goals in his last 15.He now finds himself on the 4th line were he recently found a total of 9:56 TOI against the Washington Capitals.
It’s a massive game tonight (like we always say), and sadly with a loss I think there’s not much hope. A win changes everything though, so anything can happen. Go Sens!
Next: Ottawa Needs To Beat Pittsburgh Tonight To Stay Alive