Thursday, September 27, 2007

2007 Preseason, Game 5: 9-25-2007

Senators 4, Flyers 2

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: Nothing wrong with physical play, as the soon-to-be record-setting number of fights in league preseason play edged up significantly in tonight’s Flyers-Sens tilt. Unfortunately, that number was given a shot in the arm due to that flying shot out of nowhere to Dean McAmmond, courtesy of hothead Flyers prospect Air Steve Downie. McAmmond had his melon down on the play, but that probably mattered little as Air Steve was in full, but uncontrolled takeoff mode. Thought to be somewhat reformed and level-headed following his world junior performance which somewhat erased the memory of his dustup with an Oshawa Generals teammate in an OHL practice––an incident which forced a trade to Windsor––Downie has just killed his chance at making the Flyers this season, not only by the despicable act itself, but by the fact that he will docked 25 games minimum based on recent precedents (see: Chris Simon, Todd Bertuzzi). Downie brings the physical edge and was trying to make an impression on the Philly coaching staff in time for last camp cuts. He did what any physical young kid is going to do, and that is take a run at an established NHLer. Worst part? He’s labelled once again as a dirty player, one that the Flyers will be forced to cut since he won’t be playing over a quarter of the campaign anyway. This suspension could even scratch him from the lineup card into next season. All for one mindless play, which could also cost McAmmond a good chunk of the season. All Sens fans know Dean’s value to the team as its fastest skater, one of the best penalty-killers, and sadly, now one of the most targeted (are you listening, Chris Pronger?). With two concussions happening within just over three months of each other, Dean’s long-term health is now an issue … Only positive from this sad situation is that it could give a bubble player like Nick Foligno a further chance to make the team out of camp, at the very least until Dean recovers. He was solid again tonight; smart and strong are plays that come to mind, especially during the second period where he drew a hook on Denis Gauthier …

… The game itself was actually quite boring until the wild second period which included the infamous hit and the ensuing melee, featuring very little except for the Meszaros hit and two bad Flyer goals. Ray Emery, making his first start since Game 5 of the final back on June 6, struggled mightily on the few times he was actually challenged. Both goals came on the (healed and rusty) glove hand side, and both times Anton Volchenkov came over to help Razor out. Hopefully it’s sooner rather than later that Razor finds his groove again, and A-Train can get his masterful shot-blocking defence back into form. They need each other … Speaking of those needing each other, the water cooler and bar talk all over town (up until the McAmmond hit) was about Dany Heatley’s possible new contract extension being in the works. However, since Kevin Lowe is GM in this league (Google “Thomas Vanek” and “Kevin Lowe” together), and Jason Spezza will be a restricted freebie in July, it’d be wise to get both locked up now since the Sens can’t compete with ridiculous offer sheets. Not only that, but these guys are dynamite together and it’d be symbolic to have a side-by-side press conference announcing that both are back in the fold for next year. With Wade Redden’s expected departure along with his $6.5 million off the books, it makes room for Spezza but could force a cap squeeze-out of Antoine Vermette or Chris Kelly, but better to lock up the Spezz Dispenser …

… Back to the game: it was painfully obvious that the Flyers, who were playing the second of three straight games, were resting most of their stars as opposed to the Sens, who iced mostly regulars. The Flyers were a step behind and taking dumb penalties––10 to be exact, including six in a row––which cost them any chance of holding that 2-1 early lead. Never, ever give the Sens any sort of extra-man life, as the Leafs found out in OT the previous night. In fact, Spezza tried the same circling-of-prey move in the first period. Didn’t work out, but maybe it set the tone, as well as the floodgate release switch for the second … Scottie Upshall had a decent game, save for the cough-up to Alfie for the Sens’ first goal. Alfie continues a fantastic preseason with another two points on the night … The night belonged to Patrick Eaves, however, with two goals and two helpers. Seemed the only thing he couldn’t do was heave his darn lumber over the glass for a souvenir on the first try. Sure, he doesn’t get much practice since he hasn’t been named a star all that often but c’mon Patty, these light composite sticks pretty much weigh the same as Calista Flockhart … Speaking of famous people, Joe Corvo has undoubtedly seen many from his days living as a King in Los Angeles, but the smiley (Game 2 OT winner vs. Buffalo) yet intense and dramatic (down on himself after the New Year’s OT giveaway) defenceman should definitely star in the next hockey movie, say Slap Shot, if there is one. After tonight’s PP cannon, it’s only further proof that his slap shot is also star quality …

… Again, with Rogers TV capably at the helm tonight, here’s the Line of the Night: “There’s padding there,” remarked Team 1200 personality-turned-colour man Lee Versage on the referee taking a puck in the midsection. “Better to have it there, than off a bone, or something else,” he added cheekily, as play-by-play partner Ed Hand agreed awkwardly … Excellent camera work too, catching the Ben (over) Eager retaliation slash on Razor, but more importantly, the subtle jab that stirred up revenge in the youngster … Official Presidential Opinion: There are some that say it was a mistake for the Flyers to sign hulking (and slowing down) d-man Derian Hatcher a year ago, but there’s still a role for him in this new NHL. Two goals tonight as well as six apiece in the hits and blocks categories? Speed helps, but size is good too … Last but not least: it’s an honour for the President to now be joining up with the largest Sens group on Facebook. And here’s the best part: supporting your Sens is an actual GOOD reason to be on the darned, addictive, time-wasting website.

2007 Preseason, Game 2: 9-20-2007

Senators 5, Capitals 4

PRESIDENT’S 2 CENTS: A little preseason 2 Cents action to whet the appetite! The Eastern Conference champs return home to the Bank for the first time since June 4, which saw the home team fall 3-2 to the Ducks in Game 4 of the final. One-goal games, a bit of an Achillies’ heel for the Sens in recent years, did not factor in tonight despite a Caps’ resurgence at the end … Star of tonight’s show? None other than Nick Foligno, whose presence all over the ice tonight earned him second star honours, but more importantly, the Official Presidential Opinion: that, of course, that he will be in the lineup when the Sens get things going for real October 3 vs. the Leafs. The kid has responded to coach John Paddock calling him out through the media at the start of camp with back-to-back solid games to open the preseason. How about that goal, the result of a highlight-reel feed from gritty acquisition Shean Donovan in the corner, who fed Foligno, who slid a slicker feed to Kelly? Well if that wasn’t pretty enough, the son of Mr. Hop (those aged 20-ish and under may need to Google the ‘Foligno Hop’) danced his way in for that second-period, game-tying water bottler-rattler over a helpless Olaf Kolzig. It’s only two preseason games, but he looks ready to crack that fourth line and maybe beat out Brian McGrattan for a regular spot … Speaking of that October 3 opener, it might just be an interesting sideshow for Mike Foligno and Thomas Steen (son Alex is a Leaf) to watch their sons play each other. Seems like just yesterday that they were involved in epic battles with the Leafs and Jets, respectively. Recent retirees who played with them: Tie Domi and recent Cup champ Teemu Selanne. Domi actually played with both Steens … But back to the Bank: no slouch himself on the night was the captain. Alfie, who on one of his first shifts kind of coasted around and still looked good, playing catch with potential linemate Antoine Vermette then dropping a blind setup to Christoph Schubert, looks like he’s focused and ready for big things again. And only Alfie could do no wrong and make a blunder look good, as he fanned on his point shot, only to feed Dany Heatley for that slo-mo go-ahead marker in the third. And let’s not forget him tallying the Sens’ first of the game, as he did his best Fat Joe impression, doing a lean-back to pop a perfect Spezza offering top shelf. While he wasn’t doing the Roc-a-Wear, here’s a safe bet that the nifty new Sens duds will outsell Jay-Z’s clothing line in the 613 anyday. Especially #11 ones. But you know, some fly black Roca jeans could complement it nicely. So necessary…

… It was more of an average night for Martin Gerber, surrendering three goals on 18 shots after turning away all 52 two nights ago against the grounded Flyers. The first goal in particular might showcase a ‘stretch’ of an observation on the tight new jerseys (minimum one pun per 2 Cents), but that was a rather bad bounce of a rebound off Gerbs’ chest which Chris Clark potted home. Think the older, baggier sweaters might’ve been better for swallowing chest shots? Something to ponder … On the subject, Leafs coach Paul Maurice takes the cake for the day’s best tightness joke: “He’s suffering from general body stiffness,” he said about forward Kyle Wellwood, which was quickly followed by a red-faced grin and a refusal to elaborate. Perhaps because he used that adjective to describe a player whose name ends in “-wood”… But back to the goalie situation: Gerber’s replacement in the pipes, prospect Brian Elliott, played extremely solid. Of note, he stymied former Sens prospect Jakub Klepis on three separate occasions, notably once on a second-period chance right in the slot. Right before that, he turned aside Tomas Fleischmann from the right side. Elliott seemed to see the puck quite well through screens, only surrendered one goal, albeit a pretty one. Fleischmann passed the puck to himself off the end boards, spun and fed phenom Alex Ovechkin, who’s been known to score nice goals from time to time … Speaking of Ovechkin, either it’s a coincidence or the Senators had a little fun with the placement of tonight’s advertising signs. Tonight saw the pride of Russia in front of the Caps’ bench (Smirnoff Ice ad) and on the bench itself (Ovechkin). Two days removed from his 22nd birthday, maybe he’s indulged a bit recently. Who knows, after being frustrated by the Sens’ defence for a large portion of the game, including a solid first-period Wade Redden check, he might want to … Other former Sens playing: Brian Pothier and Brooks Laich. As usual, Pothier, a solid stay-at-home defenceman, led all Caps in ice time and probably will lead the league again this year …

… Other Prospects Watch: the highly-touted Nicklas Backstrom was rather quiet on the night, playing under 20 minutes, with no points and was a minus-1. Sens hopefuls Josh Hennessy, Brian Lee, and Cody Bass might find themselves headed to Bingo if the Foligno Show keeps running strong, but all three played ok. Bass smartly took a page out of the Anton Volchenkov manual by blocking a point shot with the Sens up one with just over three minutes to play. Hennessy showed some fleet of foot with a 180-degree spin on one rush. Lee took an undisciplined cross-checking penalty in the third period which led to Tom Poti scoring right off the faceoff. A tough, but quick lesson for the youngster … Patrick Eaves made a strong case to be a regular on the Cash Line with a solid effort on the night, notably on the power play. The first goal, which was waved off, saw Eaves hold his ground in front and pop in the biscuit despite being pushed in by Boyd Gordon. His presence in front of the net could make the difference and allow him rebound opportunities off Spezza and Heatley offerings. You know he’s got a chip on his shoulder to make an impact after being sidelined for most of the playoffs … Speaking of Cash Line auditions, Chris Phillips had one of his own as he jumped out of the box and joined Heatley on a 3-on-2. He was half-expecting the pass from Heater, and amusingly bumbled it. Unfortunately, Big Rig also bumbled and deflected a Tomas Fleischmann pass attempt into his own net in the dying ticks of the first period. We don’t need to re-hash what happened last time he did …

… Official Presidential Rant: again, more non-related jerseys, including those of the Stars and Leafs, were spotted at the game. Why? … As pointed out by colour man Tim Higgins, the Bank was rather quiet at times. I’ll say it again, non-playoff Ottawa crowds are sometimes a letdown. Get up and cheer, people … Speaking of Higgins, he and the local Rogers crew did an excellent job. It’s here where the Don Cherry Suit Rating usually appears in 2 Cents, but in lieu of Grapes, we’ll single out studio host Matt McCooye for his simple yet sold black jacket and award an eight out of 10. Also in lieu of the Bob Cole Line of the Night is this Higgins line: “Everyone knows how important they are,” he remarked in regards to a 5-on-3 opportunity the Sens had. Obvious? Maybe, but don’t forget the last two times the Sens had a 5-on-3, one each in Games 1 and 2 of the final, and blew them. Both were one-goal games, too … Two excellent examples of camera work: the second-period shot of a rather intense Brian McGrattan on the bench, and a reassuring capture of Spartacat and his Master Blaster. There is simply nothing better than the thrill of free hot dogs, and the between-whistles entertainment. Welcome back Sparty, and happy 15th birthday this October … Lawrence Nycholat had a feisty game on the back end, and it will prove to be quite the fight for playing time between him and Luke Richardson for that sixth defenceman spot … Last but not least: our humble Go Red playoff group’s General Manager is in Ghana for a work assignment, but is following our Sens on radio whenever he can. After our Team Chemistry Coordinator and Fisher Fan Club VP visited Africa, maybe the third group officer to visit those shores could be the charm to a Stanley Cup? Stay tuned …