Oh those lazy October games down in Florida. They’re not even exciting enough to bust out the HD cameras- or at least not on Rogers Cable. The only thing this game might have had going for it was the fact that Florida had beaten Ottawa in last year’s season series. But even that is a stretch.
I really feel for the Florida Panthers on a variety of different levels. The loss of Jay Bouwmeester to free agency really didn’t set this team up for future success. The loss of David Booth last week is another huge hit. And they have Bryan McCabe as their captain. I mean, the hockey gods must be laughing somewhere.
Ottawa, to its credit, managed to put on an entertaining game (not that anyone in the arena noticed). They even added a bit of drama to the mix. Having Pascal Leclaire not come out after the 1st period added a bit of a cliffhanger as I screamed at my television, only to find out he is still flu-ridden. However, the loss of Anton Volchenkov with an elbow injury might leave the door open for a young blueliner from the AHL who is trying to prove something. I just hope Erik Karlsson’s bags haven’t already made it to New York.
Unfortunately for me, I had to be pulled away during the 2nd period. Fortunately, I was able to position myself in such a way that the game at the restaurant was in my direct sightlines. So understanding that, it’s now time for everyone’s favourite multiple choice review: the Classy, the Non-Classy and the Could-Have-Been-Classier of last night’s game.
The Classy
I had a couple of different mental notes on this one. On the one hand, it’s incredible to see the scoring depth that this team is boasting these days. Goals from Alfredsson, Fisher, Rutuu and Foligno (which was a bit of a fluke) highlights that this is a team that has multiple lines that can put the puck in the net. Given how the team has been playing, I think it’s safe to say that this isn’t a fluke.
The other alternative was the play of Brian Elliott. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it again and again. This is the most comfortable I’ve been with the Senators goaltending duo since Emery/Hasek. While I was concerned for Pascal, it certainly wasn’t because I was concerned that Elliott couldn’t get the job done. He showed again that he’s an NHL-capable goalie, and willing to play the backup role as he settles into one day becoming a starter.
I even had Ottawa coming from behind, not once, but twice, to tie the game and push ahead for the win.
But even with those Classy options, last night’s Classy is going to go to the special teams of the Senators. Ottawa went 1 for 1 on the Powerplay (welcome back Kuba point shot, we’ve missed you), and killed off 6 of 7 penalties. They were even an offensive threat when killing penalties, and Milan Michalek once again showed why #9 is a better number than #15. That one Powerplay goal against, I really don’t think Elliott had a chance on either. It seemed like 8 of the 9 bodies on the ice were in his way from seeing that McCabe point shot.
The Non-Classy
What can you say about the crowds in Florida that hasn’t already been said. According to the official game log, the attendance was 12,596. I call bunk. How can you even be excited as a team to play in an atmosphere like that? No wonder Florida is 2-7-1.
But that’s old news. The real Non-Classy from last night, and it pains me to say this, was Jonathan Cheechoo. I’ve had nothing but good things to say about Cheech, and I really want him to succeed. But when you have Jason Spezza feeding you passes, you should be able to put something in the net. There was an old saying that even a pylon could get 50 points playing with Gretzky. Well Mr. Cheechoo, Spezza is no Gretzky, but you’re definitely not a pylon. Please put something in the net soon!
Could-Have-Been-Classier
At first, I had written down something about TSN2 and the horrible feed that I had for watching the game. But then I told myself that would be unfair to TSN2 and lazy on my part. And then it occurred to me, there’s was a much bigger Could-Have-Been-Classier moment.
The refereeing really was a little suspect on this one, I’m going to be honest. There are some penalties that are must calls, but you’d think Florida was guilty of more than just 1 infraction while Ottawa was guilty of 7. Usually games are pretty balanced as far as penalties are concerned. I’ve been to games where no penalties have gone either way, and to games when it seems like most of the game is played by special teams. But I really don’t think Ottawa was guilty of overly aggressive play or lazy plays. I’m not really sure what happened last night, but the refereeing was the leading candidate for the Could-Have-Been-Classier.
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Next up, another lazy October game in Florida. These are the kind of points you sort of expect to have come April, and despite coming off a game last night, I think Ottawa should come out strong again tonight. What will be interesting is the status of Leclaire and Volchenkov. With Elliott playing the remainder of the game last night, you’d think he might get a break. And with Volchenkov potentially sitting this one out, who gets the call to take his place (maybe Christoph Schubert wants to take the short flight back from Atlanta? He was always a good swing man in these situations).
As a bit of a favour as well, our friends over at The 6th Sens have been nominated for best hockey blog for the first annual Bloguin Awards. If you’ve never had a chance to read their biting commentary on hockey, the media and all things in between, I highly recommend it as a daily read. And I highly recommend that you get over there and vote for them in their respective categories.
Stay classy, everyone.
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Nice review, Tambs.
I’ll try to keep my unbias hat on here…
I really didn’t understand the reffing last night (at least it wasn’t as bad as the Toronto game!!!). I as well thought Florida should of and could of had a few more penalties.
Cheechoo looked like his skates were made of cement last night. Meanwhile, Alfie’s line was terrific, especially that minute and a half sequence where they kept cycling and wearing out that Florida line.
Apparently I missed Kuba more than I thought! He looks like he hasn’t missed a beat!
Lastly, I liked Carkner’s game simply for the fact he nearly dove head first to block a shot early in the game.
Cheech did have that one chance, but he just can’t convert these days. My thought is that once one goes in, the gates are going to open.
Carkner can’t feel no pain.
Are NBC still shooting the revamped American Gladiators TV show? If yes, I think Matt Carkner should go on the show. He’d easily crush the gladiators and destroy the competition in the Eliminator.