By Alexander Monaghan
President

On Saturday, Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty delivered a nasty blindside to the face, or notably the nose, of Pittsburgh Penguins d-man Kris Letang. The hit, which was one of the most discussed plays of the weekend, earned the top-line left wing a three-game suspension.

Before we move forward, here’s Brendan Shanahan to explain exactly why Max will sit out this entire calendar week.

Shanahan explains that Pacioretty delivered an illegal hit to the head of Letang. Despite the danger Letang put himself in by skating through the middle of the ice, Shanahan opines that no player should have their head become the principle contact of a hit. The onus was on Pacioretty to not make the hit to the head.

In addition, Pacioretty had the time to re-position himself in order to not hit Letang directly in the head. Shanahan would call his failure to make that adjustment ‘reckless’.

After the hit, Pacioretty sounded apologetic for his blunder. “I’m sorry for what happened and I’m glad he’s okay,” Pacioretty explained. Assorted members of the Penguins would comment on the hit but at the end of the day, they won. Despite Letang being day-to-day due to the hit, there is not as much ill will between the players as perhaps there was between the starting goalies.

They earned a hard-fought victory and the last thing they needed is more concussion talk or emphasis away from anything but winning games. Sidney Crosby wouldn’t really even go there. However, in Montreal the discussion carries on.

Pacioretty gets three games while Ryan Malone was not suspended for his hit which has kept Chris Campoli out of nearly every regular season game. That same argument could then be carried over to the infamous Zdeno Chara hit, which garnered no suspension under Colin Campbell even though it was not a head shot.

Putting aside our vitriol over blown calls, the bigger question is: Why wasn’t Pacioretty more careful?

He obviously knows how a hit of that stature can knock a hockey player out for significant periods of time and therefore his hit was beyond reckless, it was irresponsible. Jimmy Murphy of ESPN Boston, via Twitter, went so far as to call Pacioretty a hypocrite for making a hit he preached against for most of last season.

Hypocrite may be a bit too far in this case. The guy suffered an unfortunate injury which would not happen in 99 of 100 attempts. Furthermore, he said something remotely stupid wise age of 23. At 23, were you an all-knowing and diplomatic individual? Moreover, do you have a pressure-filled job in which your every move was scrutinized and examined? Probably not.

Remember, at the ripe age of 18 he likened himself to Jed Ortmeyer on live television (for those keeping score at home he already has more career goals than Ortmeyer).

Pacioretty is a professional athlete playing in arguably the capitol of professional hockey. And while he may be the savior of a fledgling offense and a shot machine, he’s far from perfect and still growing into himself as a player. Reckless, irresponsible even stupid, yes. Hypocrite he is not.

The Ottawa Senators enter the 2010-2011 season with many of the same questions that surrounded this team one year ago.  The Senators surprised many by qualifying for the playoffs and finishing as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.  The off-season brought some significant change in the capital for the first time in a while.  Mainstay defensemen Anton Volchenkov who had spent his entire seven year career in Ottawa, left for New Jersey. To replace him, Bryan Murray made a major splash in free agency by signing veteran Sergei Gonchar.   The Sens are counting on their offensive weapons such as Jason Spezza, Alex Kovalev and Milan Michalek to have bounce back seasons and for Mike Fisher to match his output.

The teams biggest uncertainty remains goaltending , as they will need Pascal Leclaire to step up and install some confidence in coaching and management who have expected big things from him since his acquisition in 2009.

FORWARDS

The most scrutinized player, the guy most often on the hot seat and the guy  who needs to become a leader; Jason Spezza.  After a whole summer of trying to fight off rumors of his unhappiness and speculation he was on his way out, Spezza enters the season with a new focus and determination. Tired of being booed by his own fan base and constantly doubted, Spezza knows he must not only return to his 90 point form but also must come out of the gate firing.  The fact is the  27 year old is in his prime and is a top 10 center in the league who should be a point per game player if not more.

Another key for the Sens offense this season is Alex Kovalev who enters a contract year, also with something to prove.  Nearing the end of his career and coming off major knee surgery in the summer, he must be more consistent and not disappear for long stretches which he is known for.  Nobody expects an 80 point season like the one had in Montreal just a few short years ago, but Sens fans certainly expect to see a bit more passion from the dazzling Russian who at times looked and sounded like he was missing Montreal a little too much.

Any Senators fan who has caught any of training camp or preseason action, know full well that Nick Foligno is primed for a breakout season.  The decision by Murray to not  add a top 6 forward but rather have someone on the roster earn a promotion already looks to be  making sense. Foligno came to camp with added size and muscle and worked on many aspects of his game, and is now ready to make the jump on to one of the top two lines while making a significant contribution to the team.  While it’s hard to gauge much from pre-season play, it is very possible that Foligno puts up 30 goals/60 points; poolies take notice if you haven’t already.

Another solid candidate to have a breakout season is center Peter Regin. He displayed a lot of his untapped potential in last springs playoff series against Pittsburgh and he will look to build upon that and gives the Sens another threat up front.

DEFENSE

With the addition of Gonchar and the loss of Volchenkov, the Sens will be returning to their offensive-defensive approach and will finally have someone on the backend to make that big breakout pass ala Wade Redden in his prime.  It almost goes without saying that Gonchar’s largest impact will be on the Powerplay which desperately needed help after finishing 21st in the league. Gonchar, who has averaged 50 points a season for the last five years, is one of the top  powerplay quarterbacks in the league.  It is also expected that young Sweedish stud Erik Karlsson will take another step forward and flirt with 40 points while receiving more ice-time and of course more responsibility. There is always the threat of the dreaded sophomore slump, but it’s better that is not mentioned.

After a strong finish last season and leading  the team in scoring in the pre-season, Chris Campoli will be counted on for a larger contribution.  The 26 year old will look to make more strides this season.  Matt Carkner returns as the rough and gritty in your face #5 d-man. Without Volchenkov to lay down multiple hits hits a game, Carkner will need to step up and make sure the Senators net is protected.

GOALTENDING

Can either Pascal Leclaire or Brian Elliott make a statement this season that they deserve the #1 job? After a very shaky pre-season from both, it looks like this could be the Senators downfall once again. While pre-season is never the be-all/end-all for player evaluation, there were times when both guys looked like they didn’t even belong in the NHL.  Until one of them proves they can handle the load, Cory Clouston will likely rotate them on a game to game basis.  If things really get ugly and the Sens start losing games because of their goalies, something will have to give.

Keep a close eye on blue-chip prospect Robin Lehner down in Binghamton as well as GM Bryan Murray possibly making a trade for an immediate fix.  If Leclaire can somehow both stay healthy and play to expectations, or if  Elliott can match his play from last year, there will be a lot less stress in the Nation’s Capital.

SUMMARY

The Senators certainly have some interesting pieces in place to be a contender in the Eastern Conference, but it’s going to be tough for them to win their division after the improvements the Bruins made.  They will continue to be a team that responds well to Clouston’s direction, a team that has a solid combination of talent and grit.  As captain Daniel Alfredsson’s career winds down, the Sens must take that next step and make a deep run in the spring.  If a true #1 goaltender can be acquired than the Sens are a very dangerous team.

Prediction: 4th in the East

Mike Stelcner
NHLHS Ottawa Senators Correspondent
mstelcner@nhlhotstove.com

After being on the receiving end of blows to end the season, the Pens took a crucial blow to the chops in Game 1, drawing negative criticism from hockey’s media, fanbase, and blogosphere, including from yours truly. In Game 2 and 3, however, the Pens began to deliver the heavy punishment, rather than taking it, to the Ottawa Senators.

I wrote in my Game 1 recap that Pittsburgh’s lack of preparation and responsibility from behind the bench was equally as responsible for their loss to begin the season as much as the lackluster defensive play and maddeningly consequential goaltending gaffes. Aside from a Ruslan Fedotenko scratch, no major line changes were implemented. The plan of attack, however, was vastly different, and the Penguins benefited.

In Game 1, the Senators won the matchup battle in spades. Evgeni Malkin‘s two powerplay goals were the Penguins’ life support for much of the game, but Malkin’s even strength line was vilified by Ottawa’s forecheck. In Game 3′s victory, Geno’s line came to life, largely due to the outstanding play of Alexei Ponikarovsky, a deadline acquisition that was close to being deemed Ray Shero’s first major failure as General Manager of the Penguins, and a hockey pariah among Penguins fans everywhere. Ponikarovsky only registered two shots on goal in Game 3, but one of those found the back of the twine at a pivotal moment. The latest Penguin also forechecked effectively, and showed significant value in the defensive zone.

The Penguins also saw new life in Game 3′s victory from their Jordan Staal-led third line, which, between Staal and his two linemates, Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy, has earned a combined minus-9 rating throughout the playoffs so far. Brand new Selke award nominee Staal and his two wingers didn’t see an offensive production to boost that dismal rating, but their massive onslaught of takeaways and puck possession was a crucial catalyst in Sunday night’s victory.

Despite these improvements, along with a defense coming to life quickly, the stars of the show have been, to no surprise, Sidney Crosby and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

Crosby continues to be the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and is earning his much-heralded celebrity status amongst sports fan with his playoff performance this season. Crosby is leading all playoff skaters with seven points. Ironically enough, six out of his seven points have come against Ottawa’s top defense pairing of Anton Volchenkov and Chris Phillips. He also leads all playoff skaters in assists, and is tied for second in plus/minus. Sid the Kid also continues to be the team’s most dominant two-way forward in the playoffs. His highlight reel defensive dive to prevent Game 2 from going into overtime, and his one-man-wrecking-crew of a goal created off of his own his forecheck in Game 3 sealed the victory for Pittsburgh.

After looking like a liability in Game One, Marc-Andre Fleury has made his triumphant return to postseason glory in both of Pittsburgh’s recent playoff victories. Fleury has only allowed three goals in his last two games, and has kept the Senators scoreless in three out of their last five periods against the Penguins. To paraphrase the old adage, a team cannot win in the playoffs without elite goaltending. This rang true for the Penguins in both of their cup runs in 2008 and 2009. If the Penguins are to live up to that saying’s standard’s, than they are on the right track behind Fleury’s recent play in net.

Ottawa’s season currently hangs in the balance in Game 4 tonight. A third straight loss would officially render them ice-cold, and down 3-1 heading back to a raucous Pittsburgh crowd in Game 5. Despite their discrepancies to finish the season, the Pens are not appearing to be a team poised to surrender three straight playoff losses. In an attempt to create an offensive fire, the Senators have scratched gritty forward Shane Donovan for tonight’s game and will play former 56 goal scorer, Jonathan Cheechoo instead. Cheechoo has been a colossal disappointment for the Sens this season, scoring only five goals in 61 games played. He spent the remaining 21 games of Ottawa’s schedule in the AHL. Cheechoo also has only five goals in his last 19 playoff games.

Ottawa must also improve defensively. Only one Ottawa defenseman, Chris Campoli, boasts a positive plus/minus rating in the playoffs so far. The team’s collective plus/minus  amongst its’ defenseman is a glaring minus-6. Ottawa’s goaltending, weighed down by Brian Elliott’s .868% save percentage, will need all the help it can get.

The adjustment burden has been transferred and the Pens are playing with the swagger, confidence, and talent of a cup champion for the first time in quite some time. The Ottawa Senators are on the ropes. Tonight may be their last chance to come out swinging effectively. If effective adjustments are not made in Game 4, the team’s most effective swinging might be taking place on golf courses across Canada’s capital city, rather than on the ice.

Atlantic Division:

• Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello won’t use the word concussion when discussing the injury Patrik Elias suffered during Saturday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche in Denver.
• More likely, it was another discouraging start and an unhappy coach – either way, something lit a fire under the Rangers Sunday night, and they responded by hammering the Montreal Canadiens, 6-2, to break a three-game skid.
• Rick DiPietro stopped Patrick Kaleta to secure a 3-2 win in the second game of his comeback from the knee surgeries that kept him sidelined for much of the past two years. “I can’t tell you how good this feels,” DiPietro said.
• Despite a 6-2 loss at GM Place on Saturday night to cap a 3-2-0 road trip, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma witnessed encouraging signs from his club over the past 11 days. “We were more determined to play our game … and that means managing the puck and executing the way we need to,” he said.
• For the Flyers, the return of goalie Ray Emery did not mean a return to their winning ways today. Left winger Brooks Laich scored two goals – including a shorthanded breakaway after he took the puck away from Flyers captain Mike Richards early in the final period – to carry the Washington Capitals to a 5-3 win at the reverberating Verizon Center.

Northeast Division:

• Buffalo enters tonight’s game against the Phoenix Coyotes in Jobing.com Arena with a 7-0-1 record against the West — the only team in the league without a regulation loss to a club in the other conference.
• Sarah Anderson of The Ottawa Citizen sat down and got some one on one interview time with Senators defenseman Chris Campoli.
• Claude Julien didn’t have a lot of answers yesterday. The Bruins coach is presiding over one extremely banged-up hockey team, and he didn’t know who would be available to him for today’s matinee against the Ottawa Senators at the Garden.
• We’ve all heard that expression: You should quit while you’re ahead. The Canadiens took it literally last night as they forged a 2-0 first period against the New York Rangers and then folded their tents en route to a 6-2 loss.
• Somewhere between the summer signing of Jonas Gustavsson and the impressive training camps of Tyler Bozak, Viktor Stalberg, Nazem Kadri and Carl Gunnarsson, Leafs Nation took a turn off the long and winding road of a team-building process and started looking for the short cut to the Stanley Cup parade.

Southeast Division:

• As the Washington Capitals’ league-leading offense shifted into high gear in recent games, one name had been conspicuously absent from the score sheet: Brooks Laich.
• While Tampa Bay players used a shotgun approach to try and score Saturday, the Panthers brought their high-powered rifles equipped with laser scopes and scored five goals on their first 15 shots to beat the Lightning 5-2.
• The Thrashers held a two-goal lead over Carolina on Saturday when it happened – again.  Atlanta had to kill off a two-man disadvantage after drawing back-to-back penalties in the third period. It was a near disaster.
• Injured Lightning goalie Mike Smith has been sent back to Tampa, but he has not suffered any setbacks and could return to practice Wednesday, team athletic trainer Tommy Mulligan said Sunday.
• Speed is the biggest difference. And smarts. And let’s not forget the goaltending. The Carolina Hurricanes have brought in players in revolving-door fashion this season from the Albany River Rats, their American Hockey League affiliate. And though most already had played some NHL games, two made their NHL debuts.

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @ACHockeyGuys

As we approach the midway point of the 2009-10 season in the National Hockey League, many questions remain unanswered.

Which teams are serious about playoff contention?  Who needs a massive upgrade to make the push from a bubble team?  Which team should sell off the year and attempt a mini-rebuild?

Those are some thoughts circulating the League as we take a look at the state of all teams around the NHL.  Now, when perusing through certain rosters some names that could bring in returns which would benefit a team in need of depth.

Today, we look at the defensemen around the NHL likely to be moved by the March 3rd, 2010 trade deadline. As a side note, be sure to tune into “The Hockey Guys” on deadline day as there will be an all day live event with a live chat room for discussion on all the rumors and news as it breaks in the NHL.

If you have not noticed the way d-men are being brought into the NHL, I will help you understand the recent developments. We are beginning to see, more and more, the crop of blueliners entering the NHL have an offensive style game. To give you an example of what I mean:  Drew Doughty, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Duncan Keith, Zach Bogosian, Mike Green, Michael Del Zotto, Shea Weber are a few names from recent drafts with the gift of scoring from the blue line.

When you think playoffs, it’s about experience, two way hockey, leadership and heart and soul type players.  You also think about, outside of goaltending, offense.  However, the defense is an absolute crucial part of a roster and the game as it gives a balance at both ends of the ice.  As a team you need to be able to protect your end of the ice as well as get the puck up the ice to an offensive transition.  So, in summary the blue liners play a very vital part of the team and there will be some names in discussion come the new year and second half of the
NHL season.

Some of the potential names that can see their names sewn onto the back of a different sweater:

As discussed recently here on NHL Hot Stove as well as the recent “The Hockey Guys!” podcast, Scott Niedermayer will be the biggest name on the trading block when the deadline approaches. With the Ducks currently out of a playoff position and the season not looking like it will take a turn for the better, the Ducks would be smart to move out the duel captain (named Candian Olympic team Captain earlier today).  Scott can make one more run at a cup and the Ducks can get an important piece for their future.

Possible destinations: NJD, WSH, LAK, PHI

Joe Corvo, when healthy, provides a team looking to shore up some help on the blue line with veteran experience as well as an offensive touch that can help out a power play when called upon.  The News Observer’s Javier Serna first reported Corvo on the block on December 2nd.

Possible destinations:  PHX, NYI, BOS

Jean-Michael Liles might not be having his best season this year; queue the rumors. Liles could be packaged with a forward in order to get an upgrade up front. He is a good puck mover and has the ability to score from the blue line as well.  Another potential PP QB to add to this list.

Possible destinations: FLA, NJD

Sheldon Souray hears his name come up in rumors all season.  As the Bruce Garrioch of Ottawa Sun reported the Oilers are falling apart and if they can move Souray and relieve
themselves of the cap hit they kill two birds with one stone.  Souray will provide not only a massive shot from the point, but a leader both on and off the ice.  He plays with grit and is one of the better power play quarter backs in the league.

Possible destinations: MTL, NYI, PHX, BOS, WSH

Kim Johnsson and  Marek Zidlicky are both important pieces to the blue line in Minnesota, but if the Wild season doesn’t tame there will not be a playoff appearance. Both players bring puck moving abilities as well as defensive presence.  Pure speculation on my part, but wouldn’t you move these two if your team falls out of the race?

Possible destinations: BUF, NYI, FLA

Michal Rozsival of the New York Rangers, although a hefty price tag, could be shipped out just to have one of the younger blue liners step up and into the line up on a full time basis. It helps free up cap space in New York to acquire more important pieces which are scoring forwards. This could be one of the key figures in a Pavol Demitra deal, or a salary moved to fit said player under the cap.

Possible destinations: VAN, FLA, PHX, BUF

One of Alexander Picard or Chris Campoli, who are both RFA’s at seasons end, could be shopped by the Senators as The Sporting News recently mentioned.   Carlo Colaiacovo and Darryl Sydor of St. Louis could also be shopped.  Sydor would add great veteran depth to a playoff team. Brett Lebda, if the Wings are out of the playoffs around the deadline, could be a welcome addition as well to a younger team.

We hope you enjoyed our latest feature here at the NHL Hot Stove.  You can help NHLHS stay alive by visiting our sponsors to the right.

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Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Contributor
achockeyguys@gmail.com