Friday, February 6, 2009

So.... Now What?

Last night the Ottawa Senators hosted the hottest team this year in the Boston Bruins. Although a valiant third period would eventually bring a point out of the contest, the Bruins went the distance in a five round shootout to defeat the Senators. For that one period, however, the Senators were starting to play as a team.

TOO LITTLE TOO LATE

Mathematical elimination from the playoffs is no longer a what if, but rather an unavoidable inevitability. Even if the Senators were to get to the playoffs it stands to reason that the Bruins would eventually go the distance and knock them out of the race within the seven game slate. What we saw last night could be coach Clouston’s philosophy coming together, but also could easily be a bunch of players trying to play for their jobs. I tend to believe the latter more than the former, but one period does not make a career.

BLOW IT UP?

I have long sat on the side lines and bit my tongue. I have held out hope that this team would actually produce for us and I am very sceptical about making major moves; they tend to come back and bite us in the rear. However, I think the window of opportunity got a new screen, some locks to keep it shut and just in case someone attached shutters to ensure that we wouldn’t get through it. The time has come to make some serious moves ... and Bryan Murray’s mettle will be tested.

WHO SHOULD FIND A NEW HOME?

Murray has already stated that there are only a few players who are safe. We know automatically that Alfredsson is in no threat of being trade bait. We also know from Murray’s track record that the young kids like Elliott, Winchester, Regin, Shannon, Lee and perhaps Bell (lesser so the last two) will remain as Ottawa Senators. What fans will need to come to grips with is that Heatley or Spezza will be the corner stone of trade talks this month leading to the deadline. It does not mean Murray will trade them, but he will entertain calls for either of them. However, if I were going to pick between Heatley or Spezza I would trade Heatley. Spezza infuriates me to no ends with his stupid passes, but Clouston is already riding him about it. Heatley, however, still insists on going to the high slot with his stick up high waiting for the one timer. He does not skate into the play up or down ice, but rather trails it until he finds a piece of ice he can hang out on until the play comes to him. Heatley, however, still holds a great value despite his slump of a season this year (by comparison to his 50 goal years) and thus could help us package a deal for a up and coming star player. Forwards like Neil, Schubert, Kelly and Donovan more than likely will generate some interest as well.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO BIGWILL?

I would hate to be in Murray’s shoes this year. However, if given a chance I would start selling some parts to bring in some picks and prospects. I would officially write this season off and build a younger team around Clouston if he is going to be our guy. If we look back at when Martin was our coach he too had a younger core to work with. However, Martin was not very good at getting players past the development level and into the winning champion format. I would focus on the 2-3 years ahead of the team and focus on creating a secure nucleus again that will go for it again at the end of a rebuild. I do not think our defence is mobile enough and that people will be swapped around in those roles. That the forwards are too spread out in assignments and talent to be effective beyond a period or two of glimmering hope once a week.

No matter what my opinion is, or the rumours other bloggers post are or the journalists who are both aloof and close to the team happen to be writing about, we are all of the same opinion; something has to happen.

- W

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