Division Battle: Maple Leafs vs Senators

Toronto Maple Leafs Record: 3-10-5 (Last in the Northeast)

Ottawa Senators Record: 8-6-3 (3rd in the Northeast)

Maple Leafs Record vs. Senators Since 2005: 12-14-2-3

Maple Leafs Likely Goalie: Vesa Toskala... sooooo Sens win!

Senators Likely Goalie: Pascal Leclaire

Maple Leafs Top Scorer: Tomas Kaberle (2 goals, 21 points)

Senators Top Scorer: Daniel Aldredsson (6 goals, 19 points)

Injury Report: Leafs D-man Mike "No Talent" Komisarek is still out with a sore vagina. Senators D-man Anton Volchenkov is still nursing and elbow injury

Preview Notes: The Senators claimed the first round of this divisional series, a 2-1 win on October 6th. Ottawa has struggled lately after a strong start, and Alfredsson states the obvious:

"It’s not easy to win games," Alfredsson said. "You look at the standings and it's extremely close. Every game is important."

The Maple Leafs still love giving opposing teams early leads like Eric Lindros loves skating with his head down. Coach Ron Wilson has publicly expressed his displeasure, but no one in Toronto cares. You poor, poor Toronto fans. You have nothing to look forward too. Well, maybe Kessel. He's going good. You have Kessel guys.

Senators Lose Goalie Battle In Shootout

Three Stars:
1. Henrik Lundqvist (35 saves)
2. Brian Elliot (27 saves)
3. Chris Phillips

Final Score:
New York Rangers: 2
Ottawa Senators: 1

Goalie Stats
Henrik Lundqvist: SV: 35 SV%: .972 GA: 1
Brian Elliot: SV: 27 SV%: .964 GA: 1

Recap Notes:
- You let your goalie down by letting up a short handed goal Senators
- Vinny Prospal scored a short handed goal!
- 7 round shoot out... nice miss Michalek
- Can't this be like the Special Olympics and everyone wins?
- Callahan must've pissed Alfredsson of, as Alfie kept shooting directly at him
- The goal is to shoot around players, not at them
- Both teams missed fantastic opportunities to end the game in regulation
- Everyone but the goalies should be ashamed of themselves

Preview: Ottawa hosts....whoops

Yeah...Didn't realize that the Ottawa game was at 2pm today. Sorry! We'll do better next time. Late in the 2nd, the game is tied 1-1.

Preview: Senators vs Flyers

Ottawa Senators Record: 8-5-2

Philadelphia Flyers Record: 9-4-1

Senators Record vs. Flyers Since 2005: 9-7

Senators Likely Goalie: Pascal Leclaire

Flyers Likely Goalie: Ray Emery

Senators Top Scorer: Daniel Alfredsson (6 goals, 18 points)

Flyers Top Scorer: Mike Richards (8 goals, 15 points, 4 goalie runs, awful captain)

Injury Report: Ottawa will not have the services of Anton Volchenkov (dislocated elbow)

Pennsylvania's second best NHL team will be without Simon Gagne (hernia), Ryan Parent (groin) and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen (concussion). Danny Briere (quad, flu) and Van Riemsdyk (pinky) are questionable.

Preview Notes: Ray Emery and his group of cheap shot artists and goons welcome his former team, the Ottawa Senators.

The Flyers are riding a 4 game win streak. I will admit that even though the Flyers are total douches, their offense is nuts. Ottawa could be in big trouble if they continue to play the way they have been.

The last time Ray Emery was in Ottawa he was crying about how much he sucked and left the team due to severe emotional problems. They say being in Philly has cured him, but when you look at the rest of the team Emery just looks better by comparison.

Ottawa has decided that Toronto shouldn't be the Canadian team with the most penalties as they have thrown discipline out the window lately. The Philly power play will be all over them like Bruce Boudreau is all over an all you can eat buffet. Brian Elliot is going to have to bring his A game.

Ottawa Likes Penalties, Can't Hold a Lead

Three Stars:
1. Zack Parise (1 goal, 1 assists)
2. Milan Michalek (1 goal, 0 assist)
3. David Clarkson (1 goal, 1 assist)


Final Score:
New Jersey Devils: 3
Ottawa Senators: 2

Goalie Stats
martin Brodeur: SV: 19 SV%: .905 GA: 2
Pascal Leclaire: SV: 22 SV%: .880 GA: 3

Recap Notes:
-Ottawa blew this game for themselves, they started up 2-0.
-Both Rutuu and Neil got game misconduct penalties...jerks.
-Every one of the Devils' goals were power play goals
-Ottawa may be one of the least disciplined teams in the current NHL
-Brodeur let in his softest goal of the season
-Otawa went 0-2 on powerplay.
-Spezza didn't have a point, but he was the best player on the ice.

Preview: Devils vs Senators

Ottawa Senators Record: 7-4-2 (2nd in the Northeast)

New Jersey Devils Record: 10-4-0 (3rd in the Atlantic)

Senators Record vs. Devils Since 2005: 5-6-2-3

Senators Likely Goalie: Pascal LeClaire

Devils Likely Goalie: Martin Brodeur

Senators Top Scorer: Daniel Alfredsson (6 goals, 17 points)

Devils Top Scorer: Zach Parise (6 goals, 15 points)

Injury Report: The Senators will be without Anton Volchekov (elbow).

New Jersey will be without Jay Pandolfo (dislocated shoulder), Rob Niedermayer (upper body), Paul Martin (fracture forearm) and Johnny Oduya (lower body)

Preview Notes: The Devils have more injuries than the Bruins have goals in their past 3 games... but technically that could only be 2 goals. Much like last year, injuries seem to mean nothing to the Devils as they are carrying on without two of their top defenseman.

Ottawa's Chris Neil looks to take cheap shots intimidate the Devils' forwards, as he is second in the league in douche-baggery hits.

Ottawa's power play seemed slightly improved last game and they will need to keep that momentum to top the Devils.

Also, LeClaire is busy gushing about how Brodeur is his hero, so hopefully he pays attention to the puck instead of staring longingly into Brodeur's eyes all night.

Preview: Lightning vs Senators

Ottawa Senators Record: 6-4-2 (2nd in the Northeast)

Tampa Bay Lightning Record: 5-4-4 (2nd in the Southleast)

Senators Record vs. Lightning Since 2005: 12-4-0-2

Senators Likely Goalie: Pascal LeClaire

Lightning Likely Goalie: Antero Niittymaki

Senators Top Scorer: Daniel Alfredsson (5 goals, 16 points)

Lightning Top Scorer: Steven Stamkos (11 goals, 16 points)

Injury Report: Ottawa will be without Anton Volchenkov (elbow) and Jesse Winchester (knee, girly first name).

Pittsburgh South Tampa Bay will be without Paul Ranger (personal reasons). Ryan Malone is questionable (bitterness over leaving the Penguins and not winning a Cup).

Preview Notes:
Perhaps the legendary Gary Roberts has a future as a trainer... look what he's done with Stamkos. Stamkos trained with Roberts all summer and has been playing some great hockey (and is much harder to knock off the puck!)

This is the third meeting between the two teams this season (Ottawa won the first game 7-1, and Tampa retaliated with a 5-2 victory two weeks later). Jason Spezza will be back in the line-up tonight and is still looking for his first goal of the season.

With Ottawa struggling with injuries and the Lightning's top center (Lecavalier) playing like he's on the Maple Leafs this game might be harder to watch than a game announced by Pierre McGuire.

The two teams made a bet prior to tonight's game, and the loser will officially be the team with the laziest third jersey in hockey:

Preview: Thrashers vs Senators

Ottawa Senators Record: 6-3-2 (2nd in the Northeast)

Atlanta Thrashers Record: 4-4-1 (3rd in the Southleast)

Senators Record vs. Thrashers Since 2005: 9-7-1-0

Senators Likely Goalie: Pascal LeClaire

Thrashers Likely Goalie: Ondrej Pavelec

Senators Top Scorer: Daniel Alfredsson (5 goals, 15 points)

Thrashers Top Scorer: Rich Peverley (5 goals, 11 points)

Injury Report: Jason Spezza is a game time decision for Ottawa. Anton Volchenkov is out (elbow). Ilya Kovalchuk is out for the Thrashers (broken foot). Boris Valabik (back) and Kari Lehtonen (ankle) are on the IR.

Preview Notes:
- Senators won first meeting this season, 4-2
- Sens looking to rebound from a Maple Leafs like effort against Tampa
- Not exactly a news flash, but Thrashers not doing so hot since Kovalchuk went down
- Spezza may not play... but has he really been playing all season?
- Ottawa could use the two points to keep pace with those pesky Sabres
- Is anyone in Atlanta even paying attention to this team now that Kovalchuk is out?
- Who will Chris Neil cheap shot tonight?
- The Thrashers' Kane has never punched a cab driver

Volchenkov Injured, Likely Out a Couple Weeks

The Ottawa Senators announced today that Anton Volchenkov will be out for at least a couple of weeks with an elbow injury. Volchenkov left last night's game in the third period and did not return.

The Senators have called up Brian Lee from Binghamton (their AHL affiliate) to replace Volchenkov.

Preview: Senators vs Panthers

Verses: Florida Panthers

Ottawa's Record: 5-2-2

Florida's Record: 2-6-1

Ottawa's Record vs. Florida Since 2005: 10-4-2

Ottawa's Likely Goalie: Brian Elliott (1-1, GAA: 2.40)

Florida's Likely Goalie: Tomas Vokoun (1-7, GAA: 3.61)

Ottawa's Top Scorer: Milan Michalek (6)

Florida's Top Scorer: Steve Reinprecht (4)

Injury Report: Kuba should be coming back to Ottawa tonight, that's all to report for Ottawa.

David Booth and Radek Dvorak both went down in Florida's game against Philly, which will make winning even harder for them.

Preview Notes: Good god Florida sucks, but I have problems with teams in states that don't have ice. Leclaire should be starting, but he has the sniffles so Elliot more than likely will be looking to redeem himself after his epic breakdown against Boston last Saturday. Kuba's return should give an extra boost to an already solid Ottawa team.

Preview: OT Losers Look for Revenge

Divisional Match-up: Boston Bruins vs Ottawa Senators

Bruins Record: 4-4-1 (3rd in the Northeast)

Senators Record: 5-2-1 (2nd in the Northeast)

Bruins Record vs. Senators Since 2005: 17-11-1-1

Bruins Likely Goalie: Tim Thomas

Senators Likely Goalie: Brian Elliot (LeClaire has the flu)

Preview Notes: The Boston Bruins travel to Ottawa to meet the Senators tonight in a divisional battle, their first of the season.

Both teams are coming off of come from behind, over time losses. The Bruins could really use the two points in this match-up to keep pace in the division.

The Bruins may have a bit of luck as Pascal LeClaire is not playing tonight, as he is out with flu like symptoms. Brian Elliot is a more than capable back up but LeClaire has been on fire... well, outside of that pesky Predators game.

In terms of who the Bruins are starting tonight, well that is anyone's guess. Coach Claude Julien has tried many different combinations in an attempt to get the team rolling.

As Julien told the official Bruins website "We didn't have that competition. And the last thing you want is for the players to get comfortable. Because, it is not good for them and it is not good for your team.

"Competition is good. 'Healthy' competition is what I call it. And now we have some of that," he said.

The Senators are 11th in the league in scoring, having scored 27 goals so far this season (although the Bruins are only 1 behind them). The Bruins won the season series last year 5-1.

The two teams combined have quite the list of injured/potentially injured players going into tonight's game. As has been well documented the Bruins will be without Marc Savard (broken foot) and Milan Lucic (broken finger).

The Senators will be without defenseman Filip Kuba (lower body). Forwards Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek are questionable tonight as well.

Preview: Senators Look to Pad Northeast Lead

Verses: Chris Hanson and the Nashville Predators

Ottawa Senators Record: 5-2-0 (2nd in the Northeast)

Nashville Predators Record: 2-5-1 (Last in the Central)

Senators Record vs. Predators Since 2005: 1-2

Senators Likely Goalie: Pascal Leclaire

Predators Likely Goalie: Pekka Rinne

Preview Notes: The Ottawa Senators will look to continue their hot streak and keep pace with the Buffalo Sabres in the Northeast when they take on the Nashville Predators.

So much for missing Dani Heatley, eh? The Senators have scored 22 goals so far this season and have continued to look great under coach Cory Clouston.

The Predators, however, are another story. With Jason Arnott out the already shiveling Predators offense is further gone. Nashville currently sits last in a very competitive Central division.

However, the Predators goaltending and defense has seemed to come together a bit better the last few game, and they will need to continue to play strong to hold off Ottawa's surprising decent offense. They had a very back and forth game agains the Bruins last night, but lost 3-2 when the Bruins scored two unanswered goals

Peter Regin will return tonight for the Senators, which leaves Donovan riding the bench. Jesse Winchester practiced yesterday, but is doubtful for tonight's game. Defenseman Filip Kuba has been skating as well, but is also doubtful. Clouston said Jason Spezza is fine and will play tonight.

Senators Sign Carkner to Two-year Contract

The Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Matt Carkner to a 2 year, 1 way, contract extension for a total of $1.4 million.

The 29 year old "rookie" has been a pleasant surprise for the Senators so far this season and is tied for 4th place in the NHL with three fights. Not bad. Hopefully Carkner can keep up his solid play and leave the AHL behind.

Kovalev Helps Senators Defeat Former Team

Three Stars:
1. Pascal Leclaire
2. Daniel Alfredsson
3. Alex Kovalev

Final Score:
Ottawa Senators: 3
Montreal Canadiens: 1

Goalie Stats
Pascal Leclaire (W): SV: 27 SV%: .964 GA: 1
Carey Price (L): SV: 18 SV%: .857 GA: 3

Recap Notes: The Montreal crowd cheered for the crowd favorite and rained downed boos at the end…

The Montreal Canadiens crowd cheered Alex Kovalev when he scored for the Senators and booed the home team for their inability to stop him or the Senators.

"It means a lot," said Kovalev, the MVP of the 2009 All-Star Game at the Bell Centre. "It's appreciation for what I've done for the city. I really appreciate all the support the fans gave me and I'm glad I had the chance to show my appreciation for what they did in the summer."

Pascal Leclaire played another great game, out dueling Carey (is a girl’s name) Price to bring the Senators to 5-2-0 on the season.

After opening the season 2-0, the Canadiens have lost 5 straight. The fans definitely have not appreciated the slump their hometown is in.

"The fans expect us to win games so in that sense their reaction is not unexpected," Cammalleri said. "If I was a fan I wouldn't be happy either."

The Canadiens have a couple days off to think about what they’ve done! Or not done.

Preview: Lightning Forecasted in Ottawa Tonight

Verses: Tampa Bay Lightning

Ottawa's Record: 3-2-0

Tampa Bay's Record: 2-1-2

Ottawa's Record vs. TB Since 2005: 11-3-2

Ottawa's Likely Goalie: Pascal Leclaire

Tampa Bay's Likely Goalie: Mike Smith

Preview Notes: Yeah, I know how bad the title is for this preview, shut up, I'm tired. On paper, this match up looks to be close, but luckly for the Senators Mike Smith should be getting the start. Smith missed the last 2 games due to neck problems, no doubt from watching the puck go behind him too much, and will be looking for his first win of the season. One interesting matchup will be Ottawa's penalty kill vs. TB's power play, which has looked strong so far this season. Ottawa will also need to keep a close eye on St. Louis, who has 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in the 5 games so far.

Preview: Senators Welcome Crosby And The Penguins

The Ottawa Senators (3-1-0), riding a three game winning streak, welcome Crosby and the Malkamaniacs (4-1-0).

Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward and current Senator Alex Kovalev will look to pile on points after getting his first goal of the season.

The Penguins are coming of a 5-2 thrashing of the Maple Leafs on Saturday while the Senators are coming off a strong win against Kovalchuk and the Thrashers. Pittsburgh's power play came alive against the Leafs (not exactly an accomplishment) after going 2 of 15 through their first 4 games.

Last season against Pittsburgh the Senators stopped 19 of 21 power play opportunities on route to winning three of four games against the Penguins.

Further working in the Senators favor, superstar Sidney Crosby has never scored a regular season goal while visiting Scotiabank Place. Should be a great game between two teams on hot streaks!

Preview: "Undefeated Thrashers" Visit Ottawa

The Ottawa Senators welcome the Atlanta Thrashers. If you listen to any hockey talk show or read anything from ESPN, you will see they are referred to as the "Undefeated" Atlanta Thrashers. The season is only two games old for the Thrashers boys.

Brian Elliot and his awesome Casey Jones mask will get the start for Ottawa tonight. Pascal Leclaire will take a seat despite allowing just 3 goals in his two starts this season.

Elliot will likely be tested early as Ilya Kovalchuk is a machine and has had two goals in each of the Thrashers first two games this season, finally topping the 300 goal mark. Kovalchuk is also a Senator killer with eleven goals and six assists in 13 road games against Ottawa (despite the impressive stats, the Atlanta Thrashers are only 5-8-0 in those 13 games).

A good match up to watch will be the Thrashers penalty kill vs the Senators power play. Atlanta has killed six of seven power plays thus far this season with rookie Evander Kane contributing effectively on the kill.

On the other side Ottawa has not scored in seven power play chances. Despite the power play woes the Senators have pull out two straight wins (against the lowly Islanders and Maple Leafs).

The Atlanta Thrashers will be without defenseman Boris Valabik (out 4-6 weeks after surgery) while the Ottawa Senators will be missing defenseman Filip Kuba and forwards Jesse Winchester and Ryan Shannon.

Spezza has started slow this year, but perhaps a match up against the Thrashers will help:

Senators Drop Winless Islanders In OT "Thriller"

Mike Fisher scored 32 seconds into overtime to give the Ottawa Senators the victory in their home opener and raise their record to 2-1.

Ottawa ended the first period up 1-0 on a call from Peter Regin.

Later in the third Matt Carkner gave the Sens a 2-0 least. Jonathan Cheechoo got his first point as a Senator with the primary assist on the goal.

About four minutes later Kyle Okposo finally came out of the Phaneuf induced coma and scored to bring the Kansas City New York Islanders within 1.

Five minutes into the third Matt Moulson scored a power play goal, assisted by 64 year old Doug Weight and 12 year old John Tavares to tie the game up.

Pascal Leclaire had another strong showing, making 23 saves. He also screwed my fantasy team, making a big glove save on Alexei Kovalev.

Resident NHL super pest Jarkko Ruutu played in his 500th regular season game.



Ottawa's next game is Saturday when they welcom Kovalchuk and the Atlanta Thrashers

Stajan Stays Hot, But Senators Beat Leafs

The victory in Round One of the Battle of Ontario went to the Ottawa Senators in a battle of the most prolific two teams that cannot find offense.

Ottawa Senators forward Shean Donovan scored the first goal on what Toronto called a questionable call. Donovan batted the puck out of the air on a play that the Maple Leafs thought was a high stick.



Another critical mistake by a Maple Leafs defender would lead to the eventual game winner. Luke Schenn caught Senators winger Milan Michalek with a high stick, while at the same time dragging him down from behind. This resulted in both a two-minute minor and a penalty shot. Daniel Alfredsson took the shot for the injured Michalek.

Alfredsson gave the rookie net minder a rude welcome to the NHL, deking the goalie out of his pads. ``Maybe I'll be able to get him once,'' Alfredsson said with a smile. ``I'm sure he'll be better prepared next time.''

Gustavsson never saw the deke coming.

``It was good penalty shot from him,'' he said. ``I thought he was going to shoot, but he fooled me there.''

Stajan would score on a power play late in the game, but it would be too little too late for a Maple Leafs team that just seems disorganized.

``We'll find most of our forwards tomorrow,'' said Wilson. ``That was almost an embarrassing effort from seven or eight guys who we're really counting on heavily.''

Rookie Viktor Stalberg, who had a fantastic pre-season, left with an injury after a run in with Senators defenseman Anton Volchenkov.



Toronto's mistake master Mike Komisarek appeared to have scored the tying goal, but the shot bounced off both posts and never crossed the goal line.

Pascal Leclaire finished with 26 saves while rookie Gustvasson performed admirably in his starting debut, stopping 26 shots as well. Hope Luke Schenn is kicking himself for letting his team mates down.

Preview: Ottawa at Toronto

Two teams with fan bases that are already freaking out despite only three total games played between the two.

The Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs both look to get their first win of this very young season tonight.

After a dismal offensive game Sunday against the New York Rangers, Ottawa is looking to rebound against a Toronto team that looks like it couldn't stop beach balls from going into the net.

On the other side, the Maple Leafs find themselves with a goalie controversy despite the fact that the season is only two games old. Gustavsson gets the start tonight despite being less "Monster" and more "average goalie" in relief of Toskala last game. Gustavsson will have to play out of his mind to keep the fickle Toronto fans and media off his Swedish fish ass.

Refs have premptively put Mike Komisarek in the box for an elbowing penalty.

In the injury department the Senators are missing Jesse Winchester, Ryan Shannon and Ted Kennedy. The Maple Leafs are without Jamie Heward (concussion), Mike Van Ryn and Phil "Can't find my ball" Kessel, who is out until November with a vagina shoulder injury.