Ottawa Senators

Before the pre-season started, popular opinion had young Peter Regin playing the second line along side Mike Fisher and Alexei Kovalev. Nick Foligno is making his case though for the position, having scored four highlight-reels goals in only three pre-season games so far.

“I guess if you evaluate the last few games he would be (the front-runner),” said coach Cory Clouston. “But he’s got to make sure he doesn’t get complacent, and the lines are never set in stone.”

Foligno knows that the second line position is something that has to be earned. “It's just a matter of going out there and doing it. It's a process and there's a lot of great players and a lot of guys pushing for that opportunity.”

Foligno is coming off an injury-riddled season in Ottawa that saw him play only 61 games and earn only nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points. His best season totals have come in 2008-09, where he scored 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points in 81 games.

More Sens Stories

• Making a case for Peter Regin to play on the second line - Yahoo Sports
• Young Senator Zack Smith is breathing easier after surviving roster split at Senators camp - Montreal Gazette
• With Mike Fisher leaving practice with a groin-pull, the Sens continue to shuffle the lines - Globe & Mail
• The Senators practice line-up most likely reveals who has a chance to stay with the big-league team - Ottawa Citizen
• A sad end to former Sens Wade Redden NHL career as the Rangers demote him to the AHL, most likely for good - Senators Extra
• Daniel Alfredsson feels for his former teammate Redden and offers some advice - Ottawa Sun
• Should NHL teams have Canadian player quotas? Let the arguing begin! - Puck Daddy
• Canadian hockey snobbery apparently has no bounds: some thoughts on the Canadian player quota - Black Aces
• Is the third line of Jarkko Ruutu, Chris Neil and Chris Kelly untouchable? - Ottawa Citizen
• In case you haven't heard yet, Mike Fisher makes an appearance in Carrie Underwood's new music video - Bleacher Report
• Former Sens player Brad Marsh and other NHL alumni make kids smile at Hockeyville in Dundas, Ontario - NHL
• An Ottawa Senators roster report - CBS Sports
• Goaltender Mike Brodeur and defenceman André Benoit have been placed on waivers plus the debate over Foligno or Regin continues - Sens Chirp
• Clearing up the Senators' logjam on defence - Silver Seven
• 10 pre-season thoughts on the Ottawa Senators - SenSay
• Want to express your sentiments or favorite memories of former Sens Anton Volchenkov? Here's the place to go - The 6th Sens
• Thoughts on David Hale, roster cuts, Mike Brodeur, and tonight's game in Hockeyville - SenShot

Christopher Smith runs senspedia.com, an Ottawa Senators fan site.

As part of a continuing series, writer Benjamin Benya will be previewing all 30 NHL teams over the next two weeks in preparation for the 2010-2011 regular season.

Entering the Eastern Conference playoff race, we have the Ottawa Senators.

Key Additions

D David Rundblad, D Sergei Gonchar, D David Hale, C Corey Locke.

Key Subtractions

D Andy Sutton, D Anton Volchenkov, C Matt Cullen, RW Jonathan Cheechoo.

The Ottawa Senators are one of those teams that just makes you wonder. After an impressive and surprising season that ended with a brief trip to the playoffs last year, Ottawa turned the corner in the offseason in an effort to solidify some consistency within the system.

It wasn’t too long ago that the Senators rose from the depths of expansion to be a powerhouse, first place team in the East with incredible scoring talent and energy. But the window of opportunity to win a Stanley Cup closed quickly and the Sens were shut down by the Ducks in their only Finals appearance. Now, the window may have re-opened for Ottawa to make waves.

Daniel Alfredsson continues his quest with the only team he’s ever known this year, and at age 37, his personal window is rapidly closing. Alfredsson will join the 1,000 point club this year and was once an elite forward who is showing he can still produce despite his age. His contract says he’ll play until he’s 40, meaning this shouldn’t be the end of the road even if Ottawa falters again.

Amidst another offseason of trade speculation, Jason Spezza will return in an Ottawa uniform for the time being. On the ice, Spezza has not responded well over the past two seasons to criticism of his play. He struggled to produce as well as he once had in 2008-09, and he sat out 22 games last season while the Sens pressed on without him. Losing a player of Spezza’s caliber would be a major hit to Ottawa, yet it might also spark new life with the secondary scorers.

Players like Nick Foligno, Milan Michalek, and Mike Fisher have stepped up to the plate and provided Ottawa with that much-needed scoring depth all teams look for. Both Michalek and Fisher are capable of 60-point seasons if they keep their heads screwed on straight, and Foligno is due to break the mold.

Then there’s Alex Kovalev, another 35-plus signing whose production slid a little more last year after an amazing season in 2007-08. To say, however, that this is the same hot and cold Kovalev we’ve seen for nearly two decades would be an understatement. As a potential free agent once again, Kovalev could be of better use if dealt to a team desperately seeking a presence on the wing.

Ottawa’s defense suffered a bit of a hit when Anton Volchenkov departed during the massive defensive shuffle in July, but the Sens were quick to rebound by signing Sergei Gonchar, yet another 35+ player. Gonchar’s skill remains better than most who get the kind of ice time he does, but recent nagging injuries make him something of a liability for the money it cost to sign him.

Keeping their heads on a swivel, the Sens also signed David Hale and picked up prospect David Rundblad in a trade with St. Louis. We’ll get to Rundblad in a bit.

Often the unsung heart of the Ottawa defense, Chris Phillips will be back in uniform this year, as will Chris Campoli and Brian Lee. Though both Lee and Campoli still have to prove they belong where they are, Phillips is consistently the go-to guy when it comes to playing actual defense in Ottawa. He’s never had a 10-goal season in his career, a testament to his stay-at-home style.

Ottawa’s goalie battle makes for one of the more interesting stories on the team this year. Goalie Brian Elliot played stellar down the stretch and looked like he earned the starting position for years to come, but the Senators have always had uncertainty about their goalies since the franchise's inception. Elliot’s lead competition, Columbus castaway Pascal Leclaire, is another reason to doubt.

Elliot has the age advantage and seems to having everything going for him in the battle, but Leclaire isn’t being paid $3 million more to warm the bench every night. If Leclaire can reestablish himself as something of a starter, then Elliot would take a temporary backseat. That said, it was Leclaire’s poor play that gave Elliot his big break in the first place.

Rookie Watch

Signed to an entry level deal by the Blues and traded days later, defenseman David Rundblad has spent most of his youth tuning up for the NHL in the Swedish Elite League. The Sens have some holes on defense that need to be filled and Rundblad, 19, could quietly infiltrate the system and become a star in no time.

Outlook

Ottawa’s stark contrast between age and youth on either end of the roster could make for a succinct balance and another playoff berth. But the team is still miles from competing in the Finals once more.

Third in the Northeast, Eighth in the Eastern Conference.

In what will probably be the first of many, Ottawa Senators hockey player Mike Fisher made an appearance in wife Carrie Underwood’s latest music video, "Mama’s Song."

Add “getting shown off in wife’s music videos” to Fisher’s list of husbandly duties as a newlywed, right after mopping the kitchen and vacuuming the living room.

The song is basically Underwood convincing her mother that she’s in good hands, those of Mike Fisher, who first shows up around the 2:25 mark.

Go here to watch Fisher's music video debut.

Fellow NHL star Mike Comrie of the Edmonton Oilers recently married actor/singer Hilary Duff, so maybe we’ll see another hockey cameo in the music industry soon.

News from the first day of Senators training camp was not good. 

Just ten minutes into the team's first practise of the year, defensemen Filip Kuba caught a rut in the ice falling and breaking his leg. Let's hope, for the sake of the team, that this is not a sign of things to come.

Kuba will be out an expected six weeks, roughly the first ten games of the regular schedule.

 There is a silver lining in this story. First of all, the defensive lineup going into training camp with all six roster spots a lock (Gonchar, Campoli, Karlsson, Carkner, Phillips and of course, Kuba). Now that there is spot available, the up-and-comers like Brian Lee and Jared Cowan will not only get a chance to get some more ice time during pre-season but they will be competing for a spot on the team, maybe impress Brian Murray enough to keep them for longer. 

If either Cowan or Lee can prove themselves as not a defensive liability, with some offensive upside, maybe a shake up will be needed for a team that many experts have picked to be out of the playoff picture. 

Also, this helps other defensemen on the team, take Erik Karlsson for example. Karlsson will be given more ice time during both pre-season and the start of regular season. This will only help the young superstar's confidence and overall game. 

The Kuba injury is no doubt a sad situation for the whole organization, but there is a case for optimism.

Side Note: Stop Hating on Spezza! The man's season was weak yes, but it was littered with injuries yet was still almost a point per game player (57 points in 60 games). He is not defensive player and never will be, he will give the puck up on occasion but that is the price to pay when you have a player with his skill set.  

Hate is one of the most misused words in the English language. Sports fans and writers often express their emotions of displeasure of an athlete using this word. It’s almost like the word has been overused in everyday conversation that it has lost its core meaning. We use it in sports all of the time, like when people say, “I hate Lebron James for abandoning Cleveland.” Some people say it and actually mean it, such as in the political realm when people proclaim their hate for homosexuals or of a particular race. When one expresses true hate about someone to the point where they deface someone’s name and heritage publicly, there’s something wrong. That’s what happened to the Sacramento Kings’ Omri Casspi.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines hate as an intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or a sense of injury. That definition can fit the mold for some sports fans that adamantly and passionately dislike a certain athlete. Where this definition really rears its ugly head is in the hearts and minds of people who, in all honestly, have no place in this world, plan and simple.

Omri Casspi, the first Israeli born athlete to play in the NBA, has been the target for a hate crime not once, but twice. A mural of him with a swastika on his forehead was portrayed on September 8, 2010 and was promptly removed. The mural was redone a second time on September 16. The Anti-Defamation League and co-owner of the Kings Joe Maloof are offering $1,000 apiece for offering any helpful information leading to an arrest of the perpetrator(s).

It pains me to even begin thinking about all of the examples of pure, unfiltered, and unabashed hatred in all forms. I have trouble understanding the unwarranted hate being shown towards another when they have done nothing wrong. Why does someone have to deface the image of a young Jewish basketball player in Casspi coming to the United States for the first time? No wonder parts of the world hate America! If I were the type of person that harbors hate and lived in another country I would too! Frankly, I’m not sure living in another country would help in my position.

Hatred and racism is still very much alive in this country, unfortunately. It’s truly a sad thought. You can’t escape it, honestly. From sports broadcaster Don Imus’ comment about Rutgers women’s basketball team to ignorant jackasses defacing an innocent Jewish young man’s heritage, hate is here to stay. Heck, you can even hop onto Xbox Live and play a game of Halo and hear all of the disgusting things people have to say. It’s astounding to say the least. The best a sane person can do is to avoid these people like the plague and surround themselves with loving, caring, and clearheaded individuals.

So next time you say you “hate” someone, think twice. Words are more powerful then you think, even in a joking context. It is not meant to be thrown around, but rather respected. The world will be a much better place for it. But hey, by that logic, everything in the world would be hunky dory, and we can’t have that. There always has to be some kind of animosity and conflict. I guess I’m just flapping my gums on this issue. In the end, it comes down to the heart of the individual. The emotions stem from there. The question is, what emotions do you want to invoke?

By Josh Delp of the Sports Fan Blog Network

John Morrison has been called many things in the past few years. From his days as Johnny Nitro, to his nickname of The Shaman Of Sexy, and of course the moniker that carries the biggest burden.  He has been referred to, as the next Sean Michaels.

     Now you would think that being compared to Sean Michaels could only be a good thing.  Except when that dreaded ” P ” word is thrown in.  They say that Morrison just has so much Potential.  And that is where the problems start.  Saying that somebody has the potential to be as great as Sean Michaels is all well and good, but living up to that hype is a whole different matter.  And being the one that is under the microscope, has got to put a lot of pressure on a guy.  Especially when you aren’t trying to be the next anybody, but the first version of yourself.  Living in the shadow of a legend, when you aren’t related to him, has got to be a hard pill to swallow.  But knowing that people are recognizing your skills can take a bit of the sting out of that.

     But there just seems to be something missing with Morrison.  It certainly isn’t his in ring ability.  He is simply one of the best workers in WWE right now, and as we have seen in the past, he can have main event quality matches when given the right opponent. (like Rey Mysterio)  So what does Michaels have that Morrison doesn’t?

     I hate to say it, but it has a lot to do with personality.  Even in the early days, Michaels had the gift of gab on the Mic.  You didn’t hear it as much when he was still a part of The Rockers, but once he went solo, it wasn’t long before the cocky, and arrogant style that has defined him, got a chance to shine.  There was however a little bit of work that had to be done on his finishers.  He didn’t always use the superkick.  But once he found a finisher that could work on any sized opponent, he had the final puzzle piece solved.  He had the look, the skill, and he could run the Mic with the best of them.  That, and having some classic matches with people that could elevate his status.. ( good booking)  also helped.

     So where does this leave John Morrison, who seems to be stuck at the upper mid card level?  For starters, I don’t think it would be a bad idea to give him a manager, or a Valet.   I have always felt that a good manager is essential in helping people who aren’t good on the Mic, get over.  This is seemingly a lost art form.  It worked for people like The Undertaker in his early days, and even Michaels used Sensational Sherry for a while.  And of course when you think about all the wrestlers that benefited from having Bobby Heenan do their talking for them, it becomes obvious that this could only be a good thing.  At least until Morrison got more comfortable with his Mic work.

     And that brings me to one other thing that might need to change.  His current image.  Yes, I understand that he is getting some crowd response to his style, and giving away the glasses like Bret Hart, gets him over with the kids.  But, for the most part,  he always seems uncomfortable with it.  This might be what is holding him back with his interviews.  He just doesn’t seem to know where to go with this character of his.  I don’t think he needs to drop the look, as much as I think that he has to give up the, Jim Morrison, rock star wannabe thing.  Once he is allowed to be himself, I think his interviews will vastly improve.

    And of course there is the booking.  His recent victory over Chris Jericho shows that the powers that be might be willing to give Morrison another shot at main eventing, but they have to stop pushing stars, only to squash them a few weeks later. ( like Evan Bourne)

    The last point is an easy fix.  Find a finisher like Michaels did, that can work on anyone.  Starship pain is flashy,but looks about as devastating as a sunset flip.  It should be used more as a wear down move.  His Moonlight Drive is much better.  But still, he should find something new, that is simple yet effective.  And a good submission hold wouldn’t hurt either.

     Of course, only time will tell if John Morrison can really live up to the hype.  I think that he can, he just needs a little time, and maybe the right opponent.

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Daniel Alfredsson has done just about what every player dreams of doing from winning a gold medal, a Calder trophy, becoming a face of a franchise and its points leader. Daniel Alfredsson has lead the Ottawa Senators to a Stanley Cup berth in 2007, the first in Modern Franchise history! Not bad for someone who was overlooked by most scouts in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. John Ferguson Sr. saw something in the young Swedish prospect and made the Ottawa Senators draft him in sixth round 133rd overall.

The reality is... He cannot be around forever. So who will lead the charge for the next generation of Ottawa Senators? Lets take a look at some options.

Here are some player’s that might fit the bill as the Ottawa Senators next Captain.

Jason Spezza

A offensively-gifted player who has matured over the years and has seen his fair share of linemates come in and out. One part of the “CASH” line trio and was almost crucified for lack of two-way play in past seasons. Spezza has defiantly grown from the putting pucks in the back of the net protecting his own net. No matter how you say it, Spezza is a first line center. He will put up points on the scoresheet during the regular season and be consistent throughout the year. Spezza's playoff record may not be the best but he will get better.

Mike Fisher

The newlywed during this off-season and active in the Ottawa community. Mike Fisher is definitely the role model on this team. A Frank J. Selke nominee in 2007, 40+ point producer the last 5 seasons(excluding 08-09 season), crash the net player and a player who always putting a full effort every night. Injury concern is one knock against Fisher that may affect how often he is on the ice. This does not affect his ability to lead; just his ability to be a captain on the ice.

Chris Phillips

One of the original Senators of the 90's, and has been with us as long as Daniel Alfredsson has. From the bottom of the barrel to the cream of the crop, Phillips has been all class through it all. At the end of the day, Phillips has carried on without a complaint, a trade demand or a contract holdout(looking at you Yashin). A true character guy; he wont put up 60 points but he will do the stuff that know one likes doing. The shot blocking, going into the corners, and shutting down the best in the game today.

All of these players have a chance to carry the "C" and all have worn the "A" at one point during their career. All will know doubt do the best within their ability to lead us to the Stanley Cup Finals again. I know that each player leads by example and does what they can for the team(looking at you Dany H).

Like my suggestions? Got any better idea's or think these that we might not have a Captain. Leave a comment below.

The Ottawa Senators are looking to continue their surprising success and join the league’s elite teams.

Last season’s playoff series against Pittsburgh showed that the Senators could hang with the previous season’s champs and also highlighted their areas of need in order to take the next step toward a Stanley Cup run.

Just like every team, it begins with finding the right mix of players and putting the right coaches in place to guide them.

While the Senators lost blue-liner Anton Volchenkov, they brought in the highly regarded defensemen Sergei Gonchar. Gonchar, 36 years old, will serve as a point man on the Sens' power play and give another veteran in the locker room. While Gonchar will provide more scoring, it also opens the door to more goals allowed since they will lose Volchenkov’s defensive grit.

Gonchar will join a cast of capable veterans including Jason Spezza, Alex Kovalev, Chris Phillips, and Milan Michalek as the leaders of this club transitioning back to contender status. This transition will move along quicker with less underachieving, increased cohesion, and recovery from injuries. Both Michalek and Kovalev are coming back from major off-season knee surgery and are currently on track to be ready for training camp.

The enigmatic Alex Kovalev should be expected to play at a high level since this is a contract year and that happens to be one of the few driving forces he understands. His potential was never questioned, and his desire has never been beyond reproach. Kovalev, 37 years old, is essentially playing for his last good contract and needs a comeback campaign that resembles his 2000-01 campaign with 96 points, or 2007-08 with 84 points. 

Michalek, 25 years old, came over in last year’s Dany Heatley deal and was supposed to be an impact player. Now he looks to regain the form of a couple years ago and expect him to become a factor as he enters his physical prime.

The younger players are also ready to contribute and play more significant roles. Forwards Peter Regin and defensemen Erik Karlsson are ready to regularly contribute to a team poised to make another step forward in a competitive Eastern Conference. Both proved they were ready to stay and expect them to receive more ice time and help carry the burden when the aging veteran core needs rests during the 82 game season.

In goal, a position battle will be a major story line as Brian Elliot looks to prove last year was no aberration and reclaim the starting job over Pascal Leclaire. Elliot, 25 years old, was serving as the team’s backup goalie over stretches of the three seasons. In his first shot to start regularly, Elliot thrived and was a major factor in the Senators' surprising success last season. Unfortunately, he struggled in the playoffs, opening the door for a training camp competition sure to be the talk of the Ottawa media.

Leclaire was a major disappointment last season and needs to build on his strong performance in the final two playoff games. He also needs to play well to ensure his ability to get another multi-year contract so expect a high level of focus missing during stretches of this season.

Another potential story to follow is the Senators' potential flood of cap room going into next offseason. This space can be leveraged to help them acquire talent from teams looking to acquire expiring contracts if they are in the playoff hunt. However, if they were to start slow and be on the outside looking in, the Senators could become sellers at the deadline and then make a huge splash next offseason.

With the veterans ready to rebound and the young guns ready to take the next step, the Senators are in a good spot to make a deep run next season. A serious run that will be fueled by off-the-ice forces, contracts and new marriages (Mike Fisher), and the chemistry building on the ice. So feel good about picking this team as a sleeper for the Cup.