By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Ottawa Sun
t's official. The Senators have moved into crisis mode.
While the Buffalo Sabres were celebrating their 2-1 victory at the Corel Centre last night, the Senators barred their door shut for a 15-minute, players-only meeting because they're worried.
"Not one guy called (the meeting)," said Senators defenceman Chris Phillips. "Everybody just kind of agreed that something had to be said.
"We've got to start playing the way we're capable of playing as a team."
The Senators were supposed to be a Stanley Cup contender this season, but with only two victories in their last eight games, they haven't been anywhere close.
The look on GM John Muckler's face suggested he's not happy.
And, why should he be? Tabbed as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference, the Senators have been knocked around too often.
Forget winning the Cup, the Senators will settle for winning a game or two right now -- starting Thursday night here against the Carolina Hurricanes.
"We can't panic. When that happens, you can just make things worse," said Senators winger Marian Hossa. "We win one game and then we lose two and then we win another one. We've got a better team than that. We have to start being consistent.
"You can't get down 2-0 and then try to turn it around. You can't just play for 40 minutes and then try to win the game. You have to be ready from the start."
Against Buffalo, like they have on so many nights this year, the Senators didn't come out with any sense of urgency. They have talked many times about getting off to a good start and then haven't put the plan into action.
"We have to get back to playing 60 minutes," said Phillips.
No kidding. The Senators have played the role of inconsistency to perfection. Had it not been for goaltender Martin Prusek, this game could have been out of reach early.
Oh, they can talk about missed opportunities, but the Senators are inching closer to the 20-game mark of the season -- with 16 played so far. Patience in the community is wearing thin and alarm bells are going off everywhere.
Don't be surprised if Muckler decides to make a move soon. He sat with advisors Peter Chiarelli and Anders Hedberg and there's not a chance he liked what he saw.
"I don't think you can worry about a change and I don't think you want anybody in this room worrying about the fact there could be one because that can effect your play. Nobody wants to see any changes here," said Phillips.
But the Senators have two choices here: They can send somebody to the press box or Muckler can shake up the team with a deal.
SCHASTLIVY SCRATCHED
The decision to scratch winger Petr Schastlivy last night shouldn't come as a surprise. He is a prime target to be dealt. The Senators expected more from him. He doesn't use his great shot and he's not willing to get involved physically. The New York Islanders have long coveted Schastlivy to play with centre Alexei Yashin, but GM Mike Milbury is trying to cut salary and $650,000 (all terms US) on Schastlivy might be too much.
The Isles could offer RW Mark Parrish and his $2-million salary. But the Senators are loaded up on the right side which means Parrish isn't a good fir for this team.
Really, the most marketable player is centre Radek Bonk. Only three of his 17 points have come at even strength and there would be several teams interested -- including the Phoenix Coyotes -- if Muckler wants to make a move.
Some sort of change may be the only way to shake this team up.
FINALLY RIGHT FOR WHITE: Everything was finally right for Senators C Todd White. Troubled by a sore left shoulder that has forced him to miss seven games so far this season, White returned to the lineup last night to score the Senators' only goal against the Buffalo Sabres.
"It feels pretty good. It feels strong," said White. "There's always a chance you could get hurt, but you can't play scared either. I can shoot the puck and it feels pretty strong, plus it's going to be better protected."
THIS 'N' THAT: Senators GM John Muckler will leave Thursday for Edmonton where he'll attend the outdoor game at Commonwealth Stadium. He will rejoin the Senators in New York for a 5 p.m. game against the Rangers on Sunday ... The Senators' other scratches vs. the Sabres were D Anton Volchenkov and D Brian Pothier. That meant D Curtis Leschnshyn and D Shane Hnidy suited up.
What do you guys think, Petr Schastlivy is the one to move? This guy at one time, was highly touted, wasn't he?
I find it funny that Phillips said not one person called the meeting that they all agreed something had to be said.This raises the question were the hell is the leadership on the sens,or do they even have any leaders.I would have to say that from Phillips comments this team is in drastic need of a team leader both on and of the ice.Next Muckler, the artical says that the look on his face was one of not being happy no kidding he wasn't happy with the teams play a week ago when he started all his talk of making changes if the team didn't start playing better which raises the question what the hell are you waiting for Muckler? do you think this team that is obviously lacking leader ship and heart will all of a sudden turn things around without bringing in some proven leadership and character players both things lacking from the sens roster.Phillips then says that nobody their wants changes,well somebody better tell Phillips that the 20 guys dressed each night sure can't get the job done so if they don't want changes they should get their heads out of their ass's and start playing like a team that wants to stick together because again their play over the last 9 games says they need changes.
I find it funny that Phillips said not one person called the meeting that they all agreed something had to be said.This raises the question were the hell is the leadership on the sens,or do they even have any leaders.I would have to say that from Phillips comments this team is in drastic need of a team leader both on and of the ice.Next Muckler, the artical says that the look on his face was one of not being happy no kidding he wasn't happy with the teams play a week ago when he started all his talk of making changes if the team didn't start playing better which raises the question what the hell are you waiting for Muckler? do you think this team that is obviously lacking leader ship and heart will all of a sudden turn things around without bringing in some proven leadership and character players both things lacking from the sens roster.Phillips then says that nobody their wants changes,well somebody better tell Phillips that the 20 guys dressed each night sure can't get the job done so if they don't want changes they should get their heads out of their ass's and start playing like a team that wants to stick together because again their play over the last 9 games says they need changes.
What the sens need is someone like a Mike Keane, or a Steve Thomas. Adam Graves?
I find it funny that Phillips said not one person called the meeting that they all agreed something had to be said.This raises the question were the hell is the leadership on the sens,or do they even have any leaders.I would have to say that from Phillips comments this team is in drastic need of a team leader both on and of the ice.Next Muckler, the artical says that the look on his face was one of not being happy no kidding he wasn't happy with the teams play a week ago when he started all his talk of making changes if the team didn't start playing better which raises the question what the hell are you waiting for Muckler? do you think this team that is obviously lacking leader ship and heart will all of a sudden turn things around without bringing in some proven leadership and character players both things lacking from the sens roster.Phillips then says that nobody their wants changes,well somebody better tell Phillips that the 20 guys dressed each night sure can't get the job done so if they don't want changes they should get their heads out of their ass's and start playing like a team that wants to stick together because again their play over the last 9 games says they need changes.
Well, you've figured it out FF2, as the voice of reason has spoken. Ottawa's slump now is only contributed to leadership, so we should fire Jacques Martin, Perry Pearn, Randy Myre and Don Jackson. Then we should trade Daniel Alfredsson, Wade Redden and Curtis Leschyshyn because they can't cut it as leaders. Afterall, you spend time in the lockeroom with the guys, and have an in-depth knowledge about how Alfredsson leads this team.
You keep reiterating this Muckler comment like he is going to overhaul the whole team, which will not happen. Ottawa is not playing well, nobody can deny that, but they aren't losing games that badly. Except for the Isles game, they have lost all of them by 1 goal, so they aren't losing terribly. I'm very disappointed in the results so far, but this team is going to get better, not get worse.
Well, you've figured it out FF2, as the voice of reason has spoken. Ottawa's slump now is only contributed to leadership, so we should fire Jacques Martin, Perry Pearn, Randy Myre and Don Jackson. Then we should trade Daniel Alfredsson, Wade Redden and Curtis Leschyshyn because they can't cut it as leaders. Afterall, you spend time in the lockeroom with the guys, and have an in-depth knowledge about how Alfredsson leads this team.
You keep reiterating this Muckler comment like he is going to overhaul the whole team, which will not happen. Ottawa is not playing well, nobody can deny that, but they aren't losing games that badly. Except for the Isles game, they have lost all of them by 1 goal, so they aren't losing terribly. I'm very disappointed in the results so far, but this team is going to get better, not get worse.
Craven this is more than a slump for a team that at the start of the year had many so called experts saying that they thought Ottawa was the odds on favorite to win the east.A slump for a team like this should last no more than 3 or 4 games but to have only what 2 wins in their last nine or so games is a major problem.Weather the problem is coaching or leadership I think it's a bit of both but fact of the matter is somebody in management better do something before things get worse.I don't think Muckler trading away a player who's in and out of the line up will do any good there's more wrong in Ottawa than fringe players.I think the best way for Muckler to get their attention is to trade away one of the sens better players for someone of equal value rather than for more fringe players and draft picks.I think this would be a much more effective way of getting the remaining players attention.Then if things don't change i think then he would seriously have to look at replacing Martin.However If Muckler feels he has the players in place to win then i would look for Martin to go first before any players.Your right craven i'm not in the sens locker room but i think with whats happening with the sens play on the ice it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the sens are lacking some kind of leadership for this to carry on so long.Craven you say the sens aren't losing badly but does that really matter when all is said and done and another game goes in the loss column.
Well, you've figured it out FF2, as the voice of reason has spoken. Ottawa's slump now is only contributed to leadership, so we should fire Jacques Martin, Perry Pearn, Randy Myre and Don Jackson. Then we should trade Daniel Alfredsson, Wade Redden and Curtis Leschyshyn because they can't cut it as leaders. Afterall, you spend time in the lockeroom with the guys, and have an in-depth knowledge about how Alfredsson leads this team.
You keep reiterating this Muckler comment like he is going to overhaul the whole team, which will not happen. Ottawa is not playing well, nobody can deny that, but they aren't losing games that badly. Except for the Isles game, they have lost all of them by 1 goal, so they aren't losing terribly. I'm very disappointed in the results so far, but this team is going to get better, not get worse.
Craven this is more than a slump for a team that at the start of the year had many so called experts saying that they thought Ottawa was the odds on favorite to win the east.A slump for a team like this should last no more than 3 or 4 games but to have only what 2 wins in their last nine or so games is a major problem.Weather the problem is coaching or leadership I think it's a bit of both but fact of the matter is somebody in management better do something before things get worse.I don't think Muckler trading away a player who's in and out of the line up will do any good there's more wrong in Ottawa than fringe players.I think the best way for Muckler to get their attention is to trade away one of the sens better players for someone of equal value rather than for more fringe players and draft picks.I think this would be a much more effective way of getting the remaining players attention.Then if things don't change i think then he would seriously have to look at replacing Martin.However If Muckler feels he has the players in place to win then i would look for Martin to go first before any players.Your right craven i'm not in the sens locker room but i think with whats happening with the sens play on the ice it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the sens are lacking some kind of leadership for this to carry on so long.Craven you say the sens aren't losing badly but does that really matter when all is said and done and another game goes in the loss column.
IMO, there is a massive difference in losing by one-goal and losing every game by 3-4 goals. Your right, a loss is a loss, but they haven't been showing the ability that they can't compete. A bounce here or there and the results could be drastically different in the standings as opposed to losing 5-1 every game where you are clearly getting outplayed and outmaned. Martin is in a contract year, but I think they'll re-sign him to a contract soon enough. Reason being, somebody will snap him up so quickly that they can get compensation when he is approached while still under contract with the Senators. As for the leadership area once again, we don't know what its really like in the locker-room, so we can speculate all we want. Would you consider Steve Yzerman a bad leader??? No, of course not, but for years he was criticized heavily in Detroit that he could not lead the team to the glory land, but he did it eventually. Don't discount Ottawa's leadership yet, as perceptions clearly change!!!
John Muckler said no trades are planned in an article from Canada.com Nov 18...
Quote:
"A lot of people are not playing as well as they played last year, they certainly have to pick up their game," Muckler said. "I don't want to single anybody out. It seems to be, right now, a team effort.
"Once you lose your confidence, after creating the bad habits in your game, you're now officially in a slump and that's what we're in. We're in a slump."
Muckler said there are no trades on the immediate horizon.
"You're always looking to make changes but, when I look at the hockey club, it's hard for me to make a change because I can't find anybody better."
Slumping Senators: 'We can't panic'
Slumping Senators: 'We can't panic'
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