Senators at Bruins: Steve On Sens Preview

The Ottawa Senators visit TD Garden for the first time this season with multiple questions facing the streaky club. Will the defines be able to turn it around in the second half? Who will emerge as the number one goaltender? Where will the Senators end up at the end of the season? Why isn't Michael Del Zotto on the 2nd powerplay unit with Chris Phillips yet? Why is Chris Phillips on the 2nd powerplay unit? Did Joe Corvo get a tattoo of a mistletoe on his lower abdomen for Christmas? Why didn't Santa get me a Condra jersey? The Senators recognize that these questions exist and are hoping to answer them in the remaining games left in the 2013/14 season. The road to a wild card playoff spot starts tonight against the Bruins who have had success against Ottawa in the past few seasons. In their last meeting, the Sens were able to pull off an impressive win through some third period heroics by Jason Spezza, Jared Cowen and Bobby Ryan which prompted this great tweet by Euge

This team is the real deal! Now you know why we call them #fearless!
— Eugene Melnyk (@MelnykEugene) November 16, 2013

The Sens are hoping to prove that they are in fact the real deal and truly fearless tonight against the Bruins and my intro that lacked any real content is over. Time for the starting goalies!

Actual headline from 2012

Starting Goaltenders

Ottawa: Robin Lehner (5-8-3, 2.54 GAA, .926 SV%)
Boston: Tuuka Rask (19-8-2, 1.87 GAA, .936 SV%)


Lehner seems to play really well against Boston. Including tonight, 22% of his career starts have come against the Bruins.

Tuuka Rask's stats are incredible this season. He looks to continue his success tonight. My starting goalie section is very short tonight. My mom is cooking chili and I'm pretty excited and in a rush.

Keys To The Game

Ottawa

• Play a strong defensive game
• Win because I don't want to be harassed for the next 24 hours by my Bruins fan friend
• Use the emotional return of Joe Corvo to their advantage

Boston

• Strong start
• Strong goaltending
• Use the emotional return of Joe Corvo to their advantage

Steve's Picks

• Final score of 3-2 for Ottawa
• I get confused between Peter Chiarelli and Rick Chiarelli sometime tonight
• Sportsnet panel consisting of debating the 2003 All-Star Game line combinations
• Corvo scores 2

Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!

Team Mullet vs. Team Nation: Steve On Sens Blogger Classic Preview

After years of build up and anticipation, December 20, 2013 is finally here! Andrei Markov's 35th birthday! Happy Birthday Andrei! In other news, the 1st Annual Sens Blogger Classic is here. Team Nation faces off against Team Mullet in what will be a battle of grit, determination, coaching, wit and dump ins. The lineups have been made, rivalries established and hatred brewing between the most aggressive bloggers for the Ottawa Senators. Let's take a look at the Starting Lineups!

Detailed map of where this fierce battle of bloggers will take place.

Starting Lineups

Team Mullet
Eric Doty (Bonk's Mullet)
Graeme Nichols (6th Sens)
Juby and Lonnie (Bonk's friends or something. One likes the Habs. Probably Lonnie. He sounds French.)

Steve (Steve On Sens) 
Kevin Lee (BringBackLee)
Canuck (Sens Call Ups)
Jo (JoNana...victim of my nude pics. Gonna be an awkward time)
Paul (Sens_Army_) 

Team Nation
Owen (SensNation)
Grabovskeet (another of Bonk's friends. Also a Leaf fan.)
Spencer Gallaghan (Senturion)
Lorne Geller (LGeller18)
Bobby Kelly (BobbyBKelly)
Howie (SensVlog)
Dave Young (DaveYoung19)
Pan (Sens Call Ups)
Creech (TSN 1200)
Peter Raaymakers (Silver Seven Sens)

Keys To The Game

Mullet

• Keep pants on for at least the whole first period
• Sign Adnan as coach
• Avoid Marc Methot

Nation

• Move the puck. Team Mullet didn't have a morning skate.
• Capitalize on chances
• Use James Gordon as inspiration

Steve's Picks

• Final score of 20-17 for Team Mullet
• Attendance of 28 people (I would be very impressed with this.)
• Adnan sneaks into group picture like Raj Binder
• Bonk's Mullet is "that guy" who stays on the ice for the last 7 minutes
• 3 Condra open net misses for me

Come out and watch tonight at 9 at Mlacak Arena in Kanata! My agent is only letting me sign autographs for 2 minutes post-game.

Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!

Senators vs. Panthers: Steve On Sens Preview

  Well it's been a while since my last game preview and boy has a lot changed! Back then the Sens were teetering on the brink of playoffs or failure, lines were poorly made and I only had 1 goal in House B hockey. (In all honesty, not much has changed although I now have 3 goals in House B Hockey.) After a huge win against St. Louis, the Sens lost in a dissapointing manner to the New Jersey Devils. After the game, the Senators had a long meeting/ practice flash mob which at its peak featured Bryan Murray brake dancing to C.R.E.A.M by Wu-Tang Clan. If that doesn't provide a spark for the struggling team then we'll be forced to move on to Plan D which involves signing the player with the best advanced stats on #TeamMullet from tomorrow's Sens Blogger Classic. Too bad I'm not draft eligible yet. Connor McDavid watch out.

  The Sens are squaring off against the Florida Panthers  who have won 4 in a row and are only 3 points behind Ottawa for the prestigious 3rd from last position. The huge crowd of sub 16,000 in Sunrise, Florida Kanata, Ontario will provide the energy that the home team desperately needs during the final stretch before Christmas. Michael Del Zotto makes his Senators debut tonight...wait...I am just receiving news that this trade still hasn't happened due to Glen Sather being insistent that Colin Greening for Del Zotto is not actually a good trade. Let's take a look at the Starting Goalies.

Not very relevant picture of Scott Clemmensen. Thought it looked cool. 

He starts in goal for the Panthers tonight.

Starting Goaltenders

Ottawa: Craig Anderson (9-8-3, 3.36 GAA, .898 SV%)
Florida: Scott Clemmensen (3-2-1, 2.69 GAA, .894 SV%)


Craig Anderson is looking to capitalize on the failure of Robin Lehner in last night's 5-2 loss to New Jersey. Anderson is playing his former team in what has become a routine start for the veteran net minder. "We all know that The Lehner is much better than Andy" Lehner was quoted saying before playing darts with his skates. Anderson was happy with the opportunity to start saying "I am happy with the opportunity to start". 

Career backup (except with the Leafs in 07/08) Scott Clemmensen makes his seventh start of the season as he faces off against bitter division rival Ottawa tonight. Clemmensen has a solid record with a save percentage just below Anderson so I guess we know who's scoring first tonight! (still probably Florida).

Keys To The Game

Ottawa

• Quick start - Score 5 to 8 goals early to guarantee lead after the first period.
• Cure the flu
• Less mob, more flash

Florida

• Move the puck to open up Ottawa defence.
• Filip Kuba
• Corsi, Corsi, Corsi! (somehow this is a key to the game)

Steve's Picks

• Final score of 4-1 for Ottawa
• Denis showing shooting lanes (this is a given)
• Dean saying that the Sens have the flu.
• Sportsnet panel consisting of Nick Kypreos yelling nonsensical statements
• Corvo scores

I'll be watching the full game for the first time in weeks so expect huge things from Steve On Sens.

Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!

Senators at Pathers: Steve On Sens Preview

"A game vs. Florida! Ha no problem!" is something you may have said if the year was 1994 but this is 2013 and the Sens have a 10-13-4 record coming into this game. The Senators should be trembling as we speak. Turris is having a nervous breakdown, Lehner loses a bear fight and Phillips decides to drink Big Rig Gold. All really bad things. These days when thinking of the Panthers, you quickly remember Tim Thomas, the "Bed, Breakfast and Tea Center" and that one game where we had to watch the Panthers scoreboard feed. If this isn't giving you nightmares, then you're in for a game like no other tonight. It seems like there's been a ridiculous amount of "must win" games this year but this one is actually a "must win". I'll link back to this blog when I say that next game is "definitely a must win" too. So what are we waiting for? Let's look at the starting goaltenders sponsored by Corel Scotiabank Canadian Tire Rogers.

Preview of "Fifty-Million Cap"

Starting Goaltenders

Ottawa: Craig Anderson (6-8-2, 3.51 GAA, .894 SV%)
Florida: Tim Thomas (6-9-1, 2.89 GAA, .903 SV%)

Anderson playing an important game, something about a goaltender controversy, joke about Lehner doing something that Lehner does, goaltender controversy, something else, end. 

Whoops...forgot to update my "Anderson is playing" template.

Thomas is facing the Senators for the second time this year. Last game he let in 2 goals very early but ended in a solid fashion in a 3-2 loss. Thomas had fared very well against the Senators throughout his career until he became a member of the Panthers (who haven't fared well against the Senators or anybody ever). 

Keys To The Game

Ottawa

• See if Melnyk will travel the short distance from his home in Barbados to Florida to actually watch his team play
• Make "Fifty-Million Cap" this years version of "You Make my Dreams" by Hall and Oates
• Don't be startled by the huge crowd at BB&T Center

Florida

• Let Anderson win this one. It will scar the Senators in the long run.
• Filip Kuba
• Composure (still not sure what this means)

Steve's Picks

• Final score of 4-2 for Ottawa
• Denis talking about how the team should be moved to Québec because of heritage or something 
• Camera shows Robin Lehner after every Senators goal against
• Condra scores

Also I will be at my Midget House B game in Perth so I will be gone for the whole game. Might be able to contribute my insight on the road through Dave Schriber and Gordie "Wheeling Probs" Wilson.

Thanks for reading!

Senators vs. Canucks: Steve On Sens Preview

  Alright so we're finally out of the woods! The Senators overcame adversity against the high scoring Washington Capitals on Wednesday night. Like many, I was calling for MacLean to release The Lehner after Craig Anderson's shaky first period performance where he allowed 3 goals. Anderson rebounded in the 2nd and 3rd to deliver a solid performance in backstopping the Sens to a 6-4 victory. The Senators enter tonight's matchup against the Canucks with new attitudes, new jerseys, and a new face...whoops! Forgot the Sens haven't acquired Del Zotto yet! The Senators are hoping to continue their impressive record against Western Conference opponents (1-7-2) as they #FEARLESSly battle the Canucks. The game tonight also marks the first game in a while where I can't make any Joe Corvo jokes. Tonight's game is also a preview of the 2014 Heritage Classic between the Senators and Canucks at BC Place in Vancouver. Today, Senators Captain Jason Spezza, along with Canucks Captain Henrik Sedin unveiled the Senators jersey for the Heritage Classic which was reported Here yesterday. 

  Tonight's starting goalies are presented by Rogers because they now also have compete control of this blog. My ridiculous stream of revenue is now gone. 

Back in the good old days

Starting Goaltenders

Ottawa: Craig Anderson (6-7-2, 3.36 GAA, .899 SV%)
Carolina: Roberto Luongo (10-7-5, 2.33 GAA, .912 SV%)

Craig Anderson is in a situation no Senators goalie this year has wanted to be in. Anderson is starting in the 2nd half of a back to back. This year, the Sens are 0-3-1 playing the night after a game. Anderson is pretty much expected to let in 5+ goals on 5+ shots but Anderson is facing the challenge head on. Senators back up or starter if he feels like it Robin Lehner has this to say "I'll take the rest. Performing heart surgery while cage fighting a bear sometimes makes me tired". 

After last season's disappointing sweep to the Sharks in the first round, I believed that the Canucks would follow the path of the 2007/08 Senators (also got swept). In the summer, the Canucks dealt Goaltender Cory Schneider to the Devils which made Roberto Luongo the undisputed #1 goaltender. So far, it looks like Craig Hartsburg isn't coach and Ryan Shannon isn't on their roster so they're safe from the fate of the 2008/09 Senators. Luongo has decent stats but the Canucks have struggled this month (3-4-4). 

Keys To The Game

Ottawa

• Greening for Del Zotto. Straight up. No trade backs.
• Avoid the 2-0 deficit after the first period. Aim for 3-0 or something cooler.
• Gryba and Corvo on the Powerplay

Vancouver 

• Don't lead after the first. It doesn't work.
• Play to win (heard it once on Sportsnet. It sounded cool.)
• Force the offsides

Steve's Picks

• Final score of 3-2 for Ottawa
• 27 people (including myself) still wanting Lehner to start
• Denis Potvin will be extra cheerful and might wear a Santa hat
• Dean Brown will say something nice about the new jerseys that will revolve around the "community" and "heritage" and Potvin will toss in a few "oos" and "aahhhs"

First game that I'll be watching in a while that isn't French or a poor stream so I'm pretty excited! The game is in French. I'll be listening to this wonderful man.

Thanks for reading!

Senators at Capitals: Steve On Sens Preview

  When looking at the upcoming Sens-Capitals game tonight, you immediately notice that there is a real lack of an exciting storyline. With Boston, we had the home losing streak, with Philadelphia, we had the "Keshia Chanté factor" along with certain Sens blogger almost dying and in Carolina, we saw the return of Joe Corvo to the press box at PNC Arena! This is where the Ottawa vs. Washington feud grows old. Sure, I could list off how Ottawa stole Peter Bondra in 2004 or how Joe Corvo used to play for the Capitals (I was going to make a joke about this but then I remembered that Corvo actually played for the Caps) but instead I will focus on another emerging storyline today which is the leaked Sens Heritage Classic Jersey. 

  As many of you have probably already seen, the much anticipated Sens Heritage Classic Jersey was leaked today by Icethetics. The Senators were planning on formally unveiling it tomorrow. As many expected, it is simply a reverse of the incredibly popular black Heritage Jersey released in 2011. This prompted people to suggest that the Senators would make the 2 Heritage jerseys the home/away jerseys full time. I for one believe that this would be a great idea and then maybe make the original white or blacks the third. To be honest, I am outraged that my design was not chosen. 

 Maybe Nike will hire me.

Starting Goaltenders

Ottawa: Craig Anderson (5-7-2, 3.31 GAA, .900 SV%)
Washington: Braden Holtby (10-7-1, 2.59 GAA, .925 SV%)

Craig Anderson faces a daunting task after Robin Lehner played decent in a 4-1 loss to the Hurricanes. The goaltender controversy continues to heat up in the nation's capital (feels like I've said this before). This is a pivotal game for Anderson because if he struggles against the high power offence of the Capitals, Lehner could step in more often. If Anderson plays well, the #93 cap goes back on Lehner and Anderson gets more playing time.

Braden Holtby has played well this year leading Washington 2nd place in the Metropolitan Division. While being strong in net, Holtby really only has to let in less than 5 goals per game due to Washington's offence being spectacular.  I don't want to start a huge controversy or a shouting match but he kinda looks like a bearded Harry Potter with longer hair.

Keys To The Game

Ottawa

• Don't pair Cowen with Washington's 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th forward line
• Capitalize on chances...nope Colin Greening, we're definitely not looking at you
• Make sure the late 7 pm start doesn't tire the team too much

Washington

• Play at the Senators level
• Provide an open net. Chances for a shutout will go through the roof
• Take a lot of penalties...kill time and create scoring chances

Steve's Picks

• Final score of 5-2 for Washington
• 37 people claiming that this is in fact rock bottom
• TSN will use a picture of the black Heritage jersey and say that it was leaked

Really hoping that I can find a stream for this game. I don't get TSN2.

Thanks for reading!

Senators at Hurricanes: Steve On Sens Preview

The Ottawa Senators look to stay inconsistent tonight as they face the Carolina Hurricanes in what seems to be their 17th weekend afternoon game this year. Ottawa makes its first stop in Carolina in a building where they have been 1-9-0 in their last 10 visits. One storyline that seems to dominate the news today is the return of Joe Corvo to Carolina. How will the fans react to such a legend leaving a place that he has called home on 12 different occasions? Will they pay tribute by chanting "Corvo, Corvo, Corvo" at the 7 minute mark of every period? I don't know. We'll let the overwhelming crowd of 13,000 fans decide! Let's look at the Starting Goaltenders! This time brought to you by Keshia Chanté's album "Night & Day"!

Getting a tattoo in the early 2000s would really suck.

Starting Goaltenders

Ottawa: Craig Anderson (5-7-2, 3.31 GAA, .900 SV%) Robin Lehner (4-3-2, 2.33 GAA, 0.940 SV%)
Carolina: Cam Ward (2-3-4, 2.85 GAA, .912 SV%)

Craig Anderson faces a daunting task after Robin Lehner had quite the game last night against Detroit (or so I hear. I was at a work Christmas party). It is no secret that Robin Lehner has played significantly better this year, but Paul MacLean continues to have faith in Anderson. It seems that every time Lehner bails the team out, he is then banished to wearing the #93 hat on the bench. EDIT: I have been notified on Twitter that Lehner is starting. He'll make 57 saves and rip Jiri Tlusty's heart out.

Cam Ward's stats this year have been sub par. This really shouldn't worry anyone though as Carolina is in Year 2 of a constant 3 year cycle where they are awful for 2 years and then make the Conference Final in the 3rd year. Ever since 2006 when Ward stepped in for an injured Martin Gerber, he has been the undisputed Number 1 in Carolina. 

SIDE NOTE: If anyone has a Sens Gerber jersey, please contact me stephenrhickson at gmail dot com

Keys To The Game

Ottawa

• See if Jim Rutherford would like Joe Corvo back mid game
• Remember that Jordan Staal still exists and plays for Carolina
• Release another teaser video of players talking about the new Heritage Jersey but this time with Lehner and Condra

Carolina

• Convince Jim Rutherford to not trade for Joe Corvo
• Trail in shots after the 1st period (it works)
• Stop MacArthur at all costs

Steve's Picks

• Final score of 3-1 for Carolina
• 32 people claiming that this is in fact rock bottom
• 7 Denis Potvin comments about how Rutherford used to be a goalie
• Someone on Sportsnet will have a birthday and a cupcake will be given on air

Also I will be at my Midget House B practice so I will be gone for most of the game...

Thanks for reading!

Senators vs. Bruins: Steve On Sens Preview

The Ottawa Senators face off against the Boston Bruins in their first meeting of the season tonight! This will not be an easy task for the Senators as they have struggled against the Bruins in the past few years. Last year the Sens went 1-2-2 against the Eastern Conference Champion Bruins. The only win coming from Robin "#1 Fan of Keisha Chante" Lehner.  At the time that I am writing this (9:12 on Thursday night), Paul MacLean has not announced who will start in net for the Senators. He has also opted to stay secretive in determining if Chris Neil will be on the 1st or 2nd Power play unit. It looks like we'll have to hold our breaths until game time. Let's take a look at our starting goaltenders (presented by Home Hardware)! *Denis Potvin chuckles for no reason*

Tossin' Snow, snorting' blow #DaugMan

Starting Goaltenders

Ottawa: Craig Anderson (4-5-2, 3.30 GAA, .906 SV%) or Robin Lehner (3-2-2, 2.13 GAA, .945 SV%)
Boston: Tuuka Rask (10-4-1, 1.52 GAA, .948 SV%)

As I noted above, Paul MacLean has not announced his starting goaltender for Friday's game. He was quick to point out that "If we play like we did Tuesday it doesn't matter who is doing anything ". To be fair, the Sens were not solid in front of Craig Anderson but he did let in a few soft goals towards the end. Lehner, being the humble hero said "I don't think I am" when asked if he was starting. This could be a crucial game as goaltender controversy 13.0 unfolds in the Nation's Capital.

  Tuuka Rask looks to improve on his impressive season start. He is visiting Canadian Tire for only the second time since Kaspars Daugavins attempted the greatest shootout move in history on his future teammate. Unfortunately Kaspars has disappeared into the bowels of Eastern Europe. Rask did not get the start in Boston's 3-2 win over Columbus on Thursday night.

Keys To The Game

Ottawa

• Make sure the MacArthur-Turris-Ryan line is on fire
• Cover the defensive zone well...cough*cowen*cough
• Make sure the MacArthur-Turris-Ryan line is on fire
• Get Daug Man back

Boston

• Strong start after back to back games 
• Shut down Ottawa's limited offense 
• Get Daug Man back

Steve's Picks

• Final score of 3-2 for Boston
• 74 tweets about how MacLean makes bad lines/ chose the wrong goalie
• 19 ignorant TSN 1200 post-game callers
• 3 players responding to tweets by @sens_adnan

Thanks for reading!

Senators vs. Flyers: Steve On Sens Preview

The Ottawa Senators are taking on the Philadelphia Flyers in their first meeting of the year at Canadian Tire Centre. Without bringing back past memories of Patrick Lalime fighting future Hall of Famer Robert Esche, 3 players remaining on the Ottawa bench and a young Jason "boy playing in men's league" Spezza dropping the mitts right off the face-off, let's jump into the starting goaltenders!

Backup tonight, starter in our heart

Starting Goaltenders

Ottawa: Craig Anderson (4-4-2, 3.14 GAA, .912 SV%)
Philadelphia: Steve Mason (4-7-1, 2.34 GAA, .925 SV%)

Craig Anderson looks to rebound after an average start for the Senators. Robin Lehner has proven that he is a capable goaltender in the early parts of the season by posting impressive numbers, breaking the regular season save record and going as Shrek for Halloween! Regardless, Paul MacLean has opted to go with the veteran Anderson for tonight.

Steve Mason is hoping to give the Flyers their second straight win after beating the Oilers 4-2 on Saturday.  After many years of goaltender uncertainty, it seems that the Flyers have been unable to find a winning tandem. (Ha...you thought I was gonna say something positive)

Keys To The Game

Ottawa

• Get the lacklustre crowd into it!
• Quick start
• Offensive Pressure

Philadelphia

• Strong defensive effort
• The "Giroux" factor
• Time Travel to 2009...Richards, Carter, Pronger, Giroux, JVR...

Steve's Picks

• Final score of 4-1 for Ottawa
• 27 Light Mup "Fearless" commercials
• 5 Denis Potvin comments about how Giroux played for Gatineau in Junior
• 34 tweets about how Karlsson is not on pace to play 40+ minutes 

Thanks for reading!

Official Steve On Sens Calendars - On Sale now!

The wonderful Steve on Sens Official calendar is on sale for FREE! E-mail me (stephenrhickson@gmail.com) your address and I will mail a copy of the calendar featuring the eye candy that is Steve On Sens. I can also autograph it if you wish. 

Sens Depth Chart and What I'd do about it

  With Colin Greening signing a 3 year contract extension, it is safe to assume that he is in the Senators long term plan. Meanwhile, it is no secret that the Senators have far too many prospects than spots available this season. With the likes of Mark Stone, Shane Prince, Stephane Da Costa, Ludwig Karlsson and potentially JG Pageau in Binghamton primarily due to an excessive amount of depth in Ottawa, some changes to the roster must be made through trade. It hit me hard seeing David Rundblad (with his beautiful hair) and Jakob Silfverberg (with his beautiful shot) be traded for immediate help, but Kyle Turris has been excellent for Ottawa and Bobby Ryan looks to do the same. I made a quick look at what the depth chart could look like coming into training camp.

Michalek - Spezza - Ryan

MacArthur - Turris - Greening?

Conacher - Zibanejad - Condra

Kassian - Smith - Neil

Karlsson - Methot

Phillips - Wiercioch

Corvo - Cowen*

Anderson

Lehner

* if Cowen sits out and waits for a contract, Gryba, Ceci or Borowiecki will fill in.

  Obviously forwards is a bit more congested than defence. Here's what I would do to bolster the team's offence to push the Senators to the next level (and give more depth to forwards).

I would look at trading Kassian, Smith and O'Brien. 

Kassian offers very little to the team other than fighting and sits in the press box on the majority of nights We could acquire a 5th or 6th round draft pick. 

For the past 2 years, there have been rumours about Smith being traded for Hjalmarsson (2012) and Hemsky (2013). I'm not certain about the trade value of Smith but a 2nd or 3rd round pick seems reasonable. 

Jimmy O'Brien has been reportedly looking for a trade out of Ottawa for a little while now. He has fallen out of favour in the organization and I personally see no future for him here. I also don't know what he could get in trade.

Now what would trading these 3 players do for the team? Trading Kassian frees up space on 4th line Left Wing which could be replaced by Shane Prince, Ludwig Karlsson or Mark Stone. Trading Smith could bring Pageau over from Right Wing to Centre. As @sens_adnan said today, a 19, 7, 93, 44 Centre combo would be deadly. Neil will play Right Wing (even though I'd rather him not) and you have some improvement on the 4th line.

Michalek - Spezza - Ryan

MacArthur - Turris - Greening?

Conacher - Zibanejad - Condra

Prince/Karlsson/ Stone - Pageau - Neil

I personally love the look of that team, especially the 4th line (minus Neil). Thanks for reading!

Season Preview: Spicing up the Entertainment

  With the 2013/14 NHL season looking to be an exciting one for the Ottawa Senators, Cyril Leeder and the rest of the strangely named Sens Front Office will be looking for ways to spice up the festivities inside the newly named Canadian Tire Centre. I have intensely investigated and compiled (while on an extended break at work) many techniques that could get the 100 Level to actually stand up after a goal (kinda like the Max Keeping looking guy who always appears on TV camera's after a goal and just claps). For perfect reading conditions, I suggest you sit back in a dark area and loudly play Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen.  I tried it and it is probably the best article I've ever read.

1. Numerous Spartacats

  Everyone gets excited when they see the long hair, happy face and sheer devotion of our beloved Captain Daniel Alfredsson mascot Spartacat. Imagine the excitement when they get to see him 2 to 3 times more often! The loud meter during stoppages would be off the charts! (...well it breaks every time)

2. New Jerseys

  There's been much talk about the Sens releasing a new jersey. Whether that be new home and away jerseys, a white heritage jersey for the Heritage Classic or an alternate route, all Sens fans are on the edge of their seats in anticipation. I suggest the alternate route. I made a quick mockup a few weeks ago and I think it truly stands out among a bunch of truly boring and lame jerseys. Sidenote: I did not know that I was allowed to use fake laces.

I can confidently say that it blows Nike out of the water.

3. Centre Ice Eugene Melnyk Face

  There's nothing that says "we love our dear Supreme Leader Euge" quite like unwillingly placing his image for all to see! There are many excellent photos of Great Leader but only one can take the prize. I say use the horse one. 

4. Every Player National Anthem

  Did you know that Buffalo plays both the American and Canadian anthems before each game even if both teams are from the US of A? What if Ottawa pushed this a little bit too far and played the National Anthem of every player in the game before each game. We could hear Lyndon Slewidge belt out 8-13 Anthem each night! No way that Leafs or Habs fans would ever show up now! Euge:1, Opposition Fans: 0.

5. Only play Cotton Eyed Joe

  For obvious reasons.

 

Thanks for reading!

My Choices for This Year's Goal Song

  Late summer is upon us. Sens players are returning to the nation's capital, season predictions are being made and hockey fans are getting desperate for action. Like many teams, the Ottawa Senators are looking very different coming into training camp. With Andre Benoit, Peter Regin, Stefan Noesen and Guillaume Latendresse departing and Bobby Ryan and Clarke MacArthur arriving, the Sens will have a fresh new look.

  If you've ever been a hockey fan, you know that a new look team means a brand new goal song. Last year, Sens fans were dazzled with Usher's "More" which replaced a techno remix of "Seven Nation Army". Today, I will be looking at my top choices for the 2013/14 Ottawa Senators goal song.

10. Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys

  Can you imagine the crowd going insane as Good Vibrations plays after a huge goal to go ahead 4-1 against Carolina? I sure can! 

9. Gasolina - Daddy Yankee

  A heart warming Spanish (maybe Portuguese) song that would get the Canadian Tire Centre faithful on their feet and trying to sing along.

8. Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams) - Daft Punk

  This song is everywhere these days. Hot 89.9 plays it so it's obviously hip with the kids. To go along with marketing games towards youth, the Sens should use this as a goal song to generate a younger fan base. 

7. About As Helpful As You Can Be Without Being Any Help At All - Dan Mangan

  Although this song shouldn't necessarily be used for all players, it would be very fitting for many of the depth players including Jim O'Brien, Matt Kassian and Eric Gryba. NOTE: This song would only be used 1-2 times as the combined scoring of JOB, Kassian and Gryba should be 1-2 goals.

6. Party Up (Up in Here) - DMX

  TSN used it for a March Madness commercial a few years ago and it sounded pretty cool. 

5. Chelsea Dagger - The Fratellis

  The Sens have the tendency to be unoriginal at times. This is perfect as "Chelsea Daggeer" is used as the Chicago Blackhawks goal song. Play on boys!

4. Maneater - Hall & Oates

  Last year "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates was the tune used in the dressing room after a big win. Fast forward to this year and "OOOH Here she comes!" will be blaring after the guy running the goal horn goes a bit too hard. 

3. Teenage Mustache - The Locust

  No comment.

2. Menace Ball - Mouse Rat

  Sure, this band only exists in NBC's 'Parks and Recreation' but who says it has to stay there? Mouse Rat (formerly Scarecrow Boat, Punch Face Champion, Puppy Pendulum, and many more) has a great sound that could easily become a goal song.

1. Roses - Outkast

  We finally made it to #1. The 2003 hit "Roses" by Outkast is the perfect fit for a goal song. The chorus is catchy and screams intimidation to the opposition.  

I know you'd like to think your shit don't stink
But lean a little bit closer
See that roses really smell like poo-poo-oo
Yeah, roses really smell like poo-oo-oo

I think we've got a winner. Thanks for reading!