A Return to Glory - The Ottawa Senators Rebuilding Dynasty (NHL 2011)

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SENS INSIDER
A Team Takes Form - More Cuts Made
Volume 2 - Issue 2

September 20th, 2011 - After another exhibition game and 2 more practices the coaching staff has made some more cuts, trying to round out a 22 man roster. So far the biggest surprise at this years camp is 2nd round pick Zack Kassian. With his dogged determination and hustle, he has been turning heads and impressing. Having spent the summer working out in Toronto alongside Steve Stamkos with Gary Roberts, Kassian came into camp on a mission and it appears his conditioning is paying off thus far.

On the other hand, there has been some disappointment at the camp as some players came in not in the best condition. Newly acquired Right Winger Colton Orr came into camp 30 pounds overweight. With the added weight, Orr's play has been sloppy and his stamina has been questionable. Another player, often called a lazy player is Rostislav Olesz. After three preseason games, it appears that he hasn't made much progress over the summer and the coaches have taken notice. Lastly, Filip Kuba who was once a stalwart blueliner appears to have lost a few steps in the off-season. Many of the younger players on this team have easily beat him to the puck on routine icing calls and he has been shown up more then once in one on one drills. Whether it's age or conditioning all we know that Kuba may have a hard time holding onto his roster spot.

GAME 3: W 6 - 2 @ Boston


Note: Daugavins and Hennessy were assigned to the AHL not the Major Juniors.

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SENS INSIDER
Final Cuts Announced - Formal Lineup Set
Volume 2 - Issue 3

September 24th, 2011 - The Senators have now finished their preseason; going 3-1 after defeating the Sabres 4-2 last night in regulation. The coaches have had all they can see of the prospects, rookies and veterans and have made the final cuts. To the surprise of many Defenseman Jared Cowen made the team with his steady play on the back-end and smooth puck movement. Prior to training camp many journalists had thought he was still a year away from joining the club, but he has proven them wrong with his stellar play. Other defenseman that had a good showing were Rundbland and Schira. Although they were good enough to make the team, there just wasn't enough roster space to make room for them with Carkner and White taking the remaining two other free spots. Without any certainty we'd expect to see Rundbland and Schira in the NHL this season.

It was a tough call, but Kassian and Coccimiglio battled right to the end for the teams last roster spot. Both two way gritty forwards, the two seemed to mirror each other on the ice, and their defensive play on the penalty kill certainly impress head coach Dave Cameron. In the end Kassian's speed and offensive awareness won out as Coccimiglio was ask to report to his minor league team. I would certainly expect to see this bright talent in the NHL in the years to come however.

Ottawa will have 2 more rookies on their roster this year. Wetmore and Smith built an instant chemistry with each other after being paired up in practice after game 1. Since then it seemed like a logical fit, as each player seems to have a knack to know where the other is on the ice at all times. Although Wetmore lead the team in scoring during Preseason, most of his goals were assisted by Smith, who was more then able to match his speed and get in position to make the pass.

Long term prospect goalie Robin Lehner has finally made the team on a 15 day trial. He won the 2 preseason games in which he started, while posting a stellar Goals Against Average and Save Percentage. He will primarily be backup for newcomer Jose Theodore but is expected to get some solid starts at the beginning of the year to see how he deals with the pressure.

GAME 4: W 4 - 2 Vs. Buffalo

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PRESEASON POINTS & GOALIE STATISTICS

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MONTHLY SCHEDULE - OCT

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SENS INSIDER - GAME RECAP
Sens Open Up With a Big Win

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BOX SCORE:

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NEWS & NOTES:

With the retirement of long time captain Daniel Alfredsson there was some speculation on who would step up and take on the 'C' but all debates were put aside when long time Senator Chris Phillips stepped out sporting the Captains emblem. Chris was another 1st overall pick for the Senators and is now the longest serving member on the team. Under his leadership and guidance can he help this team achieve post season success. Jason Spezza remained an Alternate and the other newly appointed Alternate was Hal GilI. Gill was well known for his leadership during his days in Montreal and was known to call out fellow players who have not been pulling their weight. With his arrival to Ottawa it was only a natural progression to give him the A.

Also apparent is that Ottawa has introduced a new reward system this year to help build camaraderie. After the first game Markov was seen sporting a Sombrero with logos and writing on it, as the story went newly appointed Captain Chris Phillips was vacationing in Mexico when he spotted this enormous Sombrero and immediately had an idea of what he can do with it. So now the player deemed to accentuate the key qualities of a Senator will get the honors after a game.

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SENS INSIDER - GAME RECAP
Sens Outlast Lightning in a Barn Burner


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SENS INSIDER - GAME RECAP
Sens Blank Leafs in Battle of Ontario


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