Are the Leafs a threat?

Well, after two years of missing the playoffs I think we can finally expect to see the Toronto Maple Leafs in at the big show. They have added to what was already one of the league's best offensive cores with the addition of Jason Blake. Even if he does not live up to his 40 goal campaign last year he will help them out with 30 or more, and the further development of youngsters like Wellwood and Steen could spell danger for defencemen in the Northeast.

On top of this, the Leafs have received an upgrade in goal. How big of an upgrade is debatable, but Toskala should at the very least push Raycroft. I wouldn't be surprised to see split duties in Toronto. Despite all the flack he received Raycroft did still manage 37 wins last year, an impressive feat no matter how you spin it.

Despite my obvious bias against the Leafs, I have to say I am happy about this for a few reasons. The first being that it will probably bring the battle of Ontario back to life after a few years spent in a comatose state. The Leafs will have some bite this year, and having closer games will only make it that much better when we win.

The Leafs in the playoffs will also allow Ottawa to do something I think they badly need to do - BEAT THE LEAFS. I really dont know if the players or fans need this monkey off their back more (probably the fans), but I would bet money that the players would love the opportunity to play the Leafs in the playoffs for some redemption.

I know this seems like I am digging up some past demons that Sens fans always tell Leaf fans to let go, but I do think it is something we would all like out of the way, and I think it is worthwhile to examine our primary competition this year: the Northeast.

Because of that, I will be taking a very quick and very opinionated look at each of our Northeast opponents over the next little while. Hey, there isn't much else to talk about is there?

Oh I almost forgot....Ottawa's record against the Leafs this year: 5-2-1

Why are hockey games always so messed up?

This is just a quick post....and I am making an assumption here...but from this photo that was released June 7th, it looks like NHL 08 will have Gerber as the starter for Ottawa. I just can't imagine them having a photo of a backup released (even if it is a backup). Why are these games always so out of touch with what is actually happening in hockey? Just an example....in my NHL 07 dynasty Eric Daze was second in points with 104.....DAZE!

This may just me being tired and being upset at EA Sports for all the bugs in NHL 07, but who knows.

Summit Series Lite

Well, my question today pertains to the new Summit Series set to begin next week. What's that you say? You had no idea there was a Summit Series starting next week? No kidding.

Does anyone really care about this? This will essentially be a glorified WJHC featuring THE dominate junior team in the last few years against a team that has kinda mailed it in on the international stage.

This is no longer men fighting it out on the ice for what they believe in - a literal cold war, it's boys having 8 scrimmages before their seasons begin, at which point some will join each other in the same leagues.

The mystique of the Soviets is gone now, we have seen all of the players on the Russian team play, they play in our hometowns on our CHL teams and are drafted by our franchise of choice. There is no smug attitude that we will walk all over them, and the surprise that follows when we find out they are in fact a very worthy opponent.

All of that is lost in this Summit Series lite. It is not an embodiment of the times, it does not represent Us against Them, instead it is a series of friendly games between future stars.

This is one of the only times I can remember not being excited for an international hockey event at the junior level or above. Don't get me wrong, I am still going to watch (though that may consist of snagging the 9am games on my PVR...that is just way to early for a student in his last week before classes) but I certainly will not be very emotionally invested.

Will you be watching?

Senators Unveil New Jerseys and Logo

While many have known of the new logo for weeks, and some have noticed the new jerseys in screen shots from NHL 08 and 2k8, it is now official; the Senators will be rocking a re-designed 3d logo, a brand new (or very very old) shoulder patch, and a completely modern look.

The new home (L) and away (R) jerseys.

The new throwback shoulder patch on both the home and away jersey.

My first reaction was that they were, for lack of a better word, simple. But the more I looked at them and though about it, the more I began to like them. The red "swoosh" jersey and the new black jersey were pretty busy by NHL standards, and both had a somewhat gimmicky feel to them.

These jersey are very clean cut and modern looking, but at the same time remind me of the Senators history more than any others they have worn before. The Patch is an obvious throwback, but the striping on the pants and socks is another.

Each side of the pants features a vertical white and red stripe, something that helps make the waist not look so bland due to the loss of a horizontal stripe on the jersey. The pants also feature the primary logo on the left leg.

The new socks feature red and black (away) or black and white (home) horizontal stripes that slope into vertical stripes on the sides of the leg. This helps with continuity of the vertical stripes on the pants while not compromising the classic horizontal striping on the front of the sock. The socks appear to be made of a different material than previous socks, something that was suspected.

From L to R: Chris Neil, Brian McGrattan, Jason Spezza, and Chris Kelly model the new uniforms.

The fact that both jerseys are the same is something we have not had in Ottawa for a long time, and is something I welcome with open arms.

The round logo many of you may have seen floating around (and pictured below) will be used on Senator merchandise. If I had any money to bet I would put it on this logo being at centre ice as well.

Secondary logo.

Anyone wishing to get their hands on one these new jerseys ASAP can fill out an order form located here.

Photos taken from Scarlett Ice.

First try at this

Alright, basically I am just looking for a place to state my opinions and rants as a Sens fanatic.

I am hoping to fill this blog with a lot of insight into the Sens on-ice activity, but also give the perspective of a fan that lives in Ottawa. I want to bring the experience I had at the arena and translate it into words for those who don't get a chance to go. I want to be able to provide a different perspective than you get from the Citizen, Sun, or Team 1200. Basically, I want to have a diary of a 21 year old male Sens fan living in Ottawa. Everything from breaking news to what Alfie ate for breakfast this morning.

That is the hope, the vision, the...dare I say dream....nah, not dream, let's stick with vision.