Senators beat the Rangers 2-0

I'm a little late on this one. I would give a complete summary, but I was a little too drunk during the game. Some things I do remember:

• Gerber was great again. Can't argue with a shutout - especially against a team like the Rangers.
  
• Mike Fisher's hard work led to a goal by Meszaros. There's a surprise. When does Fisher NOT work his ass off to get results?
• Our defence looked somewhat competent this game - a nice change.
  
• Alfie rules.
  
• Neil is back in form. Great hits.
  

If Heatley doesn't sign...

So as we near the deadline set by Heatley and his agent, I'm sure we are all starting to wonder what will happen if he doesn't sign. Trade? Apparently Murray threatened Heatley with that. Mid-season deal? This seems possible....the deadline is likely just a bargaining tool. Heatley walks? Unfortunately this seems possible as well.

The widespread belief is that $1 million separates the two camps right now - hardly a lot of money for a player of Heatley's caliber. If it were me in charge I would just throw Heatley the 8 million, but I suppose Murray has his own plans. Having Fisher on the hook for over $4 million certainly makes it a little more difficult. If he had been signed in the $3.5 million range you can be damn sure Heatley would have gotten his 8 a few days ago.

So the question may soon be do we trade Heatley or let him walk. Put me in the let him walk group. Trading away arguably our best offensive player and likely top 5 forward in the world before the playoffs when we are a cup contender would be ridiculous. I really can't see anything that we could get back that would improve our team enough this year - if only for the reason that Spezza loves playing with Heatley.

One thing I know for sure...this may turn out to be FAR more annoying than the year of "Redden or Chara?".

Sens Ink Fisher for 5 years, $4.2m

Wow...

This has really crushed me. To me, Fisher was the 3rd priority to sign - behind Spezza and Heatley. The guy is great at what he does, don't get me wrong...but he is a 3rd line centre. He is injury prone. He is not a big offensive threat. Just..wow.

4.2 million seems VERY steep to me. I would walk away after 3.5, and even that I wouldn't be thrilled with. Now the Sens are in a hard spot to resign Heatley and Spezza, not to mention Redden (though that is good news...). It will take some miraculous maneuvering by Murray to keep both Spezza and Heatley and leave himself some room to have a decent supporting cast in the future, but if both Redden and Gerber are gone it is possible.

I can just see this signing hurting Ottawa in the long run. It is a LOT of money to invest in a 3rd line player, especially if the salary cap goes down at any point in the next 5 years. I would much rather have Comrie at 3.3m.

Label me dissapointed.