Jump to content
Jambands.ca

Go Sens Go - Fan Forum 09/10


badams

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 841
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I thought he saw the ice well based on the passes he was making and his skating is top-notch. He looks very comfortable handling the puck and it seemed as though he played with confidence, and dare I say swagger?

I dont know much about him, today being the first time he stood out for me but as always when you are at a game you can really see who brings what to the table. If this game is any indication and if he continues to improve, he could be a keeper.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Few would have imagined this back in November, or even December.

There were clear indications that Erik Karlsson was going to become a good player for the Senators one day, but by Hockey Day in Canada? Not likely. He still had too much to learn.

Yet there was Karlsson Saturday, against the Montreal Canadiens, one of only two Senators to play as many as 29 shifts and the only Senator to see as much as 24:51 of ice time.

Karlsson was used that much because, on this day, he very well might have been the best player in the game.

In a 3-2 OT win that set a franchise record as the ninth victory in a row, Karlsson’s plus-2 performance included two assists and a significant contribution on the winning goal. In a 3-on-3 situation, he took the puck from behind his net and headed up ice slowly, surveying his options, then hit Mike Fisher with a long, true pass at the Habs blue line. Fisher fended off no less a defender than Andrei Markov before sending home happy the majority from those making up the largest Scotiabank Place crowd of the season.

Karlsson, who also made a couple of nice defensive plays inside the Ottawa blueline and survived Benoit Pouliot’s attempt to put him through the boards, has now tied together a string of solid showings that make you forget he’ll still be a teenager for another four months.

“He’s been unbelievable,†said Fisher, who raved about the Swedish rookie’s work. “He’s competing, he’s taking hits, his speed has really improved. And man, there’s not too many guys that can handle the puck like he can.

“He’s come a long way, he’s really improved. He’s been great for us.â€

The Senators will be looking for No. 10 in a row and resuming their pursuit of first in the division Wednesday, when they visit the Northeast-leading Sabres in Buffalo. That they are suddenly 10 points from where about eight teams are fighting for the last two playoff spots can be attributed to a number of factors, such as improved goaltending, a commitment to the system, and the emergence of young players who stepped up their play during a rash of injuries.

Karlsson has been a plus-6 in the last four games and a plus-8 in the last seven. Usually paired with veteran Filip Kuba, he was promoted to the first pairing, alongside Chris Phillips, when Anton Volchenkov had to sit out the Jan. 25 visit to Boston.

He played more than 22 minutes, including the game’s 60th, and was a plus-1 in the 2-1 victory.

As an offensive-minded rookie defenceman, being sent out to protect a lead in the final ticks says something about the confidence that’s been earned from a coaching staff that is also trying to expedite his development.

“Obviously that feels really good,†Karlsson said of the role he’s been playing. “I feel good out there, the whole team feels good. We’re playing really good right now and it’s fun to be a part of that.â€

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is a lot of hockey left. A lot of time for trades, injuries, sex scandles to change the future of any team in the league.

It's possible to peak now and then go into a lull. However it is also possible to peak again for the playoffs.

Goaltending, luck, health and good timing will all come in to play during the playoffs.

I don't see Ottawa having the goaltending but they may prove me wrong.

The Habs may be lucky to squeak into the playoffs but if they start Price it may be a short stint.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now



×
×
  • Create New...