SENS TALK Mid-Season Discussion
By AJ Bhuller and Tyler Beauchesne
As we reached the middle of the season, we decided to discuss the progress of the team so far. This is a season of both progress and frustration.
However, it has been a better year for the Senators which has been a long time coming. This conversation took place over a month and we answered each other’s questions whenever we could, it was a busy time on both ends. Examining these answers was a fun experience of both reflection and pride as we had a few “let him cook” moments here and there.
Photo Credit: Andre Ringuette
December 5th: After the 20-game mark, what are your thoughts on the new coaching staff?
Tyler: Travis Green and company have done a solid job, Mike Yeo's powerplay is the MVP as of now. Green himself has been both good and rough in certain areas. He has been good at pushing the team forward in practice and erasing the culture of the last few years. The way he holds the team accountable for their actions has been such a game-changer culture-wise. My only problem at the moment was his inability to bench veterans despite underperforming as it does hold the team back a lot at times.
AJ: I agree with your points. It can be tough to see, especially for the more frustrated fans who just want results. But overall how the team plays is improved. What has bothered me is things have crept up from years past and I do feel some of that is on the staff. For example, why is the team still habitually allowing goals early and late in periods? Why are we always near the top of the league in too many men penalties? It could be a personnel thing but I am not sure. My other critiques fall in line with you. But I'll be more specific. The all-put mishandling of Jacob Bernard-Docker is mind-boggling. Everything points to JBD in the lineup over Travis Hamonic, who I like as a veteran on this team but the coaching staff just refused to bend on this. My other gripe is how they've mishandled the struggles of Linus Ullmark. Give him five or seven starts in a row no matter the outcome so he can figure it out. He is too much of a key to everything we are trying to do here. Most importantly, you show me a good coach and I'll show you a good goalie. I feel like Ullmark would be further along had he just been given the net with consistency since he got back from the injury.
December 6th: What offseason pickups did you like the most now and what are the ones you like the least?
AJ: I think the easy answer is Nick Jensen. He's done everything and been everything he's been asked to be. And it's been so consistent too. The tough one for me is it's still Linus Ullmark. He's come in and quite frankly played horrid to the start of the year. He wears significant blame for letting this go off the rails a bit. That being said, getting him going is so key for our season and still is. Do not look now, but his last handful of starts have been solid. It is going to be the biggest X-factor for the remainder of this season. The team has shown they can keep up with anyone. The number one goalie needs to show it too. My least favourite has been Michael Amadio. I was excited about him and felt the signing was underrated. At this point, I'd rather Mathieu Joseph at a similar price tag but Amadio has time to get going. He's been good defensively and hasn't been bad; he's just underwhelming.
Tyler: I think Nick Jensen has been a wonderful addition to this team but the answer is still Linus Ullmark for me. If the last three games have proven anything, it is that he found his groove and he is back to elite status in my opinion. Ullmark was the missing piece of the puzzle to me as he completed the team. Everyone else will see it the moment he plays more consistently, he is still an elite goalie and there is nothing you can do to change my mind.
December 8th: Standout moments so far?
AJ: This is such a tough question to answer. We are past the quarter mark of the season but I still feel it's early. I have liked how Brady Tkachuk handled all the distractions and fake trade rumors. He took some criticism for being too emotional and at times I can see where the frustration comes from. However, it was all a little ridiculous and overblown. The standout moment for me has been how he responded. He took ownership on the ice and has taken his game and leadership to another level. He seems to have brought some calm to this team, especially during this recent run. He continues to evolve and I am excited for what he is going to be for this team.
Tyler: The home opener was a big moment for me, despite what happened after. It was such a statement game and I loved the vibes. It was proof that this team was different, we outplayed a Stanley Cup Champion. The Florida Panthers swept us the year prior, it was a sign that things were changing now. Also, the LA game on Thanksgiving was amazing live. Such a high-action game, I was enthralled by it all. I’m excited to see where this team goes as well.
December 13th: Standout performers?
AJ: For me, the best performer on the team this season night in and night out has been Tim Stützle. He's been driving and playing more of a two-way game then ever before. On top of that, he's been finishing checks and has thrown some big hits along the way too, who knew! I'd like to see him shoot the puck a little more, but that's just nitpicking. What excites me is that he seems to be getting more of a jump with each game as well. He's played great but is steadily getting better and more comfortable. I won't get into in detail as he plays a quiet game, big Nick Jensen has been huge for this team. I just wish we traded for him sooner!
Tyler: Tim Stutzle for me as well! He’s officially back after a slump year performing at a 100-point pace once again, You couldn’t ask for more from the German. Linus Ullmark is at a top-10 pace again and Nick Jensen unlocked Thomas Chabot’s potential again. Brady Tkachuk is also a big part of this team this year performing at a career-best pace and becoming the leader we needed him to be!
December 19th: How has Michael Andlauer and company done with handling the Sens this season?
AJ: Andlauer and anyone involved with ownership have more than done their part. It's going to take probably three to five years before we see the true impact this ownership and front office is going to make. However, so far so good and anyone who thinks otherwise is not paying attention. They have spent to the cap and upgraded the fan experience all over the place. Recently, they released a video showing the in-arena upgrades for the players and staff to better get the job done on the ice and it makes so much sense. We are starting to move into the best-in-class era and it is going to be more and more noticeable. Finally, I have loved how much Andlauer has been around the team. We never saw that in the previous ownership era and it is refreshing to have an owner who is so present!
Tyler: I think Michael Andlauer and company have done a phenomenal job in turning around the Ottawa Senators. Heart over hype and best in class were not just statements, they were missions. Missions that I chose to believe in because of what I saw over the summer. Andlauer has not just improved the team and the culture in the locker room, but also the stadium experience for the average fan. When I go to games now, I notice that the quality of the things around me has improved. We are finally seeing an owner doing his best to improve this team for the city. He fought for a better roster, got us a new stadium, and still fighting in the league to get that first-round pick back. This is the best position that the Ottawa Senators have been in since Eugene Melnyk bought the team and saved us from relocation in 2002.
January 3rd: How do you feel about the Carter Yakemchuk World Juniors Championship snub?
Tyler: Well I just witnessed this team get two wins and three losses at the tournament as I am typing this. I have to say I am not a happy guy about it. I think the selection was a disgrace. Yakemchuk proved himself worthy of at least a camp invite and he did not even get that. So many guys deserved it who never got the chance. Dave Cameron still hates this city and it shows, I hope he never coaches this team again. As for Yakemchuk, I hope he gets another chance next year. We could’ve had the Yak Attack on the powerplay instead of a system that made me want to yak.
AJ: I feel the situation is perplexing, but it is dark days for hockey and Hockey Canada as well. This goes well beyond just Senators fans crying foul over Carter Yakemchuk. I'll start there though, call me crazy and overly biased as not only should Yakemchuk have been on this team, but he would have been munching over 20 minutes per night as well. We are talking about a prospect who could have made an NHL team currently fighting for a wild card spot. That being said, this goes beyond hockey and into the political sphere of the game and it is a slippery slope. Politically laced decisions when choosing players are also affecting the grassroots levels of hockey in this country. Many stories about kids who should have made teams over little Johnny who made the team instead because his dad is known to bring post-game pints for the other parents. It is not just about what is fair or unfair because I could go on about that, it's diluting the talent pool in this country. Our goaltending pool has already been diluted and we are going to find out at the Four Nations Cup. My last point, without going off on an angry tangent, is Yakemchuk should have at least been invited for the sole reason that the tournament was in Ottawa. It's just the right thing to do and it is not like we are asking for some plug to get invited. This is one of the best defensemen in junior hockey with physical and leadership skills to boot.
