The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

Things are settling right in Ottawa now. Since coming back from the Olympic break, they’ve bounced back with a 6-1 record and managed to beat one team that was giving them problems, the Atlanta Thrashers…The real test though is coming up for the rest of March. After tomorrow’s game against Tampa, they play the Bruins who smoked them 5-0 last matchup, two games against the surging Buffalo Sabres who are only 2 points behind Ottawa for 1st in the Northeast, two games against Martin Brodeur and the Devils, then games against the Central leading Rangers and Flyers…Nice to see Jason Spezza get his production back. I have a feeling his pulled chest muscle was still bothering him when he came back before the Olympics…Bryan Smolinski still stinks...Finally, Chris Neil got his 13th goal of the season yesterday against the Caps. He's cooled down his point production, but can still clear the path for his linemates Mike Fisher and Peter Schaefer...Patrick Eaves strong efforts continue to pay off as he has been moved to the first line with Spezza and Dany Heatley...I would love to tell you what I think of Tyler Arnason’s play since being acquired by the Sens, but they haven’t showed the last three games on TV so I couldn’t tell you. Another SBP screwjob…Still sick thinking about it: Owner Eugene Melnyk claims the only way he can make any money this season is if the Senators at least make the Conference final. So let me get this straight: You got your salary cap, the Loonie is now at 85 instead of 66 cents on the US dollar, you’ve had 22 consecutive sellouts, you’ve increased the capacity at SBP and you’ve made more cash selling the naming rights for the former Corel Centre. And you’re STILL not making any dough? Bite me…Ray Emery has been solid since the Olympic break, and many a fan are jumping back on the bandwagon. But even with his current strong play, there’s no way he can lead the team to the Stanley Cup if Hasek is out…Zdeno Chara has stated the fact he does not have a new contract in place is a bit of a distraction. Note to Mr. Muckler: Do us all a favour and re-sign both Chara and Wade Redden now. No one expects you to be able to keep both of them with the salary cap in place for next season, but you can lock them up then trade one of them in the off-season. And let them concentrate on the playoffs.