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

It is really interesting to see some of the minor acquisitions GM Bryan Murray has signed to the Ottawa Senators roster.

It is rare that a player, raised in a city with an NHL team, actually gets to play for his hometown NHL club. It does happen, once in a while, but with today's signing of 32 year-old journeyman Randy Robitaille, Ottawa now has three hometown players: Luke Richardson, Shean Donovan and now Robitaille. There are characteristics that all of these players possess, outside of the hometown connection:

1. They are all over 30
2. They are not goal scorers
3. They play gritty and physical styles

You're not going to put these guys on during the final minute of play when your team has to score a goal. But...maybe you'll put them on to prevent a goal if they're trying to protect a lead (well, maybe not Richardson as much). The cliché of being an "energy" type player: limited minutes with numerous bodychecks, seems to be spoken in many circles as the final variable for a team to come out on top a winner. We saw it with Anaheim last season...they were the most physical team in the playoffs, and they won.

I have a theory that playing in front of your hometown gives you that extra jump and edge that just may help get their team over the top. Every kid who's played hockey always dreams of hoisting a Stanley Cup, but to do it in front of your city...that's icing on the cake. How jacked will these guys be come playoff time? Speaking for myself, I'd be ecstatic.

These moves are subtle, but I like them. And it wouldn't it make for a nice photo op to have Richardson, Robitaille and Donovan hoist Lord Stanley together if they won?

All Ottawa needs to do now is trade back for Todd White. :)