Ottawa dedicates next season to Neilson

[Shell]

a mighty big order to fill!

Ottawa Senators dedicate next season to late assistant coach Roger Neilson
CHRIS YZERMAN
Canadian Press
Friday, August 01, 2003

OTTAWA (CP) - Roger Neilson spent the last three years of his life helping the Ottawa Senators chase success.

Neilson, who died of cancer in June at the age of 69, will again be at the forefront of the team's drive in 2003-04 after the Senators announced Friday that they'll dedicate the season to their former assistant coach.

"It's exciting for us to be able to play for him," said forward Mike Fisher, following a Corel Centre news conference where two large portraits of a smiling, curly haired Neilson hung in the background. "We're all going to miss him and his presence in the (dressing) room."

A Toronto native, Neilson spent 25 seasons as a coach or scout with 10 NHL teams and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame last November. He was also awarded the Order of Canada this past winter for his achievements.

He passed away June 21 at his home in Peterborough, Ont., after battling bone and skin cancer for almost four years.

The popularity of the devout Christian, who once taught hockey clinics as far away as Israel, reached such great heights that simultaneous memorials were held in Peterborough, Ont., and Ottawa to accommodate mourners, who numbered into the thousands.

When the puck drops on the new season, the Senators will continue to honour his memory by sporting commemorative patches on their jerseys. They'll also broadcast a video spanning Neilson's career before their Oct. 9 home opener against the Montreal Canadiens.

However, the greatest tribute comes in the form of a 15,000-square foot pediatric palliative care centre called Roger's House, which will assist sick children and their families in conjunction with the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

The project was first announced shortly after Neilson's death. On Sept. 13, the team will hold the Walk, Roll and Run for Roger - the first event in a series of fundraisers for the care centre, which is still in its planning stages.

Donations to Roger's House have already reached $20,000.

"The week before Roger passed, we discussed this and he loved the idea," Senators president Roy Mlakar said. "He thought it was fantastic - his whole world was kids, in Peterborough or in Israel where he taught hockey or in New York or anywhere he's ever been."

Fisher, a Peterborough native who shared in Neilson's strong belief system and assisted the coach at Christian hockey clinics, was introduced as honorary chairman of Roger's House.

Along with fellow forward and Peterborough resident Jody Hull, Fisher was probably the Senators player closest to Neilson.

"It's tough and it's sad that this has to happen at this time, we had hoped it would have been was later down the road, but there's a need for the kids - and that's hopefully going to be met soon through this fundraising," said Fisher.

"I'm sure it's what Roger would have wanted. It's fitting it was going toward kids because his heart was going to kids."

[Guyute]

Ottawa really is a classy org.

[Shell]

they best step it up though!

Thu, November 6, 2003
No mucking around
Troubled Sens GM talks tough
By BRUCE GARRIOCH, Ottawa Sun

STEP up or face the consequences. That's the challenge Senators GM John Muckler issued to his players yesterday. While Muckler isn't ready to panic and make massive changes a month into the season, he wants to see improvement in the next two games -- starting tonight against Edmonton and Saturday vs. New Jersey.

And if Muckler doesn't like what he sees, he's going to take a long hard look at the whole team.

That means if anybody in the Senators' dressing room is still suffering from a playoff hangover, they'd better sober up quick.

"I want to see what happens in these next two games," said Muckler, who is currently on a scouting trip in Boston.

"We're playing a team like the Edmonton Oilers who are offensively aggressive and they're going to play a different style than what we've been seeing lately.

"Edmonton should be a game that we like to play. Then, we're going to play the New Jersey Devils and they were the team that eliminated us last year. What I'm saying is: If we can't get up for these two games, then we're going to have to take a look at the whole situation."

Muckler will take the patient approach.

"It's disappointing and there's cause for concern, but there's no reason to panic," said Muckler. "We didn't come into this season just to make the playoffs. We want to use the season to prepare to challenge for the Stanley Cup and so far we haven't played the way we're capable of playing."

After the Senators advanced to the East final last year against the Devils, Muckler worked hard with team president Roy Mlakar to convince incoming owner Eugene Melnyk to keep the core of the team together by increasing the payroll.

It hasn't paid off yet, with the club off to a 5-3-1-1 start. While Muckler isn't working the phones trying to make changes, he won't rule out that possibility if the situation doesn't improve.

"We haven't been consistent since the start of training camp," said Muckler. "Every game we seem to be a little bit inconsistent.

"After what we accomplished last year, maybe some people forgot the work ethic that it took to have success ... maybe we're just fooling ourselves.

"Hopefully, the situation improves because we haven't lost our talent and we still have our skill."

The Senators know they can play better. They hit a low point with the 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders on Monday and they'd like to bounce back against the Oilers.

"We haven't played a full 60 minutes this season," said centre Todd White. "It just seemed like against the Islanders the wheels fell off after the first period and then everything that could go wrong did go wrong. What we have to do is forget about that game and try to move forward. We just need to go out and have a good, strong game."

[Shell]

Tue, November 18, 2003
Slumping Senators: 'We can't panic'
By BRUCE GARRIOCH, Ottawa Sun

It's official. The Senators have moved into crisis mode. While the Buffalo Sabres were celebrating their 2-1 victory at the Corel Centre last night, the Senators barred their door shut for a 15-minute, players-only meeting because they're worried.

"Not one guy called (the meeting)," said Senators defenceman Chris Phillips. "Everybody just kind of agreed that something had to be said.

"We've got to start playing the way we're capable of playing as a team."

The Senators were supposed to be a Stanley Cup contender this season, but with only two victories in their last eight games, they haven't been anywhere close.

The look on GM John Muckler's face suggested he's not happy.

And, why should he be? Tabbed as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference, the Senators have been knocked around too often.

Forget winning the Cup, the Senators will settle for winning a game or two right now -- starting Thursday night here against the Carolina Hurricanes.

"We can't panic. When that happens, you can just make things worse," said Senators winger Marian Hossa. "We win one game and then we lose two and then we win another one. We've got a better team than that. We have to start being consistent.

"You can't get down 2-0 and then try to turn it around. You can't just play for 40 minutes and then try to win the game. You have to be ready from the start."

Against Buffalo, like they have on so many nights this year, the Senators didn't come out with any sense of urgency. They have talked many times about getting off to a good start and then haven't put the plan into action.

"We have to get back to playing 60 minutes," said Phillips.

No kidding. The Senators have played the role of inconsistency to perfection. Had it not been for goaltender Martin Prusek, this game could have been out of reach early.

Oh, they can talk about missed opportunities, but the Senators are inching closer to the 20-game mark of the season -- with 16 played so far. Patience in the community is wearing thin and alarm bells are going off everywhere.

Don't be surprised if Muckler decides to make a move soon. He sat with advisors Peter Chiarelli and Anders Hedberg and there's not a chance he liked what he saw.

"I don't think you can worry about a change and I don't think you want anybody in this room worrying about the fact there could be one because that can effect your play. Nobody wants to see any changes here," said Phillips.

But the Senators have two choices here: They can send somebody to the press box or Muckler can shake up the team with a deal.

SCHASTLIVY SCRATCHED

The decision to scratch winger Petr Schastlivy last night shouldn't come as a surprise. He is a prime target to be dealt. The Senators expected more from him. He doesn't use his great shot and he's not willing to get involved physically. The New York Islanders have long coveted Schastlivy to play with centre Alexei Yashin, but GM Mike Milbury is trying to cut salary and $650,000 (all terms US) on Schastlivy might be too much.

The Isles could offer RW Mark Parrish and his $2-million salary. But the Senators are loaded up on the right side which means Parrish isn't a good fir for this team.

Really, the most marketable player is centre Radek Bonk. Only three of his 17 points have come at even strength and there would be several teams interested -- including the Phoenix Coyotes -- if Muckler wants to make a move.

Some sort of change may be the only way to shake this team up.

FINALLY RIGHT FOR WHITE: Everything was finally right for Senators C Todd White. Troubled by a sore left shoulder that has forced him to miss seven games so far this season, White returned to the lineup last night to score the Senators' only goal against the Buffalo Sabres.

"It feels pretty good. It feels strong," said White. "There's always a chance you could get hurt, but you can't play scared either. I can shoot the puck and it feels pretty strong, plus it's going to be better protected."

THIS 'N' THAT: Senators GM John Muckler will leave Thursday for Edmonton where he'll attend the outdoor game at Commonwealth Stadium. He will rejoin the Senators in New York for a 5 p.m. game against the Rangers on Sunday ... The Senators' other scratches vs. the Sabres were D Anton Volchenkov and D Brian Pothier. That meant D Curtis Leschnshyn and D Shane Hnidy suited up.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I'm sure we'll pull them right out of their slump. After all, that was our specialty last season. :sad:

[crazy4canes]

If there is any team in the EC that I feel truly owns us, it's Ottawa. They won't be slumping for long. :beatup:

Today's keyword: pessimism. Say it with me kids.

[nccanes]

Just wondering -- when does our team have those team meetings that just have to happen. Or are the Canes not big blabber mouths about such things?

Hell the Lightning had one after dropping to <gasp> 7-2-2 or something.

[MoBigRed]

Just wondering -- when does our team have those team meetings that just have to happen. Or are the Canes not big blabber mouths about such things?


The last i remember hearing of such a meeting was when Steve Chiasson decided it was time for the guys to have a talk about the way things were going.

I'd really like to think there have been others since then.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I think Eric should call a meeting..... and say look... I wasn't the #2 draft pick to play for a shi* team like this... let's win... if he had the courage to do that.. I think it would wake em up.. but he blushed when the Y kids sang happy birthday to him!! :D

[MoBigRed]

I think Eric should call a meeting..... and say look... I wasn't the #2 draft pick to play for a shi* team like this... let's win... if he had the courage to do that.. I think it would wake em up..


Now that's one DVD i'd love to get a copy of!

[Shell]

some of this sounds hauntingly familiar :crazy:

Muckler not ready to pull trigger
Wayne Scanlan
CanWest News Service
Wednesday, November 19, 2003

In any crisis, but especially early in a crisis, calm and reason are better leadership tools than panic and haste.

With that in mind, Ottawa Senators general manager John Muckler chose a firm, reasoned, statesmanlike approach in his much-anticipated public address over his team's current mini-crisis.

In a rare visit to the team's Kanata Recreation Complex practice facility during a brutal, though not unexpected, skating workout the day after Ottawa's 2-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Muckler said he's not ready to fire his coach or trade a player to shake up his team.

Give him a week. If the losing continues, it could be a dramatically different story.

In the meantime, Muckler says he isn't about to deal for some of the lesser talent available on the market, just for the sake of making a trade.

He won't sack Jacques Martin, he says, because the coach didn't get dumb overnight.

"It hasn't even entered my mind," said Muckler.

It will, if this team doesn't start playing better for Martin. Let's see if history repeats itself.

Last year, one week earlier than this date, the Senators began an impressive turnaround from a middling start en route to a first overall finish in the NHL standings. It will take a large commitment by the players, and a bit of luck, to win 52 games again.

For all the public hand wringing over the Senators' play and despite the media feeding frenzy at the Corel Centre, the club's record after 16 games is almost precisely what it was last year when it went on to enjoy its most successful season.

Today, the Senators are 7-6-2-1, for 17 points and ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

On Nov. 19, 2002, the Senators were 8-6-2 for 18 points, good for 10th in the conference.

The biggest difference between then and now is that a year ago today the Senators had pulled out of their tailspin and had just tied the Carolina Hurricanes 4-4 to extend an undefeated streak to four games. It would grow to 10 games before Ottawa lost a game to Chicago and began another undefeated string.

This year, with the Hurricanes due in on Thursday, finds the Senators at the deepest part of their skid, coming off consecutive home losses and winners of two of their past nine games.

Muckler said -- and many of his players agreed -- that a team loses confidence when it falls victim to bad work habits.

"Once you lose confidence, you're officially in a slump," said Muckler. "And that's what we're in, a slump."

While the general manager doesn't think his team has played a full and complete game all season, he retains faith in the personnel he helped keep together for a run at the Stanley Cup this season.

"We have too much talent not to play better," Muckler said.

A common public conception is that the talk of an Ottawa Cup has gone to players' heads, that they subconsciously believe they can just show up to collect their glory.

Muckler denies most of that insinuation.

"If you can't talk about it (winning the Cup), you'll never be able to win it," Muckler said. "You have to respond to that challenge, but we haven't yet."

This is the part of the theory with which Muckler concurs: his team isn't working hard enough, yesterday's practice ice whiplashes notwithstanding.

In some of their losses, most notably to Florida and Buffalo, the Senators were outworked by teams that can't touch Ottawa's skill. Muckler thinks his team might have forgotten how hard they played last season.

He called it a "sophomore jinx," comparing this setback to the second-year player trying to match a brilliant rookie campaign.

Neither Muckler nor his coach was into naming the names of the struggling players, partly because the passenger compartment is full and transient. And yet, Martin had praise for so few forwards in the Buffalo game, that pretty much damns the rest. In dispatches, he cited the Todd White line with Antoine Vermette and Martin Havlat for carrying the play.

Martin told an interesting story about what he called the Senators' "dilemma."

It speaks to the attitude, not just of the players, but of fans and media.

"It used to be if the score was tied, everyone was happy in the building," Martin said. "Last year, if it was 0-0, we'd all think, 'It's OK, we'll win it on the last shift.'

"Now we're in a mode where we don't believe. We're not as patient."

It's a confidence crisis all around.

A feeling of being led astray.

There's a simple enough explanation for it. It's the Big "E."

An editorial cartoon in Tuesday's Citizen got to the root of the distress over the Senators, even if the cartoon was not about the Senators.

The sketch showed Martin -- Paul, not Jacques -- standing over a giant pair of shoes on which was written the word "Expectations."

"You'll grow into them," the shoe clerk says to the next prime minister of Canada.

Ottawa's hockey team faces the same problem as our new Liberal leader.

Living up to the grand billing.

Fitting into the giant shoes of expectation.

When the Senators lose to a team as motley as the Sabres, to everyone remotely associated with the Senators, it feels like the big shoes are kicking them in the teeth.