Ups and Downs: Week 18
Stone's up and McCormick's down in this week's Ups and Downs.
The Senators had three games this week after the all-star break: a 6-5 loss to the Penguins, a 7-2 embarrassment by the Oilers, and then a thumping 6-1 victory over the Maple Leafs.
After weeks of people speculating about what was wrong with Stone, he put up six points this week, including three goals. He's still on pace for 60 points this year, and will probably improve that by driving Ottawa's run to the postseason.
Played a couple mediocre games, tried to prove his worth with two fights against Edmonton, and then got sent down. Paul was one of the call-ups, and considering his disappointing start to his pro career, that says something about how the organization feels about Mad Max. With players like Dzingel and Puempel having far more offensive potential, McCormick may have to wait a little while before his next NHL shot.
| Goaltenders | Trend | Notes |
| Craig Anderson |  | He had a great appearance against Toronto, counteracted by two poor appearances, one of which got him pulled. Still, he didn't get near enough support in either of those losses. |
| Andrew Hammond |  | A little unfair, since his only appearance was in relief against Edmonton after the Sens had already lost. Some people are calling for Hammond to take the starter's role to try to rekindle last season's magic. |
| Defensemen | ||
| Mark Borowiecki | | I don't expect much of Boro. He reached that standard. |
| Cody Ceci |  | He got two points against the Pens, and looked very confident against the Leafs |
| Jared Cowen | | Healthy scratch in two games this week |
| Erik Karlsson | | Seven points this week leaves him tied for second in the league in scoring. |
| Marc Methot | | Ottawa definitely benefits from having him back. And that saucer pass to set up the first goal against Toronto was a thing of beauty |
| Chris Phillips |  | Hi Chris! |
| Chris Wideman | | Two points this week, which is pretty good for the NHL's unsuspended Wideman |
| Patrick Wiercioch | | Why can't this guy get a point? When he's not scoring nor putting up good possession numbers, he gets a down arrow. |
| Forwards | ||
| Alex Chiasson | | Didn't do much to cement his place in the lineup. Should be a scratch once more people are healthy. |
| Ryan Dzingel | | Got his first NHL point |
| David Dziurzynski | | Wasn't playing well before being placed on the IR. I think we can conclude that Dizzy won't have much more of an NHL career |
| Mike Hoffman | | He seemed to be benefiting from having Turris back |
| Curtis Lazar | | Three points this week - that's pretty great, eh? |
| Clarke MacArthur | | Practised this week, and appears to be targetting a March return |
| Max McCormick | | See Biggest Losses |
| Milan Michalek | | As hard as it is to say, Ottawa seems to need Milo |
| Chris Neil | | Seemed to get a little carried away chasing after hits this week. Didn't do anything positive to balance out the frustrating |
| Jean-Gabriel Pageau | | He's benefited from being brought up the lineup, including scoring four points this week. He's now passed his career high for points |
| Nick Paul | | Hasn't got into a game yet |
| Shane Prince | | He's finally getting a shot on the powerplay, and wouldn't you know every bounce has been going against him |
| Bobby Ryan | | He was a plus-possession player this week and put up a couple points |
| Zack Smith | | Great week for Smith, including four points |
| Mark Stone | | See Biggest Gains |
| Kyle Turris | | Ottawa really need him back |
| Mika Zibanejad | | Nice shorthanded goal, but his top-six spot seems to be belonging to Pageau right now. I'm sure he'll get back on track |
Special thanks to our friend winterion at Japers' Rink for our icons!