Senators Ups and Downs: Week 2

Well, the Senators manged to play more than one game this week, and they managed not to do too badly, posting a 2-1-1 record in four games, and picking up 5 of a possible 8 points. They took care of Florida twice and played what was definitely their most complete game of the season--without their captain, no less--in holding the Pittsburgh Penguins to one goal in a 2-1 shootout loss. Of course, sandwiched between good performances was a sloppy hootenanny in Tampa Bay--a game that's already looking like one you wish the team could have a do-over on.

No do-overs in the NHL, unfortunately. The only way out is through.

Biggest gains: Kyle Turris

Ottawa's leading goal-scorer hasn't yet showed consistent chemistry with his linemates--yet. But one of his goals came off a fantastic feed from Latendresse and another was from a fantastic feed from Alfredsson. Turris could have gotten Alfie his first goal of the season by returning another great feed later, but who can blame him for shooting with the way his season has started? He's been Ottawa's best forward, with and without the puck.

Biggest loses: Ben Bishop

Bishop was, shall we say, not great in his first action of the season--and the team cannot afford to have a backup goalie who is not great. Especially since they have a backup waiting who is great. If Robin Lehner wasn't on a two-way contract, Bishop would be in the AHL right now. It's as simple as that.

Goalies	Trend	Notes
Craig Anderson		Has yet to allow more than a goal in a game. Currently sporting a sterling .974 save percentage, which is pretty good if you ask anyone.
Ben Bishop		See "Biggest losses."
Defensemen
Andre Benoit		At this point, I'm not sure what Benoit brings that Wiercioch doesn't, but he's been a mainstay on defense, and doesn't look terrible there.
Mark Borowiecki		Delivered some big hits in both his games and was named the third star of the game against Pittsburgh. Not bad.
Sergei Gonchar		Gotta give the guy credit--3 points in 5 games, an even plus/minus rating, and second in ice time behind Karlsson.
Erik Karlsson		Had a rough ride (on the Karlsson scale, at least) against Pittsburgh but remains tied for the team lead in points. Reminder: he is a defenseman, and should not be tied for the points lead.
Mike Lundin		You have to wonder who the team would even take out for him.
Marc Methot		He is more than most fans were expecting.
Chris Phillips		Despite a shaky start against Winnipeg, he and Gonchar have rebounded nicely. Phillips even notched a power play goal and helped keep both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin scoreless.
Patrick Wiercioch		Played very well, but got scratched for his efforts.
Forwards
Daniel Alfredsson		Flashes of the old Alfie on one of Turris' many goals, but he's already missed a game due to illness. Remember when he played through a broken jaw?
Erik Condra		Has looked much more confident this year, already scoring a sweet goal on a breakaway.
Kaspars Daugavins		Looked like the rooster of old in his two games... except faster. Really invaluable on the PK against Pittsburgh.
Colin Greening		Helped anchor the "Do you even lift?" line, but got the call on the first line when MacLean had to shuffle players. Answered with the only goal against Pittsburgh.
Guillaume Latendresse		He should have seven goals. No joke. But he gets a down arrow because he doesn't. Should get an up arrow soon--those chances are going to convert soon.
Milan Michalek		You wouldn't believe that a point-per-game player like Michalek could get a down arrow, but you just feel like more points are possible when you watch him play.
Chris Neil		One third of Ottawa's best line. His assist on Condra's goal was just a nice heads-up play.
Jim O'Brien		Flying out there.
Peter Regin		He's getting the least ice time of any player. Doesn't seem to be a big part of the team's plans, which is a real shame.
Jakob Silfverberg		Got his first goal, and more than one post. Continues to miss the net often, which is correctable, but still annoying. Are the nets taller in Sweden or something?
Zack Smith		By my unofficial tally, Z. Smith actually leads the team in scoring chances. He got bumped up to the second line with Latendresse out, but fits better on the third line, and that's where he returned.
Jason Spezza		Like Michalek and Karlsson, Spezza is on a point-per-game pace, and leading the team in faceoff percentage. Careful how much more you ask of the guy, lest you start demanding he turn water into wine.
Kyle Turris		See "Biggest gains."