Nov 29th clips
Amalie Arena Media Clips Saturday, November 29, 2014
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Lightning trades Eric Brewer to Ducks – Joe Smith (Tampa Bay Times) Lightning trade D Brewer to Anaheim for draft pick – Erik Erlendsson (Tampa Tribune) Bolts pairing looks like it’s coming together – Erik Erlendsson (Tampa Tribune) Ottawa Senators leave Anderson on his own, give away two points to Florida – Ken Warren (Ottawa Citizen) Scanlan: Senators should be in the mix in a forgiving conference – Wayne Scanlan (Ottawa Citizen) Sens centre David Legwand figures to hit magic number tonight in Tampa – Bruce Garrioch (Ottawa Sun) Anaheim Ducks acquire Brewer, put Stoner, Beauchemin on IR – Curtis Zupke (NHL.com)
Lightning trades Eric Brewer to Ducks Joe Smith, Tampa Bay Times TAMPA — Veteran defenseman Eric Brewer spent the past couple of weeks as a spectator, a healthy scratch in four of the past five games. It was a tough situation for the 35-year-old, who acted like a pro despite his disappointment. "I don't think I handled it that well, to be honest," Brewer said Friday. But it wasn't going to get easier to crack the lineup, especially with Victor Hedman returning, possibly tonight against the Senators. So Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman reached out to him a few days ago, and Brewer said they had a "very open" conversation. "He wanted to play," Yzerman said. Brewer might get that chance. He was traded to the Ducks on Friday for a third-round draft pick in 2015. Yzerman said Brewer didn't ask to be dealt but was willing to waive his no-trade clause, with a number of teams from which Tampa Bay could choose. The trade gives Brewer, in the final year of his contract, a fresh start and creates a roster spot the Lightning needed for Hedman. Yzerman called it a deal that worked out for both parties. "I'm very excited," Brewer said before boarding a flight to meet the Ducks in San Jose for a game tonight. "My feeling is I want to play. I feel good. I have games to offer. Clearly with the way (the Lightning) is going, the way it's been working out lately, it wasn't going to be the best option." The Lightning could have opened a roster spot by sending Vladislav Namestnikov, Cedric Paquette or Nikita Kucherov to AHL Syracuse because none of them requires waivers. But they deserve to stay. Plus, the trade gives the Lightning cap flexibility, though it will retain 26 percent of Brewer's $3.875 million cap hit. The deal also adds to Tampa Bay's large supply of 2015 draft picks. It now has two in the first, third, fourth, sixth and seventh rounds. The Ducks' third-rounder the Lightning got is Edmonton's pick, so it should be early in the third round and help make up for not having a second-rounder. Brewer was in his fifth year with Tampa Bay, and he played a big role in its run to the Eastern Conference final in 2011 after getting acquired from the Blues. He was an alternate captain last season. But after the Lightning acquired left-shooting defenseman Jason Garrison from Vancouver in June and signed defenseman Anton Stralman in July, Brewer became an odd-man out, a healthy scratch the first two games of the season. He played 16 straight after Hedman fractured a finger Oct. 18, but he had been out lately because the Lightning wanted to use Mark Barberio, 24, who played his best game of the season Wednesday against the Rangers. Associate coach Rick Bowness said sitting was "eating (Brewer) up inside," but he didn't complain, just did his job. "I think we agree to disagree on the situation," Brewer said. "That's the team's choice. It's up to me to make it easier for them to make a decision (to play me)." Brewer should get an opportunity with Anaheim, which entered Friday in first place in the Western Conference. The Ducks announced Friday that defenseman Francois Beauchemin will be out four to six weeks with a broken finger, and defenseman Clayton Stoner was put on injured reserve with the mumps. Brewer joins fellow former Lightning alternate captain Nate Thompson, who was traded to the Ducks in June. "He worked hard every day, kept a stiff upper lip, stayed positive and played well when he was in," Yzerman said of Brewer. "It's not easy on those guys. They're proud guys. They want to play. They're confident. It's a hard thing for them to deal with, and he was very professional about it and handled it as good as you can." Yzerman said the Lightning could look into adding another defenseman down the line or "maybe even something bigger." Brewer said he enjoyed his time in Tampa overall. "It's been a good opportunity to play and live in an area that we never thought we would," said Brewer, who is married and has children. "It's been good to be a part of a team that's trending in the right direction. I'm disappointed I won't be a part of it."
Lightning trade D Brewer to Anaheim for draft pick Erik Erlendsson, Tampa Tribune TAMPA — Facing a roster log jam, the Lightning opened up a spot on Friday by trading veteran defenseman Eric Brewer to Anaheim for a third-round draft pick in 2015.
The pick originally belonged to Edmonton. With Victor Hedman soon to be activated from injured reserve after missing six weeks with a fractured finger, the Lightning needed to make room on the roster. Brewer was a healthy scratch six times this season, including four of the past five games. “He’s in the last year of his contract, he wants to continue playing,” Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said. “He has been very professional being a healthy scratch at times this year and several times recently.” Brewer, who had a limited no-trade clause in his contract, approved the trade. “I just want to play, that’s all there is to it,” said Brewer, 35. “I still feel I have a lot to offer. We wanted to see how things played out, but things have changed quite a bit in recent weeks.” The Lightning will pay 26 percent of Brewer’s remaining salary, or roughly $700,000, Yzerman confirmed. Brewer’s salary this season is $3.75 million, with a salary cap hit of $3.875 million. Brewer was acquired from St. Louis in 2011 and helped the Lightning reached the Eastern Conference final. After signing a four-year deal in June 2011, he was a regular for three seasons. Only three Lightning players can be sent to the minors without being placed on waivers: forwards Nikita Kicherov, Vladislav Namestnikov and Cedric Paquette. Tampa Bay will carry 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders.
Bolts pairing looks like it’s coming together Erik Erlendsson, Tampa Tribune TAMPA — One of the primary questions entering training camp for the Tampa Bay Lightning centered on who would play on the line with captain Steven Stamkos. The answer might have come a quarter of the way through the season: Ryan Callahan. Stamkos played three seasons alongside Marty St. Louis, a talent similar to Stamkos, who likes to play with speed and skill. The two frequently found success working off the rush. So, it stood to reason that Stamkos’ next linemate might fit a similar mold. Instead, it’s the hard-working, blue-collar Callahan who has fit in working on the right wing with Stamkos, and the two have started clicking in recent games. Though they have been an on-again, off-again pairing since Callahan arrived in March, they have been a fixture recently. Stamkos assisted on Callahan’s past four goals, including three primary assists. “I think as you play with a guy for almost two months now, you start to develop that chemistry,” said Callahan, whose 10 goals are second on the team to Stamkos’ 15. “And a guy like him, I’m just trying to get to the front of the net, find those dirty areas of the ice for him. And the biggest thing with Stammer is that he’s willing to go to those dirty areas, too. With how skilled he is and how he sees the ice, that works out well.” For Stamkos, playing a different style has been an adjustment, as well. Instead of working primarily off the rush, Stamkos is playing more of a puck-possession style, working the puck down low and creating off the cycle. “We’ve played together now for a good chunk, and I think Cally, for me, is a pretty easy player to read off of, because he’s pretty consistent on the ice,” Stamkos said. “You know the work ethic he’s going to give, you know the areas he’s going to get to, and you know he will battle for pucks in the offensive zone. “And his offensive skill and upside, he’s getting a chance to prove it now. Maybe in New York he played a different kind of a role on that team and didn’t quite get the opportunities he’s getting here, so he’s taking advantage of that.” Of Callahan’s 10 goals this season, Stamkos has assisted on five, while Callahan had assists on five of Stamkos’ 15 goals. It’s a match that on paper wouldn’t appear to work, but on the ice it’s been a perfect pairing. “Lines are not always the three best; it’s the three best that fit,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “Those two guys used to go down and try to make a play right away, and they would be one-and-done. Now, they are playing offense and they are holding pucks in the zone for 30-35 seconds at a time, and I think that has really helped their game. “They have cut down on the one-and-dones. And by no means does that mean they are waiting too long for the perfect opportunity, but they are waiting for more high-percentage chances. Then, when Stammer does shoot, Callahan is in position in front, and either they are going in or Callahan is right there for the rebound.”
Call it skill working well with will. “It’s a little different than playing with some of the players I’ve played with in the past because of styles,” Stamkos said. “But it takes a little bit to adjust, and I think we are finally hitting our stride, and hopefully we can continue to do that.’’
Ottawa Senators leave Anderson on his own, give away two points to Florida Ken Warren, Ottawa Citizen FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — For the Ottawa Senators on Friday night, the BB & T Center stood for Bad Bad Turnovers. As brilliant as Senators goaltender Craig Anderson was in trying to keep his team alive, it was only a matter of time before the Florida Panthers finally took advantage of the giveaway and odd-man rush gifts en route to a 3-2 victory. Jimmy Hayes broke a 2-2 tie at the 7:31 mark of the third period, beating Erik Karlsson to the net and taking a pass from Vincent Trocheck, who had fought off a check from Jared Cowen to make the play. Karlsson, who was shaky defensively all night, also lost a pair of puck battles leading directly to Sean Bergenheim’s tying goal 34 seconds into the final period. As was the case in Anderson’s last start, a 4-3 loss to Detroit on Monday, the only reason the Senators were even in the game was due to their goaltender. The final shot count was 46-24. “I feel pretty damned embarrassed right now after that effort we put out there,” said Anderson. “Looking at this game, I guess St. Louis (a 3-2 victory Tuesday) was a decade ago. Two completely different teams.” Kyle Turris called it “terrible from the drop of the puck to the finish.” Chris Neil couldn’t explain why the Senators offered up such an awful performance, leaving their goaltender to fend for himself. “You can’t ask him to save breakaway after breakaway, and odd man rushes and you name it,” said Neil. “Everything they threw at him was a good scoring chance.” Panthers goaltender Al Montoya, subbing for the injured Roberto Luongo, wasn’t tested often, but he came up big when he needed to. His biggest stop of the night came off Clarke MacArthur with 6:49 remaining, sticking out his trapper after MacArthur found some open space in front of the net. Before the third period, it was all about Anderson, who came into the game with a career record of 11-2-1 and a 1.93 goals-against average against Florida. Friday’s game marked the midpoint of the five-game, 10-day road trip, following a loss in Detroit Monday and the 3-2 win in St. Louis on Tuesday. The Senators were scheduled to fly from Florida’s Atlantic Coast to the Gulf Coast immediately following the game and will be back in action again Saturday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 10-day trip will end following Tuesday’s game against the New York Islanders. The Senators will return to the Canadian Tire Centre against those same Islanders for Daniel Alfredsson’s retirement party next Thursday. There was no reason to celebrate Friday. The Panthers outshot the Senators 16-9 in the second period, but that was misleading. At least half of Florida’s 16 shots were fantastic scoring chances. Anderson’s second period began with him stopping a pair of breakaways while the Senators were on a power play. Seconds after the power play expired, the Senators took advantage of a lucky bounce to take a 2-1 lead. Neil’s attempted shot deflected off a leg directly to Cody Ceci, who beat Montoya to the short side. The ice was tilted for the remainder of the period. The Senators were guilty of bad giveaways, poor defensive zone coverage and bad line changes.
The defensive pairing of Karlsson and Chris Phillips had a particularly rough night. At one point, both left for a line change at the same time, allowing Jonathan Huberdeau a free path to the Senators’ net from the far side of the centre line. Anderson stoned Huberdeau with a trapper save. Anderson also made back-to-back point-blank saves on Brad Boyes and Bergenheim attempts when the Panthers again snuck behind the Senators’ defence. On and on it went, with Anderson robbing the Panthers left and right. In the past couple of weeks, Anderson has repeatedly talked about the importance of maintaining momentum. In particular, he has said the Senators need to improve at keeping control of the game in the moments after they score. But again Friday, they immediately allowed the Panthers back into the game after taking an early lead. After Neil opened the scoring at 5:04 — the solid shift from Neil, David Legwand and Erik Condra began with a big Neil hit — the Panthers’ Dylan Olsen replied only 47 seconds later. The Senators were guilty of sloppy defensive zone play, allowing the Panthers to keep the play alive several times. Olsen’s shot appeared to deflect off Chris Phillips and past Anderson. Seconds later, Anderson kept the game deadlocked 1-1, bailing out Patrick Wiercioch after the Senators defenceman fell down while trying to clear the puck from the slot. Anderson’s sharp trapper save came off Vincent Trocheck.
Senators should be in the mix in a forgiving conference Wayne Scanlan, Ottawa Citizen
It has long been a truth in sports that a team only has to do what it needs to do, given the circumstances. This might also be called the Theory of Relativity, with apologies to Albert Einstein. Depending on the strength of the teams around you, a hockey club may get the opportunity to achieve playoff glory despite a mediocre season. This is the theory that holds it possible for the 9-9 Hamilton Tiger-Cats to be the East’s representative in Sunday’s Grey Cup game. Of course, anything is possible in a nine-team CFL, where six of the nine (66 per cent) make the playoffs. In the 30-team NHL, with only 16 teams (53 per cent) granted post-season berths, the regular season is intensely competitive, the standings tight. Games are playing out like chess matches amid a distressingly universal push toward defensive hockey. Parity is a reality, even if teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers give the term a bad name. Each night seems to produce another one-goal game, including Ottawa Senators games. As they headed into Friday’s matchup with the Panthers in Florida, the Senators had been involved in 14 one-goal games of the 21 they’d played. They were 7-7 in one-goal games, or precisely what would be expected from a flip of the coin. It doesn’t take an Einstein to suggest the difference between winning and losing is tiny, as simple as hitting the post and veering out versus crossbar and in. Two-goal margins are large, even for a team like Ottawa with a reputation for coming back in the third period. Bob Prince, the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster, used to say, with the Bucs behind by two late in a game, “we need a bloop and a blast.” In the modern NHL, it’s more like, “ we need a bounce and a save.” Heading into Friday’s puck drop, the Senators were receiving plenty of bounces and saves en route to a wild card position in the Eastern Conference, just past one-quarter of the way through the schedule. On an almost game-to-game basis, Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner have been keeping their team in games long enough to give the Senators a chance in the end. Despite getting outshot nearly three-quarters of the time, they’re in most of these games, and have won more than their share (before Friday, Ottawa had outshot its opponent four times, and twice tied in shots. In the other 15, the opposition carried the shot clock). Ottawa’s current five-game road trip could be an indicator of their season’s destiny, but chances are the Senators will remain in contention for one of the last playoff spots by virtue of the relative strength of teams in the east.
While there are 16 teams in the Eastern Conference compared to 14 in the west, and only eight playoff berths per conference, there are also more weak teams in this neighbourhood. At the drop of the puck on U.S. Thanksgiving Friday, four teams in the east had fewer than 20 points (Philadelphia, Carolina, Columbus and Buffalo) compared to one in the west (Edmonton). If the Senators were a western team they would have opened their eyes Friday to a 10th-place position, parked just behind the Minnesota Wild, instead of eighth in the east (with a chance to climb to No. 7 by night’s end). Which teams behind the Senators pose the biggest threat to surpass them, and which ones ahead of Ottawa look vulnerable? Injuries, goaltending, roster moves and other trends will dictate this in the weeks ahead. At a glance, a lot of teams look alike once we get past the top four in the east, Montreal, Pittsburgh, the surging New York Islanders and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Boston Bruins, with 27 points off 23 games, are a distant cousin from the team we’re used to seeing at or near the top of the conference. To the horror of head coach Claude Julien, who embraces defensive structure to put it mildly, the Bruins are allowing 2.47 goals per game compared to 2.15 in 2013-14 when the team registered 117 points for first overall in the NHL. Boston was scoring 3.18 goals per game then, but just 2.5 per game this season after 23 games. Boston’s goal differential is +2, the same as Ottawa’s before the Panthers game. The Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs may or may not offer a superior product to the Senators, although the Leafs have a habit of playing Ottawa tough. Detroit’s 4-3 win over the Senators Monday was big. Also hovering around those wild card positions, the New York Rangers will have to improve on their 2.8 goals-allowed per night, Cam Talbot’s domination of the Flyers being a good start. Can the Washington Capitals contend when they’ve won four of their 11 home games? Then there is New Jersey, which has also allowed 2.86 goals-per-game, not exactly a Devils recipe for success. The Panthers are somewhat better but don’t score (2.1 goals per game). The Philadelphia Flyers own one of the conference’s worst road records (2-6-1) and were shut out on home ice Friday afternoon. Yuck. In sum, this is not exactly a Murderer’s Row. With their 4-1 start to the season, the Senators dared raise expectations of being a playoff team. It’s still there for them to grab a spot.
Sens centre David Legwand figures to hit magic number tonight in Tampa Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Sun SUNRISE, FLA. - David Legwand suited up for Game No. 999 Friday night. If all went well for the Senators centre (touch wood), then he’ll reach the 1,000-game milestone Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amalie Arena as this road trip continues. Speaking before the Senators took on the Florida Panthers on Friday night, Legwand, 34, said he still remembers his first game in April 1999 against the New Jersey Devils in Nashville like it was yesterday. “You (think about) that first faceoff against Bobby Holik and New Jersey had those Cup-winning teams,” said Legwand. Pretty impressive memory for a guy who was a No. 2 overall pick of the Nashville Predators and has covered a lot of miles since that first game. It is his consistency that has kept him in the game. There have been highlights along the way. He’s proud of the fact on Dec. 23, 2000, he scored the winning goal against Kirk McLean at Madison Square Garden to give the Predators a win. It was the first time an NHL game that had ever been decided by a penalty shot in OT. “That was something that no else had ever done,” said Legwand, who also pointed to his first playoff series with the Predators. “Getting to be with the group of people and players that you get to be around is exciting also.” Legwand laughed when asked about his first league goal in 1999. “Glenn Healy. I’m just dating myself. It was in Toronto with about a minute left in the game” Legwand said with a laugh. “It was exciting. I remind (Healy) of that when I see him.” Legwand said it’s important for him to remember significant dates because someday he’ll have to retire.
“I remember a lot of the stuff that you do in their career and I think guys should because you only get to do it for so long,” said Legwand. “You’ve got to be lucky and fortunate to do it for a long time by finding your niche and groove if you’re going to be in this league.” Not only did the Senators sign Legwand because they needed help in the middle, they also wanted him to help young players like Curtis Lazar learn the ropes. The marriage has been good fit. “He likes the older guys around because they’re going to help him through the first few years of his career with the ups and the downs and the twists and turns he’s going to go through,” said Legwand. “That’s the exciting part for me now is helping the guys out on the ice and helping them to get around the rink about being a professional on the ice and away from the ice by doing the right things.” Legwand said he’s been thinking a bit about this milestone off and on since the start of the season because he was hopeful it would come this year. “It’s fun,” said Legwand. “I think it gets more fun the older you get because when you’re young you don’t really understand. You play a long time, you’re fortunate to play a long time and be healthy. “It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of the group that has played that long in the league.” THE MORNING SKATE Speaking of Lazar, he has been happy with his first two months. “I’ve felt pretty good. Every game I’m just trying to make the next step. I think it’s about time I scored a goal so we’ll see what happens,” he said with a smile. Speaking before the game, Lazar noted he doesn’t need to put the pressure on himself. “If it was any other league,” said Lazar. “That’s the beauty of a rookie season, you go about your business and you don’t need to score goals or fill the net for people to say, ‘Okay, this guy’s a legitimate player.’ I go about the little details and I help out where needed. I’m happy with what I’m doing so far.” ... Centre Zack Smith likes the opportunity to play with Mike Hoffman and Bobby Ryan. “It’s easy to play with them,” said Smith. “They can make some pretty special plays that myself and a lot of other guys can’t. It’s nice to be in that position to play with skilled players.” Smith said he’s not trying to do anything different. “If anything I have to be more physical,” he said. THE LAST WORDS Erik Condra suited up for his second straight game and helped set up the opening goal by Chris Neil in the second. Condra has been excellent and coach Paul MacLean will have a tough time taking him out of the lineup ... D Mark Borowiecki (lower body) took the warmup, but didn’t suit up. He could play Saturday in Tampa.
Anaheim Ducks acquire Brewer, put Stoner, Beauchemin on IR Curtis Zupke, NHL.com The Anaheim Ducks on Friday acquired defenseman Eric Brewer from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft and placed defensemen Clayton Stoner and Francois Beauchemin on injured reserve. Stoner initially came down with symptoms last week and is the third Ducks player to get mumps this month after right wing Corey Perry and Beauchemin. Beauchemin will miss 4-6 weeks with a broken finger. Beauchemin appeared to block a shot with his hand Tuesday against the Calgary Flames. Brewer, a veteran of 982 NHL games, has four assists in 17 games this season for the Lightning. Brewer, the No. 5 pick in the 1997 draft by the New York Islanders, has 74 goals and 264 points with the Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues and Lightning. Defenseman Jesse Blacker was recalled from the American Hockey League and made his NHL debut Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Ducks played three defensemen with 16 games or fewer of NHL experience in Blacker, Josh Manson and Mat Clark.
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Lightning trades Eric Brewer to Ducks – Joe Smith (Tampa Bay Times) Lightning trade D Brewer to Anaheim for draft pick – Erik Erlendsson (Tampa Tribune) Bolts pairing looks like it’s coming together – Erik Erlendsson (Tampa Tribune) Ottawa Senators leave Anderson on his own, give away two points to Florida – Ken Warren (Ottawa Citizen) Scanlan: Senators should be in the mix in a forgiving conference – Wayne Scanlan (Ottawa Citizen) Sens centre David Legwand figures to hit magic number tonight in Tampa – Bruce Garrioch (Ottawa Sun) Anaheim Ducks acquire Brewer, put Stoner, Beauchemin on IR – Curtis Zupke (NHL.com)
Lightning trades Eric Brewer to Ducks Joe Smith, Tampa Bay Times TAMPA — Veteran defenseman Eric Brewer spent the past couple of weeks as a spectator, a healthy scratch in four of the past five games. It was a tough situation for the 35-year-old, who acted like a pro despite his disappointment. "I don't think I handled it that well, to be honest," Brewer said Friday. But it wasn't going to get easier to crack the lineup, especially with Victor Hedman returning, possibly tonight against the Senators. So Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman reached out to him a few days ago, and Brewer said they had a "very open" conversation. "He wanted to play," Yzerman said. Brewer might get that chance. He was traded to the Ducks on Friday for a third-round draft pick in 2015. Yzerman said Brewer didn't ask to be dealt but was willing to waive his no-trade clause, with a number of teams from which Tampa Bay could choose. The trade gives Brewer, in the final year of his contract, a fresh start and creates a roster spot the Lightning needed for Hedman. Yzerman called it a deal that worked out for both parties. "I'm very excited," Brewer said before boarding a flight to meet the Ducks in San Jose for a game tonight. "My feeling is I want to play. I feel good. I have games to offer. Clearly with the way (the Lightning) is going, the way it's been working out lately, it wasn't going to be the best option." The Lightning could have opened a roster spot by sending Vladislav Namestnikov, Cedric Paquette or Nikita Kucherov to AHL Syracuse because none of them requires waivers. But they deserve to stay. Plus, the trade gives the Lightning cap flexibility, though it will retain 26 percent of Brewer's $3.875 million cap hit. The deal also adds to Tampa Bay's large supply of 2015 draft picks. It now has two in the first, third, fourth, sixth and seventh rounds. The Ducks' third-rounder the Lightning got is Edmonton's pick, so it should be early in the third round and help make up for not having a second-rounder. Brewer was in his fifth year with Tampa Bay, and he played a big role in its run to the Eastern Conference final in 2011 after getting acquired from the Blues. He was an alternate captain last season. But after the Lightning acquired left-shooting defenseman Jason Garrison from Vancouver in June and signed defenseman Anton Stralman in July, Brewer became an odd-man out, a healthy scratch the first two games of the season. He played 16 straight after Hedman fractured a finger Oct. 18, but he had been out lately because the Lightning wanted to use Mark Barberio, 24, who played his best game of the season Wednesday against the Rangers. Associate coach Rick Bowness said sitting was "eating (Brewer) up inside," but he didn't complain, just did his job. "I think we agree to disagree on the situation," Brewer said. "That's the team's choice. It's up to me to make it easier for them to make a decision (to play me)." Brewer should get an opportunity with Anaheim, which entered Friday in first place in the Western Conference. The Ducks announced Friday that defenseman Francois Beauchemin will be out four to six weeks with a broken finger, and defenseman Clayton Stoner was put on injured reserve with the mumps. Brewer joins fellow former Lightning alternate captain Nate Thompson, who was traded to the Ducks in June. "He worked hard every day, kept a stiff upper lip, stayed positive and played well when he was in," Yzerman said of Brewer. "It's not easy on those guys. They're proud guys. They want to play. They're confident. It's a hard thing for them to deal with, and he was very professional about it and handled it as good as you can." Yzerman said the Lightning could look into adding another defenseman down the line or "maybe even something bigger." Brewer said he enjoyed his time in Tampa overall. "It's been a good opportunity to play and live in an area that we never thought we would," said Brewer, who is married and has children. "It's been good to be a part of a team that's trending in the right direction. I'm disappointed I won't be a part of it."
Lightning trade D Brewer to Anaheim for draft pick Erik Erlendsson, Tampa Tribune TAMPA — Facing a roster log jam, the Lightning opened up a spot on Friday by trading veteran defenseman Eric Brewer to Anaheim for a third-round draft pick in 2015.
The pick originally belonged to Edmonton. With Victor Hedman soon to be activated from injured reserve after missing six weeks with a fractured finger, the Lightning needed to make room on the roster. Brewer was a healthy scratch six times this season, including four of the past five games. “He’s in the last year of his contract, he wants to continue playing,” Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said. “He has been very professional being a healthy scratch at times this year and several times recently.” Brewer, who had a limited no-trade clause in his contract, approved the trade. “I just want to play, that’s all there is to it,” said Brewer, 35. “I still feel I have a lot to offer. We wanted to see how things played out, but things have changed quite a bit in recent weeks.” The Lightning will pay 26 percent of Brewer’s remaining salary, or roughly $700,000, Yzerman confirmed. Brewer’s salary this season is $3.75 million, with a salary cap hit of $3.875 million. Brewer was acquired from St. Louis in 2011 and helped the Lightning reached the Eastern Conference final. After signing a four-year deal in June 2011, he was a regular for three seasons. Only three Lightning players can be sent to the minors without being placed on waivers: forwards Nikita Kicherov, Vladislav Namestnikov and Cedric Paquette. Tampa Bay will carry 14 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders.
Bolts pairing looks like it’s coming together Erik Erlendsson, Tampa Tribune TAMPA — One of the primary questions entering training camp for the Tampa Bay Lightning centered on who would play on the line with captain Steven Stamkos. The answer might have come a quarter of the way through the season: Ryan Callahan. Stamkos played three seasons alongside Marty St. Louis, a talent similar to Stamkos, who likes to play with speed and skill. The two frequently found success working off the rush. So, it stood to reason that Stamkos’ next linemate might fit a similar mold. Instead, it’s the hard-working, blue-collar Callahan who has fit in working on the right wing with Stamkos, and the two have started clicking in recent games. Though they have been an on-again, off-again pairing since Callahan arrived in March, they have been a fixture recently. Stamkos assisted on Callahan’s past four goals, including three primary assists. “I think as you play with a guy for almost two months now, you start to develop that chemistry,” said Callahan, whose 10 goals are second on the team to Stamkos’ 15. “And a guy like him, I’m just trying to get to the front of the net, find those dirty areas of the ice for him. And the biggest thing with Stammer is that he’s willing to go to those dirty areas, too. With how skilled he is and how he sees the ice, that works out well.” For Stamkos, playing a different style has been an adjustment, as well. Instead of working primarily off the rush, Stamkos is playing more of a puck-possession style, working the puck down low and creating off the cycle. “We’ve played together now for a good chunk, and I think Cally, for me, is a pretty easy player to read off of, because he’s pretty consistent on the ice,” Stamkos said. “You know the work ethic he’s going to give, you know the areas he’s going to get to, and you know he will battle for pucks in the offensive zone. “And his offensive skill and upside, he’s getting a chance to prove it now. Maybe in New York he played a different kind of a role on that team and didn’t quite get the opportunities he’s getting here, so he’s taking advantage of that.” Of Callahan’s 10 goals this season, Stamkos has assisted on five, while Callahan had assists on five of Stamkos’ 15 goals. It’s a match that on paper wouldn’t appear to work, but on the ice it’s been a perfect pairing. “Lines are not always the three best; it’s the three best that fit,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “Those two guys used to go down and try to make a play right away, and they would be one-and-done. Now, they are playing offense and they are holding pucks in the zone for 30-35 seconds at a time, and I think that has really helped their game. “They have cut down on the one-and-dones. And by no means does that mean they are waiting too long for the perfect opportunity, but they are waiting for more high-percentage chances. Then, when Stammer does shoot, Callahan is in position in front, and either they are going in or Callahan is right there for the rebound.”
Call it skill working well with will. “It’s a little different than playing with some of the players I’ve played with in the past because of styles,” Stamkos said. “But it takes a little bit to adjust, and I think we are finally hitting our stride, and hopefully we can continue to do that.’’
Ottawa Senators leave Anderson on his own, give away two points to Florida Ken Warren, Ottawa Citizen FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — For the Ottawa Senators on Friday night, the BB & T Center stood for Bad Bad Turnovers. As brilliant as Senators goaltender Craig Anderson was in trying to keep his team alive, it was only a matter of time before the Florida Panthers finally took advantage of the giveaway and odd-man rush gifts en route to a 3-2 victory. Jimmy Hayes broke a 2-2 tie at the 7:31 mark of the third period, beating Erik Karlsson to the net and taking a pass from Vincent Trocheck, who had fought off a check from Jared Cowen to make the play. Karlsson, who was shaky defensively all night, also lost a pair of puck battles leading directly to Sean Bergenheim’s tying goal 34 seconds into the final period. As was the case in Anderson’s last start, a 4-3 loss to Detroit on Monday, the only reason the Senators were even in the game was due to their goaltender. The final shot count was 46-24. “I feel pretty damned embarrassed right now after that effort we put out there,” said Anderson. “Looking at this game, I guess St. Louis (a 3-2 victory Tuesday) was a decade ago. Two completely different teams.” Kyle Turris called it “terrible from the drop of the puck to the finish.” Chris Neil couldn’t explain why the Senators offered up such an awful performance, leaving their goaltender to fend for himself. “You can’t ask him to save breakaway after breakaway, and odd man rushes and you name it,” said Neil. “Everything they threw at him was a good scoring chance.” Panthers goaltender Al Montoya, subbing for the injured Roberto Luongo, wasn’t tested often, but he came up big when he needed to. His biggest stop of the night came off Clarke MacArthur with 6:49 remaining, sticking out his trapper after MacArthur found some open space in front of the net. Before the third period, it was all about Anderson, who came into the game with a career record of 11-2-1 and a 1.93 goals-against average against Florida. Friday’s game marked the midpoint of the five-game, 10-day road trip, following a loss in Detroit Monday and the 3-2 win in St. Louis on Tuesday. The Senators were scheduled to fly from Florida’s Atlantic Coast to the Gulf Coast immediately following the game and will be back in action again Saturday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 10-day trip will end following Tuesday’s game against the New York Islanders. The Senators will return to the Canadian Tire Centre against those same Islanders for Daniel Alfredsson’s retirement party next Thursday. There was no reason to celebrate Friday. The Panthers outshot the Senators 16-9 in the second period, but that was misleading. At least half of Florida’s 16 shots were fantastic scoring chances. Anderson’s second period began with him stopping a pair of breakaways while the Senators were on a power play. Seconds after the power play expired, the Senators took advantage of a lucky bounce to take a 2-1 lead. Neil’s attempted shot deflected off a leg directly to Cody Ceci, who beat Montoya to the short side. The ice was tilted for the remainder of the period. The Senators were guilty of bad giveaways, poor defensive zone coverage and bad line changes.
The defensive pairing of Karlsson and Chris Phillips had a particularly rough night. At one point, both left for a line change at the same time, allowing Jonathan Huberdeau a free path to the Senators’ net from the far side of the centre line. Anderson stoned Huberdeau with a trapper save. Anderson also made back-to-back point-blank saves on Brad Boyes and Bergenheim attempts when the Panthers again snuck behind the Senators’ defence. On and on it went, with Anderson robbing the Panthers left and right. In the past couple of weeks, Anderson has repeatedly talked about the importance of maintaining momentum. In particular, he has said the Senators need to improve at keeping control of the game in the moments after they score. But again Friday, they immediately allowed the Panthers back into the game after taking an early lead. After Neil opened the scoring at 5:04 — the solid shift from Neil, David Legwand and Erik Condra began with a big Neil hit — the Panthers’ Dylan Olsen replied only 47 seconds later. The Senators were guilty of sloppy defensive zone play, allowing the Panthers to keep the play alive several times. Olsen’s shot appeared to deflect off Chris Phillips and past Anderson. Seconds later, Anderson kept the game deadlocked 1-1, bailing out Patrick Wiercioch after the Senators defenceman fell down while trying to clear the puck from the slot. Anderson’s sharp trapper save came off Vincent Trocheck.
Senators should be in the mix in a forgiving conference Wayne Scanlan, Ottawa Citizen
It has long been a truth in sports that a team only has to do what it needs to do, given the circumstances. This might also be called the Theory of Relativity, with apologies to Albert Einstein. Depending on the strength of the teams around you, a hockey club may get the opportunity to achieve playoff glory despite a mediocre season. This is the theory that holds it possible for the 9-9 Hamilton Tiger-Cats to be the East’s representative in Sunday’s Grey Cup game. Of course, anything is possible in a nine-team CFL, where six of the nine (66 per cent) make the playoffs. In the 30-team NHL, with only 16 teams (53 per cent) granted post-season berths, the regular season is intensely competitive, the standings tight. Games are playing out like chess matches amid a distressingly universal push toward defensive hockey. Parity is a reality, even if teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers give the term a bad name. Each night seems to produce another one-goal game, including Ottawa Senators games. As they headed into Friday’s matchup with the Panthers in Florida, the Senators had been involved in 14 one-goal games of the 21 they’d played. They were 7-7 in one-goal games, or precisely what would be expected from a flip of the coin. It doesn’t take an Einstein to suggest the difference between winning and losing is tiny, as simple as hitting the post and veering out versus crossbar and in. Two-goal margins are large, even for a team like Ottawa with a reputation for coming back in the third period. Bob Prince, the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster, used to say, with the Bucs behind by two late in a game, “we need a bloop and a blast.” In the modern NHL, it’s more like, “ we need a bounce and a save.” Heading into Friday’s puck drop, the Senators were receiving plenty of bounces and saves en route to a wild card position in the Eastern Conference, just past one-quarter of the way through the schedule. On an almost game-to-game basis, Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner have been keeping their team in games long enough to give the Senators a chance in the end. Despite getting outshot nearly three-quarters of the time, they’re in most of these games, and have won more than their share (before Friday, Ottawa had outshot its opponent four times, and twice tied in shots. In the other 15, the opposition carried the shot clock). Ottawa’s current five-game road trip could be an indicator of their season’s destiny, but chances are the Senators will remain in contention for one of the last playoff spots by virtue of the relative strength of teams in the east.
While there are 16 teams in the Eastern Conference compared to 14 in the west, and only eight playoff berths per conference, there are also more weak teams in this neighbourhood. At the drop of the puck on U.S. Thanksgiving Friday, four teams in the east had fewer than 20 points (Philadelphia, Carolina, Columbus and Buffalo) compared to one in the west (Edmonton). If the Senators were a western team they would have opened their eyes Friday to a 10th-place position, parked just behind the Minnesota Wild, instead of eighth in the east (with a chance to climb to No. 7 by night’s end). Which teams behind the Senators pose the biggest threat to surpass them, and which ones ahead of Ottawa look vulnerable? Injuries, goaltending, roster moves and other trends will dictate this in the weeks ahead. At a glance, a lot of teams look alike once we get past the top four in the east, Montreal, Pittsburgh, the surging New York Islanders and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Boston Bruins, with 27 points off 23 games, are a distant cousin from the team we’re used to seeing at or near the top of the conference. To the horror of head coach Claude Julien, who embraces defensive structure to put it mildly, the Bruins are allowing 2.47 goals per game compared to 2.15 in 2013-14 when the team registered 117 points for first overall in the NHL. Boston was scoring 3.18 goals per game then, but just 2.5 per game this season after 23 games. Boston’s goal differential is +2, the same as Ottawa’s before the Panthers game. The Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs may or may not offer a superior product to the Senators, although the Leafs have a habit of playing Ottawa tough. Detroit’s 4-3 win over the Senators Monday was big. Also hovering around those wild card positions, the New York Rangers will have to improve on their 2.8 goals-allowed per night, Cam Talbot’s domination of the Flyers being a good start. Can the Washington Capitals contend when they’ve won four of their 11 home games? Then there is New Jersey, which has also allowed 2.86 goals-per-game, not exactly a Devils recipe for success. The Panthers are somewhat better but don’t score (2.1 goals per game). The Philadelphia Flyers own one of the conference’s worst road records (2-6-1) and were shut out on home ice Friday afternoon. Yuck. In sum, this is not exactly a Murderer’s Row. With their 4-1 start to the season, the Senators dared raise expectations of being a playoff team. It’s still there for them to grab a spot.
Sens centre David Legwand figures to hit magic number tonight in Tampa Bruce Garrioch, Ottawa Sun SUNRISE, FLA. - David Legwand suited up for Game No. 999 Friday night. If all went well for the Senators centre (touch wood), then he’ll reach the 1,000-game milestone Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Amalie Arena as this road trip continues. Speaking before the Senators took on the Florida Panthers on Friday night, Legwand, 34, said he still remembers his first game in April 1999 against the New Jersey Devils in Nashville like it was yesterday. “You (think about) that first faceoff against Bobby Holik and New Jersey had those Cup-winning teams,” said Legwand. Pretty impressive memory for a guy who was a No. 2 overall pick of the Nashville Predators and has covered a lot of miles since that first game. It is his consistency that has kept him in the game. There have been highlights along the way. He’s proud of the fact on Dec. 23, 2000, he scored the winning goal against Kirk McLean at Madison Square Garden to give the Predators a win. It was the first time an NHL game that had ever been decided by a penalty shot in OT. “That was something that no else had ever done,” said Legwand, who also pointed to his first playoff series with the Predators. “Getting to be with the group of people and players that you get to be around is exciting also.” Legwand laughed when asked about his first league goal in 1999. “Glenn Healy. I’m just dating myself. It was in Toronto with about a minute left in the game” Legwand said with a laugh. “It was exciting. I remind (Healy) of that when I see him.” Legwand said it’s important for him to remember significant dates because someday he’ll have to retire.
“I remember a lot of the stuff that you do in their career and I think guys should because you only get to do it for so long,” said Legwand. “You’ve got to be lucky and fortunate to do it for a long time by finding your niche and groove if you’re going to be in this league.” Not only did the Senators sign Legwand because they needed help in the middle, they also wanted him to help young players like Curtis Lazar learn the ropes. The marriage has been good fit. “He likes the older guys around because they’re going to help him through the first few years of his career with the ups and the downs and the twists and turns he’s going to go through,” said Legwand. “That’s the exciting part for me now is helping the guys out on the ice and helping them to get around the rink about being a professional on the ice and away from the ice by doing the right things.” Legwand said he’s been thinking a bit about this milestone off and on since the start of the season because he was hopeful it would come this year. “It’s fun,” said Legwand. “I think it gets more fun the older you get because when you’re young you don’t really understand. You play a long time, you’re fortunate to play a long time and be healthy. “It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of the group that has played that long in the league.” THE MORNING SKATE Speaking of Lazar, he has been happy with his first two months. “I’ve felt pretty good. Every game I’m just trying to make the next step. I think it’s about time I scored a goal so we’ll see what happens,” he said with a smile. Speaking before the game, Lazar noted he doesn’t need to put the pressure on himself. “If it was any other league,” said Lazar. “That’s the beauty of a rookie season, you go about your business and you don’t need to score goals or fill the net for people to say, ‘Okay, this guy’s a legitimate player.’ I go about the little details and I help out where needed. I’m happy with what I’m doing so far.” ... Centre Zack Smith likes the opportunity to play with Mike Hoffman and Bobby Ryan. “It’s easy to play with them,” said Smith. “They can make some pretty special plays that myself and a lot of other guys can’t. It’s nice to be in that position to play with skilled players.” Smith said he’s not trying to do anything different. “If anything I have to be more physical,” he said. THE LAST WORDS Erik Condra suited up for his second straight game and helped set up the opening goal by Chris Neil in the second. Condra has been excellent and coach Paul MacLean will have a tough time taking him out of the lineup ... D Mark Borowiecki (lower body) took the warmup, but didn’t suit up. He could play Saturday in Tampa.
Anaheim Ducks acquire Brewer, put Stoner, Beauchemin on IR Curtis Zupke, NHL.com The Anaheim Ducks on Friday acquired defenseman Eric Brewer from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft and placed defensemen Clayton Stoner and Francois Beauchemin on injured reserve. Stoner initially came down with symptoms last week and is the third Ducks player to get mumps this month after right wing Corey Perry and Beauchemin. Beauchemin will miss 4-6 weeks with a broken finger. Beauchemin appeared to block a shot with his hand Tuesday against the Calgary Flames. Brewer, a veteran of 982 NHL games, has four assists in 17 games this season for the Lightning. Brewer, the No. 5 pick in the 1997 draft by the New York Islanders, has 74 goals and 264 points with the Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues and Lightning. Defenseman Jesse Blacker was recalled from the American Hockey League and made his NHL debut Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Ducks played three defensemen with 16 games or fewer of NHL experience in Blacker, Josh Manson and Mat Clark.
