A few quick notes for your Sunday afternoon, Monday morning:
I had a chance to make it out to Scotiabank Place for the first time in a few months last night. There was a great atmosphere in the rink despite a rather tame first period and as usual, the whole presentation was a class affair from the ushers on up the general show the in-house entertainment staff put on for the fans. Sporadic chants of "Alfie" were heard when the captain made a play, the fans were loud and boisterous and overall, it's still some of the best bang for your buck you can find in the city.
After such a positive experience, it was somewhat disheartening to sit in the parking lot and listen to the post-game show on the Team 1200 where seemingly all the hosts and callers could find time to talk about was the recent poor play of Alexei Kovalev, with suggestions that he be benched, sent to the AHL, bought out or be replaced by, of all players, Jonathan Cheechoo.
I sat there thinking, didn't the Senators just win their fourth game in a row? Why are people so upset? And why is there such a disconnect from all the happy fans in the building and the grumpy radio hosts and callers, who seemingly saw a different game than I and 18,500 other fans did?
Sure, Kovalev is in a big slump, but he was in a slump to start the season and he pulled out of that quite nicely, to the point where he was an indispensable player in the run up to the Olympics. Relax folks, he'll snap out of it. The team has even admitted he's been playing with an undisclosed injury.
The fact he took a goaltender interference penalty late in the game was certainly bothersome, but if you watch the replay, it was only because he was going to the net (which he is supposed to do) and simply stumbled over the back leg of the Florida defenseman. It was an accident. Who cares?
Why is there such a vocal segment of Ottawa fans who feel they can only relate to their home team by demonizing certain players? Year after year, they choose their nemesis and do their best to run them out of town. Daniel Alfredsson was once that guy. Jason Spezza was once that guy. We all know who the others were.
Criticisms of Kovalev are largely based on cliches. People have a misconception that he doesn't play hard. It's complete bullshit. A guy doesn't make it to the NHL and play over a thousand games if he's lazy. Fans expect everyone to play like Mike Fisher, but that's just not the case. Kovalev's game is all about puck possession, not grinding it out in the corners. He's not built to play that way. When he's in a slump, which all players go through, it just looks like he's not doing anything because his stick isn't working. If he ever gets out of this rut (and he will - he always does), Senators fans will be quite happy to have him along for the playoff ride.
Just relax. The Senators have won four in a row. They are going to the playoffs. Quit being so uptight and enjoy the fact you have an NHL team in town with world class athletes trying to win you a Stanley Cup.
***
The more important the game, the more Anton Volchenkov ramps up his intensity and the more he drives up his value on the free-agent market. Bryan Murray should have given this guy the money a long time ago. Just wait until the playoffs when Volchenkov will be even more incredible.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - if Murray lets Volchenkov leave this team, you can forget about a Stanley Cup anytime soon. As good as Andy Sutton and Matt Carkner have been (or as good as Jared Cowan is projected to be), none of them come close to providing what Volchenkov gives you.
This is not the guy to get cheap on.
Fight other guys over money. Volchenkov needs to stay in Ottawa, and if you have to give him market value, just give it to him. Cut corners elsewhere. Nobody in the league is as good at what he does than Volchenkov himself. If that's not worth market value, then I don't know what is.
The debate can turn on what that market value truly is, but even if people disagree by upwards of 2 million dollars, are you prepared to let such a vital piece of the team leave because you couldn't find between 1 and 2 million dollars under a salary cap that is going to top out somewhere around 56 million dollars?
I just can't see a valid argument for letting Volchenkov go.
And hopefully, Murray can't either.
8 comments:
You should listen to a music station instead
So, you would pay him the 5 million per year for five years that has been tossed around?
the question is Milks, with the way he treats his body (which is why we love him) will he still be worth 5 million dollars in five years?
He doesnt put up points. ANY of them. He doesnt handle the puck well. How can we justify 5 million dollars over long term?
Like I said, I'd give Volchenkov what he is asking for - minus the minor concessions Murray could surely get through negotiations. But yes, it's pretty clear from what I wrote.
Volchenkov, his agent, nor Murray have come out and said that the asking price is 5 million. Anything else is just speculation.
The question you want to ask yourself, would you rather the team be cheap and mediocre or would you rather try and win a Stanley Cup?
Volchenkov is entering his prime. He should be paid accordingly. He deserves it.
Agree totally on Kovy!
Anton is offered, after much toing and froing, $4 mill for 4 years for 60 games a year. Jay Grossman turns this down and out to the open market they go???
The league and the Leafs learned a lesson with Komaserik, defencive D-men are not worth $5 mill.
Some donkey, the Caps under extreme presure from OV, will offer him more??
On our team, Anton does but should not be out there with Jason and Petr.
Volchy effects Phillips and here is where the rubber hits the road...Milks, you are suggesting a violation of Murray's Rules and Pay Scale!
As he did give us 10 more games than I projected (And we all love his game!)Vochenkov's life expectancy as a pro hockey player is still only 3 more years max...he may play on but as a shaddow of himself.
I'm with Nik, but not necessarily against you.
The 5 mill is just what has been thrown around. Apparently we offered him a handsome contract and he turned it down.
I don't know that letting him go makes us cheap or mediocre. With Jason, Alfie and Fisher (the core) making big dollars and Phillips up for contract next year, can we afford big money over long term? Too many large contracts breeds mediocrity more than anything.
I agree he deserves a good contract, Im just worried about term, because Im worried about his longevity, thats all. Solid blog though!
Ps- I agree with you on Kovy, I did a blog on it yesterday!
They should have locked up Volchie last summer. Now they're going to pay for that mistake.
I think $4M over four or five years is fair. It looks like he wants to stay. One thing that doesn't get enough attention in these negotiations is the human side.
When UFA's choose a new team, aside from the money, you often hear them talk about how the new team made them feel wanted.
The Sens should pull Volch aside and let him know how much they value him. The fans value him. He's important to the team. Then, make him a fair offer. Enough with the nickel and diming.
I disagree with you on the game. I thought it was boring. I hope Kovy turns it around, but I think the criticism directed toward him is fair.
I despise scapegoating of players (Alfie, Spezza, etc...). But, I think it's healthy when the criticism is fair, or else the management team can get complacent.
I'm so happy that someone has same opinion about Volchi as me.
And Kovy... Yes, I'm really upset, when he's "doing nothing", but as you said, he'll get better. How could anybody want to replace him with Cheech?
Sorry for my English anyway.
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