Dmitrakos clears waivers
October 5, 2007
Niko Dmitrakos cleared waivers today. He and Hennessy are expected to be in Binghamton and ready to start for Saturdays season opener.
Hennessy assigning to Binghamton
October 5, 2007
The Senators assigned Josh Hennessy to Bingo today. No word on whether they want him to rehab his shoulder and get more ice time in Bingo or maybe McAmmond is close to returning and Foligno has passed Hennessy on the depth charts.
The Ottawa Senators today announced they have assigned forward Josh Hennessy to the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators.
Hennessy will be heading to Binghamton, N.Y., to open the Senators’ sixth AHL season. The B-Sens will host the Albany River Rats in their home-opener on Saturday, Oct. 6. The centre recorded no points in two games with Ottawa this season, averaging 1:57 in ice time.
Nikulin Blog: October 3rd
October 3, 2007
ThirtyFive has the latest translation from Nikulin’s blog. These are written in advance of the post date so he discusses more of the preseason and doesn’t mention being sent down. Looking forward to his impression of AHL hockey and Binghamton.
October 3: They hit you even if you’re without the puck.
Since I haven’t started playing for the farm team yet, I want to tell you about how we flew to Toronto where Ottawa played a preseason game. Before that I’ve only been to Montreal, we rode the bus there, spent a lot of time on the road, but everything went fine. But the trip to Toronto…
We got to the airport and went into the plane right away. To board the charter we didn’t have to show any documents, no one checked anything, which was unusual, obviously. I’ve never seen such amenities, as on the team’s plane. It’s not even business class seats, it’s better. You could lie down to rest during the flight. And the food is better than at a restaurant. But that wasn’t the end of my positive experiences. At a hotel in Toronto I was given a room with an ocean view. We sat there, looking at it.
But during the game with Toronto I wasn’t that effective. It just didn’t come, it was hard. I don’t even know why. The Maple Leafs are an unpleasant team for any opponent: solid, tough. They constantly hit. Even though some time has passed since you’d gotten rid of the puck, they still hit you. Maybe it was hard because of that.
I was on a line with Antoine Vermette and Chris Neil. I had a scoring chance, shot twice on goal. But the goalie played it well both times. All these chances were in the first period for me, and then the game didn’t come. I couldn’t do anything.
But with Philadelphia I had my best game, I believe. I played a lot, assisted on a goal, and could’ve scored myself. There was at least one scoring chance, but I have only myself to blame. I drew a penalty twice.
As I said, I was part of a rush on goal. I passed to Neil who shot at the net, and Shean Donovan scored. I was given the assist. In Russia they probably would also give that to me, though sometimes they do not.
My faceoff stats have improved. In the Philadelphia game I was at 50 percent. Six times I won at the dot, and six I lost. Maybe it will improve with experience. But it’s still tough, I have to work on this element. Against Toronto I won one faceoff out of seven. But I don’t even feel like remembering that game. Didn’t have enough strength.
But I am getting used to the battles and the speed, anyway. I even kill penalties. During the Philadelphia game I was on the second unit. As you already know, there was a tragic event during this game. I’m talking about Steve Downie colliding with our Dean McAmmond. Truth be told, I’ve never seen anything like it. A horrific sight. Dean also unluckily hit his head on the boards. Yes, you can’t let up for a second here. But McAmmond, I think, didn’t even see the opponent jump at him. But it looks like he’s doing well.
After the games there were discussions. Ilja Zubov and I were called in by the coach, we were shown moments, told what was wrong. So, there was an episode where the opposition had a three-on-two breakout. In Russia, for instance, I remained at center, waiting for the third guy. Here it’s different. I must drive to the player, catch up to him, and the defenseman stays in the center. Sounds hard? Well, perhaps for some. I adapted rather quickly. And now execute everything automatically.
And finally I want to answer a question posed by my readers. In the blog comments people were wondering what I think about the new jerseys by Reebok. I must say, they’re excellent. They never get wet. They don’t retain water. I like them a lot.
Bingo roster moves
October 2, 2007
Sharp on Sens reports the following roster moves by the B-Sens…
The B-Sens released forwards Chaz Johnson and Ryan Garlock today, leaving Bobby Robins and Martin Sagat here on tryout contracts. Goalie Joel Martin is also still here, filling in until Brian Elliott returns from the big club.
He also reports some great news. Nycholat has cleared waivers and will be reporting to Binghamton.
Spoke with Ottawa assistant general manager Tim Murray a little while ago, and he said defenseman Lawrence Nycholat had cleared waivers at noon today and was all set to join the B-Sens. Obviously, that’s a huge boost to the Binghamton blue line.
Nikulin Blog - October 2nd
October 1, 2007
Thanks again to ThirtyFive on the HFBoards. Nikulin is committed to working through the farm system AND hiring a tutor to improve his english. I just hope he doesn’t become discouraged if he’s not called up for a long time. I figure Zubov and Hennessy are ahead of him on the depth charts and Ottawa has not been known to call up guys from Bingo very often or for very long. Looking forward to reading about his impressions of life in Bingo.
October 2: I’m in the farm, but hopefully not for long.
My girlfriend read recently that John Paddock has no complaints about my game and is happy with my work. But he’s still sending me to play for the farm team. And we’ll begin the season together with Ilja Zubov there. To be honest, I was counting on a spot on the main roster. And I believe I can be of use to the Senators. And I won’t lie, I’ve gotten used to the team, adapted to the style of play. But the main trouble is the lack of English. The coach insists it’s a serious problem. He’s unable to suggest anything to me, to get his thoughts across.
Clearly, it’s no good that the coach communicates everything through Anton Volchenkov, to whom I am thankful for the help. For now I can only catch certain fragments, like when to go pressure, how to skate. It was harder during the first practices. I didn’t even know which exercises to do. Nothing like that now.
What to do? Now I will be breaking into the main lineup from the farm team. I want to start playing in the NHL very badly. I’ve said it numerous times on this blog and I’ll repeat it again: my main goal is to make my way into the world’s strongest league. And I’m not planning to retreat.
Hard days now await me. I’ll have to become used to a new team again, a new style of play. In addition, I’m seriously committed to learning the language. I will hire a tutor. I will be attempting to speak for myself. Even now I understand a bit already and remember words. But it still takes time.
The main thing is I need to know that my demotion to the farm team won’t be prolonged. That soon I will be re-called, that they’re counting on me, and I will be back on the main roster of Ottawa.
Ottawa sends 5 to Bingo, Foligno makes the cut
October 1, 2007
The big news out of Ottawa is that rookie Nick Foligno made the team. Brian Elliott is also expect to stay in Ottawa to backup Gerber while Emery gets more time to get back in game shape from his wrist surgery.
“Foligno had a real good camp. Points aside, he has a knack or a nose around the net,” said Ottawa coach John Paddock. “He’s played like we expected him to at the start. At rookie camp, he was like the old veteran, on cruise. But he’s got hockey sense, he’s competitive, he’s got a good stick and he’s a good young prospect.”
Heading to Binghamton, N.Y., to open the Senators’ sixth AHL season are defencemen Brian Lee and Lawrence Nycholat, and forwards Denis Hamel, Alexander Nikulin and Ilja Zubov. Nycholat will need to clear waivers at noon on Tuesday before joining Binghamton. The Senators open their season when they host the Albany River Rats on Saturday, Oct. 6.
Several players remain with the Senators, nursing injuries suffered during training camp. They include defenceman Matt Carkner (hand) and forwards Niko Dimitrakos (hip) and Josh Hennessy (shoulder).
Nikulin Blog: September 26th
September 26, 2007
ThirtyFive has posted a translation of Nikulin’s latest blog entry on HFBoards. Seems like this might have been written in advance so does not include any mention of the Philly game and McAmmond’s injury. Best part of this entry is that Nikulin is committed to working through the farm (Bingo!) rather than returning home. Awesome! I asked ThirtyFive to give me some Russian sign ideas that my kids could make up for the first game. I’ll post them on here in case anyone else wants to make some signs.
September 26: Will be breaking through the farm.
After the Washington game eight more guys were sent down to the farm club. It’s strict. Now there are six units of five with the team. Still a lot, certainly. My new buddy Kaspars Daugavins left Ottawa. They sent him back to the juniors. Obviously, he was upset. He was counting on playing at least for the farm team. Well, it’s okay, he’ll try it again next season.
I heard the General Manager, Bryan Murray, said in the media that the contract they agreed upon with me allows me to return to the CSKA if I don’t get a roster spot on the main lineup. That is correct. But I have decided to remain in Canada even in case I’m sent down to the farm club. I’ll try breaking through from there.
But for now I don’t want to think about that. I’m enjoying working with a new team, learning, analyzing. By the way, my language problem is gradually, if very slowly, being solved. I’ve memorized a few phrases. Say some things myself. Greet my partners, ask them how they’re doing.
You can tell right away what hockey means to Canadians. It is astonishing! Montreal has a crazy area. I’ve never seen anything like that. They started making noise right from the pre-game warmup, and I even got so anxious the puck was sliding off my stick blade. Same thing in Ottawa. I was told people there read my blog and wish me luck. Thank you. Support of the fans means a lot to me.
Speaking of which, there are no fan sections here like there are in Russia. The whole arena yells, makes noise, chants. They wear the team’s jersey and support the team with such passion as if it’s the Finals. And it’s just pre-season games. But in our country, even if the arena is filled, they don’t root for their team like this.
After the game they wait for the players at the exit, ask for autographs. I’m rarely approached. But have already signed something. I have no idea where the person got my card from the world junior championship. Where did he find it?!
I’m not ready to speak with reporters yet. As soon as they hear I can’t speak English, they go away. But that’s all right, that will pass. I’ll be speaking no worse than others.
Although we played against teams with other Russian players, I didn’t communicate with them at all. Didn’t have a chance to talk, for instance, with Alexander Ovechkin. Also didn’t see Alexei Kovalev and Mikhail Grabovsky. I don’t know them personally, anyway.
I’d like to say a few words about our coach. John Paddock, it seems, has never raised his voice in his life. He’s always calm and kind.
After Kaspar’s departure, Anton Volchenkov helps me with translating. Or Ilja Zubov sometimes.
Ilja’s also coming along quite well. Plays with the team, looks good, tries hard. All the time between practices and games we spend together, obviously. A couple of days ago I bought a game console to pass the time. And we’re playing hockey. At least we can work on our shots there, if it’s not always possible to do that during games. By the way, Zubov plays hockey on the console better than me.
Games and the training process are organized on the highest level here. It’s enough to just say that we were given out schedules for every day until the regular season at the beginning of training camp. And everything is followed.
Ottawa sends 6 more to Bingo
September 26, 2007
The Ottawa Senators today assigned six players to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators. The Senators training camp roster, which numbered 48 on the opening day on Sept. 13, now stands at 29 players — two goaltenders, 10 defencemen and 17 forwards.Assigned to Binghamton today were forwards Cody Bass, Danny Bois, Justin Mapletoft and defenceman Matt Kinch. Goaltenders Brian Elliott and Jeff Glass were also assigned to the B-Sens.Binghamton’s training camp opened Sunday, Sept. 23, at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. The B-Sens have three pre-season games: Wednesday, Sept. 26, versus Hershey in Binghamton; Friday, Sept. 28, at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton; and Saturday, Sept. 29, against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in Binghamton. The Senators open the AHL regular season at home against the Albany River Rats on Saturday, Oct. 6.
Nikulin Blog: September 25th
September 25, 2007
Another great translation from ThirtyFive on the HFBoards.
So I’ve played my first games for Ottawa. And even though it’s just exhibition, I still had an amazing experience. The first game was against Alexander Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals.
Can you imagine, a sellout crowd for an exhibition game! I’m playing on a line with Daniel Alfredsson! I had about 12 minutes of ice-time. So little because I wasn’t out to kill penalties. Had one shot on goal, but didn’t have any other scoring chances. Just had one moment and I tried scoring.
There was no setup for the game. And game assignments are not really common practice here (or discussing a game, we just talk for about 5-10 minutes). It’s pre-season training, so people are getting used to things, and so am I. And I had to get used to everything: the speed, the physical battles, faceoffs.
That last element needs serious work. It’s very tough to win a faceoff in the NHL. I’ve got to work on my arm strength, since they just tear the puck away from me, and that’s not good at all, obviously. As a result I sometimes didn’t even skate up to the dot, the wings took the faceoff.
But I think I’ve gotten used to the speed. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, your concentration here must be extremely high, you can’t let up for a second. Everyone’s very good at keeping the puck. I’d like to point how quickly teams switch from offence to defense. I have to work on that as well. As far as reaction time, I was on the same page as everyone.
I also have to tell you about Alfredsson. Obviously, I’ve never played with a partner like that. A hockey player of a tremendously high level. If you make a pass to him, you can always get it back. And he gets open very well, and invites a pass. Never noticed a mistake from him. And about Spezza I can also say only the most positive things. But really, all this is difficult to put into words, you’ve got to see it. There are no set defense pairings. They rotate, so it’s possible to play with any of the three pairs.
The second game was against Montreal, but I played very little in that, only nine and a half minutes. Again had one shot on goal. Seemingly was in a good position, we had a two-on-one, the goalie deflected it, and then there was havoc in front of the crease but we couldn’t stuff it in.
I’m told to shoot more, and I’m ready to do so. But what am I supposed to do, shoot from behind the net? I’m trying and will attack at every opportunity. But I have to be in a good position. And I still enter the zone like I was taught as a kid, not just dumping the puck in. Although, sometimes that’s better. There is no rule about that, you just have to act according to the situation with the best result in mind.
The second period of the Montreal game was especially good for me, I was often out on the ice. Against the Canadiens I was on a line with Chris Neil and Denis Hamel. Yes, linemates constantly change, but for me the most important thing is playing, being on the ice. It’s a bit early to start choosing partners.
Looking at the physical conditioning, everything’s noticeably improved. I think I’m on par with everyone. I take the body. But obviously there are true masters of a whole different level here. It’s felt in everything, in every episode.
To return to the faceoffs, what also hinders me is that I’m playing with the stick I had during the first pre-season game with CSKA. All others broke, this is the only one left. I mean I don’t have one with the same blade I’m used to. I’d take Spezza’s, but his grip is different. They said I should get some this week. If this last one breaks, I have no idea what I will play with. I’ll have to take somebody else’s, I guess, but that’s a bit uncomfortable.
But there’s no real pressure. Everyone had a friendly laugh at Anton Volchenkov during the Montreal game, for example. He took all the pucks, wasn’t very lucky. Blocked about seven shots.
I haven’t been penalized a minute yet. You can tell hockey is cleaner here. There’s little hooking and it’s called right away. Most penalties are for that, and also for slashing the arms or grabbing your opponent. Everyone hits and that’s allowed. But I didn’t really have many chances to break the rules. Didn’t take part in any fights either.
I must say we have amazing goaltenders, yet they say there’s no number one yet. I really liked Martin Gerber. He’s so calm. And Jeff Glass is just as good. Looks like there are no bad goalies here at all.
Yablonski Video
September 24, 2007
This is old news…had meant to post it last week, but must’ve gotten distracted by a shiny object.
Yablonski is getting lots of press in Ottawa for fighting Neil during one of the team scrimmages. Here’s a TSN video profile that includes the Neil fight and his only NHL.
