Ottawa - Are they lacking a true leader?

Okay, I'm not doing this to troll or anything like that, I just want an honest un-biased opinion from actual Sens fans......

Do you think that Ottawa has that heart and soul guy that will carry them through every battle, all adversity and take them right to the Cup?

I don't think they do, and I think that's the one thing holding them back from being a true dominant team. I'm not bashing the Sens, cause I have not been more impressed with a team over the last two seasons, but I think there are still weaknesses that need to be addressed. No, I havent seen as many Sens games as you fans have, but this is just something I've observed. They seem to be just shy of having that emotion needed to make it that extra step. They are a well oiled machine, and are unmatched when on their game, but when the going gets tough, unfortunately I see them lacking. The reason I went through all this trouble is cause I really want to see a Canadian team win the Cup, not to stir s*** up. Without that unquestioned leader, I can't see this team winning it all just yet.

What do you Sens fans think?

Do you think that Ottawa has that heart and soul guy that will carry them through every battle, all adversity and take them right to the Cup?

'Yes.'

Other Dave

I second that yes. Contrary to the Leafs, though, the Sens have enough talent to contend for a Stanley Cup this year.

I agree with my fellow Sens fans. 'Yes'.

Maybe we should spend more quality time looking at the problems in our backyard...the Sens are doing just fine...comparitevely.
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam031120/col_simmons-sun.html

I second that yes. Contrary to the Leafs, though, the Sens have enough talent to contend for a Stanley Cup this year.
:lol: :yo:

Would Sens fans be opposed to throwing the Rags a pick or low/mid prospect for Messier in February?

Would Sens fans be opposed to throwing the Rags a pick or low/mid prospect for Messier in February?

It's an idea that was tossed around last year. It's not a bad idea, and I like it right now, although I'd also like to get Ron Francis if possible.

It's an idea that was tossed around last year. It's not a bad idea, and I like it right now, although I'd also like to get Ron Francis if possible.

I don't like it.

I think a lot of the Rangers woes in the past few years are due to Messier, and his reputation of a leader.

I think his presence in a locker-room in today's NHL prevents others from taking responsibility for the team. He's deemed a legendary leadership figure in the game, so if you're a player, and you think that your team isn't playing up to snuff, and you see Mark Messier at his locker, you're probably not going to stand up and hold your teammates accountable. You'll wait for the guy that's supposed to be the expert to do it.

The problem with that is that Messier isn't the leader he used to be. He's still a guy that has the determination to win, but a lot of his style. He is an effective guy to stand up in the middle of the dressing room and verbally challenge his teammates, but he also needs to be able to go out there and prove it on the ice to make his point. Even with his renewed offensive abilities this year, he's still not at the level where he can do this.

Bottom line, if we're going to get a leadership type player on this team, it needs to be a guy who will serve as a catalyst to get others to take more responsibility for the team, and not assume the responsibility directly. It's not an easy type of person to find, but I'm pretty certain that it's not Mark Messier.

I don't like it.

I think a lot of the Rangers woes in the past few years are due to Messier, and his reputation of a leader.

I think his presence in a locker-room in today's NHL prevents others from taking responsibility for the team. He's deemed a legendary leadership figure in the game, so if you're a player, and you think that your team isn't playing up to snuff, and you see Mark Messier at his locker, you're probably not going to stand up and hold your teammates accountable. You'll wait for the guy that's supposed to be the expert to do it.

The problem with that is that Messier isn't the leader he used to be. He's still a guy that has the determination to win, but a lot of his style. He is an effective guy to stand up in the middle of the dressing room and verbally challenge his teammates, but he also needs to be able to go out there and prove it on the ice to make his point. Even with his renewed offensive abilities this year, he's still not at the level where he can do this.

Bottom line, if we're going to get a leadership type player on this team, it needs to be a guy who will serve as a catalyst to get others to take more responsibility for the team, and not assume the responsibility directly. It's not an easy type of person to find, but I'm pretty certain that it's not Mark Messier.

I agree to a large extent, but I still wouldn't mind having a guy that commands respect in the room. The key though, is to avoid alienating Alfredsson (and to a lesser extent Leschyshyn).

If we are including the pipe dream category, I'd love Gary Roberts or even better, Steve Yzerman. That being said, both teams will most likely make the playoffs, and Toronto would hate to help the Sens Cup chase regardless, and I would be shocked and dissapointed if Yzerman didn't finish his career a Red Wing. But Yzerman to me, is a guy that would put us over the top, because I think he'd gel really well with the team, and he's done it before. He won't come in and push Alfie aside, but stand side-by-side with him.

Alfredsson's our captain. I don't doubt that he can be the guy that lifts that Cup for us. I just think, as most of us do, that we need another veteran who's done it before. Who has led a team, before.

Discostu, I usually agree with what you say, but in this instance, I think you are wrong. Messier would provide Ottawa with a good spark. Granted he isn't the same as he used to be, but compared to a 4th liner like Shaun Van Allen, he still looks pretty good. This would only be a rental player, so he wouldn't come in and over a couple seasons, alienate the other 'leaders' such as Alfredsson or whomever. Most of the players on the team grew up watching Messier play and would welcome his advice. Some would argue that he would intimidate some of the players here. Maybe 3 years ago, but not this team anymore. Messier can still get key goals and I think he would love to come to Ottawa. First, him and Muckler I assume get along fairly well, its not a big move coming from New York to Ottawa, and let's face it, if there is a lock-out, he may not be back and this could be a last chance at a Cup. He certainly will not be dealt to the Flyers or Devils, so Ottawa would be an ideal fit!!!

Maybe you forget how Messier's leadership skills really "shone" through in Vancouver.

Don't waste your time, you'd regret it.

Discostu, I usually agree with what you say, but in this instance, I think you are wrong.

That's funny, Stu and I usually disagree, but this one time I think he's bang on! ;)

Other Dave

I know the Sens are not at the development stage anymore now but I still want to give the young guys a chance during the regular season. Maybe at the trade deadline, if the Sens want to pick up older leaders who might act like assistant coaches in the dressing room like Rob Ray, well ok, as long as it doesn't cost us anything. I would prefer however to give our own guys the opportunity to attain legendary leadership status instead of going around to buy other teams' legends.

I don't want to see a bunch of old strangers win in Ottawa, I want to see the team and the guys we've been growing up with and watching develop here over the years, I want to see them win the Cup. I don't want to see Messier or Francis carry the Cup, I want to see Alfie, Hossa, Redden, Bonk, Phillips etc...carry the Cup around the CC. If there is a problem that needs tweaking ok, go get it if you can, but I don't think we need to pad this team, especially not with old geezers with no links to the Sens.

But maybe we should talk about this after a few Senator wins, when all the posters are in a better mood and feel more self confident. Do you guys believe a crisis of confidence for message board posters is possible?

That's funny, Stu and I usually disagree, but this one time I think he's bang on! ;)

Other Dave

Yeah, but you don't count! :D

Seriously though, I think we can use a veteran leader, I just don't think Messier's the guy. Adam Graves is a definite possibility, as someone mentioned. I also mentioned Mike Ricci in another thread, but he will be harder to land.