–Zenon Konopka will play tonight instead of Bobby Butler.

–The Hockey News power rankings are out with Ottawa 16th.

–Bobbykelly writes a overly positive article about Ottawa’s track record with college free agents under Murray.  Briefly, Jesse Winchester wasn’t signed to be a fourth liner, Bobby Butler has been a big disappointment this year, Stephane Da Costa isn’t ready for prime time, and Pat Cannone has been average.  They are all useful players in their way, but aren’t on the same scale of Murray’s Anaheim signings (Chris Kunitz etc), largely because the entire NHL now looks to the NCAA as a place to augment their organisations.

–Adrian Dater thinks 3-point games have lead to boring hockey down the stretch.  It’s an interesting point, but I think it’s only possible because officials allow more interference as the season winds down.  I also prefer exciting races down the stretch as opposed to playoff positions set earlier in the season.

–Joy Lindsay Tweets that Cole Schneider will make his debute tomorrow while Matt Puempel may play this weekend.

–Kurt Kleinendorst talked about Binghamton’s latest loss:

We got outmuscled. We weren’t as determined as we needed to be, and they started to take the game over. But don’t forget, it’s not easy playing three-in-three. It was only their second in two, and that’s probably what the difference was in the third period. Robin played well. I thought he gave us a chance to win, which is all we can ask of our goaltender. We spotted him a two-goal lead. It wasn’t enough. Our first periods are generally pretty darn strong. I think the prep work is right. I think we’re capable. It’s just that we don’t maintain it for 60 minutes, and that’s just the way it’s been all year long.

I believe a lot of the problems Binghamton has late in games is because of their weak blueline–the reliable players wear down and mistakes happen.

–ZekeA, one of the best Binghamton posters, is writing up the year that was for the B-Sens in analyzing the performance of the individual players.  Here’s his view of the team’s forwards (for the blueliners go here):
Pat Cannone: at times he plays OK other times not that good. I think he deserves another yr, but at 25 will he improve all that much?
Mark Parrish: Solid pro he tries, has missed 25 games due to injury this yr. I doubt that Ottawa resigns him.
Jack Downing: Up from Elmira Jack has improved of late. Gives a pretty good effort. I say resign him to another AHL contract.
Andre Petersson: dam good skill set very good shot and he works at times he does too much with the puck. Tougher than I thought Andre would be at 172 Lbs. He gets knocked on his ass all season long Andre keeps getting up & gets back in the play. Andre needs a summer in the Gym he has to get bigger & stronger.
Derek Grant: Derek has missed 26 games due to a shoulder injury. Derek had 14 games last yr + 7 in Calder Cup playoffs. Good size fair to good skill set, some say they should move him to center. Long pro season starting to take a toll on him, happens with 1st yr pros.
David Dziurzynski: I am a bit biased on “DD” as he is my dark horse prospect. DD is improving his all around game. He is checking much better DD is hitting not bone crunching but finishing his checks. DD is getting in front of the net. He is polishing his game now. I hope Ottawa calls him up for the playoffs as a black ace.
Corey Cowick: Corey is hot then cold sadly more nites cold than hot. Only way he is effective on the ice is if he busts his rear. Corey could use more speed and skill.
Stephane Da Costa: I expected a lot more from Stephane when he came down from Ottawa. Good skill set he could use a bit more speed & strenght. Last nite against the Pens he was invisible. I guess he is worth a contract next season.
Mike Hoffman: Mike has a very good skill set, he could use an extra step of speed to help him to get open, also Mike needs to get stronger. Can be dynamic at times other times he is like Jason up top giving the puck away.
Mike Bartlett: Mike gives you what he has honest hockey player. Mike is not a scorer never has been. He tries.
Wacey Hamilton: has struggled all yr as some 1st yr pros do. JOB [Jim O’Brien] also struggled his 1st yr in Binghamton. Wacey has shown just a bit of improvement of late. Not real skilled @ this level Ottawa signed Wacey to replace Cody Bass. Wacey needs to get bigger and stronger and faster. For the game he plays he will have to get bigger and stronger at the AHL level. Lets see how he does next yr.
Francis Lessard: the enforcer his job is to protect the young skilled prospects. Francis does that just by being on the bench. Sadly he is the end of era in this game. I remember the 6 team NHL. The NAHL down here old East Coast Hockey League, bucket of blood where you had a goon an enforcer + 2 guys who liked to fight. Now that was real hockey, not what they play today. + I have always said a good fight never hurt a hockey game. Francis will not be resigned Darren Kramer will take his spot next yr.
Corey Locke: What can you say about Corey Locke when he is on a shear joy to watch. He is just so skilled so smooth. Corey can do magic on the ice. Will he be resigned I doubt it. Would I like him back sure all down here would.

This article is written by Peter Levi, be sure to follow @eyeonthesens