Binghamton Senator Kaspars Daugavins & Team Latvia Moving To Next Round

Sens duo moves onward at worlds
Karlsson, Swedes drop preliminary round finale to Czechs
Rob Brodie Ottawa Senators May 13, 2010

For a pair of Ottawa Senators, it's on to bigger and better things.

But for a third, not so much at the 2010 IIHF World Hockey Championship in Germany.

Despite a 2-1 loss to the Czech Republic earlier today in Mannheim, Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson and Sweden finished on top of Group C. And Sens forward Peter Regin and surprising Denmark, which wound up third in Group D, will join the Swedes in the next phase of the competition, which begins Friday in Cologne and Mannheim.

Joining Karlsson and Regin in the qualification round is Binghamton Senators forward Kaspars Daugavins and Latvia, which claimed third place in Group B. The top three in each of four groups moved forward in the tournament, while the bottom teams now play in the relegation round. Shockingly, that group includes Sens forward Nick Foligno and the United States, which went winless in three preliminary round starts.

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Volchenkov Key to Senators Free Agent Puzzle

Andrew Rodger The Hockey Writers May 6, 2010

Vochenkov is the most important piece to the Senators’ free agent puzzle this summer. A key element in shutting down the opposition’s top forwards, he will be difficult to replace should he leave. With a salary in the $2 to $3 million dollar range the past few seasons, he is certainly entitled to a raise. However, the Senators have always operated with their own value system under Murray’s leadership. If Volchenkov asks for more then they think he is worth; he could be on the move for next season. In 428 NHL games, all with Ottawa, the native of Moscow has accumulated 16 goals and 94 points during his career and he is a +61. Last season, injuries limited him to 14 points in 64 games but he is not an offensive defenceman; Ottawa needs him for his hits and shot blocking abilities. In 352 games played since the lockout, Volchenkov has delivered 832 hits on his opponents and blocked an astounding 1,023 shots.

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Puck Daddy of Yahoo! Sports Chats With Anton Volchenkov

Puck Daddy chats with Ottawa's Anton Volchenkov‏ about free agency, his Norris winner and why Senators lost to Penguins

Dmitri Chesnokov Puck Daddy, Yahoo! Sports April 27, 2010

Anton Volchenkov of the Ottawa Senators is a defenseman, and the Norris Trophy is the award given to the best player at his position. If Volchenkov had to chose the winner among 2010 finalists Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings, Mike Green of the Washington Capitals and Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks, who gets his vote?

"Doughty is a really good player. I think this year he played really well. He's a young guy, but he is such a talented defenseman. He's had a great year," Volchenkov told Puck Daddy in an exclusive interview this week.

"Green? He's like a fourth forward when he's out there for Washington. I don't see him playing that seriously defensively, but offensively he is of a lot of benefit."

That's expected from Volchenkov, whose reputation is that of a "defensive" defenseman. He averaged 2.69 blocked shots per game this season, finishing in the NHL's top 10 in that category once again, while scoring only 14 points in 64 games this season. But his defensive abilities have made him one of the most interesting names on the unrestricted free agent market, after having just a $2.5 million cap hit for the Senators last season.

We spoke with Volchenkov about his impending free agency, the chances he'll return to Ottawa, why the Senators lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, the Dany Heatley(notes) trade to the San Jose Sharks in hindsight, his offensive game and his Stanley Cup pick ... along with what he's driving and listening to these days.

Q. Now that the season is over for the Ottawa Senators, what is your assessment of it?

VOLCHENKOV: Of course we didn't do well in the playoffs. That's the main point. But at the same time we did make the playoffs to begin with, which means it was an OK season. This season was really tough because of the Olympics. It was especially hard because of the game against Canada. [Russia] really did not play well in that game. We simply burned out. But otherwise it was a good season.

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Sens Season in Review, Volchenkov & Phillips A Superb Pairing

Sens in Review: More positives than negatives for Ottawa this season despite Saturday's early playoff exit
Roy MacGregor The Globe and Review April 25, 2010

It sure happens fast.

Today, a car flying down the Queensway with Ottawa Senators window flags flapping in the wind looks out of sorts, instantly out of season.

Time to stop the honking, wash off the red paint, put away the Alfie jerseys … This morning at Scotiabank Place, the Senators will clear out their lockers, some never to return. The coach and general manager and perhaps even the owner will have their final assessments of the year – more positives than minuses will be found, despite falling in the first round to the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins – and the sports talk radio station will wonder what in the hell it will do in this single-sport town during the 144 days between now and the opening of camp...

The defensive pairing of Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov have become one of the league's best shut-down duos and, if Volchenkov can be re-signed over the summer, will continue together.

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The Physical Force That Is Anton Volchenkov

Leclaire Backstops Senators to Season-Saving Marathon Win
Brian Ciskie NHL Fan House April 23, 2010

There were countless shots that Leclaire didn't have to stop. That's because the guys in front of him -- led by gutsy defenseman Anton Volchenkov -- blocked a ton of shots. Volchenkov was a physical force in the game, and at one point had to crawl to the Ottawa bench during the third overtime.

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Senators must keep Anton Volchenkov

THN.com Blog: Senators must keep Anton Volchenkov
Ken Campbell The Hockey News Blog April 21, 2010

Regardless of how the Ottawa Senators’ first round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins ultimately turns out, the team has some pressing concerns that need to be addressed, all of which relate to payroll.

It’s no surprise the Senators are in a salary cap crunch, given the fact they have 10 NHL-caliber forwards, five defensemen and two goaltenders under contract for next season. There are a lot of teams in the NHL that would kill to have the Senators’ cap woes.

Assuming the cap stays about the same – initial reports are that it should go up by about $800,000 to $57.6 million next season – the Senators will have a cushion somewhere in the neighborhood of $7.5 million going into the summer.

All of which looks great, but you have to remember that’s predicated on the assumption ownership will be willing to continue to eat Jonathan Cheechoo’s $3 million salary by keeping him in the minors next season. And when you consider they have to sign or replace restricted free agents Nick Foligno, Peter Regin, Jesse Winchester and Chris Campoli – and a huge unrestricted free agent in Anton Volchenkov – that cap space will evaporate in a hurry.

The most important of the signings is Volchenkov, given that the others are restricted and have far fewer options than the Senators’ best defensive and shot-blocking defenseman. There is little doubt Volchenkov will be looking for a substantial raise on his $2.5 million cap hit (he actually made $3.2 million in real money this past season) and a long-term deal that will include a no-movement clause and make him the Senators’ top-paid defenseman.

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Volchenkov and Phillips Proving Early On To Be Crosby's Kryptonite

Senators’ duo stymies Sidney in opener
Adam Kimelman NHL.com April 14, 2010

It's no surprise, then, that the Ottawa Senators made slowing the Penguins' captain a large part of their strategy going into the start of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.

The shock was that they were able to accomplish their goal. Every team goes into games against the Penguins looking to slow down Crosby -- but the stats show how tough a task that is.

Led by defensemen Anton Volchenkov and Chris Phillips, the Senators held Crosby without a shot until 6:17 was left in the game. Crosby had 3 assists, but only one came at even-strength.

"That was the plan, to shut Crosby down," Volchenkov told NHL.com. "Every time Crosby jumped on the ice, it was a quick change and me and Philly (Phillips) jumped on."

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Volchenkov and Sens D Square Off Against Sidney Crosby

Playoff Matchups: Sidney Crosby vs. Anton Volchenkov and Chris Phillips
Adam Gretz NHL FANHOUSE April 12, 2010

Getting the right individual or line matchup can go a long way toward winning a playoff series. Adam Gretz takes a look at some of the matchups that could be worth watching this postseason. This is one of them.

For the third time in four years the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators are facing off in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Senators won the first meeting in five games during the 2006-07 season on their way to the Stanley Cup Final, while the Penguins swept the Senators in four straight games the following year on their way to the Final.

Sidney Crosby has been the Penguins' best offensive weapon this season, recording a career-best 51 goals to go with 58 assists. If past history is any indicator, he'll be seeing plenty of Ottawa's shutdown defensive pairing of Anton Volchenkov and Chris Phillips. During their first two postseason meetings, Crosby has tallied 13 points in nine games, including eight in the 2008 series. But it's matchup that hasn't really worked in his favor in the two years since.

The Matchup: Crosby vs. Volchenkov and Phillips

Over the past two seasons Crosby has played eight regular season games against the Senators, scoring just one goal to go with six assists. A large reason for his pedestrian (by Crosby's standards) numbers is the relentless play of Volchenkov and Phillips. First, let's take a look at how Crosby has performed against them the past two years, compared to how he's performed against other defensive pairings from Ottawa.

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Volchenkov talks terror

I am waiting for Volchenkov to finish. He is standing facing a posse of reporters in a corridor at Scotiabank Place answering questions to do with The Second World — sports, in this case, hockey — but I want to talk to him about the moment this week he suffered a rare and serious jolt into The First World, the everyday, more important one beyond all he’s known for most of his 28 years.

The reporters are finished with Anton Volchenkov, the worst friend an airborne chunk of rubber ever had, and after introducing myself, he seems relieved when I tell him I don’t care to hear his millionth media seminar on blocking shots, or to winkle out the mystery of his “upper body” injury — “I want to talk to you, Anton, about the tragic terrorist subway suicide bombings in Moscow, your hometown, and how you were affected by them.”

Thirty-nine subway riders killed, 70 injured, the separatist Chechen rebels claiming responsibility, promising more of the same, and Anton Volchenkov, who is more than just jock sweat, shakes his head in a slow, deliberate, grim-faced manner that reflects the reality...


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Panthers forward Evgeny Dadonov talks about playing his first NHL game tonight against the Senators.

Listen to Evgeny Dadonov chat about playing in his first NHL game tonight vs. Ottawa Senators

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Sens Fan Describes Her Love For Anton Volchenkov and Her Game Used Volchy Jersey

"Jerseys Off Our Backs" Fan Interviews
Sens TV Online April 1, 2010

To View Video Please Visit This link

The Volchenkov/Sutton Non-Argument...

Nobody in the mainstream press is saying it, but you get the impression from some fans, through the blogs and the call-in shows, that Andy Sutton just might be a fine replacement for Anton Volchenkov next season, the premise being that GM Bryan Murray won’t be able to sign both under the salary cap.

For one, it’s not out of the question for Murray to keep both of them (in fact, I think it's likely). Filip Kuba can be moved this summer when his no-trade clause expires, and he may not be missed with the sudden emergence of Erik Karlsson as this team’s best offensive defenseman....




Continue Reading: http://www.thebestblogs.com/articles/47362-The-Volchenkov-Sutton-Non-Argument-

Sens Gearing Up For Playoffs and Volchenkov's Return

Sens look for playoff payoff
Don Brennan Slam! Sports April 1, 2010

Also suiting up will be defenceman Anton Volchenkov, who suffered an upper-body injury while accidentally on the receiving end of a big body check by teammate Andy “Mount” Sutton in Saturday’s game against Florida. Volchenkov missed Tuesday’s 5-4 overtime victory in Washington that extended the Senators’ winning streak to five games.

“Feels much better than it did a couple of days ago,” said Volchenkov. “Still a bit tight, but not bad.”

Additional Reading: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/Ottawa/2010/03/31/13430541.html

Volchenkov's Stock Rising Fast

You are the GM Part 2: Anton Volchenkov: Buzz Game NHLPA endorses Rule
Hockeybuzz.com March 24, 2010

In my opinion there may not be a defenseman whose stock is rising any faster than Anton Volchenkov's. If the new NHL is about shot blocking, than the new NHL is about Anton. He is the best in the NHL. Maybe one of the best to ever play the game. He doesn't only block shots, he saves goals. Two in just the last two games. Volchenkov will be very, very sought after this summer if Ottawa doesn't re-sign him.

Additional Reading: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=27199

Volchenkov's Intense Defense Draws Rave Reviews

Bad Romance
Bobby Zijiac Senshot.com March 24, 2010

Even though that’s all great, the story of the game was Anton Volchenkov and the refs. Too bad it is for the wrong reasons though. Volchie played intense and with a physical presence I’ve never seen him before. He and Sutton, though on different pairings, make up an amazing tag-team match on the defensive side. The hits both of them made, almost none were illegal or dirty. Volchenkov on Carcillo was a good, clean hit. I had to endure the Comcast Sportsnet broadcast, which was provoking me beyond human experience. Volchenkov never through the shoulder, he checked him hard into the boards. Do remember, this is Daniel Carcillo we are talking about. This guy has as much guts as a horse in the glue factory. Volchenkov on Gagne was a bit different, even though it was not as dirty as the Philly guys made it. I do understand he was hit from behind in a vulnerable position, but was Simon Gagne sleeping, or what? You have to realize what you’re sacrificing when you’re in that kind of position.


Additional Reading: http://senshot.com/2010/03/24/bad-romance/

Volchenkov, refs are Enemies No. 1 for Philadelphia Flyers

Greg Wyshynski Puck Daddy - Yahoo! Sports

Ottawa Senators defenseman Anton Volchenkov haunted the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night to the point where you expected to see him in a boiler room wearing a ratty striped sweater with knives on his gloves. (We'd make the expected "A Nightmare on Broad Street" quip, but the game was in Ottawa.)

With the Senators leading Philly 1-0 in the second period, Volchenkov devastated Flyers forward Daniel Carcillo(notes) along the boards with a freight train hit that involved the head.

Additional Reading : http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Video-Volchenkov-refs-are-Enemies-No-1-for-Ph?urn=nhl,229896

Volchenkov and Sharp Sens stop Habs 2-0

....But the stop of the night was made by Anton Volchenkov after Matt Carkner lost the puck in his own zone and Elliott made an initial save off Andrei Kostitsyn. Having lost his stick, Volchenkov dove to keep a shot by Tom Pyatt from going in the open side...

Volchenkov Could Lead Blueline Buzz in Free Agency

Rinkwrap: Hawks paying price for Huet, Will likely buy out or bury big contract
BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency March 13, 2010

Off the glass

Two shot-blockers who could be interesting to watch on the market this summer: Phoenix D Zbynek Michalek and Ottawa D Anton Volchenkov. Both are valuable and could get a lot if they hit the open market as UFAs. The price for a shot-blocking, stay-at-home blueliner is $4-$4.5 million. The Senators want to keep Volchenkov and are trying to structure a deal to keep him in Ottawa, but there’s not much chance Michalek will return to the Coyotes ...

Additional Reading: http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/03/13/13220696.html

Classic Video: Anton Volchenkov HIghtlights

Youtube.com User: volchossa

It’s a block party for Volchenkov: Next blocked shot will be Sens defenceman’s 1,000th

Bruce Garrioch Slam! Sports March 12, 2010

The Senators’ stay-at-home defenceman went into the game against the Flames needing one blocked shot for 1,000 in his career.

Volchenkov blocked No. 999 against the Oilers in Tuesday’s 4-1 win. The NHL started counting the statistic following the 2005-06 season. Pretty impressive numbers.

“(Volchenkov’s) a pretty special guy. He’s probably the goalie’s best friend,” Senators netminder Pascal Leclaire said before the Calgary game. “I’ve never really played with a guy like that, except Adam Foote was a little bit like that in Columbus. Those guys put their body on the line all the time.

Additional Reading: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Columnists/Garrioch/2010/03/11/13201241.html