Spezza taking game to next level

Jason Spezza is finally giving Sens management and fans what they have been waiting for.

No he is not scoring goals in bunches, but what he is doing is giving opponents fits with his defensive play. He has become a true threat not only in the offensive zone, but in his own end as well.

After posting a -14 rating last season, Spezza knew this season would have to be different. The fact that he was snubbed from the Team Canada orientation camp roster in August may have caused him to come into the season with a chip on his shoulder.

With the departure of his wingman Dany Heatley, Spezza has been forced to forge a new identity, and so far in this young season, it is one where there is a balance of offence AND defence.

He gave the Senators a huge boost last week, returning with a 3 point effort when they played the Lightning, including the game winning goal. Yet again last night, he scored another shootout goal to seal the victory for the Sens over the Edmonton Oilers. 

To say that Spezza has played a small part in the Senators resurgence this year would be a massive understatement. Not only has he helped the team with his defensive and offensive abilities, He has made the transition from San Jose much easier for his Czech winger Milan Michalek. A regular linemate of Spezza, Michalek has thrived so far playing with the playmaking center. Of Michalek’s 7 goals, 4 have been assisted by Spezza, with 3 coming directly from the center.

The only thing Sens fans have been able to question Spezza about is his incredibly akward laugh.

Besides that Sens fans have not had much to complain about, when it comes to the usual Ottawa whipping boy. It seemed like every game last year would have to include a Spezza giveaway that would end up with a quality scoring chance for the opposing team.

This year there seems to be a changing of the guard as the giveaways have become less and less frequent.

If any hockey fan were to look at Spezza’s stats, they would most likely think he was going through a slump. In years past, they would probably be right with that assessment, but this year the numbers don’t represent his play.

Cory Clouston has no care for Spezza’s stats. All he worries about is the W column of the standings and right now Spezza is succeeding in that regard. When he was out of the lineup, the Senators were unable to win a game.

He has clearly been a factor so far this year. The only question is, as there has been in years past, is whether or not he can keep it up.

So far, all indications are that he is ready to take that next step in his career and escape the shadow of one Dany Heatley.

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