Where We Are: Folding our five Olympians back into the lineup for a 20 game stretch run towards the playoffs. The Blueshirts have 63 points in 62 games and are just one behind eighth place Montreal. We may be with Dan Girardi, we may be without him - all of the trade speculation has muddied up the internet (as it is apt to do) so the best thing to do is await confirmation from the Rangers themselves or TSN.
Where They Are: Folding their five Olympians back into the lineup for a 19 game stretch run into the playoffs. Ottawa is 36-23-4 for 76 points in 63 games; they are second-best in the East with a 23-8-3 home record.
Who To Watch For: Daniel Alfredsson was one of the few Swedes to look good in Vancouver with three goals in four games and some great chemistry with Eriksson and Backstrom. Alex Kovalev and Jason Spezza were both overlooked by their respective nations and were sticking it to them with red hot play going into the break. Ryan Shannon was just re-signed and he has pretty good speed off the wing. And you can't forget our old friend Matt Cullen, who the Sens added just before the break. What To Watch For: Any kind of Olympic hangover by the players who were there, and the ones who weren't. See who had a little too much fun with their break from the NHL grind.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: Chris Drury playing as well as he did for the other team in red, white and blue. Brandon Dubinsky starting his campaign for inclusion on the 2014 U.S. team. Wade Redden having a flashback to when he played in Scotiabank Place and didn't suck. A undercard of Brandon Prust vs. Chris Neil prior to a heavyweight battle between Jody Shelley and Matt Carkner. And anyone kicking the crap out of Jarkko Ruutu.
Also Check Out: If you never read the final post of Sens Army, you should - it really encapsulates the frustrations that come with blogging a team day in and day out. Five For Smiting and Black Aces are still up, as is SBN's Silver Seven.
Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Ottawa Senators - A Glimpse into the World of Canadian Hockey
The Ottawa Senators, based in Canada's capital city, Ottawa, have a rich and storied history in the National Hockey League (NHL). As one of the seven Canadian teams in the league, the Senators carry a passionate fan base and a legacy that dates back to the NHL's early days. In this "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," we'll dive into the world of the Ottawa Senators, exploring their history, key players, recent performance, and what the future might hold for this iconic Canadian franchise.
Chapter 1: A Look Back at History
The Ottawa Senators' history is intertwined with the birth of the NHL itself. Founded in 1883, they are one of the league's oldest franchises. The original Senators were a dominant force in the NHL during the early 20th century, winning several Stanley Cups. However, financial struggles led to their relocation in 1934, marking the end of the original Senators.
In 1992, the NHL awarded Ottawa an expansion franchise, reviving the Senators. Since then, the team has had its share of ups and downs, but it has become a cornerstone of Canadian hockey culture.
Chapter 2: Key Players and Iconic Moments
Throughout their history, the Senators have been home to many legendary players. Names like Daniel Alfredsson, Erik Karlsson, and Dany Heatley are etched into the team's lore. Alfredsson, in particular, is a beloved figure in Ottawa, having served as the team's captain for many years.
Iconic moments in Senators' history include their run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2007, where they fell just short of hoisting the Cup. That playoff run remains a source of pride for Senators fans.
Chapter 3: Recent Performance
The Senators have faced challenges in recent years, including rebuilding phases and roster changes. However, they have a crop of talented young players who are the future of the franchise. Thomas Chabot, Brady Tkachuk, and Tim Stützle are among the young stars who give fans hope for a brighter future.
While the Senators might not be Stanley Cup contenders at the moment, their resilience and determination make them a team to watch as they continue to develop their talent.
Chapter 4: The Fan Base
Senators fans, known as the "Sens Army," are a passionate and loyal group. The team's proximity to the nation's capital means they enjoy support from across Canada. Canadian hockey traditions run deep, and Ottawa is no exception. The atmosphere at Canadian Tire Centre, the Senators' home arena, is electric during games.
Chapter 5: The Future of the Senators
Looking ahead, the Senators are well-positioned for the future. They have accumulated a wealth of draft picks, including some high first-round selections, which should help them build a competitive roster in the years to come.
The team's ownership and management are committed to the long-term success of the franchise, and the passionate fan base continues to support the team through thick and thin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many Stanley Cups have the Senators won?
A1: The original Ottawa Senators won multiple Stanley Cups in the early 20th century. However, the modern Ottawa Senators have not yet won a Stanley Cup.
Q2: Who is the all-time leading scorer for the Senators?
A2: Daniel Alfredsson holds the franchise record for most points and goals as a member of the Ottawa Senators.
Q3: How competitive are the Senators expected to be in the near future?
A3: While the Senators are in a rebuilding phase, they have a promising young core of players and a bright future ahead. With their recent draft picks and player development, they aim to become a competitive team in the coming years.
The Ottawa Senators are an integral part of Canada's hockey landscape. Their rich history, passionate fan base, and commitment to the development of young talent make them a team to watch in the NHL's ever-evolving landscape. While they may not have claimed the Stanley Cup in recent years, the Senators remain a symbol of Canadian hockey tradition and perseverance. As the NHL continues to grow and change, the Senators will undoubtedly be a significant presence in the league's future.
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