Ottawa used an insane 13-1 run just ahead of the Olympics last winter to position themselves in the postseason before bowing out in six games to the Pens. That they took them to six games was no small wonder considering they couldn't settle on a starting goaltender. Brian Elliott looked like the man with 29 regular season wins but went 1-3-1 with one no-decision in his last six games. Pascal Leclair kept up his injury-prone ways but came in for Elliott and nearly saved the series against the Pens. Add in young Swedish stud Robin Lehner and Mike "I'm only related to Mmmaaarrrtttyyy when facing the Rangers" Brodeur this season and you have some fantasy-league frustrations. And seriously, how can you root for a team that can't help your fantasy team?Familiar Foes: Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson and Alex Kovalev are all back - with Alfredsson and Kovy are both coming off surgery ... as are Milan Michalek, Chris Campoli and Filip Kuba. Kuba, btw, may have to go under the knife again as he just got hurt in camp. Nick Foligno might actually choose this year to break out and become better than his father ever was but that is a sizable 'might'. The two professional pain in the asses Jarkko Ruutu and Chris Neil somehow have not worn out their welcomes in Ottawa (they actually love them there! ugh!) and big Matt Carkner is becoming a folk hero with his pugilistic ways, even if it means he gets his ass handed to him by Colton Orr with some regularity.
N00bz: Kuba's absence would really hurt if the Sens hadn't signed Sergei Gonchar. So they may have lost the series against the Pens but they took one of their best assets. Ottawa can slot Gonchar alongside Chris Phillips and have one helluva first-line pairing on defense. Aside from Sergei, the Senators were pretty quiet on the free agent front but they did take Corey Locke away from the Rangers. As I ranted here throughout last season, I don't think the mighty mite got a fair shake and can add some scoring in the right NHL situation.
Last Year: Saturday, October 3rd 5-2 Ranger win; Saturday, November 14th 2-1 Ranger shootout win; Thursday, January 14th 2-0 Senators win; Tuesday, March 2nd 4-1 Ranger win
This Year: Friday, October 1st at MSG and Saturday, October 2nd in Ottawa preseason. Sunday, December 5th at MSG; Thursday, December 9th in Ottawa; Friday, March 4th in Ottawa; and Thursday, March 24th at MSG.
What They Mean To Blue: Hopefully they will mean one less team that will challenge the Rangers for a playoff spot but I doubt that. Probably the biggest impact the Senators will have are in those last two preseason games - they can hone the Rangers' edge heading into the season or they can grind it down and send the Blueshirts stumbling into the season. If Torts can't build line combinations and chemistry it could very well be the latter. Fingers crossed.
Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators, a franchise with a passionate fan base and a promising future, are gearing up for another exciting NHL season. As the puck drops on a new campaign, it's time for another installment of "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," where we provide an in-depth look at what to expect from the Ottawa Senators in the upcoming season.
In this article, we'll delve into their roster, recent performance, key players to watch, and answer some frequently asked questions about the team. Whether you're a dedicated Senators fan or simply intrigued by the potential of this young squad, our preview has got you covered.
Ottawa Senators Roster Analysis
The Ottawa Senators have been in the midst of a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talent and building for the future. Let's examine some key aspects of their current roster:
1. Offense:
The Senators have a young and exciting forward group. Brady Tkachuk, a budding star, leads the way with his physical play and scoring ability. Drake Batherson, Josh Norris, and Tim Stützle provide skill and scoring depth.
2. Defense:
Thomas Chabot is the cornerstone of the Senators' blue line, known for his offensive contributions and ice-time capabilities. Young defensemen like Erik Brännström and Jacob Bernard-Docker are expected to play larger roles.
3. Goaltending:
In goal, the Senators have a promising duo in Matt Murray and Filip Gustavsson. Murray brings Stanley Cup-winning experience, while Gustavsson represents the future of the team between the pipes.
Recent Performance
The Senators have faced their share of struggles in recent years, with a focus on rebuilding through the draft and player development. In the 2020-21 season, they finished near the bottom of the standings in the North Division.
However, despite their record, the Senators displayed significant growth in their young players, offering hope for the future. The team's management has been proactive in acquiring and developing talent, and the Senators are poised to make strides in the upcoming season.
The Senators' fan base is excited about the potential of their young stars and the direction the team is heading.
Key Players to Watch
Brady Tkachuk: Tkachuk's tenacity, physicality, and scoring touch make him a player to watch. He's the engine that drives the Senators' offense.
Thomas Chabot: Chabot's dynamic play from the blue line and his ability to quarterback the power play are vital to the Senators' success.
Drake Batherson: Batherson's emergence as a scoring threat provides the Senators with an additional offensive weapon.
Tim Stützle: Stützle, the third overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has a bright future. His skill and playmaking ability make him an exciting player to watch.
Filip Gustavsson: As a young goaltender with potential, Gustavsson's development and performance in the crease will be closely monitored.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the Senators still in a rebuilding phase?
Yes, the Senators are in the midst of a rebuilding phase. They are focused on developing their young talent and building a competitive team for the future.
2. How important is the development of their young players to the Senators' success?
The development of their young talent is critical to the Senators' future success. These players are the foundation upon which the team's success will be built.
3. Can the Senators compete for a playoff spot in the near future?
While the Senators are still in a rebuilding phase, they have shown potential and growth in their young players. It may take some time, but they have the pieces to become competitive in the near future.
4. What style of play do the Senators employ?
The Senators play an up-tempo and aggressive style of hockey. They rely on the speed and skill of their young players to create scoring opportunities.
*5. How has the acquisition of Matt Murray impacted the team?
Matt Murray brings experience and leadership to the goaltending position. His championship pedigree and mentorship of young goaltenders are invaluable to the Senators.
The Ottawa Senators, a franchise with a bright future and a fan base excited about the potential of their young stars, are poised for another season of growth and development. With a roster featuring promising talent and a clear focus on the future, they aim to become a competitive force in the NHL.
As the new NHL season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Senators as they continue to build for the future. Whether they make the playoffs or not, one thing is certain: the Ottawa Senators will continue to be a team worth watching and supporting as they pursue success in the world of professional hockey. So, get ready for another exciting season of Senators hockey as they aim to rise in the ranks of the NHL.
No comments:
Post a Comment