Get To Know Your Enemy: Ottawa Senators
Tonight the Buffalo Sabres play their home opener when the Ottawa Senators come to town. As divisional rivals these two teams will meet plenty during the season so let’s get the two acquainted shall we?
Offencive threats
The Ottawa Senators have no shortage of offence. Not only do you have to watch out for their forwards, you also have to watch out for their defence especially the Norris winner from 2 season’s ago.
We’ll start with Jason Spezza the new captain of the Senators who will be out to prove that he can fill the shoes left by Daniel
Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Alfredsson. Spezza has amazing skills and moves, he’s very slippery. He’s a consistent 30 goal scorer and can easily put up 80 points a year. He makes everyone on the ice with him better, he’s one of their most lethal weapons.
Kyle Turris– Turris is one of those controversial players who gives it his all only when he feels like it. But since making Ottawa his new home, he’s found nothing but success. Turris can be counted on to put up 30 points a year and he uses his speed to burn defence.
The Senators have so much more offence than just Jason Spezza and Kyle Turris. Milan Michalek, Cory Conacher and Mika Zibanejad are just a few more names to throw around.
Defencive threats
They say the best offence is a solid defence and for the Senators that couldn’t be more true. Their not so secret blueline threat is Eric Karlsson the Norris winner from 2 season’s ago. After missing the majority of last season to an Achilles tendon injury, Karlsson will be looking for a bounce back season to prove he’s still a dominate defenceman in today’s NHL. Not only is he a stellar defenceman, he’s also a lethal threat on offence. 2 season’s ago Karlsson put up 78 points by himself. When Karlsson is on his game there’s no stopping him or the Senators. The Sabres youngsters will need to check him close or it will be a long night.
Goaltending
As if the Senators offence and defence isn’t enough of a threat, the Sens goaltending is among the best in the NHL. Although older, Craig Anderson has completely revived his game in Ottawa. He would have been a favourite to win the Vezina last season if not for an injury. Anderson is one of the best goalies today and when he’s on, there’s not much getting by him. They also have a stellar backup in Robin Lehner who can hold his own in the crease.
Fan Favourite
Aside from the skilled players like Spezza and Karlsson the next best choice would be Chris Neil who leaves everything on the ice. What is it about fans and tough players?
Unsung Hero
The unsung hero for the Senators is a former Maple Leaf Clarke MacArthur. MacArthur does a lot of the little things and is a solid third liner. He plays a physical game but can also produce on the scoreboard. When left unguarded MacArthur can be a lethal weapon for the Sens.
Best offseason move
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Hands down the best move the Senators made this offseason was acquiring Bobby Ryan who will easily become one of the best Sens. Ryan is such a pure scorer and he should take his game to the next level being put in a position to succeed with the Sens. The Sens are hoping Ryan and Spezza will spark chemistry and if they do the opposition better watch out.
Dud move
Losing Daniel Alfredsson. The beloved former captain packed his bags and headed to Detorit this offseason for a better shot at winning the Stanley Cup, only problem is the Senators are still pretty lethal and have a solid shot at the Cup. Why did Alfredsson leave the Sens? He didn’t feel he was being treated fairly for everything he’s done for the team. The Senators should have shown Alfredsson some more respect, so he could finish his career in Ottawa.
X-Factor
The most offencive weapon is also the Senators x-factor. How will Jason Spezza react to the C on his chest and having all the spotlight on him in Ottawa. If Spezza can get his game back to where it was 2 season’s ago and lead the team, the Senators will be just fine.
The Senators and Sabres will see a fair share of each other season and it will be a good test to see just where the Buffalo Sabres are at in their rebuilding. Just how far back are the Sabres from contending?