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Ottawa Senators: Leafs Not Looking So Easy Now

By Conor Peniston-Bird

Feb 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ben Smith (18) blocks a passing attempt by Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) in the second period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ben Smith (18) blocks a passing attempt by Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) in the second period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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A month ago, Ottawa Senators fans were licking their lips at the prospect of meeting the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs. Not anymore.

I understand many want this tie purely to reignite the Battle Of Ontario, and that’s perfectly understandable. However, to claim the Toronto Maple Leafs would now be an easy ticket through to the second-round is wrong.

Whilst Ottawa have fallen off the face of the earth in recent weeks. Going 3-4-3, which looks more like a formation the Ottawa Fury FC would lineup in. They haven’t been worthy of even a sniff at the Atlantic Division title, and now they aren’t going to get it. Montreal possessing a six-point lead, with Ottawa holding a game in hand which doesn’t secure two points nowadays.

The Leafs however, are 7-2-1 in their last ten, a much more threatening statistic that should strike fear into Ottawa Senators fans. With the way the Sens have deflated, right now, the Maple Leafs would win the series. This is with Red and Black glasses taken off and looking at the cold, hard facts.

Firstly, the Sens cannot score for love nor money so Toronto’s shaky blue-line isn’t cause for concern right now. Whether they face Colorado or Washington the Sens have struggled to score. Especially when it comes to playoff time, if you’re team is struggling to score, you’re in for a torrid time.

Secondly, the Sens are somewhat leaking goals. Last night’s unravelling in Minnesota proved that, even against one of the league’s worst form teams, they still got five smashed against them. Adding to this, Toronto have scored 32 in their last ten almost doubling Ottawa’s measly 18.

Thirdly, Toronto have actually conceded a goal less in their last ten with 25. Alarm bells almost certainly ringing. At present, the Leafs would have a field day in the Sens defensive zone even with Anderson or Condon in between the pipes.

Final Thoughts

The wheels are looking wobbly, on the Ottawa Senators wagon, they need to make some quick repairs. Right now, in current form if the Sens played the Leafs in a playoff series, the Leafs would run out victors.

Next: Minnesota Tear Sens Apart

On a positive note, there are still six games left for the Ottawa Senators to correct the mistakes they’ve been making. A little shooting practice perhaps?

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