Dec 19, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen (2) and Florida Panthers right wing Krys Barch (21) battle for control of the puck in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Panthers defeated the Senators 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Expectation: After signing a lucrative 4 year deal following a brief training camp contract squabble, hopes were high for Cowen to regain his form of two seasons ago. He was expected to be a physical presence and dominant force in his own end, while refining his offensive skills.
In The First Half: It was a gong show for Cowen for much of the first half. A lack of mobility was evident and he might have still been feeling the effects of last season’s hip injury. He wasn’t good positionally in his own end and got beat with regularity, becoming a whipping boy of sorts for frustrated fans. He was a healthy scratch on a couple of occasions.
GRADE: D
Potential To Improve: There is really nowhere to go but up for Cowen. As he gets re-adjusted to the speed of the NHL game and he gets back into the flow, he should regain the form the Senators expect. It could be baby steps though.