Milan Michalek
Dec 19, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (9) in the second period against the Florida Panthers at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Expectation: Michalek was also coming off injury, another knee problem that was repaired with a unique draining treatment in Germany in the off-season. He was expected to be a supporting player on the top line, or perhaps join the second line as an anchor for the top 6.
In the First Half: Michalek seemed to have lost a step and didn’t come close to being a dangerous offensive player. He is on pace for a career low 12 goals and although there have been pockets of a return to top speed, those glimpses have been few and far between.
GRADE: D
Potential for Improvement: Health is the concern, as the knee problems have been chronic. However, he is playing for a contract and the Senators don’t have a ton of top 6 options so he will continue to get the opportunities.
Kyle Turris
Dec 28, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Kyle Turris (7) controls the puck with Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Bartkowski (42) moving in during the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Expectation: After shouldering the load for much of last season as the de-facto number 1, was expected to take those experiences and be a much better #2 with the return of Spezza. A steady improvement and being a consistent two-way threat would be a success.
In the First Half: With Spezza struggling at times, Turris was a beacon, developing chemistry quickly with newcomers Ryan and Clarke MacArthur to become, if not a first line then a very good second option. They not only put points on the board, but all three were well into the pluses in the +/- rating.
GRADE: A
Potential for Improvement: Overall strength is something that still eludes Turris, and that is not something that will be fixed during the season. He has shown that he can play like a #1 centre in spurts, but can also get worn down when facing bigger centres and defensemen.