Five Reasons To Be Optimistic About The Ottawa Senators This Season

Mar 22, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen (2) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Senators 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

2.  Jared Cowen‘s step forward

Like Karlsson, Jared Cowen spent last summer rehabbing his hip instead of his normal training regimen.  Cowen seemed to take a huge step backward last season, and was the target of most of the ire from the fan base despite the fact that the entire blue line struggled.

From the past history of the player and the fact that he is still just 23 and not near his prime years.  Perception is everything and despite the fact that his numbers were better across the board than they were in his rookie season where he was so impressive, expectations were almost impossibly high.  Whether fair or unfair, Cowen shouldered the burden of expectation.  I was among those hard on him, and really he can’t get worse than he was last season.

If he can come back with the mobility he had before his hip injury and have some confidence going forward he should give the Senators more confidence in him and that will help the team.