Saying Goodbye To The 2014-15 Ottawa Senators, A Look Back At The Season That Was
By Jack Leiper
Dec 4, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators former player
Daniel Alfredsson(11) takes part in a pre-game ceremony prior to game against the New York Islanders at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
November: ugh.
November was where things started to fall off and the mediocrity set in. A 5-7-2 record through 14 November games had few remaining optimistic.
There were no major storylines to follow up until this point, but one remained that Marc Methot was still out and it was hazy as to when he would return. A lot was made about how the media was not made aware about his status and that the team was very hazy about any timetables regarding rehab or improvement.
The goaltending continued to be a huge reason to the little success the team had and why the Senators even picked up the 5 wins they did. Until Andrew Hammond took over late this season, Craig Anderson was spectacular. Through Ottawa’s first 23, Anderson started 13, with Anderson and Lehner being a 1a/1b tandem. The numbers might not be there any longer, but Lehner was good early on as well.
- Senators fans got word of Daniel Alfredsson’s pending return to the city. A Dec. 4th date in Ottawa was scheduled as being Alfredsson’s retirement party.
- Goaltending remained the key early on. I’d hate to see Lehner or Anderson go this off-season as judging just based on a few months late play may cost the Senators if they do decide to move on from either one.
- Lehner especially, still super young and has had success in the past. Heck, he’s above average with a .914 sv% since 2012. Keep him around a little longer yet.
December: Alfredsson Returns To Ottawa
December kicked off a major point in the Senators’ season. Daniel Alfredsson returning to the Senators’ organization and signing that 1-day agreement to mend any issues he previously had with the team. Looking back on it now, this is probably the best part of the year for the Senators in a season that was one of the best in recent memory.
I think as Senators fans, we’ll look back on this event fondly. Even if the Senators didn’t make the playoffs, Alfredsson’s return had shaped up a season that wasn’t previously looking up.
Another large turn in the Senators’ season came just a few days later with the dismissing of Paul MacLean as Senators head coach. The news wasn’t really a shock as the early record did see some success but the mediocre theme continued. Some bizarre usage was likely what led to MacLean’s firing as the early 14-15 and 13-14 seasons didn’t cut it for him to remain behind the bench.
In terms of production on the ice, it wasn’t a pretty month but it certainly had its ups and downs. Mika Zibanejad really turned it on as well as Mike Hoffman, a surprise coming out of December. It was a 5-6-2 record in December, again following the trend of mediocrity and leading up to what was a 14 point gap between the Sens and the playoffs.
- The Senators saw the Hoffman – Zibanejad – Ryan line formed and had some great success.
- Mike Hoffman jumped out early as the Senators’ leading scorer, and Mark Stone found himself playing some meaningful minutes and contributing.
- Dave Cameron takes over as head coach. Not a popular choice at the start, I think there are less complaints about his style of coaching now.
Next: Methot Returns, Hamburglar Rises