2. Youngsters regress, goaltending plummets. Team finishes with a pick between 6-10
This is the saddest option, but I’m afraid it seems quite realistic. I can’t seem to pick which one I think is more likely, but you cannot rule out this one. As I mentioned in previous articles, Craig Anderson isn’t exactly a slam dunk in net, and neither is Andrew Hammond. Anderson is old and Hammond is unproven, and Ottawa’s goaltending situation could get ugly quickly.
We forget just how bad the goaltending was in 2013-14, and Anderson was part of the problem. It could easily happen again. Their defense still isn’t that great especially without Erik Karlsson, so without another addition, that could easily fall apart like it did two years ago.
Furthermore, it’s not exactly a sure thing that all of Ottawa’s young players will progress forward instead of backwards. I have said that Mark Stone might drop his point totals a bit next year due to his high shooting percentage, and it’ll be hard to play as well as he did last year.
Others like Mika Zibanejad, Mike Hoffman, Curtis Lazar, Cody Ceci, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau may not play as well as we expect them too. Fans have some high expectations for these players, but the reality is that not everyone can produce right away and avoid regression.
Mar 8, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Calgary Flames cente Mikael Backlund (11) faces off against Ottawa Senators cente Mika Zibanejad (93) in the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
I am quite bullish on Zibanejad, but who says for certain that he will play even better than last year? Maybe how he played in 2014-15 is his full potential. I also am a big fan of Hoffman’s game, but maybe he isn’t a 30-goal scorer that we thought he could be. The Senators are relying heavily on their youngsters, which is what I wanted for the longest time.
However, that means that they could be quick risers in the standings or they could fall flat on their faces. Relying on young players doesn’t always work, and it’s certainly no guarantee. I really do like Ottawa’s youngsters but we can’t expect them to produce what we want them to.
Next: Look On The Bright Side