3. Team takes next step and finishes 2nd in the division
Jan 8, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman
Cody Ceci(5) controls the puck in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Avalanche defeated the Senators 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
I’m not really an optimist, which is why I have this option as the least likely. I just see other teams that are better in the division like the Lightning, Red Wings, and perhaps the Canadiens, Bruins, and Panthers. At the same time, Ottawa does have some upside. They were already better than the Bruins and Panthers last year, so with some improvement they should be fine to make the playoffs.
The only big threat I see is the Lightning, who are going to be a powerhouse for a long time. But besides that, it’s not impossible to see Ottawa sneaking into 2nd…if they make big improvements. As it stands now, the team wouldn’t finish 2nd in the Atlantic.
However, if Zibanejad can turn into another first line centre along with Kyle Turris, Pageau can chip in offensively, Lazar can evolve into a more offensive minded player, Ceci can solidify the 2nd defense pairing, and Ryan can return to his 30-goal form then all of a sudden the Senators are a formidable team.
The first situation seems likely as Ottawa has been doing that for years ever since their last playoff run in 2007
That was a lot of if’s, but with young players it’s hard to not see any progress coming. I’m not sure if all of those things can happen in one season, but the possibility exists that the Senators would be a great team once again.
The organization is obviously hoping this will happen sooner rather than later, as it would mean spending less on other players like free agents. The Atlantic isn’t a weak division, but it’s not like they are up against a bunch of world-beaters.
Summary:
All in all, the first situation seems likely as Ottawa has been doing that for years ever since their last playoff run in 2007. I wouldn’t be too upset with that happening, but at the same time they will need to take the next step at some point. Scenario #2 is also very plausible, as we may be overrating the team due to their amazing stretch run. People forget that everybody was hating on the team for months until they suddenly turned it around.
We all want #3 to happen, although I just don’t see it happening. They probably won’t come close to a Stanley Cup next season anyway, but it would be a major boost if they shot up in the standings.
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