Apr 26, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) faces off against Montreal Canadiens center David Desharnais (51) in game six of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Jay Nowak, Staff Writer
For the Ottawa Senators to improve on last years improbable run to the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, the team will need to focus on winning tight games in regulation or OT. Last season the Senators finished with 13 OTL’s ( Overtime Loses), that was 4th most in the Atlantic Division.
With a 1-Goal Game Win % of .457, The Senators need to focus on closing out games with a win. Had the Senators been able to win 50% of their OTL’s (or 6 games), they would have generated an additional 12 points, enough to pass the Montreal Canadiens for top spot in the Division (Ottawa 99 + 12 Additional = 111 Points, Montreal = 110 Points).
This year’s team will need to find that “never out of it” attitude that was familiar with the team during the past two months of last season. During the early part of last year, the Senators seemed complacent on sitting back in 1 goal games and playing not to lose. This team should be poised to be more offensive minded, and hopefully they’ll play every game for the two points instead of worrying about losing one.
Winning an additional six games a year is hard for any team and is easier said than done. This team will need to compete night in and night out to make sure they are one of the eight teams to make the playoffs this coming season.
Next: Final Thoughts