2014-2015 Overall Record: 43-26-13 (99 Points) 7th in the Eastern Conference

***Lost Against the Montreal Canadiens in GM 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal***

Ottawa Senators: 2014-2015 Team Leaders

Notable Offseason Losses:

G Robin Lehner (New Team: Buffalo Sabres)

F David Legwand (New Team: Buffalo Sabres)

D Eric Gryba (New Team: Edmonton Oilers)

F Erik Condra (New Team: Tampa Bay Lightning)

Notable Offseason Acquisitions:

F Eric O’Dell (Former Team: Winnipeg Jets)

Main Team Stats Breakdown:

GFA (Goals For Average): 2.77 (NHL Ranking: 9th)

GAA (Goals Against Average): 2.48 (NHL Ranking: 13th)

SV% (Save Percentage): .921 (NHL Ranking: 4th)

Last season, one of the two biggest stories came out of Ottawa. Andrew Hammond, AKA “The Hamburglar,” took the NHL by storm. During his run, Hammond went 20-1-2, posting a 1.79 goals against average and a .941 save percentage. The NHL is definitely a team oriented sport, where every aspect is as important as the next. However, without Hammond’s play, the Ottawa Senators would not have been in the Playoffs last season.

Many may be surprised by my projection for this team. Especially, since news around the league is that it’s still Craig Anderson’s net to lose. The projection is based off of the assessment that the team as a whole will only get better. Even if Erik Karlsson (66 points) only does somewhat better, this will more than help the Senators maximize gameplay and overall effectiveness. Things really clicked at the end of last season for the Senators. Players like Mark Stone, Kyle Turris and Mike Hoffman really stepped up when needed last season, as well as many others. This team reminds me of the Calgary Flames, as far as organizational gameplay. Not too many big name players, but a team that gives it their all and plays with a chip on their shoulder night in and night out. Many have differing views, but from what Ottawa showed they could do, it’s doubtful that it was a fluke. If it was, than Minnesota seems to be in the same predicament as well. Look for the Senators to further surprise next season.

2015-2016 Season Projection: 3rd in the Atlantic Division

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