Ottawa Senators Details
Before the 2016-17 began, most thought that the Ottawa Senators would miss the playoffs entirely, citing a lackluster offense as the team’s downfall. Even without a stellar offense last season – 22nd in the NHL in goals – the Ottawa Senators were a tough team to beat, often relying on a high-quality defense to win games. With 98 points, the Sens finished 2nd in the Atlantic Division and made a deep run in the playoffs. After a 4-2 first round series win over Boston, Ottawa beat the Rangers in round two, and lost an exciting seven-game series to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins in the Conference Finals. It was a successful season for the team that calls Ottawa’s Canadien Tire Centre “home.” However, naysayers are assuming that a lot of luck was involved and the Senators will be out to prove them wrong in 2017-18.
The core of the team returns after the success of last season, including center Kyle Turris. Turris finished last year with 27 goals and 28 assists. Winger Mark Stone finished the season with 22 goals and 32 assists in 71 games and Mike Hoffman tallied 26 goals and 35 assists over 74 games. Meanwhile, the nucleus of the defense is back as well. Two-way defenseman Erik Karlsson was stellar a year ago, leading the team in total points (71). His play on both sides of the ice will be crucial to the team’s success going forward. With a rookie in Colin White on the offense as well, the offense should see a bit of improvement and turn Ottawa into an even more dangerous team.