Are the Sens for real?

[lmanchur.]

Are the Ottawa Senators for real?

Some question their goaltending... this is Patrick Lalime's first job as a starting goalie since his rookie season two or three years ago.

What about the disappearance of their star players in the playoffs? Daniel Alfredsson had no points last year in the Sens 5-game series effort versus the Leafs, and Alexei Ca$hin'... excuse me... Alexei Yashin had no points in the Sens playoff 4-0 series loss to the Sabres two years ago.

Some question the team's offense, but they are steadily averaging 3.46 GP.

Many broadcasters say that they have the best transition game in the NHL.

However, the "grittiness," which many costed the Maple Leafs a birth to the Finals the past few years, is lacking also in the Senators this year.

Obviously, the Ottawa Senators are among the NHL's elite teams, currently 1st overall in the Eastern Conference. However, in their last 15 playoff games, they are only 3-12.

Can they turn it around? How far do you think the Sens will make it this year?

[Wedge231]

I don't see much difference this year, sorry. I think they will probably lose early in the playoffs, depends on who they face though.

[lmanchur.]

Originally posted by Wedge231
I don't see much difference this year, sorry. I think they will probably lose early in the playoffs, depends on who they face though.

Differences?

Well, to start with, a goalie that's been there all season (unlike last year, when they got Tom Barasso at the trade deadline).

8 players with 10 or more goals.

5 players with more than 45 points.

They got Yashin back.

Oh yeah! -- they're 1st in the East with 82 points in 70 games, and 3rd in the overall league standings, and only 91 points last year -- well on their way to their second 100-point season in history.

[Peck]

YEs they are, they might be the first canadian cup winner since like the crapandians or i mean canadians in 95. Look this year they have two good and YOUNG goalies in the system and everybody's here and healthy. Also there is no Ya$hin thing hanging over their heads.