25 replies to this topic

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros]

These guys have been playing great hockey lately. They sit 2nd in the Northeast Divison (3 points behind Boston) and 5th in the Eastern Conference. 7-1-2 in their last 10. Everyone (Including myself) wrote them off to be cellar dwellars at the beginning of the season. At age 39, Daniel Alfredsson has continued to put up solid numbers. He's scored 33 points in 39 games so far. Jason Spezza seems back on track with 46 points in 45 games. Milan Michalek has really stepped up as well, with 31 points (23 goals) in 40 games. Since arriving from Phoenix, Kyle Turris has scored 8 points in 12 games with the Sens. Their grinders have produced offensively as well, while maintaining an in-your-face type of game. Nick Foligno has scored 27 points in 45 games. Zack Smith has 21 points in 45 games. Zenon Konopka and Chris Neil have provided constant physical play, as well as keeping the flies off younger guys like Erik Condra, Colin Greening, and Bobby Butler.

On defense, Erik Karlsson has been having a spectacular year offensively, with 43 points in 44 games. Jared Cowen has really established himself as an up and coming talent. Chris Phillips and Sergei Gonchar have served as mentors for the younger guys, and it all seems to be working out.

Also, Craig Anderson has been having a solid year in goal.

Their penalty kill and their power play are mediocre, but they play pretty well 5 on 5.

Paul Maclean and his staff have done a great job with this team.

Do you guys think they can continue this play in the second half of the season?

[Travis]

I can't help but feel like this team is destined for a fall. I'm happy to see them competing, but I'm just not sure they can keep up the pace.

I'm actually currently ironing out a trade for Craig Anderson in my fantasy league, so if anything - it'll be my fault.

[rick zombo]

Early Adam's finalist for sure.

[redwingfan19]

They really have been great so far. Hoping they can keep this up to see a battle of Ontario match-up in the 1st round, that would be epic.

[GMRwings1983]

Them and Florida are both surprises.

I thought Ottawa would be the worst team in the league this season. On paper, their roster didn't look that good.

[F.Michael]

I'm a firm believer it's a combo of Paul Maclean's moustache, and the Sens 3rd Retro jerseys that has given them the ability to be where they are today

[T-Ruff]

From what I've seen and read they are only getting better and gaining confidence. This is evident with their shutout of the #1 Rangers last night, I don't think they'll slip out too easily.

[rick zombo]

From what I've seen and read they are only getting better and gaining confidence. This is evident with their shutout of the #1 Rangers last night, I don't think they'll slip out too easily.

Yup.

They're getting three things they haven't had in a while:

- good coaching
- consistent goaltending
- balanced scoring

[cusimano_brothers]

No credit for him? Good!

[achildr1]

I'm a firm believer it's a combo of Paul Maclean's moustache, and the Sens 3rd Retro jerseys that has given them the ability to be where they are today

Well said. They finally paid homage to their heritage and its their best jersey to date. Been begging for this for years, especially after that "SENS" debacle. Maclean came from us...duh.

[Crymson]

It appears, at this stage, that they may have finally won the Heatley trade.

[St. Michael (the Red Wing)]

Definitely a surprise this year if not the biggest and I don't mind it. For some reason I've always felt sorry for Ottawa. Always. Good to see Maclean having some success early on too. But it's hard to think this might be some sort of fluke year. I don't know. Good for them though....

[MabusIncarnate]

I've watched the Sens play a handful of times this year, I think the unexpected play and production out of Greening and Foligno is the kind of boost that team needed. The pair have combined for 51 points and 206 hits, and are still very young players. As long as they don't make any stupid deals they are looking promising and I do think Ottawa will continue to sustain for the rest of the season.

[Kira]

I'd like to think that Paul MacLean took a lot of what he learned here and applied it to the Sens.

[Hank Dats 'N Homer]

I'd like to think that Paul MacLean took a lot of what he learned here and applied it to the Sens.

Call it tooting our own organizations horn, or what have you, but id have to agree with this.

[Rubbel_die_Katz]

i am impressed too. I still have the "rebuild-mode" in my head. Quick rebuild ... we will see how enduring this is.

[Ram]

Panthers and Blues are biggest surprises. And how about Tampa? Didn't think they'd be last in the conference.

[akustyk]

Sens and Blues were stacked with decent prospects who just needed a good coach to melt them into decent teams.
I'd say Blues did surprise me... that it took them that long to reach this level. I expected them to be good last season already.
as for Sens... right now they seem to be performing above the usual development curve. good for them.
I pretty much expect them to reach the playoffs without much trouble and then exit in 1st round because of insufficient
experience of the youngsters. it'll be 2012-13 that will show if they're here to become real contenders. or just pretenders


having said that... I'll be cheering for them come playoffs. can't say the same about the Blues...

Edited by akustyk, 17 January 2012 - 04:20 PM.

[Bring Back The Bruise Bros]

They sit 6th in the East at the break.

[cusimano_brothers]

The Rangers get my vote. However, that other shoe may still drop.