Many were expecting the Ottawa Senators to have a dreadful season in the shortened 2020/21 campaign. It wasn’t the best, but they did not disappoint like many expected them to.
Seen as almost certainties to finish bottom of the North Division, they avoided that, finishing one point ahead of Vancouver. In terms of their overall league position, eight teams finished below the Senators, again, better than most expected from them.
With a few weeks to go until the new hockey season, many fans are still enjoying themselves elsewhere, taking in different hobbies before puck drop. For sports fans, sports themed hobbies are always popular, such as sports themed casino gaming. This Casino Days information details more about the games they have on offer, including those for sports fans, before the Senators take to the ice for game one of 82 next month.
There are two key areas where the Senators will be hoping to show real improvement. The first is certainly in goal. Since his trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Matt Murray has really struggled to find his form in Ottawa.
On countless occasions last season, the Sens looked to have a chance of winning the game before Murray let a soft one or two in and the game was over. He’s a Stanley Cup winning netminder, we know his abilities but for whatever reason, we didn’t see them last season. If that changes, it will be a real positive for the team.
Secondly, the team needs more from their young players.
With talks that the rebuild in Ottawa is over, the players who are put on the ice need to show that is indeed true, even if some fans still have reservations about it. That means we need even more from the likes of Tim Stützle, Connor Brown, Drake Batherson and Josh Norris.
The current contract dispute with Brady Tkachuk also needs to come to an end, he is key on this team, and without him, the Sens don’t look the same force.
With better net minding and a step forward from their main young forwards, the Ottawa Senators will be hoping to show they are a better team on the ice this season. But how will that translate into points and a position in the table?
One thing going against Ottawa this season is a return to their old division. That includes Toronto, Montreal, Boston and Tampa Bay, four teams who are expected to make the postseason.
With that in mind, even though some people will tell you the rebuild is over here, the Senators still look set to struggle. They won’t hit rock bottom, but finishing around 23rd, just like they did last season, seems to be a realistic expectation to place on the team.
As for divisional standings, having the Buffalo Sabres in with them should be enough to stop the Sens from finishing bottom of the Atlantic.
