Don’t look now, but the Ottawa Senators are inching closer to a spot in the postseason.
With about a quarter of the NHL season in the books, there have been many developments so far. Some brimming with surprise and intrigue, while others prove that some things just don’t change. But, one of the nice surprises so far is that of the Ottawa Senators.
Let’s face it, the road has been bumpy for a while now for Sens fans. Long gone are the days of Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson, and Jason Spezza crushing the league. And even though they had quite a run three years ago, it was quite surprising and left them where they usually are.
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Having missed the playoffs three of the last four seasons, last year was especially devastating. After all, not only were the Senators were dead last in the league, but they weren’t able to select one of the top draft picks for their future. Adversity has been well known in the Ottawa region, to say the least.
When you look at the past roster of this team it is somewhat surprising to see how poorly they’ve faired. After all, this is a team that in the past two seasons has had players like Erik Karlsson, Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman, Matt Duchene, Ryan Dzingel, and Derick Brassard, to name a few.
But, for one reason or another, the team has struggled to keep a consistent threatening presence in the league. And when you look at their division, according to most experts, there isn’t much chance. The Senators have to overcome the Bruins, Lightning, and Leafs.
This year, the Bruins have maintained their dominance, but the other two are sluggish. But, taking their place are the Panthers, Canadiens, and Sabres. It’s easy to think all hope is lost, but I think it isn’t. Although they are in the most competitive division, in my opinion, I think they have a real shot at the playoffs.
In case you didn’t know, in their last 10 games, the Senators have more wins than the mighty Bruins, Sabres, Penguins, and Avalanche, to name a few. Now, I know scheduling and many other components could be responsible, but here are three ways the ascension could stick.
1. More Powerplay
The Ottawa Senators rank dead last in the league on the man advantage. The 8.3% in downright insane. The absolutely laughable rate is actually almost a full percentage lower than the worst powerplay in league history, by the 1997-98 Tampa Bay Lightning. Now, that’s over a full season but this has to be a wake up call.
It takes time to get used to losing the weapons they used to have, but until they fix the powerplay, they are continually doomed. It’s actually worth noting that the Senators only have two losses by one goal. If their powerplay weren’t dead, maybe they could have won, but at the very least they could take some of those larger games into overtime.
The fact that the Senators only have one player with more than one powerplay goal is appalling, but it’s almost worse that only four players have scored one at all. While it’s true that the man advantage has been an issue before this season, it needs to be fixed now. Montreal fixed theirs, and Ottawa can too. If the Sens do, their record might look like that of the Canadiens.
2. More Pageau
I’m not sure that people understand just how good Jean-Gabriel Pageau truly is. He is one of those players you can put in any situation. If you need a goal, throw him on. If you are shorthanded, he’s a must. And, when it comes to leadership, his teammates listen.
Of all Sens, the only ones with more tenure are Craig Anderson and Mark Borowiecki. The difference is that Pageau is the most needed by his team. He has 25% more goals than his next closest teammate and he does it with the most responsibility of all Sens forwards.
And the biggest praise to his game might be his defense. If you didn’t know this already, despite playing for a basement team, Pageau is leading the league in plus-minus. At +16, his next closest teammate is a +7, with half the points as Pageau. He is also the only forward on the team above a +3.
This team needs as much Pageau as they can take. With young players like Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot, it’s easy to overlook him. But it’s time people recognize just how great Pageau is.
3. More Nilsson
As of November 20th, no one has won more games in the last month than Anders Nilsson. It should be shocking, but this is how he plays. Now with his sixth NHL team, I’m hoping the Senators realize what they have in the Swedish netminder.
With the Islanders, he had a higher winning percentage than Evgeni Nabokov. With the Edmonton Oilers, it was the same thing between him and Cam Talbot. Then, with the Sabres, he had a better save percentage and goals-against average than Robin Lehner. And now with the Senators, he is crushing Anderson in all categories.
Now, it is notable that being a backup and a starter are two different things. If he played as many games as the starters on those other teams, his stats may have suffered, but I’ve seen enough to be a believer.
Facts are facts, Anderson has been amazing for the club. He downright carried them at times and there was portions where he was the best goalie in the league. But all good things have to come to an end. Nilsson is almost ten years younger, he’s cheaper, and he has double the wins. It’s time to make the move to Nilsson.