NHL Season Preview: Ottawa Senators

Ottawa Senators

Last Season's standings: record- 52-21-9 for 113 points. The Ottawa Senators were 1st in both the Northeast Division and the Eastern Conference. They were 2nd overall in the NHL to the mighty Detroit Red Wings.

In: Joe Corvo D (prev. team LA Kings); Martin Gerber G (prev. team: Carolina Hurricanes); Jason Spezza F; Ray Emery G; Jeff Heerema F; Neil Komadoski D; Neil Petruic D; Bobby Robins F; Chris Kelly F; Christoph Schubert D; Chris Neil F; Peter Schaefer F; Wade Redden D; Dean McAmmond F (prev. team St. Louis Blues); Sergei Payer F (prev. team: Florida Panthers); Tom Preissing D (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Josh Hennessey D (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Michal Barinka D (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks)

Out: Zdeno Chara D (new team: Boston Bruins); Brian Pothier D (new team: Washington Capitals); Tyler Arnason F (new team: Colorado Avalanche); Dominik Hasek G (new team: Detroit Red Wings); Filip Novak D (new team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Brian Smolinski F (via trade w/ Chicago Blachawks); Martin Havlat F (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Glen Metrpolit F (new team: Atlanta Thrashers); Mike Morrison G (new team: Phoenix Coyotes)

Season Outlook: Good. The Ottawa Senators entered the off-season with a huge dillemma with two of their star players in Chara and Spezza and whether they'd be able to keep both. The answer came July 1st when Chara bolted for bigger dollars in Boston. They replaced him with respected d-man Joe Corvo. They also traded for Tom Preissing, Josh Hennessey and Michal Barinka, who should all play a role in filling Chara's big skates (no pun intended). In net, the Senators got a little younger by letting dinosaur oalie Dom. Hasek, who was past his prime 5-6 seasons ago, walk. The Senators should have three solid lines who can contribute offensively. Schaefer has a solid defensive mind set and will kill penalties. Like many teams, goaltending is a question mark that will be answered very quickly. Both goalies are career back-ups. On defense Philips and Redden anchor a younger defensive core. Preissing and Allison should provide some depth.

Season Prediction: The Ottawa Senators should have enough of a balanced team to repeat as champs of their division and the Eastern Conference.