SJS:

0

WPG:

0

1st

13:53

EDM:

0

BUF:

0

1st

13:45

CGY:

0

DAL:

0

08:30 ET

OTT:

0

CHI:

0

09:00 ET

NSH:

0

VAN:

0

10:30 ET

WSH:

0

LAK:

0

10:30 ET

Senators Progressing In the Murky Middle

Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Ottawa Senators and their fans had a lot to look forward to going into this season.

They have a young and talented roster, they upgraded their goaltending with Cam Talbot, they added the likes of Claude Giroux and Alex DeBrincat, and it was a brand new start. Everyone was expecting them to be competitive, and with good reason.

For the most part, the Senators have done a good job of giving their fans hope for both the present and future of this franchise. Despite playing in the top-heavy Atlantic Division, the team has done a solid job of playing competitive hockey and staying somewhat in the hunt for a playoff spot.

As of this writing (Wednesday, January 4), the team is 18-17-3, which is good for 39 points. They are one point behind the fourth place Buffalo Sabres and five points out of the second wild card spot, which is currently being held by the New York Islanders.

One reason the team has been playing well this season is their goaltending. With a tandem of Talbot and Anton Forsberg, no one knew what to expect, but for the most part, they have done their job of keeping their team in games this season and giving them every opportunity to win.

Talbot, 35, is 10-9-0-1 with a 2.74 goals-against average, a .911 save percentage, and one shutout. Forsberg, 30, is 7-8-0-2 with a 2.91 goals-against average, a .914 save percentage, and one shutout. Those are not bad numbers, considering the team gives up 32.4 shots per game.

What is also impressive is that the Senators have five forwards that have at least 30 points. Players like Brady Tkachuk (39 points), Claude Giroux (36 points), Alex DeBrincat (36 points), Drake Batherson (36 points), and Tim Stutzle have all been producing consistently this season.

Speaking of Giroux, he has been a perfect fit for this hockey club. He has provided great leadership, experience, and offensive production to what is a very young hockey team.

The Senators have also been good on special teams play this season. They have the league’s fourth best power play (28 percent) and eighth best penalty kill (82.1 percent).

It will be interesting to see what the team does moving forward. Since they are in a division with the likes of the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning, it is hard to truly gain any ground.

With that said, the Senators are finally headed in the right direction. They may not make the Stanley Cup playoffs this season, but they are certainly closer than they have ever been in a really long time.

Trade Deadline Eve Cue’ the Duck Boats Pod

Episode 54 is here and the boys break down the Bruins adding Tyler Bertuzzi, Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno Injury updates, and Pastrnaks contract extension. Followed up with a tour around the NHL and breaking down the MOUNTAIN of trades that happened since last episode.DraftKings Sportsbook – Boston’s hometown Sportsbook will be LIVE – soon – right here in Massachusetts! Bet local on all your favorite sports from the comfort of your own home with DraftKings. To celebrate, ALL new customers will receive up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets when you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using code insidetherink! Soon you’ll be able to bet local on money lines, spreads, props, and more with one of America’s top-rated Sportsbooks – DraftKings Sportsbook!  Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up with code ITR to get up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS bets to use once mobile sports betting hits Massachusetts. That’s code insidetherink only at DraftKings Sportsbook.  If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, call (800) 327-5050 or visit (https://helplinema.org/) to speak with a trained specialist free and confidentially twenty four seven. 21+. Physically present in MA. Eligibility restrictions apply. Subject to regulatory licensing requirements. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. Opt in required. Bonus issued as free bets. Terms at draftkings.com/ma.
  1. Trade Deadline Eve
  2. Donny Deals Strikes Again
  3. Trade Winds are Swirling
  4. Interview w/Bruins' Jack Ahcan
  5. Half Way There

Patrick Hoffman

Patrick covers the NHL for Inside The Rink. He has previously covered the league for The Ultimate Hockey Fan Cave, WTP Sports, Sportsnet.ca, Kukla’s Korner, Spector’s Hockey, NHL Network Radio blog, TheHockeyNews.com, The Fourth Period, Stan Fischler’s “The Fischler Report”, as well as a slew of others.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lightning Dominated in Loss to Hurricanes; Is this Rock Bottom?

After a game that saw coach Jon Cooper bench his top line for the entire third period 24 hours ago, a better effort was expected Sunday in Raleigh. Instead, the Tampa Bay Lightning laid another egg in a 6-0 shutout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. That leads some to question if this is rock bottom […]

Read More

This Week On Oilers Hockey: 21

Except for Saturday’s loss, this past week looked like a statement week for the Oilers. They held their own against the Bruins, the best team in the East. That night’s physical element made the Mattias Ekholm trade a perfect fit. Then, against the Maple Leafs and the first of that back-to-back against the Jets, they […]

Read More

Player Profile: Johnny Beecher

With the 30th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins selected center Johnny Beecher. Born on April 5th,2001, the Elmira, New York native was seen as a future top-six center for the Bruins as he has many attributes that should translate to the NHL level. The Bruins organization lacked center prospects, […]

Read More