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OTTAWA
SENATORS
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Record: 48-21-9-4, 2nd in East; 4th
overall
Incoming: Zdeno Chara, Chris Herperger,
Bill Muckalt, Chris Neil, Petr Schastlivy,
Jason Spezza
Outgoing: Andreas Dackell, Mike Sillinger,
Alexei Yashin, Jason York, Rob Zamuner.
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The
Senators future is first-round draft pick
Jason Spezza. |
Goaltending
(B): While Patrick Lalime's name doesn't invoke
the same fear in opponents as Patrick Roy or Dominik
Hasek, Ottawa management doesn't have to worry
about its duo of Lalime and Jani Hurme in goal.
If Lalime happens to fall into a slump, Hurme
is more that able to pick up the slack. He was
12-5 with a 2.50 G.A.A and .904 save percentage.
Defence (B+): Under coach Jacques Martin,
the Sens have developed into one of the finest
defensive teams in the league. Wade Redden heads
up a unit that features a number of stable, solid
blueliners. Curtis Leschyshyn signed a new deal
with the Sens. A lot is expected from Ottawa's
most reliable defenceman last season, rookie Karel
Rachunek. Six-foot-nine Zdeno Chara will bring
some more size and intimidation to the blue line.
Offence (B+): To the delight of Ottawa
fans, Alexei Yashin is now with the New York Islanders.
While the nine-year relationship between the player
and the team was anything but blissful, the Sens
will have to replace his scoring touch around
the net.
Sure, Ottawa is thin up the middle, with Radek
Bonk the only scoring threat at centre, but the
Sens have more than enough firepower to make due
without Yashin.
The Sens have four potential 30-goal players in
the lineup, with future star Marian Hossa leading
the pack. Veterans Daniel Alfredsson and Shawn
McEachern are good for at least 25 goals a year,
while more offensive support is expected from
Magnus Arvedson and Martin Havlat. Don't forget
about second overall pick Jason Spezza.
Game
Breaker: Patrick Lalime
The 27-year-old goaltender is the real deal. There
was much doubt last season about whether he could
handle the No. 1 job. Not only did Lalime prove
that he was capable, but he turned into Ottawa's
best player and was one of the main reasons why
the team battled the New Jersey Devils for top
spot in the Eastern Conference last season. He
should be able to repeat that form this year.
Prediction: 7th in the Eastern Conference
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Hockey Night in Canada 