Ottawa Senators: 42 games played, 50 points
Last but not least, the Ottawa Senators.
The Senators have only gone 5-5-0 in their last ten games played, but they have won their last three contests. Paul “the stash” MacLean has brought the Detroit Red Wings system over with some tweaks of his own.
Their season has been a tough one, losing both Jason Spezza (back surgery) and Erik Karlsson (achilles tendon) for the majority of the season. Still, Captain Daniel Alfredsson has lead the team (third in points) with the help of veteran defenseman Sergei Gonchar (second in points) in their absence. The key to their success is the help they receive from everyone, with sixteen players each having at least 10 points. With scoring coming from all lines, opponents cannot hone in on one line, but are tasked with having to try and neutralize all lines.
Goaltending is by far the focus of the team, who currently have the second-least goals scored against with 91. This is impressive considering number one goalie Craig Anderson missed some time due to injury, and both Ben Bishop and Robin Lehner stepped up in his absence. A goalie trade later and a healthy return, Anderson is back in net going 2-2-0, with one of those wins being a shutout.
Key Match-ups: Perhaps having the toughest remaining schedule of all the teams, the Senators need to win at least one of two games against the Washington Capitals. Facing both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins are must win games.
