Benttheknee
Registered User
As Sens fan recognize the review is not terribly accurate. So what we can learn from this is how the Sens are perceived by fans outside of Ottawa, and perhaps Toronto and Montreal.
Summer Moves
Ryan was acquired by trade (not important)
Goalies
Anderson was great, but he was also injured for half the year. The backups were also outstanding for the Sens.
The depth has diminished substantially, but since Anderson was injured for half the season anyways, the result is about the same.
Defense
Karlsson has some numbness and it is worrisome at least for the short term. He should be getting skating stronger as the season progresses and the nerves develop.
Methot will be paired with Karlsson, and his invite to Team Canada training camp demostrates how good he is.
Cowen is coming off a lost season due to injury, he may take a while to get into form, perhaps there is some long term issue, but he should be fine.
Wiercioch has had an impressive off season/preseason, he will pair with Cowen, and look for him to dial it up this season.
Phillips/Gryba and Corvo whould round out the bottom pair, while Boroweicki provides dependable depth.
Depth wise the team is not as strong as last year, but again, the long term injuries tapped into the depth and so once again the lack of depth is moot.
Speed on the defense is where you are way off base. Methot is very good, Cowen and Weircioch are fine, while Phillips and Gryba are perhaps a little slower than average. Corvo gets around fine. Overall skating wise, I think the team is above average.
Blood will not see time in the NHL, likely ever. Ceci and Claesson are after Borocop.
Forwards
Is health on teh top line an issue? Absolutely it is. The Sens have to hope that they are healthy in April.
Turris will be paired with MacArthur and likely Conacher. A competent 2nd line each capable of 18-22 goals. and 45-55 points each.
As for the secondary scoring, you missed the mark here. What the Sens have is a lot of guys that are very competent and can provide above average offense from the bottom six. There is a great blend of skill, toughness and defensive accumen in the bottom 6.
As for depth, the Sens have excellent depth.
Kudos for picking DaCosta as making the jump. I thought it would be Hoffman.
Special Teams
Your comment on Ryan, while accurate in terms of stats didn't take into account that he battled a stomach ailment that he picked up on a trip to Asia last year. Expect him to get back to his scoring self.
IMO your predictions are fine, though I think the Sens will compete for a higher position than you suggest. I actually think they can take their Division as Boston may struggle with a cup hangover and they didn't exactly run away with it last season.
2-7th in the east.
I hope you take this criticism well. It is interesting to see a perspective from an outsider.
Summer Moves
Ryan was acquired by trade (not important)
Goalies
Anderson was great, but he was also injured for half the year. The backups were also outstanding for the Sens.
The depth has diminished substantially, but since Anderson was injured for half the season anyways, the result is about the same.
Defense
Karlsson has some numbness and it is worrisome at least for the short term. He should be getting skating stronger as the season progresses and the nerves develop.
Methot will be paired with Karlsson, and his invite to Team Canada training camp demostrates how good he is.
Cowen is coming off a lost season due to injury, he may take a while to get into form, perhaps there is some long term issue, but he should be fine.
Wiercioch has had an impressive off season/preseason, he will pair with Cowen, and look for him to dial it up this season.
Phillips/Gryba and Corvo whould round out the bottom pair, while Boroweicki provides dependable depth.
Depth wise the team is not as strong as last year, but again, the long term injuries tapped into the depth and so once again the lack of depth is moot.
Speed on the defense is where you are way off base. Methot is very good, Cowen and Weircioch are fine, while Phillips and Gryba are perhaps a little slower than average. Corvo gets around fine. Overall skating wise, I think the team is above average.
Blood will not see time in the NHL, likely ever. Ceci and Claesson are after Borocop.
Forwards
Is health on teh top line an issue? Absolutely it is. The Sens have to hope that they are healthy in April.
Turris will be paired with MacArthur and likely Conacher. A competent 2nd line each capable of 18-22 goals. and 45-55 points each.
As for the secondary scoring, you missed the mark here. What the Sens have is a lot of guys that are very competent and can provide above average offense from the bottom six. There is a great blend of skill, toughness and defensive accumen in the bottom 6.
As for depth, the Sens have excellent depth.
Kudos for picking DaCosta as making the jump. I thought it would be Hoffman.
Special Teams
Your comment on Ryan, while accurate in terms of stats didn't take into account that he battled a stomach ailment that he picked up on a trip to Asia last year. Expect him to get back to his scoring self.
IMO your predictions are fine, though I think the Sens will compete for a higher position than you suggest. I actually think they can take their Division as Boston may struggle with a cup hangover and they didn't exactly run away with it last season.
2-7th in the east.
I hope you take this criticism well. It is interesting to see a perspective from an outsider.
