This certainly is not a "quiet brag" thread or an "I told you so" thread. But with perhaps the most tumultuous two seasons in franchise history now in the rear view mirror, and expectations at an all time low, the Sens have quietly come out smelling like roses so far this season.
DJ Smith has started to change the culture in Ottawa into one of a hardworking, blue collar team that makes teams pay physically. Aside from a small handful of games this season, they have been right there in every game, and rarely look like they are getting badly outworked. The shots against have finally started to taper down too - they were they worst in the league for several years straight. This is something that the last 4 coaches have tried and failed to do for the Sens, so its definitely noteworthy for Sens fans. And most of all, hes not afraid to bench vets.
Winning games is a bit of a divisive issue among Sens fans right now considering the need to get a high draft pick this year. But I dont think anyone expects them to keep winning games consistently, especially not once they start trading off guys like Pageau before the TDL (who has inflated his value to that of a 1st round pick at this point).
Who would have thought in a million years that after 22gp, the Sens would have 10 wins to Toronto's 9 (in 23gp
). Go Sens Go