I actually think Ottawa might be a better team this year. The problem is (and there's more than one), is that this is a new league this year (new divisional rivals, new rules, etc) AND most teams in the NE have gotten better. I think the Sens aren't as doomed as they appear, however certain changes could and probably should be done eventually (Spezza, Anderson, and Cowen come to mind). Michalek has been horrid too, but in my mind he was never really wanted by Sens mgmt.
I believe this team is comparable to the Kings team that won the cup. That year they struggled, made two huge trades (that they overpaid for) and surprised everyone in the end. By my count, Ottawa is one more big trade away from possibly following that route.
As for comparing the defenses of both teams....no one had problems with doing this LAST YEAR. Sens just have some kinks to figure out, some players to develop (Ceci, Wiercioch, possibly Cowen if he's not traded), and with time they might even be better than the KIng's 'd'.
I can remember back in the day comparing Karlsson's rookie stats with Doughty's, arguing Karlsson's were better....and NOBODY agreed with me that the two were comparable then.
Now, most would probably say Karlsson's better. Hindsight being the key.
At least not this yr & IMO we are way to soft to be any where near as tough as LA.
