The Sens will be battling for the final playoff spot, and I can see them missing out. But of course I'm hoping they make it!
The team is similar to last season, except that a lot of things seemed to go right last year (ie. better than expected). Last year was amazing with all the all-star excitement, and we got awesome seasons out of Spezza, Karlsson, Michalek and Alfredsson. Chances are, they won't all have that same level of production this year. The loss of Cowen also hurts. I hope Wiercioch and/or Borowiecki can step in and contribute, as well as Silfverberg up front.
Regardless, it's going to be another very exciting team to watch!