All I Want For Christmas...
0 Comments Published by Dany Heatley Speedwagon on Friday, December 23, 2011 at 3:25 PM.
...is a playoff spot. Okay so maybe I'm better off asking for a pony, but please entertain me for a second if you will.
The Senators are currently sitting 7th (SEVENTH!) in the NHL. They aren't just in the playoffs, they've got a cushion! (please don't mention 35 GP, it's Christmas, just let me go with it)
At 17-14-4 the Senators are 3 games over .500 (I don't understand the math either) and have a favorable schedule on the horizon. With a game in Carolina tonight, then Montreal, Calgary and Buffalo all up after the Christmas break the Sens have a real chance to put themselves in a place no one thought they'd even be close to at the beginning fo the season.
On paper clearly this Senators team doesn't look like they should be a contender. They're somewhat laughable when you stack them up next to a roster like the Bruins, Rangers or Flyers but here's the thing: The east is bad. Perrenial playoff lock Washington appears lost this year. The Sabres are looking for their receipt for Ville Leino. The Tampa Bay Lightning are learning that maybe you can't replicate last seasons's success with a 40+ goalie.
Meanwhile the Senators just seem to have the ingredients right now they've always lacked. They are getting scoring up and down the lineup (11 players in double digit points, 4 in double digit goals), they have a capable puck moving defenseman (who is still making the sophmore mistakes, give it time) and they're winning games they should be but usually don't (taking advantage of a depleted Pens team 6-4 at home and winning a big game in OT against Southeast leaders Florida).
While it might be crazy to think this team which is largely unchanged from the one that started the season (and was anticipated to be only slightly better than Winnipeg) is able to make the playoffs, I'd argue it could very well be where we are headed if the Sens step on the gas coming off the yule season. Granted as I've said before, making the playoffs will more than likely end in being a minor speed bump for an elite east team, I see no reason not to be elated at the chance to watch hockey in spring. Sure the Senators don't have a very realistic chance at hoisting the cup in 2012, but what's wrong with getting the kids a little playoff experience sooner rather than later.
So, who else wants a pony for Christmas?
The Senators are currently sitting 7th (SEVENTH!) in the NHL. They aren't just in the playoffs, they've got a cushion! (please don't mention 35 GP, it's Christmas, just let me go with it)
At 17-14-4 the Senators are 3 games over .500 (I don't understand the math either) and have a favorable schedule on the horizon. With a game in Carolina tonight, then Montreal, Calgary and Buffalo all up after the Christmas break the Sens have a real chance to put themselves in a place no one thought they'd even be close to at the beginning fo the season.
On paper clearly this Senators team doesn't look like they should be a contender. They're somewhat laughable when you stack them up next to a roster like the Bruins, Rangers or Flyers but here's the thing: The east is bad. Perrenial playoff lock Washington appears lost this year. The Sabres are looking for their receipt for Ville Leino. The Tampa Bay Lightning are learning that maybe you can't replicate last seasons's success with a 40+ goalie.
Meanwhile the Senators just seem to have the ingredients right now they've always lacked. They are getting scoring up and down the lineup (11 players in double digit points, 4 in double digit goals), they have a capable puck moving defenseman (who is still making the sophmore mistakes, give it time) and they're winning games they should be but usually don't (taking advantage of a depleted Pens team 6-4 at home and winning a big game in OT against Southeast leaders Florida).
While it might be crazy to think this team which is largely unchanged from the one that started the season (and was anticipated to be only slightly better than Winnipeg) is able to make the playoffs, I'd argue it could very well be where we are headed if the Sens step on the gas coming off the yule season. Granted as I've said before, making the playoffs will more than likely end in being a minor speed bump for an elite east team, I see no reason not to be elated at the chance to watch hockey in spring. Sure the Senators don't have a very realistic chance at hoisting the cup in 2012, but what's wrong with getting the kids a little playoff experience sooner rather than later.
So, who else wants a pony for Christmas?
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