2012-13 record: 25-17-6 (56 points)
Lost to Pittsburgh in Conference semi-finals
Captain: Jason Spezza
The Ottawa Senators had a rough go of last season, losing Jason Spezza, Erik Karlsson, Milan Michalek, and Jared Cowen to injury for much of the season, yet made the playoffs and managed to pull off an upset of the second seed Montreal Canadiens in the opening round. All four are expected to be at full strength to begin this season, but they will have to do so without longtime captain Daniel Alfredsson, who left for a chance at a Stanley Cup with new division rival Detroit. Spezza takes over as captain, and in addition to trying to recreate his 2011-12 campaign, he will also have some added responsibilities. Chris Phillips and Chris Neil, two of the the three Sens lifers remaining (Spezza is the other) should help him out, as they are the alternate captains. Karlsson is going to be the most watched player as he will be a few months out from recovering from a severed Achilles on February 13. His offense from the blue line will be an important part of what Ottawa wants to do on offense. The beneficiaries here include Spezza, Bobby Ryan, Kyle Turris, and Clarke MacArthur. Defensively, Marc Methot proved to be a solid shutdown defender and he will allow Karlsson to do what he does best offensively. Cowen is just now beginning to tap into his potential, but it will be interesting how well he plays after losing most of the season due to a hip injury. Goaltending is in good hands, as Craig Anderson is a Vezina candidate every year...provided he remains healthy, which didn't happen last year, as he missed a few games after cutting his hand while trying to cut a frozen chicken. Robin Lehner is the backup, and he is here to stay after the Sens traded Ben Bishop at the trade deadline last season.
Prospects: The Sens have been unafraid to play prospects as a means to get them meaningful experience in the NHL. Jean-Gabriel Pageau got a cup of coffee during the regular season and shined during the playoffs. He is undersized for a center, so it will be interesting how well he holds up during a full season. Mark Stone and Stephane Da Costa are facing make or break years, particularly Da Costa, as neither have been able to stick with the big club for a sustained period of time. Mark Borowiecki could see time on the blue line, as the Sens have a need for sandpaper, and the sixth defender is Joe Corvo. Matt Puempel and Cody Ceci are still at least a year away from making a jump to the NHL.
Prediction: 3rd in the Atlantic Division
The Sens made the playoffs despite injuries to significant players. This year, the adversity that faces them is in the form of losing Alfredsson, the face of the franchise for much of their existence. Spezza, Neil, and Phillips remain, and those three should help the rest of the team focus on the task at hand. There is potential for a deep run, but everything needs to go right for that to happen.
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