2013-14 record: 37-31-14 (88 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: TBA
The Ottawa Senators were expected to build upon a 2013 season that saw them make the Conference semi-finals. Instead, the defection of Daniel Alfredsson in the off-season, combined with some dysfunction in the locker room led to the Senators missing the playoffs last season and now with them looking for a new captain...again, the future of the team this season is uncertain. They have youth on their side, but it's time for them to deliver, as Jason Spezza and mid-season acquisition Ales Hemsky left for Dallas. Where Ottawa needs improvement from the most is from the blue line backwards, as they were 27th in the league on defense. The blue line on paper, should be a solid unit. However, they weren't all that great, though the normally reliable goaltending had something to do with it. A fully healthy Erik Karlsson and a more focused Jared Cowen will be key to the team's successes from the blue line this season. As for goaltending, no goaltender had a GAA below 3.00, and though Craig Anderson signed an extension in the off-season, he will still be pressed by Robin Lehner, who is the team's future in goal.
Prediction: 4th in the Atlantic Division
If everything breaks right, the Senators will be back in the playoffs. However, there is a lot of questions that have to be answered, and coach Paul MacLean will have to have the full faith of the players once again.
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