WRITTEN BY SENSCHIRP READER- BOOM
What now?
In a season where we have witnessed the Sens playing as well as they possibly can, and as poorly as they possibly can – sometimes in consecutive nights, it seems like opinions of where this team is, and in which direction they should be going are as varied as the results have been thus far.
Optimists point to the emergence of some of their younger players into more prominent roles, and the promise of more prospects on the horizon. It can’t be denied that players like Turris and Zibanejad up front, and Ceci and Boroweicki on the back end, have shown that the future is bright in the nation’s capital.
Pessimists point to the apparent decline in players who, for the most part, make up the leadership core of this group. Spezza, Phillips, Michalek, have all had disappointing seasons, so far, and show no signs of improvement. Pessimists will also point to the disappointing seasons of a couple of defensemen who were counted on to be regulars this year – Wiercioch and Gryba. (What is interesting, however, is how the coach handles these players, but that may be a story for another day…)
Given the inconsistencies noted above, I guess the question revolves around what type of move would you prefer the Sens try to make? Should they make a move that they feel gives them a legitimate chance at the cup this year, and give up prospects (similar to the Bobby Ryan deal)? Or, should they go for more of “long term” strategy and try to strengthen themselves where they see a current weakness.
Some would suggest that the glaring need is for a top 4 D – should they (can they?) package together some players/prospects and try to make this happen? Recent quotes from GM and, to a lesser extent, the owner, suggest that the organization is willing to spend money NOW in an effort to make a run at the cup before Bryan Murray term is up.
My question is – should they? I guess it comes down to where you think the Senators are, in terms of being legitimate contenders. How many players away are we?
Are we close enough yet?
