I don’t think it needs to be said that the Senators are having the kind of season that is so far beyond initial expectations that it is almost becoming ridiculous.
Most people thought this would be a season in which the senators would struggle to be competitive on a nightly basis, let alone be in the playoff picture in March. In almost every way possible, this Ottawa Senators team has been a pleasant surprise.
However, with the team sitting pretty in a playoff spot, it seems that some fans are waiting for their chance to say “I told you so”. After Sunday night’s loss to Florida in a game where the Sens just didn’t seem to have their usual drive, the mood on the Interwebs was confusing to say the least.
It seems that in a season that has exceeded expectations in every way imaginable there is still a sense among some in the Senators fan base that this type of season is counterproductive to the ultimate goal or the “big picture”.
It was suggested last night that having a successful season to date and continuing to win games and makes strides towards the playoffs may be counterproductive, and that perhaps the Senators have given up on the idea of rebuilding. Perhaps the Senators have decided that this surprising season is indicative of things to come. Maybe we don’t have to continue down the rebuilding path…MAYBE JIM O’BRIEN IS THE ANSWER!
But really, that is a load of garbage. This seasons Senators are just having a great year. Plain and simple.
The fact that our average players are having above average seasons cannot be looked upon with concern for the future. Nothing the organization has done has suggested that they intend to do anything other than continue their rebuild. Past trends of acquiring big contract UFA rental players at the deadline seemed to be a distant thought for this team. Trading future assets for a chance to win now doesn’t seem to be crossing the minds of the Senators brass. Overvaluing mediocre players with the chance to jeopardize future transactions doesn’t seem to be where this team is heading.
Instead smart hockey moves are being made to ensure that this season of surprise can be parlayed into future gains for the organization. Adding guys like Kyle Turris and Ben Bishop ensure that depth in two major areas of concern for the Ottawa Senators are addressed for many seasons to come. These types of moves show a renewed commitment to the rebuilding program more than anything else. There is always concern when you trade away an unproven prospect like David Rundblad, or future assets in the form of 2nd round picks, but when you can improve your team immediately and for the foreseeable future in 1 or 2 moves it’s hard to consider it a negative.
I find it hard to believe that some people think that having success with a team that shouldn’t be having any is a bad thing. We are winning with the team we have, not with a team that we had to acquire through trade or UFA signings. The Sens are almost at the cap floor and have incredible flexibility for the future and the ability to add pieces to fill holes in the future.
The future is bright. Be happy that this hasn’t been the most depressing season in Senators history as many, MANY people suggested it would be.
Love this team. Revel in this season. Relish a chance at the playoffs. I think you’ll find it’s much more enjoyable.
Let me know how you feel about this season in the comments or send me a note on Twitter @TomSENS
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- The Ottawa Senators were on the practice ice this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's game against the New York Rangers. Chris Phillips, Jason Spezza and Erik Karlsson were among the players that did not skate. Both Spezza and Karlsson took maintenance days while Chris Phillips is nursing a broken nose but is expected to play. Same goes for Jim O'Brien.
- The Sens goaltending battle continues to heat up as Robin Lehner answered Ben Bishop's win with a shutout down in the AHL. Give the organization credit for doing a great job of creating competition during Craig Anderson's absence.
