Ottawa Senators Preview 2021
Since 1992-93, when this team entered the NHL, the Senators have been to the playoffs 16 times. However, our Ottawa Senators preview 2021 - 22 notes that the Sens have not been in the playoffs since 2017 when they lost to Pittsburgh in the Conference Finals. Last season was disastrous for Ottawa, as they posted a record of 23-28-5 (51 points). Thus, they finished next-to-last in the North. This year doesn’t look much better for the Senators.
Senators - Key Skaters
Wings Tyler Ennis, a 13-year vet, and Tim Stutzle, a second-year player, are solid setup men. We expect that center Josh Norris and wings Drake Batherson, Connor Brown, Brady Tkachuk, and Tyler Ennis will be major contributors. Our Ottawa Senators preview 2021 - 22 notes that defensemen Thomas Chabot, Artem Zub, and Michael Del Zotto must step up and produce on offense and protect on D. Look for longtime vet Del Zotto to anchor the unit. Like Stutzle, Zub is a second-year player with promising potential.
Ottawa Senators Preview 2021 – Goaltending
When it comes to success for this team, goalie Matt Murray is the keystone. After four seasons with the Penguins, he seemed to level out and decline. Thus, his final and fifth year with Pittsburgh was less than adequate. Last year, Murray signed a four-year deal with Ottawa. It did not go well, as he went 10-13-1 with an .893 SV% and 3.38 GAA. His negative-3.5 goals saved above average was alarming. If he cannot come through, Ottawa will look to promising rookie Filip Gustavsson to do the job. However, Murray is supposed to be this team’s number one netminder. Can he play like one?
Ottawa Senators Preview 2021 – Final Word
Prior to coming to Ottawa in 2019, head coach D. J. Smith served four seasons as an assistant to Mike Babcock and the Maple Leafs. He’s the 14th Ottawa helmsman and has a record of 48-62-17. Thus far, it’s been an uphill battle for him, and our Ottawa Senators preview 2021 - 22 doesn’t see this season being any easier. Then again, if Murray can find his mojo, this team could move up the ladder a bit. But the playoffs would be a long stretch.
NHL Atlantic Division - Ottawa Senators Projection 2021
Finish: 8th
No Postseason Appearance