Ottawa Senators' Bid for the Stanley Cup | IXGAMES

The last time the Senators made it to the Stanley Cup Final was a mere three years ago, a feat you wouldn’t have considered likely considering their average performance during the past decade. But it was their dismal performance in the 2008-09 season, not making the playoffs, that has made them more determined than ever to return to the Stanley Cup Final. Promising performance last season The Senators ended their last season ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference. This achievement was in spite of injuries that hounded the team: Jason Spezza, Milan Michalek and Alex Kovalev missing several games, and starting goaltender Pascal Leclaire not playing for almost half the entire season. Last season’s performance was promising, but it still highlights the need for more improvement. The Senators’ GM, Bryan Murray, knows this and has opted to keep his lineup intact. He is particularly focused on the offensive members of his team and is seriously hoping that the injuries that hobbled them during the previous season will be behind them this year. On the defensive side, Murray has decided to continue with Pascal Leclaire and Brian Elliot, knowing that these two goaltenders complement each other well. Brian Elliot was able to effectively handle his role in the team during Leclaire’s absence due to injuries. The focus on aggressive offense will continue to be the trademark of the Senators. They won’t be neglecting their defense, of course, but the offensive force that has garnered them last season’s ranking will continue to be the drive of the team to further improve this year. Necessary changes in the team lineup The management of the Senators have decided to allow Anton Volchenkov, a shot-blocker extraordinare, to sign a contract with New Jersey. The reasons for this move are the slow decline in game stats of Volchenkov the past several years, and the fact that in spite of his defensive prowess, he really doesn’t contribute much to the team’s offensive numbers. Another big change in the Senators’ lineup is the recent acquisition of defenseman Sergei Gonchar, a veteran quarterback who will definitely plug any remaining holes in the Senators’ defensive line. His tenure in the league and his experience should also serve as a model for the younger players in the team, hopefully allowing them to show their best. Nowhere to go but up The changes in the lineup of the Senators will only boost their chances to further rise up the ranks of the league and eventually make a return to the Stanley Cup Final. Future injuries (or the lack of it) will determine their success. If all goes well, the Ottawa Senators should be able to make another fascinating run in the 2010-11 season.