Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings #20: Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators captured the hearts of NHL fans everywhere with their magical Cinderella run into the playoffs. Let me be the one who kills this fairy tale by saying that’s not likely going to happen in 2015. Andrew Hammond is unproven and Craig Anderson has a tendency to get injured. That’s not an ideal combo.
I’m a huge fan of Erik Karlsson. I think that Ottawa’s forwards are alright, but nothing too much to write home about there. This team is quite top heavy and they’re going to need those guys who they rely on to continue to have success if they want to make a return to the playoffs.
Their young forwards are enough to give fans some hope. Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman were both Calder Cup contenders in 2015. Kyle Turris is constantly improving. Curtis Lazar certainly has a lot of talent. However, their uncertainty in net might be enough to keep them out of the playoffs.
Next: #19