One game past the halfway point, good time to re-visit.

Spezza on track for 30 goals
Michalek on track for 40 goals
Alfredsson on track for 28 goals

So your prediction for those three is pretty close.

Foligno is on track for 24 goals
Butler is on track for 8 goals

Pretty close with Foligno, Butler not so much.
However Zack Smith is also on track to 24 goals, so that kinda makes up for the lower goal production for the "top six" when you include Butler in that mix.

You did not mention the potential goal production from the defense, so their collective 17 goals is probably about what you would have expected.

Add to this Craig Anderson's 20 wins (tied for second in NHL) and your prediction that the Senators would be just as good as the leafs maybe even better, is looking like you called it.

Wow, I did not mention how Karlsson has been playing.



NOV 4
toronto .731 (4th overall) 82.7% chance of making playoffs
Buffalo .545 (16th overall) 68.8% chance of making playoffs
Ottawa .538 (18th overall) 28.5% chance of making playoffs
Montreal .455 (27th overall) 42.3% chance of making playoffs
Boston .364 (29th overall) 27.1% chance of making playoffs


JAN 9
Boston .697 (2nd overall)100.0% chance of making playoffs ▲▲▲
Ottawa .581(13th overall) 56.8% chance of making playoffs▲▲
toronto .573 (15th overall) 72.6% chance of making playoffs▼▼▼
Buffalo .500 (23rd overall) 8.3% chance of making playoffs▼▼
Montreal .476 (24th overall) 20.8% chance of making playoffs▼
- Doppleganger

Yep pretty close ,i said from the begining that ottawa was in the same boat as the mid tier teams such as tor,mon,nj etc and this has been proven correct.
Anybody could see that spezza,alfie,michalek,kuba and gonchar .Are better players than they showed last year in a injury riddled,poorly coached season they are good players.Add some decent kids to the mix ,and we are easily as good if not better than some of the mid tier teams.

This nonsense about any of these teams being LIGHT YEARS ahead of one another,was just uneducated guessing really

The thing about this entire "debate" is that my opinions were in line with those of the Leafs fans - I expected us to be horrible again this year. I knew we had a few of our Bingo lads coming up with their Calder Cup rings, but I didn't think our younger guys would fit in as well as they had.

So here we are at the half-way marker and we're holding tenuously to a playoff position (yes, 5th, almost 4th, but not that many points ahead of 9th, especially with games-played taken into account) - I STILL don't have confidence that we'll make the playoffs, but I'll be overjoyed if we do.

Question - how much of our early-season success could be attributed to the fact that teams had been overlooking us? Most were probably looking at us as points in the bank...
- Mr_Squeaks

I am amazed at Ottawa. I am not trying to take anything away from your team, but I hate when someone tries to prove a point at a point in the season where everything aligns for them for a split second. Dopps didn't say a thing when the leafs were in 2nd place in the conference for a solid 2 weeks, yet now he won't shutup. Just annoying, but yea, good on Ottawa. Any chance we can trade you for Maclean?

Yep pretty close ,i said from the begining that ottawa was in the same boat as the mid tier teams such as tor,mon,nj etc and this has been proven correct.
Anybody could see that spezza,alfie,michalek,kuba and gonchar .Are better players than they showed last year in a injury riddled,poorly coached season they are good players.Add some decent kids to the mix ,and we are easily as good if not better than some of the mid tier teams.

This nonsense about any of these teams being LIGHT YEARS ahead of one another,was just uneducated guessing really
- top shelf 15

28 years old, 39 years old, 27 years old, 35 years old, 37 years old.


Ouch. Do you really want these guys (italicized) boosting you out of a lottery pick position when they have no chance in helping the team in a few years when it MIGHT really matter?

I am amazed at Ottawa. I am not trying to take anything away from your team, but I hate when someone tries to prove a point at a point in the season where everything aligns for them for a split second. Dopps didn't say a thing when the leafs were in 2nd place in the conference for a solid 2 weeks, yet now he won't shutup. Just annoying, but yea, good on Ottawa. Any chance we can trade you for Maclean?
- mfreedman

It's fine. It's not going to last.

I am amazed at Ottawa. I am not trying to take anything away from your team, but I hate when someone tries to prove a point at a point in the season where everything aligns for them for a split second. Dopps didn't say a thing when the leafs were in 2nd place in the conference for a solid 2 weeks, yet now he won't shutup. Just annoying, but yea, good on Ottawa. Any chance we can trade you for Maclean?
- mfreedman

News flash>>>> I'm an Ottawa fan, not a leaf fan.

I put my predictions out there at the beginning of the season, comparing the teams in the Division to Ottawa.

I did not stop a leaf fan like yourself from pointing out that the leafs were doing so well at the beginning of the season. I did not say anything because I follow the Senators, and comment on them, and I kinda knew the leafs would not hold onto their lofty early season position in the Conference.

And now here are just over the half way mark, and although my early season predictions are not "bang on", they're a lot closer than others who saw the leafs "miles and miles ahead of the Senators in all categories" .

I saw the Senators battling the leafs for last spot in the Division, and today they are slightly ahead of the leafs in Division.

I'm still not convinced the Senators will make the playoffs, as some Senator fans are starting to think. But I'll admit that I never saw them being this high in the Division at this time of the season.

News flash>>>> I'm an Ottawa fan, not a leaf fan.

I put my predictions out there at the beginning of the season, comparing the teams in the Division to Ottawa.

I did not stop a leaf fan like yourself from pointing out that the leafs were doing so well at the beginning of the season. I did not say anything because I follow the Senators, and comment on them, and I kinda knew the leafs would not hold onto their lofty early season position in the Conference.

And now here are just over the half way mark, and although my early season predictions are not "bang on", they're a lot closer than others who saw the leafs "miles and miles ahead of the Senators in all categories" .

I saw the Senators battling the leafs for last spot in the Division, and today they are slightly ahead of the leafs in Division.

I'm still not convinced the Senators will make the playoffs, as some Senator fans are starting to think. But I'll admit that I never saw them being this high in the Division at this time of the season.
- Doppleganger

Season isn't over, is it?

Season isn't over, is it?
- prock

No, why do you ask?

No, why do you ask?
- Doppleganger

plenty of time for the Sens to drop.

Not many Leaf fans thought the Leafs would stay at the top of the conference..... Stop trying to make it appear that you were telling something we didn't know. There is nothing you know that we don't.

28 years old, 39 years old, 27 years old, 35 years old, 37 years old.


Ouch. Do you really want these guys (italicized) boosting you out of a lottery pick position when they have no chance in helping the team in a few years when it MIGHT really matter?
- prock

Don't worry the "help" is already lined up for the near future.

Mika Zibanejad 18 years old, scored Golden Goal in WJHC

Jakob Silfverberg 21 years old, lead his team in scoring last season in the SEL

Mark Stone 19 years old finished third in scoring last season in WHL, should be as good or better this season.

plenty of time for the Sens to drop.

Not many Leaf fans thought the Leafs would stay at the top of the conference..... Stop trying to make it appear that you were telling something we didn't know. There is nothing you know that we don't.
- prock

I was responding to mfreedman who was whining that a Senator fan was not posting glowing reports about how well the leafs were doing early in the season.

If you go back to the first page of this thread, you'll see where I saw the teams in the Division, compared to the Senators (after all this is the Senators forum) and I picked the Bruins as the clear leader in the division, and I also saw the Senators battling the leafs for the basement of the Division.

The two Ontario teams are actually pretty close (as I saw), but because the other two teams are doing so poorly, the two Ontario teams are not currently battling for the basement, but for a playoff spot.

Will it stay that way, honestly I see a couple of teams (Capitals and Jets) pushing hard for a playoff spot that may result in one Ontario team not making it.

And let's not rule out an injury to any "key" player on either Ontario team, this could severely impact either teams post season aspirations.

News flash>>>> I'm an Ottawa fan, not a leaf fan.

I put my predictions out there at the beginning of the season, comparing the teams in the Division to Ottawa.

I did not stop a leaf fan like yourself from pointing out that the leafs were doing so well at the beginning of the season. I did not say anything because I follow the Senators, and comment on them, and I kinda knew the leafs would not hold onto their lofty early season position in the Conference.

And now here are just over the half way mark, and although my early season predictions are not "bang on", they're a lot closer than others who saw the leafs "miles and miles ahead of the Senators in all categories" .

I saw the Senators battling the leafs for last spot in the Division, and today they are slightly ahead of the leafs in Division.

I'm still not convinced the Senators will make the playoffs, as some Senator fans are starting to think. But I'll admit that I never saw them being this high in the Division at this time of the season.
- Doppleganger

Nor did you have to. I never openly attempted to mock your team for their position unless I was provoked by you or other ottawa fans. I believe that a teams accomplishments take a full year to evaluate. 1 game, 10 games, or half a season are not enough to form a full opinion of a team on. Just like Vancouver winning the Presidents trophy was not enough to call them the best team in hockey. They need to wint he cup first.

You made the comparison in your last post, I responded. It's that simple.

I was responding to mfreedman who was whining that a Senator fan was not posting glowing reports about how well the leafs were doing early in the season.

If you go back to the first page of this thread, you'll see where I saw the teams in the Division, compared to the Senators (after all this is the Senators forum) and I picked the Bruins as the clear leader in the division, and I also saw the Senators battling the leafs for the basement of the Division.

The two Ontario teams are actually pretty close (as I saw), but because the other two teams are doing so poorly, the two Ontario teams are not currently battling for the basement, but for a playoff spot.

Will it stay that way, honestly I see a couple of teams (Capitals and Jets) pushing hard for a playoff spot that may result in one Ontario team not making it.

And let's not rule out an injury to any "key" player on either Ontario team, this could severely impact either teams post season aspirations.
- Doppleganger

I never asked you to tell me about how well the leafs were doing. What I mean is that there were no comparisons of Ottawa to Toronto at the beginning when we were winning on your part. I wonder why that is?

Now that te Leafs are a point or two behind you jump all over it. Typical troll. (Ottawa Forum or not, you can still be a troll )

Don't worry the "help" is already lined up for the near future.

Mika Zibanejad 18 years old, scored Golden Goal in WJHC

Jakob Silfverberg 21 years old, lead his team in scoring last season in the SEL

Mark Stone 19 years old finished third in scoring last season in WHL, should be as good or better this season.
- Doppleganger

This may be complicated for you to follow, but the Sens have to replace these guys, and their contributions, PLUS add more top players, to improve. As opposed to a team without any late 30s guys playing key roles, who only need to add more players.

Essentially, you're going to need twice the prospects as a team without any ancient players in key roles on the team.

This may be complicated for you to follow, but the Sens have to replace these guys, and their contributions, PLUS add more top players, to improve. As opposed to a team without any late 30s guys playing key roles, who only need to add more players.

Essentially, you're going to need twice the prospects as a team without any ancient players in key roles on the team.
- prock

Ottawa has LOADS of Cap space today, and when the veterans retire or get traded there will more Cap space. If there are any holes to fill at the time the UFA route is an option Ottawa has today and will have then, so not to worry, the Senators have so many prospects in the pipeline, it made Rundblad expendable (still has only played one game since shipped out) and brought in Turris who is fitting in well BTW.

Ottawa has LOADS of Cap space today, and when the veterans retire or get traded there will more Cap space. If there are any holes to fill at the time the UFA route is an option Ottawa has today and will have then, so not to worry, the Senators have so many prospects in the pipeline, it made Rundblad expendable (still has only played one game since shipped out) and brought in Turris who is fitting in well BTW.
- Doppleganger

wow, this sounds like the 05/06 Leafs so much.

28 years old, 39 years old, 27 years old, 35 years old, 37 years old.


Ouch. Do you really want these guys (italicized) boosting you out of a lottery pick position when they have no chance in helping the team in a few years when it MIGHT really matter?
- prock

And whom do the leafs have coming, that will continue to make their roster LIGHT YEARS AHEAD and keep it that way for many years to come huh.

Truth is you dont know

And whom do the leafs have coming, that will continue to make their roster lights ahead and keep it that way for many years to come huh.

Truth is you dont know
- top shelf 15

i think the point you're missing is there are no players on the team playing key roles just about to retire. The oldest roster player on the Leafs is JM Liles, who is only 31. And I'm not even sure he's in the long term plans for the Leafs anyway. the oldest guy on the Leafs who is likely to be a part of the long term plans is Grabovski.... at 27.

When you're trying to build a team, and you've got key players retiring, it's like running on a treadmill. You may be taking steps, but you're not necessarily getting anywhere.

i think the point you're missing is there are no players on the team playing key roles just about to retire. The oldest roster player on the Leafs is JM Liles, who is only 31. And I'm not even sure he's in the long term plans for the Leafs anyway. the oldest guy on the Leafs who is likely to be a part of the long term plans is Grabovski.... at 27.
- prock

Spezza is 28 and michalek is 27,The vets are playing well and doing their jobs ,but it is the youth that,s making it go .

Spezza is 28 and michalek is 27,The vets are playing well and doing their jobs ,but it is the youth that,s making it go .
- top shelf 15

Yeah? and the other 3 are within the last couple of years of their career. I don't care if there are also young guys, there are 3 guys playing key roles about to retire.

Yeah? and the other 3 are within the last couple of years of their career. I don't care if there are also young guys, there are 3 guys playing key roles about to retire.
- prock

Key roles?? maybe alfie but kuba,gonchar???We need a replacement for alfie for sure ,but Kuba and gonchar a plug,s thats all they where signed to be .We might need to sign another short term plug on the blueline until some kids are ready .A defensive defenseman would be ideal

Key roles?? maybe alfie but kuba,gonchar???We need a replacement for alfie for sure ,but Kuba and gonchar a plug,s thats all they where signed to be .We might need to sign another short term plug on the blueline until some kids are ready .A defensive defenseman would be ideal
- top shelf 15

Huh? Yes, they are playing key roles for the Sens this year. Kuba averages more Shorthanded ice per game than every other Sen. Gonchar averages the second amount of PP ice. In overall ice, they are second and third on the Sens. Pretty tough to argue they are not playing key roles on the team this year.

Huh? Yes, they are playing key roles for the Sens this year. Kuba averages more Shorthanded ice per game than every other Sen. Gonchar averages the second amount of PP ice. In overall ice, they are second and third on the Sens. Pretty tough to argue they are not playing key roles on the team this year.
- prock

Really Lupal who was a castoff cap dump has been quite good hasnt he .Kullimen has had an off year .This is my point players have ups and downs ,kuba has been playing well you,re right as has gonchar.But what makes you think phillips or some fa plug we sign to replace him wont be better next year .Or maybe somebody from within steps up and assumes a bigger role .

The truth of the whole ottawa situation is that the best players they have on the team are not the oldest.JC and EK are the best all around defender,s we have they have a combined age of 41.The forwards that have been the best are all under 30 with the exception of alfie .So to assume we are be carried by our vets is crazy really

Really Lupal who was a castoff cap dump has been quite good hasnt he .Kullimen has had an off year .This is my point players have ups and downs ,kuba has been playing well you,re right as has gonchar.But what makes you think phillips or some fa plug we sign to replace him wont be better next year .Or maybe somebody from within steps up and assumes a bigger role .

The truth of the whole ottawa situation is that the best players they have on the team are not the oldest.JC and EK are the best all around defender,s we have they have a combined age of 41.The forwards that have been the best are all under 30 with the exception of alfie .So to assume we are be carried by our vets is crazy really
- top shelf 15

You clearly can't follow this too well. Never mind.

You're totally right. Having several key players about to retire is a sparkling great thing for an NHL team. Carry on.

i think the point you're missing is there are no players on the team playing key roles just about to retire. The oldest roster player on the Leafs is JM Liles, who is only 31. And I'm not even sure he's in the long term plans for the Leafs anyway. the oldest guy on the Leafs who is likely to be a part of the long term plans is Grabovski.... at 27.

When you're trying to build a team, and you've got key players retiring, it's like running on a treadmill. You may be taking steps, but you're not necessarily getting anywhere.
- prock

1994/95 season, 1995/96 season. The Last time the Senators were out of the the playoffs in consecutive seasons.

Ottawa has only missed the playoffs twice since the 96/97 season.

toronto fans like yourself should not be lecturing on players being part of long term plans, assuming that means making the playoffs.

Since the 96/97 season the leafs have only made the playoffs 6 times. That's six times in 14 seasons.

You clearly can't follow this too well. Never mind.

You're totally right. Having several key players about to retire is a sparkling great thing for an NHL team. Carry on.
- prock

several key players
that's one of your best!!!!!

Only Alfredsson is about to retire. That's ONE player. Not several key players.

toronto has twelve key players who will become UFAs either this summer or next, now that's a problem you should be worried about, as there is no way toronto will retain all of them.