HockeyBuzz Hotstove: Are the Ottawa Senators contenders or pretenders?

Contenders for what?

Contenders for what?
- walshyleafsfan

The playoffs maybe, definitely not the Stanley Cup.

1. Montreal
2. Tampa
3. Buffalo
Tampa and Buffalo lose in the first round

HockeyBuzz Hotstove: Are the Ottawa Senators contenders or pretenders?
- ToddCordellVAN

I didn't get the "yet" part at the end. I'm curious if it's because you think the Sens have high end young talent not yet in their prime? I don't see it. I think they're as good as they're going to get. Can't think of anyone except Stone that is under 26 years old that offers the Sens a bright future.

Karlsson is going to be 27 next year. Only Pageau Ceci and Stone are younger and two of them are 25 years old. (Im talking key roster players here) I also think they have one of the weakest prospect pools and young roster player depth of the league.

So what am I missing, PT?

Contenders for what?
- walshyleafsfan

Exactly. Are they playoff contenders? Well sure, why not. They are in the playoffs now, and they don't exactly play in the toughest division.

Stanley Cup contender? No, definitely not. I mean, if the '06 Oilers could get to the finals, so can anyone with some bounces and hot goaltending. But you would not call them contenders, in fact it would be unlikely for them to win a round.

Exactly. Are they playoff contenders? Well sure, why not. They are in the playoffs now, and they don't exactly play in the toughest division.

Stanley Cup contender? No, definitely not. I mean, if the '06 Oilers could get to the finals, so can anyone with some bounces and hot goaltending. But you would not call them contenders, in fact it would be unlikely for them to win a round.
- Mr_Clean

Agreed..... play-offs are a definite probability, then what ever happens, happens....'all you need is a chance'

Agreed..... play-offs are a definite probability, then what ever happens, happens....'all you need is a chance'
- SensnRBs

Chip and a chair, as they say in poker

HockeyBuzz Hotstove: Are the Ottawa Senators contenders or pretenders?
- ToddCordellVAN

jeez. they likely won't make the playoffs. their roster sucks. they're nowhere remotely close to contending for the cup. they need a first and second line centre upgrade. a first pairing two way dman. 2 more second pairing dmen and an upgrade on two more top 6 wingers at least.

compare them to he likes of the elite teams in the league. put their lineup side by side with Pittsburg or Tampa, and you'll see better players at probably 20 of the 23 roster spots on the Tampa or Pittsburgh side.

they're not contenders. they need a rebuild.

Agreed..... play-offs are a definite probability, then what ever happens, happens....'all you need is a chance'
- SensnRBs

They're not a probability they're a possibility, but an unlikely one at that.

They're not a probability they're a possibility, but an unlikely one at that.
- prock

Hot takes from Prock!

They're not a probability they're a possibility, but an unlikely one at that.
- prock

Axtual you are wrong. Probability are evaluated based on stats and current standings. Roughly 70% of teams that are in a playoff position come start of November made the playoffs going back quite a few years. Those have been reported over and over again by analytics. Probability of making the playoffs is absolutely larger than not making it, but the cards can still unfold either way. So I'll hold my tongue until then. Contenders? No. But really who gives a crap about that anyway, people only remember who wins the cup and forget about the contenders a few years later. Make the playoffs and your team's changes are just as good as any in the playoff.

If they can get that top six guy ,and another dman? At the trade deadline, they could surprise! What would be great to see you guys take Montreal in 4!!😆lol

Axtual you are wrong. Probability are evaluated based on stats and current standings. Roughly 70% of teams that are in a playoff position come start of November made the playoffs going back quite a few years. Those have been reported over and over again by analytics. Probability of making the playoffs is absolutely larger than not making it, but the cards can still unfold either way. So I'll hold my tongue until then. Contenders? No. But really who gives a crap about that anyway, people only remember who wins the cup and forget about the contenders a few years later. Make the playoffs and your team's changes are just as good as any in the playoff.
- PtotheY

the Sens early season schedule was a joke. now that they're playing good teams, they're losing most of them. 6 of their last 8. the team thoroughly sucks. the schedule for the rest of December is tough, and January is brutal. making up for all the early easy games.

they're just a garbage team. they'll be out of a spot by the end of December and not even in contention by the end of January.

the Sens early season schedule was a joke. now that they're playing good teams, they're losing most of them. 6 of their last 8. the team thoroughly sucks. the schedule for the rest of December is tough, and January is brutal. making up for all the early easy games.

they're just a garbage team. they'll be out of a spot by the end of December and not even in contention by the end of January.
- prock

- sensarmy_11

6 losses in last 8 games......

the Sens early season schedule was a joke. now that they're playing good teams, they're losing most of them. 6 of their last 8. the team thoroughly sucks. the schedule for the rest of December is tough, and January is brutal. making up for all the early easy games.

they're just a garbage team. they'll be out of a spot by the end of December and not even in contention by the end of January.
- prock

You are def but hurt right night prock because you can't swallow the fact that senators are in a better position than your predators. You can spit million excuses to bash whatever you want but the simple fact is sens significantly improve last year and are better than want most think. Let the schedule prove you wrong.

You are def but hurt right night prock because you can't swallow the fact that senators are in a better position than your predators. You can spit million excuses to bash whatever you want but the simple fact is sens significantly improve last year and are better than want most think. Let the schedule prove you wrong.
- PtotheY

To be fair the Sens goal differential is very telling. They have a worse differential than even the Leafs. I think the Sens success this season so far is built on smoke and mirrors more than they're actually a good team. And if we're being honest, the Sens aren't better than last year. Slightly worse I'd say.

You are def but hurt right night prock because you can't swallow the fact that senators are in a better position than your predators. You can spit million excuses to bash whatever you want but the simple fact is sens significantly improve last year and are better than want most think. Let the schedule prove you wrong.
- PtotheY

- sensarmy_11

blue Jax still wouldnt trade clarkson straight up for bobby ryan.

blue Jax still would trade clarkson straight up for bobby ryan.
- prock

To be fair the Sens goal differential is very telling. They have a worse differential than even the Leafs. I think the Sens success this season so far is built on smoke and mirrors more than they're actually a good team. And if we're being honest, the Sens aren't better than last year. Slightly worse I'd say.
- systemtool

We're pretty even with last years team with better goaltending and coaching. Karlsson is playing better too. We definitely have a shot at the playoffs and maybe winning a round if we can draw Les Habitants, but anymore than that is far fetched.

To be fair the Sens goal differential is very telling. They have a worse differential than even the Leafs. I think the Sens success this season so far is built on smoke and mirrors more than they're actually a good team. And if we're being honest, the Sens aren't better than last year. Slightly worse I'd say.

no it's not