Atlantic Division 2014-15 Preview: Ottawa Senators
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SI.com's 2014-15 Preseason All-NHL Teams: first, second, third
COACH:
2013-14 RECORD: 37-31-14, 88 points (fifth in Atlantic, missed playoffs)
VITAL SIGNS: 2.88 goals-for per game (9th); 3.23 goals-against per game (27th); 18.4 power play pct. (14th); 80.9 penalty kill pct. (22nd); shootout record: 7-7 (11th)
NOTABLE ARRIVALS: F David Legwand, RW Alex Chiasson
NOTABLE DEPARTURES: C Jason Spezza (Stars), RW Ales Hemsky (Stars)
PROJECTED DEPTH CHART
Forwards
Clarke MacArthur — Kyle Turris — Bobby Ryan
Milan Michalek — David Legwand — Alex Chiasson
Colin Greening — Mika Zibanejad — Chris Neil
Mike Hoffman — Zack Smith — Mark Stone
Carter Camper, Erik Condra
Defensemen
Erik Karlsson — Marc Methot
Jared Cowen — Chris Phillips
Cody Ceci — Patrick Wiercioch
Eric Gryba
Goalies
With new deal, Bobby Ryan gets to be 'The Man' in Ottawa
Marc Methot's contract battle could be an issue, especially if he fails to rebound after a sub-par 2013-14. Cody Ceci adds some pop to the back end, but the kid has to stay healthy to contribute. And there's some intrigue between the pipes. Will 23-year-old Robin Lehner unseat incumbent starter Craig Anderson? Paul MacLean has already said that Anderson is his No. 1, but for how much longer?
• Senators will start season with heated goalie battle
PLAYER TO WATCH: Bobby Ryan
His first season in Ottawa was not a total disappointment, but the Senators expected more than 48 points out of Ryan when they traded for him prior to last season. Ryan, though, also expects more out of the Senators. He says he's looking for a larger role on the team. Now he's got it along with the pressure of living up to his new seven-year, $50.75 million extension.
• The over/under on phenom Curtis Lazar's chances
PREDICTION: 88 points, sixth in Atlantic
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