Name 2 things that could make or break Ottawa's season

Simple question.  Will the Sens make it back to the dance?  If the answer is to be yes, then a lot of things have to go right, but what are the 2 things you think have to work for them to make it?

For me personally, it lies in the hands of....Zibanejad and Cowen.

If Zibanejad can have the kind of year some think he's capable of, we'll be looking at a much more powerful top 6.  I'm not saying he needs to hit 60 points, but 50-55 while being a strong forechecking force would be optimum.

If Cowen blows again this year, that's probably a signal that Boroweicki comes into the lineup and Cowen sits, but that does more damage than good.  Not because Boro isn't good, but because Cowen would be cruising towards bust category and our D that once looked so promising has taken a big step backwards.


What do you think?  And remember, it's way too easy to name more than 2 things, so 2 only please!

I'll go with Cowen and...the second line? Is that too general? I think we can safely expect MacArthur/Turris/RW to produce, we'll need a second line to step up and contribute big-time offensively...whether it's Z-Bad or Legwand or Lazar or whoever centreing Chiasson, Michalek, Hoffman, or whoever, they need to contribute.

I'll go with Goaltending and buy-in from all team members to play the system.

It's Jared Cowen and one of the goaltenders.

Goaltending. The past two seasons have shown us two very different worlds when goaltending is on and off. Huge impact. Will need #beastmode from both our goalies.

Health. We'll need all our boys healthy all season long and not playing injured etc...

It's funny...I'm not concerned about goaltending at all. I think if stumbles at all, the reins will be handed to Lehner once and for all.

I'm not concerned but it could certainly make or break the season.

I feel like the goaltending will be better with Spezza gone and the team ready to completely buy into Mac's system, but I might be fooling myself. If Anderson stumbles - and again, there's no reason for that, then it's Lehner time for the next decade.

LeKing wrote:I'm not concerned but it could certainly make or break the season.

HA! If if it can break the season, how can you not be concerned?

#MindBlown

SpezDispenser wrote:I feel like the goaltending will be better with Spezza gone and the team ready to completely buy into Mac's system, but I might be fooling myself. If Anderson stumbles - and again, there's no reason for that, then it's Lehner time for the next decade.

#BlameSpezza

Anderson in a contract year, and one of the best young goalies on the planet...we couldn't be set up much better than we are.

shabbs wrote:

LeKing wrote:I'm not concerned but it could certainly make or break the season.

HA! If if it can break the season, how can you not be concerned?

#MindBlown

Goaltending can break about 90% of teams' season so it's not specific to the Sens.

Honestly, there's only a couple teams I would swap goaltending duos with...maybe Boston and LA, and that would only be because of Rask and Quick. I think pretty highly of The Lehner.

Cap'n Clutch wrote:I'll go with Goaltending and buy-in from all team members to play the system.

Those two things for sure are 100% the most important.

Other x factor is Cowen, if he doesn't show the ability to improve from last year and be able to thrive in a bigger role, Sens could be in trouble but there is enough depth on the left side to probably over come Cowen if he struggles.

LeKing wrote:

shabbs wrote:

LeKing wrote:I'm not concerned but it could certainly make or break the season.

HA! If if it can break the season, how can you not be concerned?

#MindBlown

Goaltending can break about 90% of teams' season so it's not specific to the Sens.

Fair point, fair point. I'll remain concerned though.