3 Reasons Why The Ottawa Senators Are A Team To Watch

(Photo via senators.nhl.com)

Many (everybody) predicted that the Ottawa Senators would be tenants in Bettman's basement this season, myself included. I wasn't going to flip out like I did last pre-season when all the puck pundits predicted the Sens would miss the playoffs. I decided to have no expectations for this club this year. In case you missed it, the Sens traded a few pieces away before the 2011 deadline that were considered "heart and soul" character players including fan favourite Mike Fisher and defensive specialist Chris Kelly. So, this Ottawa Senators team is rebooting and building the next chapter of their history through the draft and free agent signings. I would've never guessed that the Sens would be holding down fifth place in the conference, 2nd in the Northeast in January. Did I mention that they are one of the hottest teams in the league over the last 10 games? Ottawa is 7-1-2 with a couple come from behind wins. This has been their story this season.

"Canadiens" In French Means "Madness"

(Photo via thehockeynews.com)

I was going to post about the emergence of the Florida Panthers as a force in the Eastern Conference (and the league in general). Then I was thinking about how Jose Theodore has been blazing hot this season. Then I remembered how Theo killed it in 2001 for the Habs as he scooped up the Hart and Vezina trophy while rocking a 2.11 GAA and .919 save percentage. THEN the Habs coaching debacle reared its fleur-de-lis head. And I didn't want to write about it. But I will. I don't have to. But I want to. This is getting to a level of ridiculousness that can only shake down in La Belle Province.