butterfly_style

Ottawa has 119 GF, 78 GA, and 41 goals difference.
Let's break these down a little further.

Ottawa's 119 GF is 2nd in the conference behind *ahem* Atlanta(121)
AND 3rd in the league behind Detroit(139) and ATL(121).

Their GA (78 ) is 2nd in the conference behind New Jersey(64)
(Gee! Surprise! Surprise!)
AND 3rd in the league behind NJ(64) and Calgary (75)
(Gee! Surprise! Surprise! . . .Well Actually Cgy is a bit of a surprise)

The 41 Goal difference is 1st in the conference
2nd is NJ(26).
They are 2nd in the league behind detroit(42)
Incidently ATL GA is 126 . . . a difference of -5.

So looking at these stats, you gotta like the sens chance in the East.
AND they have to be considered strong contenders for the cup.

I am certainly more optimistic than I was a month ago.

9 in a row and counting(I hope)

canadianinput

sens sure have turned things around. they're looking more and more like the team that stood atop the standings at the end of the reg season last year. im sure once all is said and done they will still be contenders in most peoples minds. unless you really dont know the sport.

Craven Morehead

The stats speak for themselves. Ottawa really had to make a run back up in the standings right now, or else they would have been fighting for a weaker position in the conference as opposed to 1st in their division which they will achieve. Its a nice streak they are on, but they haven't been great the last couple games, as goaltending has had to bail them out a few times.

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butterfly_style

That's really the sign of a good team.
When the forwards are not clicking, goaltending should bail them out.
How many games has Brodeur or Belfour stolen for their teams ?
What about teams like the habs who rely heavily on their net-minder ?

If Lalime and Prusek steal a few more during the season we'll be in fine form come the playoffs.

AND hopefully they'll win their divison(and maybe the conference).
I'd hate to see them in fourth or fifth place because ATL has to be third.

grim

I think we have realistic chance to challenge for the big lead by the end of January. Not that it means squat.

capebretoncanadien

Exactly, sens could go back in the tank at a moments notice. They haven't convinced me that they're legitimate cup contenders if they cant knock off softies like Pittsburgh and Buffalo. They are running up the standings pretty fast though. All we need now is for Edmonton to pick it up and they'll be six Canadian teams in playoff spots. Great year for Canadian franchises.............so far. ock:

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