Written by Graeme Nichols | 24 March 2009

If you want to hear about the Sens improbable playoff opportunity:

Click here.
Here.
Or here.

Or if you don't want to read the same article three times, read this article by Ken Campbell over at THN that provides an interesting look at things if Ottawa fails to make the postseason:

But now, with a 15-6-3 record since taking over for Craig Hartsburg, Clouston has all but assured himself of a long-term deal as head coach once the season ends and he might just have saved both Bryan Murray’s job as GM and Jason Spezza’s place in Ottawa. To be sure, Murray will have much more credibility this summer when he makes his case for next season. Having a coach to whom the players respond has made a world of difference and if Pascal Leclaire can return to form next season, the Senators might have their goaltending woes placed firmly in the past.

As far as Spezza is concerned, it will be much more difficult to make the decision to trade him if the Senators continue their torrid pace and finish the season strongly.

In fact, the Senators might just think they’re a player or two away from being a serious contender again and that blowing it up wouldn’t be the best course of action.

Perhaps the worst is behind the Senators or maybe they’re simply playing better because a group that has never responded well to high expectations isn’t facing any at the moment.

Chances are we’ll find out next season with essentially the same cast of characters. ~ Ken Campbell, THN

Personally, I don't know how you could justify bringing back the same cast of characters if they fall short. For the past two seasons, the organization has been banking on the 2006 Senators to resurface. While this recent stretch has been the most entertaining hockey that I've seen the Sens play since the Finals, I prefer to look at the season as a whole and don't put much stock into how the team's wins have been distributed. Whether Eugene thinks the Sens are a tweak away from contention, I'm inclined to share the opinion of the Tampa Bay Rays Gm, Andrew Friedman, in his assessment for how important it is to retool after having success.

While I tried to find a transcript of a conversation that he had with Jim Rome, I was unable to find one. But here's the context of his argument. When a season ends, that road is closed. Consequently, it's naive to assume that the same assortment of players will lead you down same the road of success. You need some fresh faces, and voices to break up the complacency of the team. Antoine Vermette's departure via trade is a perfect example of this - He wasn't a member of the core per se but I'd consider him as part of the extended core. On paper, the team should be worse since Leclaire hasn't been able to contribute yet. However, since his departure, the team's played some inspired hockey.

Let me hear what you have to think. Send us an email or drop us a comment.

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