leafsfan_101
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1530 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2008 : 17:57:44
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Senators. Playoffs. Two words that may not come in contact this year. With the Sens slidding so momentously, is it possible for the Sens to miss out on the playoffs. Now I n by having this topic I am practically jinxing myself, because the Sens will get hot after this, but that doesn't matter.
Right now the Sens stand at 81 points, 5th in the East and in a playoff position. But their recent play has been nothing short of horrific. The Sens are losing 2-1 to the Yotes at the moment, and have made the bottom 4 spots in the Eastern Confrence tight.
Here are some facts to know... -Jason Spezza has scored 4 goals and 6 points the last 13 games -Dany Heatley has 3 goals and 6 points in his last 13 games - Since January 13, the Sens have gone 8-16-2, scoring an avarage of 2.5 goals per game, giving up 3.4 goals - Their two goalies, Martin Gerber and Ray Emery, have been very inconsistent.
Right now, the Sens have 12 games (not including tonight). In that span they play 3 teams ahead of them in the standings (Habs twice, Canes once), Boston 3 times, Toronto twice, Buffalo twice and ST. Louis. The Bruins could be some though gaes since they need points, as the same with Buffalo. The Sens play against the Leafs has been back and forth, and so the 2 games could be a split. The Habs games are big for Ottawa, and it would be best for them if they beat the Blues.
So what needs to change? Firstly, they need to score more and give up goals less. In the 26 game span, the Sens have been shut out 4 times, and have lost by 3 or more goals 4 times. The tandem of Gerber and Emery has been atrocious, and the Big 3 have been nonexistent.
So with 13 games left, will the Sens still slide? Of those remaning games 6 are at home, where they have a 20-12-3 record. The remaining 7 are on the road, which could prove difficult.
To wrap this up I'll put it in perspective. Last time this year the Sens had 105 points and had a GF:GA ratio of +66. To get that this year, the Sens need to 12-1 and score 4.15 goals per game to equal a GF/GA ratio of +66.
So can the Sens do it? You tell me.
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