Six Months Later

[MartyFromOTTAWA]

No Sens fan would get any expectation for the curent season since a new GM took over the team in last september, but we have to admit that this has been a success whatever happens in the playoffs.

With 103 points, which is 22 more than the previous season, the Sens finished 2nd in the Atlantic division and earn the privilege to get into the playoffs by hosting the Boston Bruins.

According to his reputation, Martin Barnay built up a heavy and tough team to play against by adding new faces like Tangradi and Phaneuf. He also improved the team between the pipes, which is the key factor in a team's success.
"My job is to build a team inorder to make the playoffs, not only for the current season, but for every single season. The standards are really high here in Ottawa."


Ottawa Senators Awards Ceremony

- Senators Foundation Award -
Finalists: Andre Lakos, Paul Gaustad, Brian Elliott
Winner: Andre Lakos - His 23 rollerblades gift to some albanian clandestian immigrants was significant.

- Bridgestone Messier Leadership Award -
Finalists: Brooks Orpik, David Backes, Zach Stortini
Winner: David Backes - Always ready to drop the mites, in the gym every day, taking care of the rookies, what else...

- Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy -
Finalists: Andre Lakos, David Backes, Brian Elliott
Winner: Brian Elliott - Despite of his new backup position, Elliott remained a tremendous teammate, working and pushing hard behind the starting goalie day after day, recording good numbers to add couple of nice wins for his team.

- Frank J. Selke Trophy -
Finalists: Daniil Zharkov, Carter Ashton, David Backes
Winner: Daniil Zharkov - With 61 points, +22, 199 HG and 175 TA, the russian native has been excellent both ways.

- Lady Byng Memorial Trophy -
Finalists: Colby Cohen, Mika Zibanejad, Paul Gaustad
Winner: Paul Gaustad - With 25 Pts, +22, 16 PIM, Gaustad has been a key player all season long despite an average 12 minutes of IT per game.

- Calder Memorial Trophy -
Finalists: Valeri Nichushkin (He's been the only rookie with 10+ games this season)
Winner: Valeri Nichuschkin - Playing alongside with Spezza, the russian native registered 41 points and a -8 ratio in 65 games in his first EHEC season.

- James Norris Memorial Trophy -
Finalists: Brian Lee, Viktor Svedberg, Colby Cohen
Winner: Viktor Svedberg - With 22 points (career high) and a +20 ratio while not playing on the PP but facing the top lines most of the games is pretty awesome for the 6'9/233 lbs 23-yo defenseman.

- Hart Memorial Trophy -
Finalists: Viktor Svedberg, Daniil Zharkov, David Backes
Winner: David Backes - This was a tight vote but David totally deserves the trophy as he's been performing so well night after night. The Sens needs him out of the penalty box though if they want a chance to lift the Stanley Cup.



Alain Sanscartier, RDS