Heading into their matchup at Joe Louis Arena, the major storyline was a simple one. The Ottawa Senators were facing their former longtime captain Daniel Alfredsson for the very first time since he bolted to the Detroit Red Wings.

Alfredsson had been a model citizen in Ottawa for 17 seasons, and it was unfortunate to see finger-pointing between the two sides about how things fell apart in the end. Upon his departure, Alfredsson rubbed some salt in the wound by saying he was leaving to join the Red Wings because he felt they had a better chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Well, the Senators’ new captain had a lot to say in their first meeting of the season. Jason Spezza continued his hot start with a pair of goals in Ottawa’s 6-1 blowout victory in Detroit. He is out of the chute with seven goals and three assists, and is leading the way by example in his first season sporting the ‘C’. For the Senators, it was a sharp contrast to a poor effort in a loss to the Edmonton Oilers this past Saturday.

The Sens currently sit at 4-3-2 to begin the season, and Spezza is leading the way in the scoring department. The team is also getting solid production out of Bobby Ryan. Ryan, who came over from the Anaheim Ducks in an offseason deal, also netted a pair against the Red Wings and has six goals on the campaign. Kyle Turris has chipped in with a goal and seven assists.

The strength of the squad remains the goaltending with Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner forming a nice 1-2 duo between the pipes. While on the blueline, offensively gifted defenseman Erik Karlsson continues to lead the way with eight points so far.

In the end, Spezza and the Senators claimed round one of their rivalry against Alfredsson and the Red Wings. Alfredsson was held off the score sheet. While the Sens organization was sad to see Alfredsson depart this offseason, the play of Spezza is definitely giving them reason to smile.

Rick LaFitte is an NHL Writer for Rant Sports