$5 Things We\'ve Learned From the Ottawa Senators\' Early-Season Action$

5 Things We've Learned From the Ottawa Senators' Early-Season Action

By Darrell Samuels

5 Things We've Learned From the Ottawa Senators' Early-Season Action

Eugene Melnyk — Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and GM Bryan Murray are the NHL's sentimental stories. Melnyk, a Toronto native, had successful liver transplant surgery last May and Murray is battling stage 4 colon cancer. No matter what you think of the Ottawa Senators franchise, these men have been applauded for their stories to overcome and run a hockey franchise. The following five things have been noticed about this team.

5. Trading Goaltender Robin Lehner Appears To Be A Successful Move

Robin Lehner Injured

5. Trading Goaltender Robin Lehner Appears To Be A Successful Move

Robin Lehner Injured — This summer, the Ottawa Senators dealt forward David Legwand, along with goalie Robin Lehner to their divisional rival (Buffalo Sabres) for a draft pick. Lehner has started only one single game, oddly against the Senators, and is out for an extended time due to injury. Legwand has no points in six games in Buffalo. The Senators have to be thanking their lucky stars they made this trade.

4. Forward Mark Stone Looks Like A Keeper

Mark Stone, Ottawa Senators

4. Forward Mark Stone Looks Like A Keeper

Mark Stone, Ottawa Senators — Forward Stone, age 23, was a surprise last season. He scored 64 points in 80 games. This year, he is continuing to prove that last season was no fluke. He is currently leading the team with nine points and proving to be a valuable player for the Senators. The 20-year-old appears to be clicking well with Kyle Turris on the top line.

3. Mike Hoffman And Mika Zibanejad Are Just As Good As Mark Stone

Senators

3. Mike Hoffman And Mika Zibanejad Are Just As Good As Mark Stone

Senators — The spotlight appears to be centered on forward Mark Stone, but Hoffman and Zibanejad are just as good. The duo have scored a combined 15 points and are proving to be valuable players.

2. Victories Appear To Be Hard To Come By

Senators win

2. Victories Appear To Be Hard To Come By

Senators win — The Senators have eight points after eight games played and are only four points ahead of their provincial rivals (Toronto Maple Leafs). They are currently on a four-game losing streak and their last victory was two weeks ago against the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets. They currently have a record of 3-3-2 and it just isn't good enough.

1. Three Goalies Have Been Average For Ottawa

Craig Anderson, Ottawa Senators

1. Three Goalies Have Been Average For Ottawa

Craig Anderson, Ottawa Senators — If the Ottawa Senators have aspirations of being competitive in the tough Eastern Conference, they need to cut down their goals against. The team has given up 26 goals over their eight games and that is hardly good enough. The goals against has to improve considerably and they also have to find a guy who can push Anderson, in a backup role.

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