Who has the best shot of stopping the Sens march to the cup?

[charlio lemieux]

It is pretty well agreed around the league that the Ottawa Senators are the team to beat this year. So is there a team that is capable of stopping their cup run?

Or is this their year to win it all?

[LiAmTrAnSdEmOn]

How about the Flyers??? They beat 'em the only two times they faced them this year. And while it is true that the playoffs are different form the regular season, I don't think there is any other team that has much of a chance to stop them.

[Madferret]

The Thrashers..

[Newfie John]

Atlanta(lol) or Toronto.

[Darsehole Tucker]

I also voted for Philly.

[swflyers25]

Philadelphia Flyers

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

Leafs;) :thumb:

[Man.Utd]

The Senators are their own worst enemy. With Lalime (currently in the AHL and still allowing many goals) now gone and Hasek in nets I'd consider us favorites in any series and would be confident vs. anyone. Assuming the old guy can stay healthy.

But of other NHL teams it'd be the Philadelphia Flyers, without a doubt. We've had our fair share of losses, but those all fell at our feet as far as I'm concerned. It wasn't so much the opposition playing well (and some definatly did) as us playing poorly and not up to speed. But that 5-3 loss to Philly early in the season was the exception to the rule and sticks in my mind. Unlike in previous defeats, that time I left the rink (so to speak) thinking it was the opposition that simply came in, played well, and just took the win from us. We could have done beter obviously as every team is beatable for elite clubs, but it was not our poor showing this time. That has me a bit worried. Against all the other teams I still felt that it was just us playing poorly and that'd we'd get the W next time (assuming we picked up our socks). This team has proven me right thus far for the most part. But not Philly. Not that time. That was just them playing some good hockey.

I'd still be confident against them and would certainly pick the Sens. I think we've got a better shot than anyone at the Cup, although any team can win it and although (IMO) clearly better than the other teams that edge, although apparent when healthy, is not all that big compared to some of the league's better teams. It's very tight at the top. Add the Canucks (in spite of their recent struggles) and Detroit to that list of teams that could very realistically knock us off. Calgary gets no respect from me until they can show me they can win WITHOUT clutching and grabing this time. Being better than 28th in GF helps too. But Philly is different than anyone else we've faced. Thus far. The season is only half way done.

[charlio lemieux]

I had to go Detroit. If the two teams are healthy Detroit has the experience, skill and depth to possibly handle the Sens.
Philly is good but neither goalie has earned my confidence enought to make me think they could beat the Sens in a series.

[J.R.]

Imagine the Senators go on to win the President's Trophy and is the number one seed in the East. Toronto sneaks into the playoffs as the number eight team and yet again they face each other in the post season. Despite the results in the regular season, that may be the only match-up they would like to avoid.

Flyers are the only other threat in the E.C., as Buffalo hasn't proved anything yet.

[BURY]

I voted for the Flyers too but come playoff time who knows. I sincerely don't think the Sens will win the cup anyway.

[Man.Utd]

Toronto sneaks into the playoffs as the number eight team and yet again they face each other in the post season.

Ugghhh! :snore: I've been fearing that and it seems like there's strong possibility. This is the first time that I'm very, very confident - almost over confident - that we'd come out on top agaisnt the Leafs. I've called Sens naturally every time, but each time I've had it going to 7 with a possibility of 6 if one team really gains control. I mentioned in my last post that I'd rather still avoid them for historical purposes but that doesn't change me my feelings.

My reluctance is because I don't want to see these two again. At least not to start the playoffs. Maybe in the 2nd or 3rd round after we've been through a series or two that presents some variety. Even with the rivalry I'm not particularily looking forward to another post-season edtion of The Battle Of Onatio. It'd be exciting for sure - playoff hockey always is - but it's like this new schedual the NHL has came up with. How many times can you face the same team over and over again before you get tired and fed up?

It would sure be nice to get that monkey off our backs though.......

[Newfie John]

Andy, I don't mind seeing the leafs play the Sens over and over in the playoffs. I like it, good rivalry. Even better considering the leafs win every time.

[MadDevil]

In the Eastern Conference, I think the Flyers have the best chance of taking the Sens down in the playoffs. They've got good depth up front, have a lethal scoring combo in Gagne/Forsberg, a balanced defense, and solid goaltending (assuming Esche is the real deal). Which isn't to say another team in the East couldn't upset them, but I think Philadelphia has the best chance.

I think it will be best for the Sens to play weaker opponents early in the playoffs, and get through the first two rounds in 10-12 games. I still have doubts about Hasek holding up if the Sens have to play 2-3 series of 6+ games. The longer a team can take the Sens in a round, the better their chance of taking them out IMO.

In the West, I think Detroit, Dallas, and Nashville could all give the Sens a run for their money in the Finals, although I'd give Ottawa an edge over anybody out of the West right now. The Stars and Preds have what I think are the two best goalies in the conference, and if they got hot, they'd have a chance against the Sens.

All that being said, it's still a very long season, and anything can happen between now and then...

[Max Power]

I picked Philly
We've always had their number but they?re a different team now. Healthy I still think the Sens can beat them in a 7 game series but it will be much tougher then before

[bluemeanie]

Who has the best shot of stopping the Sens march to the cup?

http://images.art.com/images/-/The-A-Team--C10101753.jpeg

[charlio lemieux]

I love it when a plan comes together!

[THE HACK]

I say the Flyers and Leafs can stop them as these 2 teams have proven that even when injuries occur that they can still find ways to win while Ottawa right now with their injuries are losing regularly.Until Ottawa can win through injuries only then will I consider them favourites to do anything.I'm simply amazed at what the Flyers have done this season with all their injuries,this team is for real and maybe finally they'll be able to beat the Sens in the playoffs.

Cheers

[butterfly_style]

I see a two team race for supremacy in the East.
The Sens and the Filthy Flyers.
(although currently, the sens are trying to prove me wrong).
I think the sens could win a 7 game series, but not with the ease they've had in past playoffs meetings.
I would love to see these teams meet in the third round . . .winner goes to the cup against Calgary or Detroit

[Madferret]

Montreal
EDIT - Any time we lose I'm going to put the team that beat us up as a threat....makes sense no?