Well another year is upon us. Could this be the year the Senators make it to the Final? After coming oh so close last year the Senators want to take it to the next level.
The lineup is set (well as set as it can be due to injuries)
So going into our first game vs. the Strong Bruins our lineup is as follows
Forwards
First line
C Joe Sakic, LW Ryan Smyth, RW Martin Havlat.
Joe is the leader of the team. He also has some new line mates this year. Ryan Symth is expected to provide his noted toughness, grit and leadership. Havlat brings Skill, skill and more Skill; it’s hoped him and Sakic and feed each other all year long.
Second Line
C David Legwand, LW Ladislav Nagy, RW Slava Kozlov
David is coming a good year in the CPHL and is also new to the lineup. He is out to prove he can be the second line center in Ottawa and maybe one day inherits the Number on spot. Nagy brings a young Skilled Winger. His combination of Scoring, Playmaking and Defensive play is something we want him to exploit. He is also coming off a good year in the CPHL. Kozlov is the veteran of the group. A decent playmaker we hope he can setup Nagy all year long.
Third Line.
C Pierre Turgeon, LW Mike Fisher, Trent Hunter.
Pierre is the old man of this group. We are counting on his experience and Playmaking skills to help youngsters Fisher and hunter out all year. Fisher is power forward in the making. He is an excellent Defensive guy along with being a Decent scoring threat. Mike is part of our young future nucleus. Trent Hunter is another young star. While not quite a Scoring threat yet he is developing this skill nicely. He also brings a defensive presence to this line. Trent is one to watch now and in the future.
Fourth line.
C Shaun Van Allen, LW Ahren Nittle, RW Rob Dimaio
Shaun brings Leadership and PK skills to this team. He is a leader in the locker room and on the ice. He will be called upon for PK duty most of the time. Ahren Nittle is a young player who is just starting out he brings decent size and skill. Dimaio also is around for his leadership and Defensive skills. He to will get mostly PK time.
Defense
First pairing
Chris Pronger leads this group. He will be Mr. Everything for us. Ossi Vaanenen is coming off a Fantastic year for us and we look for him to continue to develop. Still only 22 years of age he has lots of upside
Second pairing.
Dan Hamhuis and Vital Vishnevsky. Hamhuis is young, talented and ready to take a bigger role. Due to Injuries he is getting his chance to show us what he can do. Vishnevsky is also being asked to take on a bigger role due to injuries. He is just entering his Prime and ready to show us what he can do.
third Pairing.
Steve Poapst, Lyle Odelien
Due to Injury both players are being given a chance to play. Lyle is a Veteran and brings oodles of experience to this squad. Something he will need to draw upon in the coming games. Poapst is a Defensive D men and that is all we want him to do. He was brought in late to camp due to injuries and has impressed so far.
In goal as always is Marty Turco. As he goes so do the Senators. He is one of the better goalies in the league and we will need him to continue to shine.
Backing him up is Zak Bierk. Bierk will need to show us what he can do or we could fast be out looking for another backup.
There you have it. The Senators opening day Lineup. Let the games begin.
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