Tonight the Senators have their first game of the regular season against the New York Rangers and Gaborik's permanently injured groin.
In their four meetings last season Ottawa had two wins and two losses (getting shutout once and then losing in a shootout).
Ottawa is looking for a strong start after the Heatley debacle this summer. The NHL's resident super talented but lazy club President Alexei Kovalev will have a lot to prove this season, as will fellow newcomer Jonathan Cheechoo. Since winning the Rocker Richard Trophy for scoring the most goals in the league, Cheechoo has dropped off like a Phil Kessel nut.
Kovalev is extremely talented but has been known to only play when he feels like. Perhaps being snubbed from the Montreal Canadiens this off-season will spark Kovalev to take the NHL by storm.
Jason Spezza scored a "disappointing" 73 points last year after scoring 92 the prior season. Spezza responded well the the coaching change late last season and like many on this Senators team, he is looking for redemption.
Overall the Senators have what I believe to be an under-rated team. They may have trouble making up some of Heatley's scoring, but depending on how the team meshes they could be dangerous this season.
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