The Senators' lineup could cause the Canadiens many more headaches this season
Even if the Canadiens have reached the Stanley Cup Final, the road to the playoffs in 2022 will be extremely difficult. With the divisions back to normal, nothing can be taken for granted for Dominique Ducharme's team, which will have to battle with the Bruins, Maple Leafs, Panthers and the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
To this list, we must add the Ottawa Senators, who could surprise a lot this season. Last year, they had a great finish to the season with a 7-2-1 record in their last ten games. The team will have the same core of young players this season and they will have another year of maturity.
TSN reporter Shawn Simpson took the opportunity to preview the Sens' roster for opening night of the 2021-2022 season.
Sens opening night.
Tkachuk Norris Batherson
Stützle Pinto C. Brown
Formenton Paul White
Kelly Tierney Watson
Chabot Zaitsev
Brannstrom Zub
Mete Del Zotto
Murray� Shawn Simpson (@TSNSimmer) August 11, 2021
Obviously, this isn't the Tampa Bay Lightning's formidable lineup that has won the Stanley Cup the last two seasons, but it's a lineup that could very well contend for one of the last available spots to make the post-season.
One player to watch is second line center Shane Pinto, who had a strong start last year with seven points in 12 games. Otherwise, there are also Tkachuk, Norris, Batherson and Stützle, who could do more damage than last season with another year under their belt.
The Sens are not to be taken lightly next year and don't be surprised if they find themselves in the playoff picture until the very end of the regular season!
