Greg M. Cooper – US PRESSWIRE
The Ottawa Senators are playing too hard every night, too well of late, and showing too much heart to be left hanging by the organization. Injuries have created doubt as to whether the Senators could keep up their playoff pace, but the team has responded.
Backup goaltender Ben Bishop has been excellent while filling in for Craig Anderson, who was having a fantastic season before his injury this month. Erik Karlsson may be irreplaceable, but with goaltending responding the way it has and role players carrying the Senators, the defense has held strong in the absence of one of the most exciting players in hockey. His offense has been missed, though, as the Sens continue to grind their way through victories. Adding to the loss of Erik Karlsson’s offensive production, Jason Spezza is also out for the season.
With the way the team has responded to adversity, Sens management owes it to the fans and the roster to make a move to bolster their playoff chances. The team cannot hold on for long with the roster as it is currently constructed. There are simply too many voids to fill on the offensive end, as the top two scoring threats are lost for the season.
Jarome Iginla may still be available, particularly if the Calgary Flames‘ offer sheet on Ryan O’Reilly is matched by Colorado. Teams like the Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, and Columbus Blue Jackets may be willing to sell off pieces as the trade deadline nears and the season continues to slip away.
Squarely in the playoff hunt, and on an unlikely run, the Sens should be adding at the deadline this year to fill in the holes left by injury.
