$5 Takeaways From Ottawa Senators\' Early-Season Play$

5 Takeaways From Ottawa Senators' Early-Season Play

By Shaun Lavery

5 Takeaways From Ottawa Senators' Early-Season Play

Ottawa Senators 2014-15 — The Ottawa Senators have been competitive this season in the Atlantic Division, one of the tightest divisions in the NHL. The team is getting contributions from many different sources, and overall they have been a pleasant surprise this season. Here are five takeaways from Ottawa Senators' early-season play.

5. Young Players Contributing

Curtis Lazar Ottawa Senators 2014-15

5. Young Players Contributing

Curtis Lazar Ottawa Senators 2014-15 — The Senators' youngest players have been some of the team’s best. Guys like Curtis Lazar, Alex Chiasson and even Mike Hoffman have been strong offensive producers. Cody Ceci and Patrick Wiercioch have held their own on the blue line, Ceci especially. These players will only get better as they continue to learn throughout the year.

4. Erik Karlsson Strong as Always

Erik Karlsson Ottawa Senators 2014-15

4. Erik Karlsson Strong as Always

Erik Karlsson Ottawa Senators 2014-15 — The only thing that’s changed about Karlsson this season is that there is now a “C” on his jersey. Other than that it’s been the usual strong offensive play from the Swedish defenseman. He is second in team scoring with 12 points, and it is hard to see him slowing down.

3. Craig Anderson Providing Solid Goaltending

Craig Anderson Ottawa Senators 2014-15

3. Craig Anderson Providing Solid Goaltending

Craig Anderson Ottawa Senators 2014-15 — Last season Anderson’s play could arguably be described as subpar, but through 11 games this year he’s turned it around. His 93.5 save percentage is good for third best in the NHL, and his 2.23 goals against average is something to be pleased with. If he continues to play like this, playoffs won’t be out of the picture for the Sens.

2. Clarke MacArthur is Still One of the Most Underrated Players in the League

Clarke MacArthur Ottawa Senators 2014-15

2. Clarke MacArthur is Still One of the Most Underrated Players in the League

Clarke MacArthur Ottawa Senators 2014-15 — With eight goals and five assists, MacArthur leads the Senators in points with 13. Last season he finished with 55 points and in 2010-11 he had 62. This guy can play and is one of the most underrated players in the league in my opinion. Look for a big year from MacArthur.

1. The Senators Have Improved from 2013-14

Ottawa Senators Improvement 2014-15

1. The Senators Have Improved from 2013-14

Ottawa Senators Improvement 2014-15 — Despite missing out on the postseason last year, this team is very capable of making it this year. With the continued solid play from all areas of the lineup, the Senators can compete with any team in the NHL. Paul MacLean will need to synchronize his team and get them working together if they want success, but so far they seem more than capable.

Shaun Lavery is a Calgary Flames writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, or add him to your network on Google.

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