5 Things the Ottawa Senators Must Do to Make the 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

By Nick Villano

5 Things the Ottawa Senators Must Do to Make the 2015-16 NHL Playoffs

Ottawa Senators — The Ottawa Senators made the most improbable run to the playoffs last season, when they were close to the Atlantic Division basement half-way through the year, and went all the way to the playoffs. They went toe to toe with the Montreal Canadiens and look like a team that could really make some noise this season. Here are the five things they must do to repeat a postseason appearance.

5. Pick A Starting Goalie

Ottawa Senators

5. Pick A Starting Goalie

Ottawa Senators — The Senators have an issue that any team without a goalie would love to have -- they have two players worthy of starting in net. Andrew Hammond carried the team to the playoffs, but in the playoffs, Craig Anderson arguably played better than the best goalie in the league. There needs to be one who is the starter. The team needs to choose that by mid-season, or it could sit over the team all year long.

4. Get Something Out of Bobby Ryan

Bobby Ryan

4. Get Something Out of Bobby Ryan

Bobby Ryan — Bobby Ryan has been a disaster in Ottawa. He scored 18 goals last season. So did Dustin Byfuglien, in 69 games, as a defenseman. Ryan was brought to Ottawa to be the face of the franchise. With the loss of Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza, he was supposed to be their superstar. He is playing like a role player. They need much more.

3. A Repeat Of Mark Stone's Rookie Campaign

Mark Stone

3. A Repeat Of Mark Stone's Rookie Campaign

Mark Stone — Mark Stone is one of the reasons why the Senators' season wasn't a train wreck. He gave them offense the team expected from some of their veterans. Getting 28 goals and 64 points from a rookie sets a high bar for a career. He needs to continue this output for the Senators to be a playoff team.

2. 10 Players With Double Digit Goals

Ottawa Senators

2. 10 Players With Double Digit Goals

Ottawa Senators — The Senators are good because they have a ton of scoring options. None of those options are really elite options, however. Since they can't put all their eggs in any of their baskets, they need to make sure everyone is producing.

1. A Much Better Powerplay

Ottawa Senators

1. A Much Better Powerplay

Ottawa Senators — If a team is going through scoring woes, they need to make sure they score when they have the man advantage. The Sens ranked 22nd on the power play last season. That isn't going to cut it this year.

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Ottawa Senators

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