Ottawa Senators

(top) Six in the City

Does Ottawa have their secondary scoring resolved? More specifically, is secondary scoring really an issue on Ottawa, considering they were the highest scoring team in the NHL?
It is my view that Ottawa’s second line will resemble the top line of the Detroit Red Wings, albeit not nearly as offensively gifted. Like the Wings top line, the Sens second line will provide shut down calibre defensive play, while providing sufficient offensive prowess to keep the opposition honest, if not scared. This worked well for the Wings in the Cup final where Datsyuk and Zetts significantly reduced their production vs PIT, but also shut down their opponents top lines. The offensive slack was picked up by the second unit, where-as on Ottawa, this job will fall into the capable hands of the Pizza line. Let’s be clear, goal-scoring is not an issue for Ottawa, but goal prevention is, and last season, the top line was all too often victims of their lack of sound defensive play against top line opposition.
Here are the two second line options I predict for 2008-09;
Option #1
Kelly - Vermette - Fisher

Kelly - There is no doubt that Kelly is no sniper. But he does bring a synergistic mix of skills that have proven to improve the play of those around him. Kelly is a beast on the fore check, and despite his average size, throws his body around effectively, and often. He is tenacious along the boards, and often digs out the puck and gets it back into play in the offensive zone. He can finish a play, but this is not his calling. Defensively, he can remain on the ice no matter what line goes over the boards, which makes him a great player to send out first when playing on the road.

Vermette - Due for a break-out year (again…), but for once will probably get top six minutes by default, and not be shifted out as soon as things don’t go great, as was the norm in the past. He will garner the pivot role as both he and Kelly are LH shots, and Vermy represents the better set up man of the two. Vermette has superior defensive abilities, and an above average set of hands, that many believe have lacked the opportunity to prove their worth.

Fisher - He has yet to legitimize his top 6 offensive cred, but he is not a liability either. After struggling enormously with groin issues all last season, the hope is Fisher can finally put it all together and emerge as the premier physical 2 way forward he is expected to be. I forecast him moving to the right wing as he and Alfredsson are the only RH shots among the top six forwards, but there is no lack of depth at centre.
Option #2 (My personal favourite)
Kelly - Vermette - Alfredsson

This line up is a distinct possibility. If Fisher and Alfredsson were to switch places, the effect could be dramatic, in that it spreads the offense, and brings a renewed physical dimention to the top line that is unfair to continue to ask of Alfredsson at 36.

Between Spezza and Heatley, the top line remains highly offensively capable, and Fisher can focus on bringing the physical presence and defensive conscience that best suits his game. In fact, Heatley’s play at the World Cup showed the impact a hard fore checking forward can have in freeing up Heatley’s one timer. Fisher can also play the Holmstrom role in front of the net, a role that the top line is currently missing. On the second line, Alfredsson brings his tremendous work ethic, physical play, and offensive ability, all while providing exceptional defensive acumen. This will also allow Alfie to reduce his ES ice time and maintain his #1 role on the PP. The days of +23 min. games should be in Alfies past if the club expects him performing at his best through out a long and arduous season. This same mix (with Stillman in Alfies spot) was highly productive last season (until Kelly went down to injury), and was the unofficial second line. Alfredsson represents a huge upgrade to Stillman, in all aspects, and could make this line a very dynamic performer at both ends of the ice.
How do you see the top six setting up? Your thoughts are always welcome.