Team: 2019-20 Ottawa Senators

Initial Creation Date: Oct. 20, 2019

Published: Oct. 20, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

90-36-10: white has struggled to produce offensively in his role as the team's number one pivot. If anyone is going to pull him out of the funk, it's going to be our best offensive producer, Vlad Namestnikov. Namestnikov is also a competant two way player who hopefully can handle the defensive responsibility. Duclair is also there so this line can be as fast as possible. This line won't beat other top lines with skill, but if they can push hard, and beat them with speed they may be able to find that spark that Whire and Duclair haven't had to start.

7-44-28: The biggest problem with Tkachuk so far isn't even his lack of offense per se. The biggest issue is that in playing that top line match up game, he's been forced to get away from the thing he does best - playing asshole hockey. Having two hard nosed, plue collar work horses with him will help him find his bite again. Once he's back to being more engaged every shift, the offense will follow in time. Pageau and Brown have been finding ways to get it done offensively so far, so they are both deserving of top 6 minutes.

63-71-9: Tierney has been really playing solid hockey these last few games. He's been getting offensive looks, he's engaged in all three zones and he's been a monster in the faceoff dots. I still think he's the best centre to play with Ryan. He's a great passer. Adding Ennis into the mix is good because he's so strong along the boards. If he can get pucks out in front Tierney and Ryan can hopefully figure it out from there. Hopefully they can get Bobby Ryan's career season back on track.

13-51-89: The Scott Sabourin saga needs to end. It's a great story and all, but he's not an NHL player, and DJ Smith knows that, given how little he's used his 4th line. Boedker isn't great or anything, but on his worst day he's an NHL quality player, and he deserves to be in the lineup (if they aren't willing to call anyone else up). Paul has looked good, and DJ trusts him to take a regular shift (he played more than Szwarz and Sabourin combined against Vegas). AA is just back from injury, so easing him back in on the 4th line would be ideal. This line isn't anything special, but it's an actual 4th line they can play 10-12 minutes a night, which is something they currently do not have.

Defense stays the same. I'd rather see Brannstrom with DeMelo, but Borowiecki-Hainsey isn't an option.