What About Bob...? Ryan Key to Sens Success

The Sens surprised well, damn near everyone last season, with an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. It took a heartbreaking Game 7 double overtime loss to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins to stall this magical run. As much as Guy Boucher’s ‘The System’ was a rallying cry for the Sens faithful, and a key part of their success, (much to the malign of many in the hockey world)  last I checked you still need to outscore your opponent to win. A huge part of their run was Bobby Ryan returning to form after a lacklustre regular season. If the Senators want to again find themselves among the East’s elite, they’ll need Ryan to produce at his highest level.

THE TRADE:

With Daniel Alfreddson’s unexpected departure for Detroit, (on July 5th 2013) Sens GM Bryan Murray had to act fast. The Flash rarely moves quicker. Later that same day he filled this void by acquiring Bobby Ryan, whom he had long coveted, from Anaheim in exchange for young forwards Jacob Silfverberg, Stefan Noesen and  a 2014 1^st round draft pick (which they used to acquire Nick Ritchie). Silvferberg has been solid for the Ducks while Ritchie has yet to live up to the billing. Noesen bounced back and forth between the Ducks and the AHL, eventually being claimed off waivers by the New Jersey Devils.  

Ryan certainly wasn’t expected to replace Alfredsson, at least not in a leadership capacity, though to be fair, few could. He was however, going to be counted on to carry the load offensively after four 30 goal seasons with the Ducks. (Granted even I may be able to put up 7 riding shotgun with Getzlaf and Perry, but we digress.) He’s yet to crack that number with the Sens (he had 23 his first season) and at his 7 million dollar price-tag, patience is waning. Ryan himself joke that the Vegas Golden Knights wouldn’t pick up his contract should he be exposed in the expansion draft. (They didn’t) 7 million doesn’t get you what it used to…

After just 13 goals and 25 points in 62 games last regular season let’s just say there was something left to be desired, both by the organisation and, to be fair, Ryan himself. This is a player who holds himself to a higher standard and does have a level of intensity to his game. (Brian Burke’s opinion not withstanding …) However, it was the intermittent flashes of it that grew so frustrating. At times he’d go on a run for a few games and look like the elite top line winger the Sens had envisioned. Then he’d disappear for what felt like an eternity. Goal scorers are by nature a streaky bunch but he was colder than an Ottawa winter. The Sens aren’t exactly a high flying offensive unit to begin with, particularly with Clarke MacArthur out, (That Spezza trade just keeps paying dividends...) so when top guys go long stretches without producing it can get ugly in a hurry.

FRESH START:

The great thing about any new season is the opportunity to start over. The playoffs are no different. You don’t get within a goal of the Stanley Cup Final without contributions from top players and Ryan stepped up big time in the post season, showcasing the sort of game Sens fans had anticipated since his arrival. He tallied 6 goals and his 15 points in 19 playoff games lead all Senators forwards (Demi God Erik Karlsson was not to be upstaged) resulting in an Eastern Conference Final birth along with a collective “Where the hell was that all year?!” from Sens nation. As a result Ryan came into this season with a renewed confidence, a better mental state after dealing with some personal issues and a commitment to be the player he knows he can be.

The old adage actions speak louder than words is never more true than in the world of professional sports and getting off to a quick start this season has placated the fan-base (for now). He’s seemingly found some chemistry with Derek Brassard and Mark Stone. Their line has been solid through the first six games, though we’ll not jump to nickname status just yet. Now, granted, while four points through six games isn’t exactly going to generate any Art Ross buzz, when you consider last seasons totals, it’s a welcomed sight. Ryan’s career average is 0.70 PPG so if he can get back anywhere close to that, the Sens should be in a position to contend for (at the very least) a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.