Ugh. If you online betting fans follow my blog, you’ll know that I’m a Leafs fan, though I try not to let that bias leak out or take over all the talk here (that’s what Canadian news media are for, right?). It thus pains me to say that…I think the Senators are a pretty good sleeper to make the playoffs this season.

Blech.

What were the main problems plaguing the Sens during their contending years? Weak goaltending, no scoring depth. While I thought they would’ve gotten a better return for Dany Heatley, I do think the trade makes them a better team. When you include the Kovalev signing, the Sens essentially dealt Dany Heatley for Alex Kovalev, Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo. That trio joins Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Mike Fisher and Nick Foligno. Is it just me or do the Sens have two scoring lines for the first time since before the lockout?

From the goalie standpoint — Pascal Leclaire is still an injury risk but he’s like Jay Cutler to the Bears’ NFL odds — he may be the most naturally talented goalie the Sens have ever had and I’m betting management feels that way in Ottawa. If he stays healthy, who knows what he can do?

They’re not crazy sports picks to win the Cup or anything, but they could bounce back to respectability.