Following the trade deadline, the Sens felt they didn't have a chance of making the playoffs, but over the last couple of weeks that seems to have changed. As it sits now, the Sens have four games to play in the final week and only sit two points out. Something no one saw coming. Matthews has now hit 40 goals on the season, Hellebuyck has become more stable in net, but it's been the other young guys who have helped turn the season around.
Paul, a recent call-up following the trade deadline and playing with Matthews and Stalberg on the top line, has 8 goals, 6 assists and is a plus-5 through 17 games after going 30-50-80 in 61 games in Belleville. He should fit in nicely on the top 6 next season as well. Strome is having a career year, scoring 31 goals centering the second line, and Vesey has scored 27 in his rookie year. Both are playing with veteran forward Ryan O’Marra who continues to be an effective player at 36 years old.
During all of this, the team has managed to pass its goal of winning 5 more games that last year's dismal 24 victories. They currently sit at 32 wins with 4 games to go. Matthews continues to get better and better each season. Now in his fifth season, 4th with the Sens, he has scored 40 goals and added 41 assists for 81 points in 78 games and sits tied for first in the league. His defensive play has improved as well, sitting at minus-7 compared to his minus-36 last season, following two seasons of plus-14 and 22.At 22 years of age, Matthews has played himself into being one of the top players in the league.
The Sens have the Islanders tomorrow night, followed by Montreal, Tampa and Vancouver to end the season. If they can squeak into the playoffs it will really benefit the young guys on the team, but if they miss you can be sure that fans won't be able to wait until the offseason to see what the GM will do to add to the strong core of this team. Whatever happens, the Sens will be a fun team to watch for years to come.
2/15/2021 - 375 words
