In this edition of the hotstove, we share our picks for the worst team in the NHL to qualify for the playoffs.
Todd Cordell
I believe Erik Karlsson is the best defenseman in the NHL, and the Senators do have some star power up front, but I think they're the worst team in the playoffs.
The Sens control a smaller percentage of the scoring chances than every team in the playoffs and they also have the worst goal differential.
I don't like their defense, especially with Marc Methot out, nor their bottom-6 up front. Clarke MacArthur's return helps but his impact will probably be offset by being stuck on a line with Chris Kelly, for example, who continues to get consistent playing time even though his on-ice results are horrendous (Goals For% of 21, Corsi For% of 41).
I think this team has a few noticeable holes and that'll shine through over the next couple weeks.
James Tanner
The worst team to make the playoffs is the Senators. Guy Boucher has them playing the most boring hockey in the NHL and they have the worst goal differential of any team that has made the Playoffs this year. They also have the worst roster, at least on paper.
Easily the worst team in the NHL to watch, even though they have Erik Karlsson, which doesn't even make sense, but is true.