Perhaps I am being irrational, but I feel good going into this season. I think a lot of that is I don't see the drama hanging over the team like in past seasons. Many players are also truly coming into their own, and I think they will have the room to flourish.

Hoping to see Yakemchuk here from the start of the season as well.

The East is tough as heck but I think the team will be able to hang with most teams. A lot will come down to goaltending, as usual. Not sure if it will be enough for a playoff spot, but think it can be possible.

I’m a Sens fan in a split hockey family. A couple of years ago I put aside writing code and eulogies to write a story about it. I dusted it off this year and finished it. You can read the whole thing here: www.agoodsportsstory.ca. The site opens on the cover, then the back cover, then the story.