Here’s a breakdown of the key points from the provided text, focusing on what the Ottawa Senators need to improve to contend for the playoffs:
* Goaltending Needs Enhancement: The team relies heavily on their goalies, and they need to make more saves to have a realistic chance at the post-season. Sanderson’s efforts are acknowledged, but more consistent performance is required.
* Shane Pinto’s Return to Form is Crucial: Pinto has been considerably less productive as returning from an injury in early December.
* Pre-Injury: 12 goals and 22 points in 27 games (on pace for 36 goals).
* Post-Injury: 2 goals and 7 points in 12 games.
* Pinto’s Own Assessment: He acknowledges he’s not playing at his best and is working to regain his timing and feel.
* Analytics Support the observation: Data shows a clear difference in Pinto’s performance before and after the injury, specifically in expected goals share at 5-on-5 (as indicated by the table, though the table is incomplete in the provided text).
In essence, the Senators need better goaltending and a fully recovered, productive Shane pinto to improve their playoff chances.
