Ottawas Senators Amazing Run of 2014 2015

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• published: 15 Apr 2015
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The 2014-2015 Ottawa Senators were considered dead and gone on February 10th of this year (20 Wins-22 Losses-9 Overtime Losses [49 points]). Finding themselves 14 points back of a playoff spot, the Sens did the unthinkable and secured a playoff berth on the final game of the season finishing with 99 points. That is their highest point total since the 2006-2007 season, in which they ultimately lost in the Stanley Cup Finals in 5 games to the Ducks. The Senators finished the season on a 23-4-4 [50 points] run, which is absolutely incredible. Interestingly, the Sens did have a similar mid- season comeback in the 2006-2007 season [105 pts] On February 16th 2015, a virtually unheard-of goaltender from Bowling Green University (Andrew "the Hamburglar" Hammond) was thrust into his first NHL game after a serious injury to Sens goaltender Robin Lehner, whom had been struggling mightily at that point in the season (9-12-3)(.905 save%)(3.02 goals against average) Sens touted #1 goaltender Craig Anderson was also injured at the same time. Hammond had a sub-par record with the Sens AHL affiliate Binghamton Senators, posting a save percentage below .900 and a poor GAA. He is the surprise story of the year for the NHL, in my opinion. (Devan Dubnyk being a very close second) Hammond tied an 80 year old NHL record by allowing 2 goals or less in his first 12 games he started. Hammond also nearly set another NHL record for the longest streak to start a career without a regulation loss, he fell short by 2 games (15-1-1) to Patrick Lalimes (a former Senator) record of a 14-0-2 to start his career (set in 1997 while with Pittsburgh). Hammond led the Sens with a 1.79 GAA and Save% of 94. He finished the season with 3 shutouts, all on the road, against high-caliber teams (Kings, Ducks, Rangers) In total, Hammond finished his first season with a jaw-dropping record of 20-1-2! That regulation loss was in a game where he played injured/exhausted, and was forced to leave the game. Here's another interesting fact, the Ottawa Senators set an NHL record by being out of a playoff spot by 14 points at any point of the season, and still managing to qualify for the playoffs. The Senators finished as the 1st wild card and will play the Atlantic division winning Montreal Canadiens in Round 1.