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While they didn't lose in the first round of the playoffs this year -- which was an improvement -- getting knocked out in the second round still resulted in changes. New general manager John Muckler and new director of player personnel Anders Hedberg slowly are orchestrating the necessary changes to keep the Senators competitive while minding the bottom line. One of their first moves was sending veteran forward Shawn McEachern to Atlanta for defenseman Brian Pothier. The Senators seem committed to giving their young players the ball and hoping they can run with it.
If there is one area where the Senators are loaded, it's on defense. At forward, they're both deep and talented, but once again, that old grit issue is going to show up again.
What to expect from Jason Spezza? The youngster has all the credentials and is being given the chance to earn a roster spot. The center, along with fellow rookie Antoine Vermette, will garner a great deal of attention during training camp. Whether they, particularly Spezza, are ready to be an integral part of the team this early will be answered shortly.
Can Daniel Alfredsson remain healthy? The Senators' captain played nearly every game -- 78 of 82 -- and led the club in scoring with 71 points. When he's not banged up, which has been too often in his career, he's one of the most complete players in the game.
Can Chris Phillips take the next step? The team has been waiting and waiting for the defenseman to become the player they envisioned when they drafted him first overall in 1996. He showed signs at the end of last season and in the playoffs and said he's committed to building off that.
Preseason schedule
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DATE
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OPPONENT
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TIME (ET)
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Fri., Sept. 20
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Toronto
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7 p.m.
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Sat., Sept. 21
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at Buffalo
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6 p.m.
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Sun., Sept. 22
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at Toronto
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7:30 p.m.
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Fri., Sept. 27
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Montreal
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7 p.m.
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Sat., Sept. 28
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vs. Buffalo at Halifax, N.S. (Metro Centre)
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6 p.m.
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Fri., Oct. 4
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Tampa Bay
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7 p.m.
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Sat., Oct. 5
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at Montreal
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7 p.m.
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