The Senators weren't predicted to make much noise in 2011-12, but they surpassed expectations by making the playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. They then took the top-seeded New York Rangers to seven games in the opening round before finally bowing out.
Everything seemed to come together for the Senators last year and they're eager to build off the experience.
First-year coach Paul MacLean finally seemed to be the right fit behind the bench, captain Daniel Alfredsson remained healthy, Jason Spezza finished the league fourth in scoring, Craig Anderson was solid in goal and Erik Karlsson posted 78 points en route to winning his first Norris Trophy.
Now the Senators, in a tough division, will attempt to put all the pieces together once again in a short season.
