Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg’s Off-Season, Issues Seven & Eight by Christina Roberts

Daniel Alfredsson will be motivated to prove he made the right decision to switch teams this year. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Ottawa Senators’ owner Eugene Melnyk came out swinging in a recent interview with the Ottawa Citizen, telling the paper that among other things: Daniel Alfredsson chose the wrong team, and that his squad will finish ahead of the Red Wings in the newly formed Atlantic Division.

Here’s just some of what Melnyk told the Citizen:

I think he’s wrong, I’ll tell you that, that’s where we part ways — I disagree — ‘cause I think we’re a better team, but if he believes it and he’s committed to it, then it was his prerogative,” Melnyk continued. “All we could do is wish him all the best. We look forward to Detroit finishing right behind us and him having a good year.

But, if you’re Eugene Melnyk is there any other play? Did we really expect him to say sorry our captain and franchise player ditched us for a division rival, we’re totally screwed, see you next year?

He did what any good owner would do… he stuck up for his guys. And, there’s no doubt the Senators have a very good young team.

They have one of the most talented young defenders in the game with Erik Karlsson and a very good goalie in Craig Anderson. Not to mention that Paul MacLean is one of the best coaches in the NHL… oh and which team did they steal him from again? I can’t seem to recall right at the moment.

Anyways, I agree with Mr. Melnyk 100 percent that Canada’s capital city boasts a formidable NHL team.

But, as good as the Detroit Red Wings?

Now, this is where I would respectfully suggest Eugene begin taking his prescribed medication.

The Ottawa Senators are good, but not that good.

I’ll give you two simple reasons why the Detroit Red Wings are a better team:

1. Pavel Datsyuk

2. Henrik Zetterberg

If Datsyuk and Zetterberg played for the Senators I’d agree with Eugene, but unfortunately for him they don’t.