Dec 28, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; The Ottawa Senators celebrate the third period goal scored by right wing Bobby Ryan (6) in game against the Boston Bruins at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Bruins 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Over the summer, I have been accused on multiple occasions of being all “doom and gloom” and looking at the negative as far as the prospects for the coming season are. I haven’t exactly agreed with a lot of the moves made by the Ottawa Senators, and as such I am not overly optimistic about the chances for success in the immediate future.

Also, in the past I have been accused of being a homer and over-hyping the club, so I know it is a no-win situation. I am entitled to my opinion just as much as the readers and fans are, and I have a format to express them so I do so.

That being said, to balance out my negativity, I thought about looking for some reasons for optimism and found a few reasons why the Senators might get back to at least competing for a playoff spot and playing meaningful hockey into late March and early April. Here is what I have come up with.