PITTSBURGH -- They entered the postseason as the only team with a negative goal differential to make the playoffs -- and the lowest outside expectations of any team.

They left the postseason as one of the last four teams standing. By that measure, it was a magical run for the Ottawa Senators, even if they fell one win short of playing for a Stanley Cup against the Nashville Predators.

It raises expectations in Ottawa heading into next season. Here's a look at where the focus should be to try to meet them:

1. Convince Vegas to take Bobby Ryan in the expansion draft