On paper, the Ottawa Senators should be much better than they are. They have a number of really promising young players, solid veterans, and room to grow.

But you could have said that two or three years ago, definitely last year after the Summer of Pierre — were we ever so young? — and obviously this year. And yet, year after year, they stink. And to their credit, they stink in interesting ways.

But despite the promises of unparalleled success, we're approaching the Christmas break with them sitting multiple games below .500. Feels like even if they start living up to the promise every easy-mark fan and local rube media member put on them right now under new coach Jacques Martin, it would just be difficult if not impossible for them to close the gap between themselves and the rest of the Eas