by Rob Poirier (@RobFeature)
The Ottawa Senators didn't get off to the start that many thought they would. Fans were hopeful that this year's team would benefit from the momentum that was generated by last season's history-making winning streak, but instead, the Senators have often looked uninspired and disconnected while skating to a 5-3-2 record. There are reasons to be optimistic though, as Ottawa has rebounded from dropping four straight by winning back-to-back games. More important than the wins, however, may be the big strides that seem to have been made by Ryan, who has long been struggling.
"I feel good," Ryan admitted, when reached for comment. "It's always tough when things aren't going your way, but I just kept trying to focus on doing the little things right, like refraining from washing my underwear. When you do that, the results come."
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| Ryan Ferguson helps the Sens pick up a 'W' against Calgary, as only he can |
That's right. It was superfan Ryan Ferguson's contributions that made the difference in a pair of Senators victories this week.
"All I know is, I've had a couple of good performances. I'm moving around well... I was on one side of the couch, I was on the other side of the couch, I was in a recliner... and I think I'm seeing the game well too. The new TV is huge. It's helping."
Ryan had been slumping since last season, when, after signing a new contract, some began to criticize him for being inconsistent and lacking intensity.
"You try not to pay attention to that stuff, but obviously you can't help but hear some of it. Truthfully, I was making more money than I ever had before and I did start going out to watch games and stuff. I really just got away from the tried and true routines that had always brought the Sens luck, and by the time I got back to them, they weren't all that lucky anymore."
What is lucky, is that it seems that Ryan has finally found success with a new combination.
"Right now it seems to be: kneeling down with a jersey wrapped around my head while kissing a commemorative puck in front of the Holy Bible. As long as I don't deviate from that, we're good."
Ryan remains optimistic about the future, and believes that he can help the Senators to another post-season berth.
"I think I've got things sorted out and I've just got to keep rolling and get my confidence back up. I remember someone once saying I couldn't even spell 'superstitious'. I'd like nothing more than to make him eat those words."