Duchene giving Sens reason for optimism during disappointing season

The 2017-18 season has been one to forget for Ottawa Senators fans, but the play of forward Matt Duchene has given the club a reason for optimism heading into the most important offseason in franchise history.

It took Duchene a while to get settled in Canada's capital, as he recorded just six points in 24 games, but since then, he's been one of the best players in the league.

With another goal in Ottawa's 4-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, Duchene now has 20 tallies and 42 points in his last 42 games, showing why general manager Pierre Dorion gave up a significant haul to get him in November.

Kyle Turris - the man Duchene was essentially acquired for in order to upgrade the Sens' No. 1 center position - has just nine goals and 22 points in his last 42 games with the Nashville Predators.

Duchene's strong second half ended up being too little, too late, but since the Sens may not have their first-round pick in 2019, having the forward for a full season could help restore the team to respectability in a year where Erik Karlsson may not be on the roster.