Once the red wave started, the Ottawa Senators could do little to stop the bleeding.

Finally, the Senators start their season Friday night against the Detroit Red Wings, which really means a game between the students and the teachers at the Joe. What better first opponent for all those fresh faces in Ottawa uniforms than the winged-wheel machine, role model for all right-thinking NHL franchises, and the team that spawned new Senators head coach Paul MacLean.

The Senators kick off their season against the Wings in Detroit. Who will come out on top? Our prediction panel weighs in.