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OTTAWA - Eugene Melnyk is already predicting a return to the playoffs for the Ottawa Senators this season. The NHL teams owner said he sees no reason why this years lineup wouldnt have the capability to be one of the more competitive teams in the Eastern Conference. "I think you can pretty well predict what were going to have on the ice," Melnyk said Tuesday. "If everybody just plays to their potential I think its a great team and is going to be very competitive and will be a playoff team, but they just need to play to the level that we know that they can play." The Senators missed the playoffs last season and finished 11th in the Eastern Conference, but Melnyk is confident the Senators will finish in the top eight this year. "I think we have the potential to be in the playoffs and be competitive throughout the whole year," he said. "Once the playoffs start anything can happen. Thats the first step, lets get into the playoffs and let it run from there." There will be some significant changes to the Senators this year after the trade of Jason Spezza and the addition of David Legwand, Alex Chiasson and prospects Nicholas Paul and Alexander Guptill. Curtis Lazar, 19, will also be pushing to make the roster. "I think were going to be very, very competitive," said Melnyk. "Last year was not the kind of year we want to have this coming season. Everyone knows their roles and Im just hoping we stay away from injuries and were all set to go." Melnyk feels the Senators have a better schedule this season, adding he senses a renewed energy from players who are eager to put last season behind them. Ottawa dealt Spezza to the Dallas Stars last month. He was drafted by the Senators with the second overall pick in 2001 and had spent his career in the nations capital. The team has yet to name a new captain. Melnyk said he understood and accepted Spezzas request to be traded. "I spoke to him as far back as five years ago and he was already starting to talk about potentially moving and this time around he was looking for a change and I totally understand what he wanted to do," he said. Melnyk was in town to announce that the Senators and the Senators Foundation have surpassed the $100-million mark in community contributions and initiatives. "Were at the top, weve won the Stanley Cup in that area," he said of the teams charitable efforts. "I know what everybody else does, we talk about it, and they come here to see what weve done to get a sense of it. Theyre just in awe of the organization and how well we are organized. Its a machine." Melnyk capped off the afternoon with another charitable contribution as he and Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for ALS. 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FIFA said in a statement Friday that "several racist and discriminatory incidents were apparently perpetrated by local supporters during the match, in particular by displaying neo-Nazi banners and by making monkey noises and gestures as well as Nazi salutes. REGINA -- Mental preparation will be a big part of the game plan for the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they get ready for the CFL West Division final. The Roughriders will head west to face the Calgary Stampeders on Sunday, and quarterback Darian Durant says theyll have to keep their heads in the game. "You cant let the emotions get the best of you," Durant said Friday after practice in Regina. "You have to realize that its going to take a full 60 minutes of fundamental football to get the job done, especially on the road in hostile territory against a damn good team. You have to realize whats at stake and make sure that you have the right state of mind." Whats at stake for the Riders is a chance to play in the Grey Cup on Nov. 24. at Mosaic Stadium, their home turf. But first they have to get past Calgary, who won the West with the CFLs best record of 14-4. The Stampeders also won the season series with Saskatchewan 2-1, with both victories coming at McMahon Stadium. The rivalry between the two teams was heated this season, but Durant was looking forward. "It doesnt even matter what happened during the regular season. Its all about now," he said. "They know theyll face a different team. We know well face a different team. "I dont think what happened this year has anything to do with what youll see on Sunday." Slotback Geroy Simon, who spent 12 seasons with the B.C. Lions before joining the Riders in January, is drawing on experience to get through the West final this weekend. "You have to treat it like another game, but you know that its either win or go home and it can be a huge game for all of us," said Simon. "I know for me its all about, I want to leave a lasting legacy in a positive way, so this just kinnd of adds to that.dddddddddddd I consider myself a winner and no matter where I go, I want to win and win championships." But for Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Chamblin, Sundays matchup will be his first West final as a head coach. Chamblin says he thought it would feel different. "It feels like its the next game and its a game that weve prepared and prepared to win," Chamblin told reporters Friday. "I thought it would be all the, you know, Wow, this is it. Its the Western final or Eastern final, or wherever I thought Id be. But its the Western final and as a head coach, I think thats just a maturity in my mindset and a maturity in the teams mindset is, its the next game and we have to be able to win." The Riders got to this point with a 29-25 win over the B.C. Lions in the West semifinal last weekend. Durant completed 19 of 23 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns in the semifinal win. He also picked up 97 rushing yards on six carries. Durant says running is important in every game. "Every game dictates a different guy stepping up, a different situation, so well see what the game holds. If its up to me and if a lanes open for me to run, then so be it. If we win by throwing the ball, then so be it. If (Kory) Sheets does it, then well take that too," said Durant. The Riders will also have slotback Chris Getzlaf back in the game. Getzlaf was the Riders receiving leader this year with 63 catches for 1,047 yards, but suffered a knee injury in the teams 29-25 loss to Calgary on Oct. 26 and hasnt played since. "He got through practice today," said Chamblin. "There was better progression. He ran his routes faster and he made more moves and things like that to finish the whole game plan." ' ' '