The Ottawa Senators are heading into the final week of January with a little more spring in their step-and for good reason. A dominant 7-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights has injected some much-needed life into a team that’s been grinding through a tough season.
But while the victory was a statement, the road ahead is anything but easy. The Senators remain on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture, and the pressure is mounting.
Here’s what to watch as they navigate a pivotal stretch from January 26 through February 2.
“Playoff or Bust” Mode Is Officially On
Let’s not sugarcoat it-the Senators are in a tight spot. They’ve shown flashes of being a playoff-caliber team, especially when you dig into the underlying numbers.
Ottawa has consistently outshot and out-chanced opponents, suggesting the process is there even if the results haven’t always followed. But moral victories don’t get you into the postseason.
General manager Steve Staios is watching closely. If the team can stay within striking distance of a wild-card spot, expect him to be a buyer at the deadline.
That means the next few games could determine whether the front office pushes chips in or starts looking toward next year. The Senators don’t have time to wait-they need points, and they need them now.
Ullmark’s Return Could Be a Game-Changer
One of the biggest issues plaguing Ottawa this season has been goaltending. The team has hovered near the bottom of the league in save percentage, and that’s been a major anchor on their playoff hopes. But there’s a potential turning point here: Linus Ullmark is back.
After taking a personal leave of absence, Ullmark returned to the lineup as the backup in the blowout win over Vegas. While Mads Sogaard got the start and delivered, having Ullmark back in the mix is huge.
When he’s on, Ullmark is a stabilizing presence in the crease-something this team has desperately lacked. If he can return to form and start stringing together quality starts, the Senators’ ceiling rises significantly.
Injury Setbacks: Halliday and Perron
That win over the Golden Knights was impressive, but it didn’t come without a cost. Rookie forward Stephen Halliday, who was having a breakout night with two goals, left the game early after a hard collision into the stanchion. His status moving forward is something to monitor closely-he’s been one of the bright spots in a season that’s needed them.
Meanwhile, veteran winger David Perron is expected to miss 5-7 weeks following surgery for a sports hernia. That’s a tough blow for a team already fighting for its playoff life.
Perron brings leadership, scoring touch, and playoff experience-exactly the kind of presence you want down the stretch. The Senators will need other veterans to step up in his absence.
Olympic Nods Highlight Roster Talent
Despite the team’s inconsistency, the Senators are sending a few of their best to the 2026 Winter Olympics, and that speaks volumes about the talent on this roster. Jake Sanderson will suit up for Team USA, Tim Stützle will represent Germany, and Nikolas Matinpalo will play for Finland.
These selections are more than just individual honors-they’re a reminder of the high-end skill Ottawa has in its locker room. The pieces are there. The challenge now is putting it all together in time to make a serious playoff push.
The Week Ahead: Three Games, Three Big Tests
Here’s what the Senators are staring down in the coming week:
- Wednesday, Jan. 28 vs. Colorado Avalanche (7:30 PM ET) This one’s a measuring stick. Colorado is a Western Conference powerhouse, and how Ottawa handles this test will say a lot about where they stand.
- Saturday, Jan. 31 vs. New Jersey Devils (7:00 PM ET) A crucial conference matchup against a team also fighting for playoff positioning. These are the kinds of games that swing seasons.
- Monday, Feb. 2 at Pittsburgh Penguins (7:00 PM ET) A road tilt against a veteran Penguins squad that knows how to win when it matters. Ottawa needs to bring its A-game.
The Senators are at a crossroads. The talent is there, the urgency is real, and the clock is ticking. Whether this team can turn potential into performance will be decided in the coming weeks-and it all starts now.