With just eleven games left before the Olympic break, the Ottawa Senators are staring down a critical stretch that could make or break their season. They’re not just fighting for points-they’re fighting for relevance in a tight Eastern Conference playoff race.
The good news? Eight of those eleven games come against teams within their own conference, many of whom they’re either chasing or trying to fend off.
These are what we call “four-point games,” and the Sens have a golden opportunity to make up ground fast-if they can get hot at the right time.
But let’s be clear: this won’t be a walk in the park. Ottawa’s upcoming slate includes two matchups with the always-dangerous Carolina Hurricanes, a tilt against the reigning Cup contender Vegas Golden Knights, and a rematch with the high-powered Colorado Avalanche.
Sprinkle in three sets of back-to-backs, and you’ve got a schedule that demands both mental and physical resilience. This team will need to dig deep.
Right now, the Senators are ten points back of the Canadiens for third place in the Atlantic Division. That sounds like a mountain, but there’s a foothold-Ottawa holds two games in hand and will face Montreal twice in this stretch, including a game tomorrow and another in March. That’s four potential points directly up for grabs, and with those games in hand, the gap isn’t quite as daunting as it looks on paper.
If the Senators can take care of business in regulation against their Eastern Conference rivals-and keep those pesky three-point games to a minimum elsewhere-they could make a serious dent in the standings. Add in wins over teams like Nashville, and things could start to shift.
A 9-2-0 run isn’t out of the question. We’ve seen teams like Buffalo go on similar heaters.
So why not Ottawa?
Yes, they’re still seven points out of a wild card spot. But with the right combination of results, this team could be sitting just a point or two out-or even in a playoff position-by the time the Olympic break rolls around.
That’s a big “if,” of course, but it’s not fantasy. It’s a challenge, and the Sens know what’s at stake.
Still, the reality is that Ottawa’s recent two-game win streak hasn’t exactly caused the teams above them to stumble. The rest of the pack is still collecting points, which means the Senators can’t afford to tread water.
They’ll need a run-something like what Buffalo pulled off not long ago. That kind of surge forces your way back into the playoff conversation, and that’s exactly what Ottawa needs.
Brady and Sanderson at the Olympics: A Fan’s Dilemma
Here’s a tough one for Sens fans north of the border: Can you root for Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson to win gold with Team USA?
On a personal level, it’s easy to want the best for both players. They’re the heartbeat of this Senators team-leaders on and off the ice-and watching them shine on the Olympic stage is something every Ottawa fan should be excited about.
But when they’re wearing the red, white, and blue instead of the red and black? That’s where it gets complicated.
For Canadian fans, cheering for Team Canada is practically a birthright. And with the recent tensions between the U.S. and Canada in the Four Nations tournament, that rivalry feels especially intense this year. So while the national loyalty remains firmly with Canada, there’s still a strong desire to see Brady and Sanderson succeed individually-even if that means hoping they play lights-out hockey on their way to a silver medal.
No Senators were named to Team Canada’s roster this year, which makes the connection to the Canadian squad feel a little more distant. That doesn’t change the allegiance, but it does make the emotional pull toward Brady and Sanderson even stronger. So yes, you can root for them to have stellar tournaments-just maybe not at Canada’s expense.
Jacques Martin to Join Senators Ring of Honour
A well-earned salute is in order for Jacques Martin, who will be inducted into the Senators Ring of Honour.
Martin’s legacy in Ottawa is etched in structure, discipline, and development. He’s the winningest coach in franchise history and the architect behind some of the most defensively sound teams the Senators have iced. What’s remarkable is how he’s done it across generations-first in the late ’90s and early 2000s, then again more than 20 years later with today’s young core.
His ability to teach the fundamentals, adjust to the modern game, and still command respect from his players speaks volumes. This isn’t just a nod to his past success-it’s recognition of a coach who helped shape the identity of this franchise.
Martin is a true ambassador of the game and one of the most respected voices in the room. His place in the Ring of Honour is more than deserved.
Belleville Sens Set to Play in Ottawa
If you’re curious about the next wave of Senators talent, Sunday’s your chance to get an up-close look. The Belleville Senators will host the Utica Comets at Canadian Tire Centre at 5:00 p.m., and it’s shaping up to be a great value for fans looking to scout the future.
Belleville is fresh off a win against Laval and previously dominated Utica 7-0 just a few weeks ago. Like the big club, they’re hovering around the playoff bubble-five points out and battling inconsistency. It’s a team with promise, but one still searching for that next level.
Tickets in the 100-level are going for just $30, making this a perfect opportunity to see who’s knocking on the NHL door. Whether you’re wondering why certain players are getting called up or just want to see the organization’s depth in action, this is a game worth checking out.
Ullmark Skating Again-A Big Step for the Sens
In what could be a pivotal development for Ottawa’s playoff hopes, Linus Ullmark is back on the ice. It’s a significant step forward in his recovery-and potentially a game-changer for a team that’s still very much in the fight.
What stands out most is how this team continues to rally together. Since Brady Tkachuk took over the captaincy, the Senators have shown a level of unity that’s hard to teach.
They don’t fracture under pressure-they hold each other up. That kind of locker room culture matters, especially in the grind of a playoff chase.
If Ullmark can return and deliver steady, league-average goaltending, that might be all this team needs to turn close games into wins. He doesn’t need to be a Vezina finalist-just someone who gives them a chance every night. If he can do that, Ottawa’s postseason dreams stay alive.
Wisconsin vs. Michigan State: Senators Prospect Watch
Last night’s clash between Wisconsin and Michigan State offered a glimpse into the future for Sens fans, and there were a few standout moments worth noting.
Trey Augustine, the Red Wings’ goaltending prospect, was the difference-maker in this one, stifling a barrage of Wisconsin scoring chances. Still, Senators prospect Tyson Dyck found the back of the net, continuing to show his offensive upside.
Blake Montgomery also made his presence felt late in the game with two strong rushes, using his size and power to drive the net in search of the equalizer. He plays with confidence, isn’t afraid to keep the puck on his stick, and looks like a player who could develop into a reliable power forward at the next level. His compete level is exactly what you want to see from a young prospect.
The next few weeks are going to tell us a lot about this Senators team-who they are, what they’re made of, and whether they’re ready to claw their way back into the playoff mix. The door is cracked open. Now it’s up to them to kick it down.