The Ottawa Senators have embraced a "next man up" mentality all season, and they're about to test it to the max in Detroit. With key injuries to Thomas Chabot and Lassi Thomson, the Sens had to wrap up Monday’s victory in New York with just four defensemen. In response, they’ve called up Carter Yakemchuk and Jorian Donovan from Belleville to bolster a blueline already missing Nick Jensen, Dennis Gilbert, and Jake Sanderson.
Travis Green, reflecting on the situation, emphasized readiness: “Get ready to win,” he stated, looking ahead to the crucial game in Detroit. With the playoffs within reach, a win, paired with an Islanders loss to Chicago, could propel Ottawa into a playoff spot for the first time since November.
The Senators have been taking it one game at a time, battling through adversity to post an impressive 14-3-2 record over their last 19 outings. Warren Foegele, who netted his fifth goal as a Senator in the New York win, summed it up: “That’s all you can do right now, is just take it day-by-day.”
Despite the challenges faced on Monday, the Sens held the Rangers to a mere 10 shots on goal, setting a franchise record for defensive prowess. Foegele noted, “We’re playing fast, staying on our toes, and creating turnovers. That effort allows us to spend more time in the offensive zone.”
Jordan Spence, logging a career-high 26:44 on the ice, highlighted the collective effort needed: “With Sandy out, everyone has to step up. It’s not just the defense; it’s a five-man unit working together. We’re clicking as a team, both defensively and offensively, creating chances and cycling the puck down low.”
With just over a dozen games left, the Senators are in a fierce playoff push. The team is determined to keep up their momentum, aiming to secure that coveted wild card spot in the East.