The Ottawa Senators are set to begin a pivotal 2026 with a New Year's Day clash against Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals at Canadian Tire Centre. The team is looking to reverse a three-game winless streak and reignite its playoff aspirations in the tightly contested Eastern Conference.
A Season at a Crossroads
As the calendar flips to 2026, the Senators find themselves in a precarious position. They closed out 2025 with a 4-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 29, leaving them ranked 15th in the Eastern Conference on New Year's Eve. Despite the lowly standing, hope remains as the club sits just four points out of a playoff spot.
The upcoming game against Washington marks the start of a demanding 16-game schedule in January. The Capitals are one of the teams directly ahead of Ottawa in the standings, making this matchup a critical opportunity to gain ground. The Senators are aiming for a second consecutive playoff appearance, but their recent slide has intensified the pressure.
Embracing the Pressure to Perform
Head coach Travis Green acknowledged the heightened expectations surrounding the team. "There is pressure. It’s the NHL, there is supposed to be pressure," Green stated following the team's final practice of 2025 at the Bell Sensplex. "You have to embrace it, like it and enjoy it. There is pressure to win, and, this year, there is a little more."
Green emphasized the competitive nature of the conference, noting that losses can happen even when the team plays well. His focus is on maintaining composure and finding ways to secure victories in close games. "Is there pressure to win tomorrow? Yeah, I love it. That’s what you want as a hockey player," he added, while cautioning against panic after a few setbacks.
Captain Brady Tkachuk echoed the sentiment of using the new year as a reset button. "It’s an opportunity for us to start the new year off on the right foot," Tkachuk said. "There is definitely a lot in that last game that we’re going to learn from and be better because of it."
Lineup Adjustments for the Capitals
Practice on Wednesday indicated several lineup changes for the New Year's Day contest. Forward Stephen Halliday is expected to return to the lineup after being scratched against Columbus, with Shane Pinto likely coming out. Rugged winger Kurtis MacDermid appears to be the odd man out among the forwards.
On the blue line, veteran defenceman Nick Jensen will draw back in after sitting out the game against the Blue Jackets. Coach Green admitted the decision to scratch the 35-year-old was difficult, but it is a reality of carrying seven healthy defencemen.
The Senators' practice focused heavily on touch drills and competing in small areas—elements that were lacking in the disappointing effort against Columbus. The team now turns its full attention to containing the legendary Alex Ovechkin and securing two crucial points to begin their January grind.
