Ottawa Senators' Playoff Push: The Formula for Postseason Success
Emerging from the Olympic break, the Ottawa Senators find themselves in a precarious yet promising position as they aim for a second consecutive NHL playoff appearance. With 25 games remaining in the regular season, the team sits just six points out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, presenting a clear but challenging path forward.
From Bleak to Hopeful: A Remarkable Turnaround
Just one month ago, the Senators' postseason aspirations appeared dim. On January 27, they trailed the Boston Bruins by ten points for the final wild-card position. However, a strong 5-1-0 stretch heading into the Olympic break, featuring impressive victories over the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche, revitalized their campaign. This surge not only closed the gap but also reinforced the team's internal belief that their performance exceeds their current record.
The Goaltending Conundrum: A Critical Weakness
Goaltending has been the Senators' Achilles' heel this season, with the team posting an NHL-worst .868 save percentage. This deficiency has significantly hampered their progress; even marginally better performance in net would likely have secured a playoff position already. However, recent developments offer hope. Linus Ullmark, returning from a mental health-related absence, delivered standout performances in late January, including a 26-save effort in a 4-1 win against the New Jersey Devils. Newcomer James Reimer also stepped up with a 15-save showing in a 2-1 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The defensive corps, under coach Travis Green's guidance, has excelled, allowing the second-fewest shots per game in the league at 24.5. If Ullmark and Reimer can achieve even average goaltending—with the league-wide save percentage at .896 this season—the Senators' prospects will brighten considerably.
Navigating a Challenging Schedule
According to Tankathon, Ottawa faces the ninth-most difficult remaining schedule in the NHL. Their final 25 opponents boast an average points percentage of .573, including two matchups against the formidable Tampa Bay Lightning and home games against the Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes. Despite this daunting slate, the Senators have demonstrated resilience against top competition, posting a 13-9-7 record against playoff teams compared to 15-13-0 against non-playoff squads. This tendency to elevate their game against stronger opponents could prove advantageous.
The Road Ahead: Key Factors for Success
For the Senators to clinch a playoff berth, several elements must align. Consistent goaltending is paramount, as even slight improvements could transform close losses into vital wins. The team must also capitalize on their underdog mentality, leveraging their proven ability to compete against elite clubs. Additionally, with four Atlantic Division rivals also facing tough schedules, Ottawa's fate may hinge on outperforming these direct competitors in the final stretch.
Ultimately, the Senators' postseason hopes rest on a combination of decent goaltending, a surge of victories, and a measure of luck. As the regular season winds down, every game becomes critical in their quest to extend their campaign into April and beyond.
