Ottawa Senators Surge into Playoff Position for First Time Since 2016

As of American Thanksgiving, the Ottawa Senators have secured a playoff spot for the first time since 2016, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise. This achievement highlights the team’s progress and growing ambitions, even as they face challenges ahead. Despite a recent setback against the St. Louis Blues, where a third-period collapse led to a loss, the Senators will conclude November above .500 for the first time in nearly a decade.

Brady Tkachuk’s Impact on the Team

The return of Brady Tkachuk from a six-week recovery period due to thumb surgery was highly anticipated. He made a strong impression in his comeback, contributing a goal and an assist while playing alongside Fabian Zetterlund and Dylan Cozens. Head coach Travis Green faces a decision on how to structure the lineup moving forward. Tkachuk’s ability to create scoring opportunities places him among the league’s top players in generating chances, as noted by Sportlogiq.

As the Senators seek to build on their success, Tkachuk’s return offers a multitude of benefits. He ranks in the top three league-wide for creating scoring chances, rebound opportunities, and deflections per game. This versatility can provide the Senators with the depth they need to compete at a higher level.

Emergence of Zetterlund and Line Combinations

Fabian Zetterlund has also been a revelation, scoring three goals in his last four games after a slow start. His recent performance demonstrates his potential to contribute significantly to the team’s offense. In a recent game against St. Louis, Zetterlund showcased his skill with a creative wraparound goal, indicating that he is finding his scoring touch at a crucial time.

The Senators’ top six forwards currently include Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, Cozens, and Zetterlund. The final spot remains uncertain, with various players, including David Perron and Lars Eller, vying for a place. This lack of stability in the lineup has prompted Green to frequently adjust his line combinations, a situation that may require intervention from general manager Steve Staios before the trade deadline.

Fourth-Line Challenges and Goaltending Improvements

The Senators have struggled with their fourth line, which has seen limited ice time as Green attempts to manage the energy levels of his players. Recent performance metrics show that the fourth line, consisting of Eller, Nick Cousins, and Hayden Hodgson, holds an expected goals share of only 11 percent. Green acknowledged the need to improve their ice time to enhance overall team performance.

On a more positive note, the Senators’ goaltending has shown marked improvement. In November, the team ranks 15th in the league with a save percentage of .900, a significant rise from earlier in the season. Linus Ullmark has regained his form, posting a save percentage above .895 over six consecutive games, while Leevi Merilainen has rebounded from a challenging first outing to achieve a .902 save percentage.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Expectations

As the Senators approach the midpoint of the season, they aim to build on their current momentum. Last season, their record at this point was 8-11-1, which starkly contrasts with their current performance. Since December 1 last season, the Senators have a record of 35-18-6, showcasing a .644 points percentage that ties them with the Tampa Bay Lightning for 13th in the NHL.

The resurgence of players like Tkachuk and Zetterlund, combined with improved goaltending, provides a foundation for the Senators as they strive for playoff success. As they navigate the challenges ahead, the team remains focused not just on making the playoffs, but on what they can achieve once they arrive.