The Ottawa Senators are doing everything they can to be one of the most competitive teams in the NHL this season. They were once seen as a team still slugging into the transition phase — now they have an eye on disrupting the Eastern Conference playoff picture. A mix of youth, a better defense, and good goaltending have the Senators preparing for what could be a long playoff run. But how far can they go?
Last Time Out and Playoff Picture
Entering mid-March 2025, the Senators are in the first wild-card position in the Eastern Conference. They have been playing solidly lately and are firmly on track to make the playoffs after beating Cup contenders the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Washington Capitals. Scoring a 4-2 win over Toronto at the weekend, they have shown they can compete with some of the conference’s best and closed the points gap with the leaders in the division.
Though still fighting for a higher seed, Ottawa is getting into the playoff conversation. Closing in on a playoff spot means they could avoid a first-round exit against one of the heavyweights in the Eastern Conference with a strong finish in the regular season. They may not be up there yet among the favorites for the Eastern Conference, but there is a lot to hope for.
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Why Ottawa is On the Rise
Ottawa’s turnaround this season can be traced to a few key aspects:
Goaltending Stability: One of the biggest reasons behind Ottawa’s success is Linus Ullmark’s acquisition, which has greatly helped the Sens stabilize their net. Ottawa has become far more difficult to beat, due in large part to some steady performances from Corson, the goalie with the ability to steal games. The Senators have a netminder in their midst who is well-equipped to go toe-to-toe with high-octane playoff attacks with Ullmark manning the pipes.
Defensive Improvements: The Senators have been a much-improved defensive side under head coach Travis Green. They are now one of the league’s best teams at keeping the puck out of their own net after being a team that simply could not stop giving up high-danger chances. They look much more like playoff teams, such as the Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild, with their stifling defensive structure, making them that much more difficult matchup in the type of tight playoff games we see in the postseason.
New Stars at the Helm: The Senators young core has taken a step forward this season. Tim Stutzle is turning into a true superstar, with his dynamic playmaking and scoring ability leading the offense. With Thomas Chabot mostly leading the way on the blue line to a Norris Trophy-worthy season, the defense is as locked down and productive as it has been in recent years. The combination of these players, plus the leadership and physicality of Brady Tkachuk, provide the Ottawa Senators with a diversified attack to compete with elite teams.
The Ottawa Senators are no longer a work in progress — they’re a playoff contender. They could make a deep run if they keep playing like this. Elite goaltending, solidified defense and young stars stepping up; Ottawa could do some damage in the playoffs. There are still hurdles in the way, but the Senators have enough in place to disrupt the order in the East — and maybe even make a bigger splash than expected.
