Can the Ottawa Senators Actually Make a Playoff Push?
The Ottawa Senators are suddenly a story again. And not the “let’s talk about rebuilding next year” kind of story. They’ve put together a little run here, and for the first time in months, you can almost see them sneaking into the playoff conversation.
Since the Olympic break, Ottawa has looked like a different team. Six wins, two losses, two overtime games in their last ten, and five wins in their last six going into the break. That’s a team finding some rhythm. They’re scoring 3.5 goals a night while only giving up 2.5. That kind of balance is exactly what you want when every game feels like a playoff battle.
Batherson has been a standout player for the Senators.
Drake Batherson has been the obvious standout, lighting it up with eight goals and ten points over that stretch. The guy’s not just scoring—he’s making plays and keeping the team moving. But Ottawa’s run isn’t just about him. Secondary scoring is finally showing up, and the defence has tightened enough that they’re not losing games by four or five every night. That combination is exactly what a team needs if they want to slide into the postseason quietly but confidently.
But the road is narrow. The Eastern Conference is crowded, and every game from here on out is basically a playoff game in itself. One bad night and you can be looking over your shoulder. But if the Senators keep this pace, keep pushing in every zone, and maybe get a little luck from other teams, there’s a real shot at that last playoff spot.
Linus Ullmark might be the Senators’ key player in the run.
Besides Batherson, keep an eye on goaltender Linus Ullmark. Can he steal a few games, and can the team’s depth chip in some timely goals? This isn’t a team leaning on one superstar—it’s a collective effort. When everything clicks, Ottawa can be a pain in the neck for anyone in the first round.
The bottom line is that the Senators are making noise at just the right time. It’s going to take consistency, a bit of luck, and everyone showing up night after night. But for Ottawa fans who’ve spent most of the season holding their breath, this is the kind of run that makes the final weeks actually fun.
Buckle up—this team is making things interesting again. If they can make the postseason on a run, the momentum could push right into the playoffs. That would make them difficult to beat.