Friedman's 3 Reasons the Senators Are Canada's Best Team

The Ottawa Senators just came off a long, bruising swing through California, and for once, they didn’t look like a team more interested in the fun and the sun than winning on the ice. In a recent interview, Elliotte Friedman joked that past Ottawa teams seemed more focused on their golf clubs once they hit the West Coast. Sunshine, warm air, a few off-days — you could almost predict the flat performances before the puck even dropped. But this group didn’t fall into that trap.

Instead of drifting into vacation mode, the Senators leaned into the games. Friedman noted that Ottawa is basically a dark alley for most of the season — cold, grey, and unforgiving — and maybe that’s why this team felt right at home in the rink instead of the sunshine. They played hard and tight.

The result? They earned two big wins against young, hungry teams that don’t give you anything for free. The Senators lost last night to a tough Los Angeles Kings team, but it was as much bad luck as poor playing. This solid road trip feels like the start of a shift, maybe even the beginning of something sturdier. Is it?

In speaking about the Senators, Friedman believes they might be the best team in Canada. Here are three reasons why he suggests that:

Reason One: The Senators Showed Professionalism on the Road

Friedman’s first point was simple. The California trip wasn’t luck; it was execution. Ottawa handled two difficult road games in arenas that have historically owned them. They played smart, stayed structured, and didn’t panic when things got tense. That’s the hallmark of a team with identity, and a team that expects to win, even away from home.

Reason Two: The Senators Are Winning Without Key Players

The Senators didn’t just win—they did it without some of their core pieces. Tim Stützle has been out, and Thomas Chabot may have reinjured himself. Brady Tkachuk has been out for, gosh, how long? Still, they win.

Losing your engine and your stabilizer usually sinks a team. Not Ottawa. They tightened up, leaned on depth, and got meaningful contributions from the middle of the lineup. Confidence and depth go hand in hand, and the Senators have both in spades.

Reason Three: The Senators Are Showing Few Trap Game Meltdowns

Historically, California exposed Ottawa’s immaturity. Not this time. They imposed their game, stayed disciplined, and didn’t fold under pressure. Friedman points to this as a cultural shift—a signal that Ottawa is no longer a team that plays down to its moment. They’ve learned to control the narrative on the ice.

Friedman’s Takeaway About the Senators’ Season

The Senators now look like a team ready to jump into the playoff conversation rather than wait for an invitation. There’s a backbone forming, trust spreading across lines, and a sense that every player understands the stakes. This is not a perfect team, but they are showing maturity, resilience, and the kind of growth that makes Friedman, and now their own fans, take notice.

But, are they Canada’s best team? Right now, it’s hard to argue otherwise.