Sens Heating Up at the Right Moment

OTTAWA, ON

The Senators just finished game number 64, and sit in a playoff position with less than a quarter of the season to go. Fans are stirring, excited to see their team in the running after disappointing exits in each of the previous two years. Home ice advantage is not out of the question either, as Ottawa currently sits second in the Atlantic by points percentage and top 10 in the league in goals against, thanks largely to a league crushing 89% pentalty kill. 

Encouraged by the momentum, GM Noddan spared no expense at the trade deadline, bringing in big names to bolster the roster and raise the Sens to true contender status. 

First, Ottawa brought in Alex Wennberg from their division rivals Detroit Red Wings, in exchange for D Marcus Bjork and a 2024 3rd round pick. Wennberg this year has been putting up elite defensive numbers from the forward position. In fact, he has the second-highest defence skill among all forwards. Though a capable centerman, look for Ottawa to line him up next to Jordan Staal at even strength and on the penalty kill, as the pair should provide elite shutdown strength to an already defensively strong Senators team.

But the big splash came next out of Vancouver, when news broke that Ottawa would be trading for the Wookie himself, Brent Burns. In exchange for Winnipeg's first round pick in the upcoming draft (previously acquired in the John Carlson deal), Ottawa brings in an experienced Stanley Cup champion and true No. 1 defenseman. Burns currently sits 5th in scoring among defensemen with 6 goals and 48 points in 68 games. Look for Burns to quarterback the Senators' powerplay and play a key role down the stretch and into the playoffs.

This new playoff caliber roster exceeds the cap by $15,000,000, but is legal thanks to early-season savings and shrewd salary-retention deals this year. For the first time in a long time in Ottawa, ownership is willing to spend every dollar necessary to see this team reach success. Given that the team nearly declared bankruptcy not too long ago, this committment shows true faith in this group.

With this splurge comes true depth. There is not a weak point in the Sens' lineup. Wennberg joins and provides a ninth(!) option at center, and depending on the night natural centers including Malkin, Seguin, Haula, Foligno, Ty Jo, and Wennberg are playing the wing. There's easily 7 or 8 forwards who could kill penalties effectively, 8 quality goal scorers, not to mention two elite #1D options in Burns and Ekblad. Don't be fooled by the weak start, this Ottawa team is very strong, and will surprise many in the playoffs this year.

This year's Senators teams has what it takes to make a deep playoff run thanks to strong leadership throughout the lineup. Ottawa is one of the oldest teams in the league, which brings experience and poise necessary to sustain a tough RHL post season. Team captain Evgeni Malkin is joined by Jordan Staal, Anze Kopitar, and Nick Foligno - all of whom could be captains in their own right. Veterans Alex Killorn and Tyler Seguin, and new acquisition Brent Burns also bring a rich wealth of experience that will ensure this team does not waste this opportunity for glory.