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Holiday Wish List: What the Senators Need Most This Season
If we could give the team anything on their wish list, what do the Ottawa Senators need most this holiday season?
The jolly spirit of the holiday season has brought Hockey Central’s Sam Cosentino and Danielle Michaud together to craft a hockey-themed wish list for teams around the league. Each team is looking for the perfect “gift” to bolster their chances for success this season, and with Cosentino leading the way, here’s what the Ottawa Senators might wish for this year.
Ottawa Senators: Noise-Canceling Headphones
Rumors and external noise have surrounded the Senators all season, and Cosentino thinks they need a way to block it all out. His gift pick? Noise-canceling headphones with a “#7” on each side, allowing the team to focus on their game and tune out the distractions. The Senators have shown promise but need to stay locked in to secure consistent results. Cutting out the noise could help them find their stride in the second half of the season.
Brady Tkachuk is coming into his own as a Senators’ on-the-ice leader. If the team can continue to give him the right environment, he has the potential to help them make the postseason. The 25-year-old Captain has the ability to come through in crucial moments. He scored the game-winner in overtime against the Penguins and has begun to show his ability to carry the team when it needs him.
Tkachuk Has Inconsistencies, Still He’s the Leader
Yes, he has the occasional inconsistencies in his game. Still, Tkachuk remains highly productive, with 32 points in 30 games this season, including 15 goals and 17 assists. His power-play contributions, strong offensive presence, and physicality (120 shots, 108 hits) make him a key driving force for the Senators.
Tkachuk’s relentless approach, as seen in his five-game point streak, and his career milestones—such as reaching 200 assists—shown that h’es grown into a complete player capable of leading the team. If Ottawa continues to ride his skill and gives him the right supporting cast, Tkachuk could be the catalyst that propels them into a playoff spot this season.
The Best Holiday Gift for the Senators Is a Relaxed Tkachuk
A great holiday gift for Tkachuk could be the opportunity to relax into his leadership role and focus on what he does best—driving the offense and leading by example. He shouldn’t feel the need to take on every responsibility, including fighting. While his physicality and willingness to protect his teammates are keys to his game, he needs to conserve energy. If he can learn to avoid unnecessary distractions, he could elevate his overall performance.
A shift in mindset where he doesn’t feel compelled to do everything would help him stay fresh and focused. It would also allow him to channel his energy into becoming the offensive leader the Senators need to reach the playoffs. The big question is whether there’s any relaxation possible in this young leader.
Related: Senators Must Seize Opening to Make Playoffs This Season
