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Yes or No: The Ottawa Senators Make the Playoffs

The Ottawa Senators right now are looking good. Do they have the team this season to make the playoffs? What is the case for and against?

by
Old Prof
December 26, 2024

As the 2024-2025 NHL season enters the new year, the Ottawa Senators (18-14-2) are in a strong position to compete for a playoff spot. However, whether they can break their six-year playoff drought remains uncertain. Let’s break down the key factors for both sides of the argument.

Four Reasons Why the Senators Will Make the Postseason

There are at least four reasons why the Senators will make the postseason. These include:

Reason One: Linus Ullmark’s Stellar Goaltending

Linus Ullmark has been the team’s MVP over the past month, boasting an 8-0-1 record, a 1.48 GAA, a .952 save percentage, and two shutouts in his last 10 games. His play has been a significant factor in Ottawa’s resurgence, providing stability in the net and confidence throughout the lineup. If Ullmark returns from his recent injury, his elite goaltending will be crucial in maintaining Ottawa’s playoff push.

Reason Two: The Senators Have a Strong, Developing Core

Ottawa’s young core—Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, and Jake Sanderson—has grown significantly this season. With the leadership of veterans like Claude Giroux and David Perron, the Senators have a more balanced and experienced lineup than in recent years. The team has demonstrated the talent and depth to compete with the league’s best, making it a legitimate contender.

Reason Three: The Senators Have Depth and Leadership

With a solid mix of youthful energy and veteran savvy, Ottawa is better equipped to handle the season’s second-half challenges. Players like Giroux bring valuable experience, while the younger stars continue to evolve into franchise cornerstones. This combination of leadership and talent should help them weather the storm in a hyper-competitive Eastern Conference.

Reason Four: Playoff Hunger and Rising Expectations

For the first time in years, expectations in Ottawa have shifted from rebuilding to making the playoffs. The team’s performance so far, combined with its growth and Ullmark’s play, suggests it is ready to take the next step and make the postseason. There’s a confidence in the ice.

Four Reasons Why the Senators Might Fall Short

There are at least four reasons why the senators might not make the postseason. These include:

Reason One: Ullmark’s Injury Concerns Could Rise to the Surface

While Ullmark has been fantastic, his recent upper-body injury could disrupt the team’s momentum. If he cannot return soon or struggles upon his return, the Senators may struggle to keep up their strong play. Backup goalie Leevi Merilainen or another fill-in may need to step up, but this unproven situation could prove costly.

Linus Ullmark Senators has been injured.

Reason Two: The Senators’ Depth Scoring and Defensive Play Might Hold Them Back

Although Ottawa has been solid overall, they must prove that their scoring and defensive consistency can hold up over the long haul. The team’s depth will be tested as they face off against other Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls, and any lapse in offensive or defensive play could jeopardize their spot.

Reason Three: The Senators Play in the Hyper-Competitive Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference is filled with powerhouse teams, and the Senators will face stiff competition for one of the playoff’s wildcard spots. While Ottawa has the talent to compete, the margin for error is thin. Even with Ullmark playing well, the team must continue to perform at a high level against other playoff contenders.

Reason Three: The Senators Don’t Have the Playoff Experience

Although Ottawa has talent, the team is still young and lacks extensive playoff experience. This lack of postseason pedigree could be a hurdle when the pressure mounts in tight games down the stretch. They have the horses to make the postseason, but do they have the experienced horses?

Summary Chart: Will the Ottawa Senators Make the Postseason?

Factor	Yes	No
Linus Ullmark’s Goaltending	His elite play is key to the team’s success	Injury concerns might disrupt momentum
Team’s Core Development	Young stars maturing, solid leadership	Lack of consistency and depth scoring
Depth and Leadership	Balanced lineup with experienced vets	Lack of playoff experience, unproven depth
Eastern Conference Competition	Competitive, but Ottawa has the talent	Hyper-competitive field, limited margin for error
Consistency Over the Long Haul	Strong play, confidence growing	Inconsistent play could undermine push

The Bottom Line for the Senators and the Postseason

The Senators are positioned well for a playoff berth, driven by the stellar play of Ullmark, a talented core, and a balanced lineup. However, their playoff chances depend on staying healthy, particularly in goal, and maintaining consistency throughout the season.

If the team can continue to build on its recent success and overcome the challenges of a tough Eastern Conference, a playoff spot is within reach. Conversely, injuries, inconsistent play, and intense competition could still derail its hopes. The next few weeks will determine if Ottawa can capitalize on its promising start and end its six-year playoff drought.