The Ottawa Senators are exceeding expectations this season, showcasing improvement and a strong team culture. However, injuries to key players pose a challenge, and offensive consistency remains a work in progress.
The Ottawa Senators are exceeding expectations this season, sitting ahead of their pace from last year and showcasing tangible improvement. General Manager Steve Staios attributes this progress to a renewed commitment to two-way hockey and the establishment of a strong team culture under first-year head coach Travis Green.
\The team's defensive performance has been a standout feature, with veterans like Nick Jensen making a significant impact and the coaching staff emphasizing structure and accountability. Staios praised defenseman Thomas Chabot for elevating his game. However, injuries to key players, including goaltender Linus Ullmark, David Perron, and Michael Amadio, pose a challenge. Ullmark's absence, in particular, is concerning as he hasn't played since December 22nd. \Despite the setbacks, the Senators enjoyed a six-game winning streak before the Christmas break, securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2017. This coincided with Ullmark's return, and the team's record with him in net was 7-0-1. However, they have struggled since his injury, going 2-4-1. \While the defensive improvements are notable, the Senators still need to find offensive consistency. Scoring droughts have plagued them since mid-November. Top scorers like Drake Batherson, Tim Stutzle, Claude Giroux, Josh Norris, and Brady Tkachuk have faced challenges, and the team requires more offensive production down the stretch. \Staios is actively evaluating potential roster moves to bolster the team's chances, but he also wants to prioritize internal growth and the development of young players. The Senators' performance in their next 20 games before the trade deadline will likely dictate their next steps. \Although a playoff berth would be a significant accomplishment, Staios emphasizes that the team is still in the early stages of building a consistent, winning culture
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