The Ottawa Senators Path Back to the Playoffs

With the regular season starting one week from today, now’s a good time to forecast what’s going to happen in the Eastern Conference this season. The Ottawa Senators simply need to be better than eight teams in the East to end up in the playoffs (so long as they don’t end up sixth in their own division). There was a lot of change to many of the Eastern Conference teams during the offseason, Senators included. As of now, a high majority of the teams expect to at least compete for a playoff spot. Let’s break down the teams and figure out where Ottawa fits in.

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The Higher End Teams

• New York Rangers
• Florida Panthers
• Toronto Maple Leafs
• New Jersey Devils

Yes, the Devils missed the playoffs last year. They upgraded in net, though, which was clearly their biggest weakness. The rest of their roster is quite loaded. A new coach should help, too. And yes, the Leafs struggle in the playoffs every year. They don’t have any trouble making the playoffs, though, having made it ever since Auston Matthews’ and Mitch Marner’s first year. Needless to say, It would be a surprise to see the Senators finish ahead of any of these four teams. 

The Competitive (Albeit Somewhat Vulnerable) Older Teams

• Carolina Hurricanes
• Boston Bruins
• Tampa Bay Lightning

All three of these teams have been playoff contenders for a while now. They’ve all made serious changes this season, though. While they’re expected to make the playoffs, none of them are nearly as loaded on paper as they have been in recent years. 

The Not as Good (But Still Want to Compete) Older Teams

• Washington Capitals
• Pittsburgh Penguins
• New York Islanders 

These teams have all had their time in the playoffs. They’ve all had to fight to get in these last few years (with Pittsburgh missing out in back to back seasons). Washington feels a little different this year, having made several big moves. They might fit better in the group above, but Ovechkin and Crosby will be forever linked so putting them in this group felt right. Nonetheless, Ottawa needs to be able to pass these teams in the standings. 

The Teams at Similar Stages as the Senators

• Detroit Red Wings
• Buffalo Sabres

With these two teams all in the Senators divisions, it’s imperative that the Senators end up ahead of them as all three teams try to rebuild their way into playoff contenders. 

The Teams that Aren’t Expecting the Playoffs

• Columbus Blue Jackets
• Philadelphia Flyers
• Montreal Canadiens

If any of these teams made the playoffs, it would be a surprise. There’s no way the Senators should be worse than them. 

Where the Senators Fit

If the Ottawa Senators can end up ahead of the last three groups mentioned above, that would place them in eighth place and into the playoffs! That seems reasonable. Of course, the games aren’t played on paper and predictions can fall apart quite easily. Some teams will overachieve, while others underachieve. The Senators can reasonably be expected to finish anywhere from sixth to twelfth in the conference. Injuries will happen, cold streaks might creep in, and so will hot stretches. What needs to happen is clear- The Senators need to be playing meaningful games come April. If not, changes will surely be made.