The Senators have been on a tear, but injured goalies Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg have some people worried. But, Sens fans still have every right to be optimistic about the team.
The streaking Ottawa Senators – who have won seven of their past 10 games, including a six-game win streak from Dec. 11-21 – are encountering some serious adversity, as their top two goalies, Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg, both are out with injuries. But, as the Sens continue to push for a playoff spot, do they have what it takes to outlast other Atlantic Division rivals and lock up a post-season berth for the first time since 2016-17? We’d say the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.”
Here’s why: if you break down Ottawa’s recent victories, you can see why Senators fans ought to be optimistic. To wit: in their seven most recent victories, the Sens have generated at least three goals. Combine that with a defense that’s limited opponents to two goals or fewer in seven of their last eight wins, and you have a Senators team that’s doing everything right at both ends of the ice.
Now, you might suggest the Sens have benefited from a schedule that’s seen them take on sub-par teams including Detroit, Nashville, Anaheim and Seattle in their recent winning stretch. That’s true, but you also have to take into account their recent wins over teams in a current playoff spot, including Carolina and Vancouver. In short, Ottawa has handled their business no matter what caliber of opponent they’ve taken on, and that bodes well for them in their upcoming schedule.
Indeed, considering the Senators will be taking on two very tough opponents right away – Minnesota and Dallas – Ottawa is going to have to play smart, disciplined hockey to continue holding onto the second and final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference — stronger than how they played on Saturday in a 4-2 loss to the league-leading Winnipeg Jets.
After their two upcoming games, the schedule gets easier for the Sens, as they’ll be facing the St. Louis Blues, Red Wings, Sabres and Penguins. So there’s an excellent chance for the Senators to solidify their spot in the East and be playing meaningful hockey right through the end of the regular season.
In any case, the Senators’ recent hot streak has infused the lineup with a confidence that hasn’t been there in recent seasons. Ullmark won’t be back anytime soon, but whether it’s Anton Forsberg, Leevi Merilainen or Mads Sogaard between the pipes for them in their upcoming games, Ottawa will almost assuredly have a solid chance to win night in and night out given their track record in the month of December.
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