We look back on the mixed blessings of 2024, including the numbers, the standout performances, and what lies ahead for the Senators.

For Ottawa Senators fans, the 2024 calendar year was a mixed bag of highs and lows. While the team fell short of qualifying for the NHL playoffs, their year was filled with both promise and challenges. 

Let’s dive into the numbers, the standout performances, and what lies ahead for the Sens.

Team Performance

The Senators finished the year with a record of 42-38-6, putting up 90 points in 86 games. This placed them 18th in the NHL standings and 9th in the Eastern Conference. While the final standings last spring were disappointing, the Sens were competitive in 2024.

Player Highlights

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Goaltending Snapshot

Goaltending was a significant storyline for Ottawa in 2024, marked by inconsistency early on, then stabilization after the Sens' summer acquisition of Linus Ullmark.

Joonas Korpisalo recorded 14 wins in 34 games but struggled with a .890 save percentage, while Anton Forsberg, returning from a double-knee injury, matched Korpisalo’s save percentage and won 12 games in 28 appearances.

Ullmark, in contrast, provided much-needed steadiness, earning 12 wins in 23 games with an impressive .915 save percentage. After a sluggish start, his arrival brought reliability to a position that had been in flux for much of the year.

Key Observations

1. Offensive Needs

Despite a solid showing from their top players, the Sens lacked consistent secondary scoring. Shane Pinto could address this gap if he stays healthy and gets a full-time, top-six role in the future.

2. Goaltending Turbulence

Goaltending was a sore spot until the addition of Linus Ullmark. While his acquisition stabilized the crease, Anton Forsberg’s struggles, post-injury, suggest that upgrading the backup role will be a priority heading into 2025. Ullmark also ended 2024 with a back problem and its severity is still unknown.

3. Playoff Potential

Though Ottawa missed the playoffs, they finished 2024 with 90 points in 86 GP, which was ninth-best in the East, and highlights how close they are to breaking through. The team’s encouraging play in December suggests that with a few adjustments, a playoff spot could be within reach in 2025.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The Senators’ year in 2024 was a tale of adversity and incremental progress. With a strong offensive core led by Tkachuk, Stützle, and Batherson, and the stability of Ullmark in goal, the pieces are in place for the Sens to make a serious playoff push this season. A full return to health, addressing their depth scoring, and bolstering the backup goaltending situation will turn potential into long-term success.

Sens fans have reasons to stay optimistic. The team is knocking on the door and 2025 could finally be the year they kick it open.

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