Sens Writer: Senators Claw Out Win vs. Wild; End 2024 In Playoff Contention

Good blog. Like how you pointed out this is a game the team would have lost in the past. They're winning more of those as the season goes on.

Greig had goals in back to back games which is big to take the load off the big guns. He and Pinto were due so hopefully this continues.

Just read Forsberg and Zub practiced today. That will really help the team having them back. Regardless, Leevi should get the start on Thursday, he earned it and Forsberg will likely need more time.

Dallas has falterd a bit r3cnelty so hopefully they can take advantage. Another chance to win one they'd have lost before.

Good blog, sir!

The Sens are indeed off a good streak. Hopefully they can maintain some momentum into the 2nd half.

I think the reality is that no team in the NHL is even near being "perfect" at this stage. They all have issues of one sort or another. The Sens have got here with decent PP and a middle of the pack PK. They are having issues scoring 5 on 5 recently. But by most defensive metrics they are far better then previous seasons. So score less, but prevent even less .... it balances out. Our road record is 0.500 ..... our goal differential is +7. These metrics far exceed previous years.
While some may argue that we are in a playoff position because of the dismal play of many teams who should be playing better .... but they aren't playing better. We are 6 points off the conference lead from Toronto/Florida and have a game in hand on both. Every teams falter and a good team needs to take advantage of this. Given that our top 2 goalies (more specifically, Ullmark) are injured, our top 4 right dman is hurt (Zub), and 2 guys expected to play leading 2nd or 3rd line roles in Perron and Amadio are injured .... Ottawa is doing yeomen's work in their defensive play.
We all keep talking about a trade to obtain that unicorn right d-man .... but we have very little cap space to do anything substantial and there are no dance partners to do that trade with anyhow. However, with Zub coming back soon (skating at practices now) that is like find our right dman. Amadio will also be back shortly (projected to be Jan 9 ??). Perron will be a while and isn't even skating. Forsberg is skating and will doubtless need a few practices to get into game shape. If Merilainen can keep up his play at a reasonable level, maybe we can take our time with Forberg and bide more time waiting on Ullmark.
3 more games on this road trip and I think at least 2 of them are winnable. We shall see if this team can continue its stingy play.

So .... as a side note, how many of you are glad the Sens never took your advice and bought out Norris ? After missing the amount of time he has missed ... he leads all Sens with 14 goals. I think 30+ goals this season is a real possibility as this team gets healthier. But in the end, Norris has looked pretty good out there. Knock on wood.

How long is Ullmark out for again? Do we know?

How long is Ullmark out for again? Do we know?
- Panzer_IVA

for remainder of road trip guaranteed, most likely much longer.

for remainder of road trip guaranteed, most likely much longer.
- Mithos

- HoweHatrick

He predicted this would happen.

Sens are 4 points behind Bruins with 3 games in hand.

One great thing about this road trip is that the Sens have a solid smattering of off days. Road off days offers the opportunity for serious practice time. Practice time can really help a young team to work out some of the bad habits and improve on overall team play.

Tkachuk has stopped fighting. It is one bad habit lost that has helped the Sens stay focused on winning games. When your best player fights it takes the focus off of what really matters.

Practice is about focus, teaching and discipline.

Can't remember which broadcast it was. But commentators were talking about Quinn Hughes and how every team that drafted ahead of Vancouver wishes they had taken Hughes...except, they said..."not Ottawa and Tkachuk."

Sens are 4 points behind Bruins with 3 games in hand.

One great thing about this road trip is that the Sens have a solid smattering of off days. Road off days offers the opportunity for serious practice time. Practice time can really help a young team to work out some of the bad habits and improve on overall team play.

Tkachuk has stopped fighting. It is one bad habit lost that has helped the Sens stay focused on winning games. When your best player fights it takes the focus off of what really matters.

Practice is about focus, teaching and discipline.

Can't remember which broadcast it was. But commentators were talking about Quinn Hughes and how every team that drafted ahead of Vancouver wishes they had taken Hughes...except, they said..."not Ottawa and Tkachuk."
- spatso

Both outstanding players, I think Tkachuk's value, much like his brother Matthew, will be demonstrated in the playoffs. Hopefully that wait is over

Not going to cut it, hopefully just a bit of vacation hangover and they push back tonight.

A shame because Leevi looked strong to start and they had some flashes of strong play.

Greig continues to improve and impress as the season goes on.

Not going to cut it, hopefully just a bit of vacation hangover and they push back tonight.

A shame because Leevi looked strong to start and they had some flashes of strong play.

Greig continues to improve and impress as the season goes on.
- david22

It would be interesting to see Stutzle - Pinto - Greig down the middle with Norris utilized at the wing. I could see that being the long term lineup as Greig seems to have better vision / passing skills, while being quite capable defensively.

It is becoming quite obvious that it is Tkachuk driving the 5 on 5 results for lines.

OTT should just forfeit the games forsberg plays...

OTT should just forfeit the games forsberg plays...
- Mithos

Well seeing as they didn't put the effort in to score at all it looks like they already do.

Maybe a bag skate or 2 might be in order for the next couple days. They need to wake the f**k up. Too many passengers.