The Ottawa Senators face a week filled with challenges and opportunities as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Atlantic Division. With key players sidelined due to injuries and the need for consistent performance, the team's resilience will be tested in the coming days. Here's a breakdown of the week ahead:
The "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back" Grind
Currently sitting seventh in the Atlantic Division with a 14-13-4 record, the Senators are struggling to maintain consistency. While their recent 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets snapped a three-game losing streak, stringing together consecutive wins has been a challenge. The team remains in contention for a wild card spot but must find a way to close the gap with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins.
Injury Trouble
The Senators are grappling with significant injuries to vital players. Veteran center Lars Eller is expected to be out for "a little while" after blocking a shot in the game against Columbus. Additionally, key defenseman Thomas Chabot (upper body) and forward Shane Pinto (lower body) are dealing with injuries, further straining the team's depth. Eller, who signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Senators on July 1, 2025, has appeared in 27 games this season, recording two goals and four assists.
Goaltending Woes
A major concern for the Senators is the inconsistent play of star goaltender Linus Ullmark. Despite his Vezina-caliber potential, Ullmark currently holds a .877 save percentage and a goals-against average (GAA) exceeding 3.00. For the Senators to make a serious playoff push, Ullmark needs to rediscover his top form and provide stability in net. The 32-year-old goaltender is in the first year of a four-year, $33 million contract with Ottawa.
Stützle and Batherson Leading the Charge
Despite the team's struggles, Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson have been consistent offensive contributors. Stützle, a dynamic center, recently had a two-goal performance, while Batherson continues to be a reliable scoring threat. These two will need to maintain their high level of play to drive the Senators' offense. Stützle, born on January 15, 2002, was drafted by the Senators as the third overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
Week Ahead Schedule
The Senators' schedule for the upcoming week of December 15-21 includes:
- Monday, Dec 15: @ Winnipeg Jets, 7:30 PM EST, Canada Life Centre (ESPN+, TSN5)
- Thursday, Dec 18: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 7:00 PM EST, Canadian Tire Centre (ESPN+, TSN5, RDS)
- Saturday, Dec 20: vs. Chicago Blackhawks, 3:00 PM EST, Canadian Tire Centre (ESPN+, TSN5)
The Senators face a challenging week as they try to find consistency and overcome injuries. Key storylines to watch include the performance of Linus Ullmark, the impact of Lars Eller's absence, and the continued offensive contributions of Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson.
