Ottawa Senators Next Week: Second Star Rise for Sanderson and Ullmark – Hockey Writers – Ottawa Senators

With a total of 97 points and a postseason berth, the Ottawa Senators earned their second straight trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking the end of a transition period following their first rebuild of the 2020s. This is not a franchise to simply settle for a Wild Card entry; it’s a group that has grown into a sound system, with a high ceiling.

Earning a spot in the Eastern Conference is a feat of endurance at work, and the Senators have navigated the postseason pressure in limited fashion. Although they currently sit in the second Wild Card spot (WC2), the atmosphere in the locker room shows a team that understands the nuances of 5-on-5 play needed to make a deep run. The aim is no longer just to compete, but to disrupt the established rule in Mpumalanga.

The height of Jake Sanderson

At the center of Ottawa’s tactical identity is 23-year-old Jake Sanderson, who has emerged as a legitimate Norris Trophy-caliber defender. Despite missing 12 games earlier this season with a dislocated shoulder, Sanderson’s return was the catalyst for the team’s late-season surgery. He is currently producing 66 points, 14 goals and 40 assists for 54 points in 67 games.

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While elite peers like Quinn Hughes and Zack Werenski are often cited for their offensive versatility, Sanderson’s value is based on slowing down elite scorers like Connor McDavid or Nikita Kucherov. His 5-on-5 impact is best illustrated by his partnership with Artem Zub; among pairs with at least 400 minutes together, they rank third in the league in expected goal share. In simple terms, they dominate the puck so effectively that the Senators consistently outscore opponents whenever the duo is on the ice.

Sanderson’s absence also highlighted a critical strategic vulnerability: Ottawa’s power play dropped from 10th to 24th in the league while he was sidelined. Since returning, the team has scored six goals in only five games. Head coach Travis Green called him a “special player,” and captain Brady Tkachuk noted that his preparation makes him a “beast” on the blue line.

UllmarkThe Second Star

Goaltending stability is the backbone of any serious playoff run, and Linus Ullmark has provided just that. His recent performance was recognized by the league, earning him the NHL Second Star of the Week. Ullmark went 3-0-0 last week, pacing the team with a 1.00 goals against average.

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Ullmark’s .961 save percentage means he stopped 96 out of every 100 shots he faced. His 23-game shutout against the New York Islanders was clinical at its best and served as the job that secured Ottawa’s postseason berth. While he shares the weekly spotlight with Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg and Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, Ullmark enters the final week as one of the league’s hottest starters.

Tkachuk’s situation

Captain Brady Tkachuk’s life is still a story heading into Game 82. Tkachuk was shaken up after colliding with Ryan Pulock’s stick during the Islanders game and sat out the ensuing overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils. Coach Travis Green gave a strong update, saying that Tkachuk is expected to “do well” in the playoffs. His return is important, as his 59 points and physical presence lend a “hero” impression to postseason hockey, a sentiment echoed by the team regarding Thomas Chabot’s recent return from an arm injury.

Eastern Conference Playoff Scenarios

The race for first place in the Wild Card (WC1) remains tight, with the Boston Bruins (98 points) holding a narrow lead over Ottawa (97 points). The result of the final game will determine whether the Senators face the divisional winner or their opponent.

• WC1 method: An Ottawa win over Toronto, coupled with a Boston loss, would put the Senators in WC1. This will lead to a first-round series against either the Buffalo Sabers or the Montreal Canadiens, who are currently tied for the Atlantic Division lead with 106 points.
• WC2 method: If Boston maintains its lead, Ottawa will host WC2 and likely face the Carolina Hurricanes, the current leaders of the Metropolitan Division.

Ottawa’s 8th-ranked scoring at 5-on-5 is a significant advantage in these situations. In the playoffs, where power play opportunities often diminish as officials “swallow whistles,” the ability to produce at even strength becomes the defining factor of success.

Senators Final Extension: Schedule for the Rest of the Regular Season

The Battle of Ontario serves as the finale to the regular season, carrying significant playoff seeding weight and momentum.

The city has confirmed that the “Sens Mile” on Elgin Street will officially return this week. The area will be equipped with signs and flags that will serve as a home base for local fans throughout the postseason run.

Tickets Logistics and City Fever

Playoff fever has gripped the capital, and the demand for live gates reflects the city’s eagerness. Senators President Cyril Leeder confirmed that 12,000 tickets have been committed to season seat members, a number expected to reach 14,000 before general sales begin. In order to preserve home ice profits, the club uses certain resale restrictions to ensure that tickets stay in the hands of local fans.

Tickets for the first round will be available to season seat members from Thursday. Sens Insider and the general public will have access on Friday. For those who can’t get seats at the Canadian Tire Centre, the club will host outdoor viewing parties at CIBC Plaza, showing big-screen broadcasts of both home and away games.

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