Ottawa Senators Summary

Travis Green has transformed the Ottawa Senators into playoff contenders, leading them to their second consecutive playoff appearance this season. The Senators are set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, after finishing the season with 99 points as the second Eastern Conference Wild Card.

This matchup marks the first playoff meeting between the two teams and is particularly intriguing due to their similar playing styles, with both teams excelling in tight checking and aggressive forechecking.

Despite facing significant challenges, including injuries and off-ice drama, Green's coaching has brought the Senators to peak form, earning points in nine of their last ten games. Notably, the Senators' farm system played a crucial role in their success, with players such as Lassi Thomson stepping up to fill important roles when the team was tested due to injuries.

The Senators, along with the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers, are part of a competitive field aiming to end a 32-year Stanley Cup drought for Canadian teams. As the playoffs approach, the Senators are viewed as underdogs against the Hurricanes but are seen as capable of pulling off an upset based on their recent performances.