Eugene Melnyk, the former owner of the Ottawa Senators, had unwavering faith in his team, often expressing it boldly and with his characteristic flair. This outspoken confidence made him a notable figure in the hockey community. Until his passing in 2022, Melnyk firmly believed that Ottawa would once again become a strong contender for the playoffs.
In 2020, Melnyk confidently stated, `I truly believe that we are capable of winning the Stanley Cup within four years. It could happen sooner, but definitely within that timeframe.` This declaration was typical of Melnyk`s personality. At that point, the Senators hadn`t participated in the playoffs since their Game 7 loss in the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals. The team had transitioned from being on the cusp of the Stanley Cup Final to enduring a series of losing seasons.
Melnyk supported his ambitious words with a comprehensive 112-page plan, developed with then-General Manager Pierre Dorion, outlining how Ottawa would reach the high standard he had set. They were committed to spending up to the salary cap to achieve his vision.
The specifics of this plan may remain private. However, it`s clear that Ottawa initially fell short of Melnyk`s expectations. For seven years, the Senators faced challenges, experiencing both moments of optimism and significant setbacks. Yet, they have finally achieved a breakthrough.
The Senators have secured their place as playoff contenders, claiming the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference on Sunday. Their qualification wasn`t seamless; it was confirmed after a disappointing 5-2 defeat against the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, due to the Montreal Canadiens` victory over the Detroit Red Wings on the same night, the Senators clinched their playoff berth.
Regardless of the circumstances, the Senators are in. But how exactly did they manage this turnaround? It`s a complex story, but several key factors propelled Ottawa to this point, bringing them closer to fulfilling Melnyk`s prediction of a championship-caliber future.
General Manager Steve Staios commented on reaching the postseason, saying, `This is a significant first step for this team. I`m really excited for our players. From the beginning of training camp, their motivation was evident.`
Unfortunately, the Senators didn`t return to the playoffs during Melnyk`s lifetime. Dorion, who joined the Senators just before their successful conference finals run, was unable to guide Ottawa back to the playoffs and was eventually dismissed in 2023.
The decline of the Senators from Eastern Conference favorites to bottom-ranked team was perplexing. The 2017-18 season saw them finish 30th, marking the start of a rapid rebuild. Key defenseman Erik Karlsson was traded to San Jose in September 2018, preceding a dismal season that led to the departure of veterans Matt Duchene, Mark Stone, and Ryan Dzingel, all traded by the 2019 deadline. By March 2019, the Senators were last in the league, and coach Guy Boucher was replaced. Ottawa urgently needed change.
DJ Smith became the coach for the 2019-20 season, tasked with revitalizing the young Senators. Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris, and Drake Batherson were already part of the team, and by 2020, Ottawa had drafted first-round talents Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson.
In 2022, Dorion intensified the rebuild efforts, trading for Alex DeBrincat and Cam Talbot, and signing free agent Claude Giroux to enhance the Senators` prospects. Despite these moves, Ottawa missed the playoffs by six points the following season.
DeBrincat, however, decided against a long-term commitment, leading to his trade to Detroit. Talbot also wasn`t retained. The Senators experienced significant turnover across the organization. Following Melnyk`s death in 2022, the franchise was sold to businessman Michael Andlauer in June 2023, marking the beginning of a new chapter, albeit with a rocky start.
Early in the 2023-24 season, the league penalized Ottawa, stripping them of a first-round draft pick due to an invalid 2021 trade involving Evgenii Dadonov and the Anaheim Ducks. This penalty contributed to Dorion`s dismissal in November 2023. Staios, then president of hockey operations, also assumed the GM role.
Amidst these off-ice issues, the Senators` performance suffered. A poor 11-15 record led to Smith`s replacement in December by former coach Jacques Martin. Despite their young talent, the Senators again underperformed, finishing seventh in the Atlantic Division.
Three key philosophical shifts then occurred, steering them from the bottom of the league to playoff contention, with the long-term aspiration that this is just the start of a new era of competitiveness.
Ottawa Trusted the Process
Tim Stutzle openly expressed what many of his teammates felt after clinching their playoff spot. `We`ve been through a lot,` Stutzle said after the loss to Columbus. `Some tough years. I`m really proud of how we`ve all persevered. I believe no team deserves this more than us. We`ve worked incredibly hard this year.`
Ottawa`s current success is deeply rooted in their recent struggles. When Thomas Chabot joined the Senators in 2016-17, the team had only missed the playoffs four times since 1996-97. Chabot anticipated regular postseason play in his NHL career. Instead, it took over 500 games before he secured his first playoff appearance.
Chabot joked about securing a playoff spot after a loss, `You won`t see me smiling much after a loss, but it feels fantastic.`
Brady Tkachuk understands this sentiment. As captain with over 500 games and 400 points, he has tirelessly tried to lead Ottawa to the playoffs. His dedication to the Senators has never wavered, even when trade rumors surfaced earlier in the season.
In early February, as the Senators were climbing the standings, Tkachuk was linked to the New York Rangers in media reports. Andlauer was reportedly upset, suspecting the Rangers of tampering. Tkachuk responded by letting his performance speak for itself, continuing to lead the Senators. The situation was a distraction, contrary to the team`s focus on developing their young core for a playoff return.
However, these young stars couldn`t achieve this alone. Veterans like Giroux and David Perron have been crucial in guiding the team`s development with their leadership. Giroux, since joining in 2022, has maintained his high level of play, contributing 35 goals and 79 points in his first season. His consistent performance and steadying presence are vital when challenges arise.
Giroux noted, `There were games where we weren`t at our best, but we found ways to win. Winning even when not at your peak is a positive sign. Everyone is committed to playing the right way, which makes it enjoyable.`
Giroux also brings playoff experience, though limited in recent years. Since 2012-13, he`s reached the postseason five times, most recently with Florida in 2021-22, but has yet to win a Stanley Cup.
Perron won a Stanley Cup with St. Louis in 2019 and reached the Final with Vegas the year before. He understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level. While predicting a Stanley Cup for the Senators this year is premature, this playoff step is crucial for their growth.
Perron emphasized, `Having won before, I want others, like Claude and many who haven`t, to experience a playoff run. It`s about giving that experience to our younger players.`
Ottawa has steadily positioned themselves for this moment. The difficult years have strengthened their core players, who are determined to seize this opportunity.
Ottawa Found the Right Coach
The Senators needed a fresh perspective with their new owner and GM. Travis Green, hired in May 2024, was the answer.
Green quickly recognized Ottawa`s readiness to move past their losing streak. `From day one, they were receptive and eager to win. They are coachable, which isn`t always the case,` Green stated.
Green`s coaching background includes a head coaching role with Vancouver from 2017 to 2021 and an interim position with New Jersey in 2023-24.
He highlighted the Senators` coachability after a challenging 5-8-1 stretch in November that could have derailed their playoff aspirations. `[That period] was significant. It`s one thing to claim coachability, but another to demonstrate it. They were open to honest conversations and feedback, even when it was critical. Players acknowledged areas for improvement, committed to it, and worked to improve.`
Staios praised Green`s leadership, stating, `Travis`s vision and coaching have transformed this team from last year to playoff contenders. It`s remarkable.`
Green`s ability to shift Ottawa`s mindset and implement a winning structure has been key. While many coaches can design strategies, Green`s strength lies in his communication and the players` willingness to embrace his approach, driving Ottawa`s turnaround.
Green concluded, `I know their desire to win. Playoff qualification isn`t guaranteed, but I felt this group was ready to take the next step. Now, we`re here.`
Ottawa Fixed Its Defense and Secured Reliable Goaltending
A crucial element of Ottawa`s success was their complete commitment to defensive play. Playoff contention required strength at both ends of the ice. Green provided the strategy, and the players executed it.
Tkachuk noted, `I`ve learned a lot from Coach Green, especially defensively. He effectively points out our mistakes and how to correct them.`
This improvement stems from Ottawa`s patience. They didn`t start the season as a defensive powerhouse, beginning with an 11-12-2 record and ranking 26th overall in goals against per game (3.20).
Despite initial frustrations, Green maintained his approach and supported his players as they learned his system. His confidence in turning players like Stutzle and Tkachuk into complete players demonstrated his belief in their potential. The core players needed to commit.
Staios described Green as having `a unique way of being demanding and holding players accountable, while also building strong relationships and open communication.`
Ottawa`s defense improved significantly. In the subsequent 25 games from December through January, they went 15-8-2 and had the second-fewest goals against per game in the league (2.20).
Overall, Ottawa`s defense has drastically improved, reducing goals against at 5-on-5 from 2.34 last season to 1.84 this season. They have 21 wins when outshot, fourth most in the NHL, surpassing their combined total from the previous two seasons.
Given their offensive ranking of 22nd (2.89 goals per game) and 30th in even-strength goals (131), defensive solidity was crucial. Their 15th-ranked power play (22.8%) has been helpful, but defense has been key.
Green is establishing a sustainable system for consistent postseason contention. This defensive improvement is due to Green, the skaters, and finally, reliable goaltending.
Ottawa struggled with goaltending during their seven-year playoff drought. Craig Anderson had the most starts (133) before leaving in 2020. Matt Murray and Cam Talbot were unsuccessful experiments. Anton Forsberg (130 starts) and Joonas Korpisalo also had limited impact.
In June, Ottawa acquired Linus Ullmark from Boston, who signed a four-year extension. Ullmark, a Vezina Trophy winner in 2023, provided stability. Boston`s choice to prioritize Jeremy Swayman benefited Ottawa, as they made the playoffs while Boston is in line for a high draft pick.
Despite injuries, Ullmark has been a significant upgrade, with a 24-14-3 record, .911 save percentage, and 2.67 goals-against average in his first full Ottawa season, the third most wins for a goalie in their first Ottawa season. Forsberg has also improved (10-12-2, .904 SV%, 2.66 GAA).
Ullmark aims for playoff success with Ottawa. Having experienced long playoff droughts with Buffalo, he appreciates this opportunity and shares the excitement with teammates new to playoff hockey.
Ullmark said, `I`m happy for guys like Chabot and Tkachuk, who have waited the longest, to finally have a chance to play meaningful games and compete for the Cup.`
The Senators may not win the Stanley Cup this year or in the near future, but they are now in contention. For Chabot and others, this is the realization of a long-awaited dream โ to be playoff participants, not just observers.
For the Ottawa Senators, this playoff berth is a dream come true.
