For the first time in eight years, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are returning to the Canadian capital. The Ottawa Senators clinched their first postseason appearance since 2017 despite a 5-2 road loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The Senators received a crucial boost from the out-of-town scoreboard when their Atlantic Division rival, the Montreal Canadiens, defeated the Detroit Red Wings, solidifying Ottawa's playoff berth.
Currently, the Senators hold a record of 42-30-6, sitting at 90 points and occupying the first wildcard seed in the Eastern Conference. With four games remaining in the regular season, this marks the Senators’ best performance since their 98-point finish in the 2016-17 season.
In the offseason, the Senators identified a pressing need in goal and brought in former Boston Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark. The 31-year-old Swedish-born goaltender has excelled in his new role, posting a 23-14-3 record through 43 appearances, along with a .911 save percentage, a 2.66 goals-against average, and four shutouts. His solid performances, complemented by backup Anton Forsberg, have helped the Senators tighten their defensive game, allowing the 10th fewest goals against in the league.
Offensively, the Senators are led by 23-year-old German-born forward Tim Stutzle, who has been a standout this season with 21 goals and 51 assists in 78 games. Originally selected third overall by Ottawa in the 2020 NHL Draft, Stutzle has accumulated 319 points over five seasons and 363 career games. This playoff appearance will be a significant milestone for Stutzle, as it will be for Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.
Despite being sidelined with an upper-body injury, Tkachuk has had a productive season, tallying 29 goals and 26 assists for a total of 51 points in 71 games. Earlier this year, he showcased his big-game prowess during the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he scored three goals in four games while representing the United States.
The Senators' journey to the playoffs has not been without its challenges. Back in April 2024, fans were growing weary of the repeated refrain of being "tired of losing." Tkachuk himself admitted, "Honestly, this is probably the most difficult year I’ve had, to date, mentally," reflecting on the struggles of a team that had not made the playoffs in his first six seasons.
However, the tide began to turn for the Senators this season. Following their loss to the Blue Jackets, the atmosphere in the locker room remained optimistic. Defenseman Thomas Chabot expressed his excitement about the team’s achievement, stating, "You’re not going to see me smile a whole lot after a loss, but man it feels great. It definitely does. Everybody, the whole group from top-to-bottom, took a huge step this year."
Chabot’s words echoed the sentiments of a team that has fought hard all season long. He added, "Everybody did whatever they could every single night to get into the playoffs, and now that it’s confirmed, we’ve still got some games to play, but the whole group is fired up. We can’t wait to go at it."
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the Senators’ playoff prospects. The energy surrounding the team has been palpable, with social media buzzing after the announcement of their playoff berth. Spittin’ Chiclets, a popular hockey podcast, celebrated the moment, tweeting, "PLAYOFF BRADY UNLOCKED" and highlighting the Senators' return to the postseason.
While the Senators stumbled in their last game, only managing goals from Zetterlund and Chabot, they remain focused on the future. The victory by the Canadiens was a lifeline for Ottawa, allowing them to breathe a sigh of relief as their playoff dreams became a reality.
Looking ahead, the Senators are now preparing for the playoffs with renewed vigor. Tkachuk, who had been recovering from an injury he sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, is eager to return to the ice. His injury occurred during a game against Sweden, where he crashed into the goalie, leading to a frustrating stretch of recovery.
In a heartwarming moment on April 5, Tkachuk was seen gliding across the ice—not in skates, but in regular shoes—to congratulate linesperson Derek Nansen on his retirement after 23 years in the NHL. This display of camaraderie and leadership further solidified Tkachuk's role as a captain who is deeply connected to his team.
As the Senators gear up for the playoffs, the excitement is building among fans and players alike. They are not just looking to participate; they are aiming to make a significant impact in the postseason. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, the Senators are poised to make their mark and potentially turn the tide in their favor.
The Ottawa Senators have ended their playoff drought, and as they prepare for the upcoming postseason, the anticipation is palpable. Will this be the start of a new era for Tkachuk's team? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Senators are ready to make their presence felt in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
