In a revealing new episode of the popular Sens 1-on-1 podcast, veteran Ottawa Citizen journalist Bruce Garrioch sat down with the publication's newly appointed Senators beat reporter, Callum Fraser, for a deep dive into the team's turbulent 2025-26 NHL season. The wide-ranging discussion, published on January 7, 2026, tackled the club's most pressing issues, from a crisis in the crease to the evolving game of star forward Tim Stützle and the rapidly dimming prospects of a postseason berth.
Goaltending Emerges as Primary Concern
The conversation immediately turned to what has become the Senators' Achilles' heel: inconsistent and often subpar goaltending. Fraser pointed to specific on-ice moments that have defined the struggle, such as a critical goal allowed by Leevi Meriläinen in a tight game against the Minnesota Wild. On December 13, 2025, a puck shot by the Wild's Joel Eriksson Ek found its way past Meriläinen, securing a 3-2 victory for Minnesota and another hard-luck loss for Ottawa.
Fraser analyzed this moment as symptomatic of a larger trend where the Senators' netminders have failed to provide the timely, game-saving stops necessary to win close contests. This recurring issue has placed immense pressure on the team's skaters and has been a significant factor in their position in the standings.
Stützle's Growth and Team MVP Debate
Amid the challenges, the discussion highlighted a key bright spot: the continued development of young superstar Tim Stützle. Fraser noted clear improvements in Stützle's overall game, suggesting the German forward is evolving into a more complete and impactful player, even if the team's results haven't consistently reflected his individual progress.
Garrioch and Fraser also debated who could be considered the team's Most Valuable Player to this point in the campaign. While Stützle's name is inevitably in the conversation, Fraser's analysis likely considered other consistent performers who have shouldered significant responsibility during a difficult season, though the specifics of his MVP pick were part of the subscriber-only content.
Playoff Hanging by a Thread
The most sobering segment of the interview focused on Ottawa's playoff aspirations. With the season progressing past the midway point, the analysts confronted the harsh mathematics of the standings. The combination of unreliable goaltending, missed opportunities in games like the one in Minnesota, and fierce competition within the Eastern Conference has left the Senators' playoff hopes on life support.
Fraser provided a realistic assessment of the remaining schedule and the monumental task ahead, implying that without an immediate and dramatic turnaround—particularly in the defensive zone and between the pipes—the team's chances of securing a postseason spot are exceedingly slim. The interview served as a state-of-the-union address for a franchise facing familiar frustrations, searching for answers as another season risks slipping away.
