The Ottawa Senators have reached a crucial milestone in the National Hockey League season, demonstrating significant improvement after a challenging start. With a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Centre on Thursday night, the team has solidified its most promising early-season record in nearly a decade.
A Strong Start Despite Early Challenges
Arriving at the quarter-mark of the season, the Senators boast a record of 10 wins, 6 losses, and 4 overtime losses, amassing 24 points. This positions them favorably for a playoff spot in the highly competitive Eastern Conference. The team's resilience is particularly evident in their recent performance, having suffered only two regulation losses in their last 14 games, compiling an impressive 8-2-4 record during that stretch.
The win against the Ducks was especially critical as it kicked off a demanding seven-game road trip spanning 14 days. The game was decided by winger Drake Batherson, who scored the winning goal with just 1:58 remaining in the third period. This marked his second game-winning goal this season and the 19th of his career.
"It's always nice to start with a win," Batherson commented after deflecting Jake Sanderson's point shot past Ducks goaltender Petr Mrazek. "Our division right now is so tight, these points are huge. If we have a good road trip, we'll set ourselves up really nicely going home."
Overcoming Adversity and Injuries
The path to this point has not been smooth. The team has been battling significant adversity, most notably the absence of captain Brady Tkachuk. Tkachuk has missed 17 games after tearing a ligament in his thumb during the home opener against the Nashville Predators on October 13, an injury that required surgical repair.
Despite this major setback, the Senators have excelled, posting a 9-4-4 record without their leader. There is optimism surrounding Tkachuk's return, with a potential comeback eyed for either the November 26 game against the Vegas Golden Knights or the November 28 matchup in St. Louis, his hometown.
The injury bug has also bitten the defense, with alternate captain Thomas Chabot sidelined due to an unspecified upper-body injury. Having missed three games, Chabot is traveling with the team, and a return within the next week is anticipated.
Team Depth and Coaching Philosophy
Head coach Travis Green's philosophy of "next man up" has been put to the test and has proven effective. The team's depth has allowed them to navigate this difficult period and maintain their standing. Steve Staios, the Senators' president of hockey operations and general manager, has acknowledged the team's growth, though he previously noted that the squad had "pissed away" some valuable points earlier in the season.
As key players like Tkachuk and Chabot prepare to rejoin the lineup, the challenge for the Senators will be to maintain the disciplined and determined approach that has fueled their recent success. With the season still long, the team must keep its focus sharp to secure a coveted playoff position.
