With the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics just 65 days away, the Ottawa Senators' American contingent is in the spotlight. Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan, who also leads the New York Rangers, had a dual mission during Thursday's game at the Canadian Tire Centre: coaching his NHL team and scouting three key Senators for potential Olympic roles.
A Coach's Dual Role in Ottawa
Mike Sullivan's visit to Ottawa was about more than just two points in the NHL standings. While guiding the Rangers to a victory was his immediate task, his post-game film session on Friday morning held equal importance. Sullivan confirmed he would meticulously review the tape, focusing specifically on Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, top defenceman Jake Sanderson, and centre Shane Pinto. "The pause button is amazing," Sullivan remarked with a laugh before the game, highlighting his ability to rewind and analyze every detail of the Senators' performances.
The Olympic Roster Picture
The selection process for Team USA is entering its final phase, with rosters due to be named in less than a month. The Senators' trio finds itself in varying positions on Sullivan's radar. Brady Tkachuk, the team's fiery captain, has already secured his place on the Olympic squad. His physical, high-energy style is a known commodity for Sullivan, who coached him at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.
Jake Sanderson, Ottawa's elite young defenceman, is widely considered a near-lock for the team. His two-way prowess and skating ability make him a prototypical modern defender for the international stage.
The most intriguing battle involves centre Shane Pinto. Invited to the American orientation camp last summer, the 25-year-old has forced his way into serious consideration with a strong start to the NHL season. Entering Thursday's game, Pinto had recorded 12 goals and 18 points in 26 games, showcasing an improved offensive game to complement his already reliable defensive play.
Pinto's Path to Milan-Cortina
Shane Pinto's case for an Olympic berth is built on a foundation of defensive responsibility that has now blossomed into a more complete offensive threat. Sullivan praised Pinto's conscientious play, noting his positional soundness and checking ability. The coach also received a strong endorsement from his staff; assistant Ty Hennes worked with Pinto at the IIHF World Championship last spring, where Pinto helped Team USA end a 92-year gold medal drought.
"He's always shown an ability to have a real conscientious game defensively," Sullivan said of Pinto. "What he's shown this year is that there's an offensive side to his game." This versatility—the capacity to play up and down the lineup and contribute at both ends of the ice—makes Pinto a valuable asset for a coach constructing a roster for a short, high-stakes tournament.
As the clock ticks down to the Olympic roster deadline, every shift for Sanderson and Pinto carries added weight. Their performances in Senators colours are direct auditions for Sullivan and the Team USA management group. For Tkachuk, it's an opportunity to solidify his expected role as a leader and tone-setter for the American side. The pursuit of Olympic glory is adding an compelling subplot to the Senators' regular season, with national pride and a chance at history on the line.
