Articles / Ottawa Senators team preview: Is this team ready for Stanley Cup contention?

Ottawa Senators team preview: Is this team ready for Stanley Cup contention?

S
Sportsnet
Sep 22, 2025 8:44 AM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Sportsnet. Read the full original article here →

The Ottawa Senators are gearing up for a pivotal season as they aim for playoff contention with a mix of youthful energy and experienced leadership. Central to their ambitions is captain Brady Tkachuk, who is looking to build on his already impressive performance in the league. With a core that includes Tim Stützle and Josh Norris, the team has a potent offensive lineup that can challenge any defense. The Senators have made significant strides in their development, and the addition of veterans like Claude Giroux is expected to enhance their competitive edge.

Defensively, the Senators will rely on Thomas Chabot, whose two-way play is crucial in stabilizing the back end. The team hopes that with improved defensive strategies and goaltending from Anton Forsberg, they can maintain leads and minimize goals against. Coach D.J. Smith will need to ensure that the players remain disciplined and focused as they navigate through tough matchups in the Atlantic Division.

As they target a spot in the playoffs, the Senators will face off against divisional rivals, testing their mettle against seasoned teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. The chemistry between Tkachuk, Stützle, and Norris will be key in creating scoring opportunities and capitalizing on power-play chances. The fans are eager to see if this newfound momentum will translate into victory as Ottawa seeks to reclaim its place in the NHL playoff picture.