The Senators’ Playoff Push: A Fan’s Perspective
As the Ottawa Senators gear up for a crucial stretch in the NHL season, the team’s performance has sparked a lively debate among fans. With the Stanley Cup playoffs looming and the March 7 trade deadline approaching, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the Senators should be buyers or sellers. For many, the decision is clear, and no one is more vocal about it than Keith Tkachuk, the father of Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.
A Hockey Dad’s Perspective
Keith Tkachuk, a former NHL star and current hockey dad, firmly believes that the Senators should be aggressive in the trade market. “They’re in the mix,” he told the Missin Curfew podcast. “I think Ottawa has to be in a position to be a buyer, to help these guys out, to get them some more help. And that’s what I expect from them. And I expect them to be in the playoffs.” Tkachuk’s stance is not just that of a father rooting for his son; it resonates with the broader fan base of the Senators, who have been yearning for a return to the playoff stage.
A Long-Awaited Return
The last time the Senators made it to the playoffs was in 2016-17, a drought that has left the team behind only the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings in terms of the longest playoff absences. Seven years without a playoff game is a long time, and the pressure to end this dry spell is mounting. Hanging onto their first-round pick might seem prudent, but for a team that has been out of the spotlight for so long, the benefits of making a bold move now are significant. If the Senators are indeed in the mix for a playoff spot, their first-round pick is likely to fall outside the top 10, a position that is less likely to yield a game-changing player.
Addressing the Offensive Deficiency
While the Senators boast a solid defensive unit, ranking 10th in the NHL in goals-against average (2.77 per game), their offensive capabilities are a different story. They currently sit 21st in goals per game (2.80), a statistic that highlights a glaring need for improvement. To make a serious playoff push, the team needs to bolster its offensive firepower. Fortunately, the trade market is ripe with experienced forwards who could make an immediate impact.
Potential Trade Targets
Veteran forwards like Rickard Rakell from Pittsburgh, Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders, Ryan Donato from the Chicago Blackhawks, Jake Evans from Montreal, and Ryan Strome from Anaheim are all on the trade block. Each of these players brings a wealth of experience and offensive talent that could help the Senators close the gap. However, acquiring any of these players will come at a significant cost. The Senators have limited cap space, with only about $105,000 available, but they do possess valuable draft picks, including their first-rounder this year and three third-rounders in the next three seasons.
The Pressure Mounts
If the Senators fail to capitalize on these opportunities, it is likely that other teams vying for the final wild-card spots, such as Columbus, Boston, and Detroit, will swoop in. The expectation from fans, and particularly from Keith Tkachuk, is clear: the Senators need to go all-in to ensure they make the playoffs. The time for caution is over; the time for bold moves is now. As the Senators prepare for the final stretch of the season, the pressure is on to make the playoffs and finally give their fans the excitement and success they have been waiting for.
