The Ottawa Senators have faced a challenging stretch as the preseason wraps up, highlighted by a tough loss to the St. Louis Blues. With the regular season looming, the Senators have been working to iron out their roster and find chemistry among a mix of veterans and rising stars.
Preseason Performance: A Mixed Bag
In their latest outing, the Senators fell 5-0 to the Blues, marking a disappointing end to their preseason campaign. This defeat underlined concerns regarding the team's five-on-five scoring, a problem that plagued them last season. Despite managing to register 32 shots on goal, the Senators struggled to convert opportunities, often overpassing in the offensive zone. Captain Brady Tkachuk and emerging star Tim Stützle were noticeably frustrated as the team could not find the back of the net, leaving them with much to address ahead of the regular season.
The Senators did manage to secure a prior victory against the New Jersey Devils, where goaltender Linus Ullmark stood tall with 14 saves to help them to a 2-0 win. The team's defensive play showed promise, but the inconsistency in scoring remains a critical concern. The Senators will need to find a solution quickly to have a successful start when they open the season against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Roster Moves and Veteran Influence
As the Senators look to finalize their lineup, they made headlines by trading for Kurtis MacDermid from the New Jersey Devils, sending Zack MacEwen in return. MacDermid adds depth to the left-wing position and brings experience that the young Senators can benefit from. Meanwhile, veterans like Claude Giroux and David Perron have been crucial in mentoring younger players, including rising stars such as Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub, as they navigate their roles in the lineup.
Nick Jensen is also expected to return to the ice after recovering from hip surgery, which adds another dimension to the Senators' defense. His inclusion could help stabilize the back end as Ottawa aims to solidify its defensive strategies moving forward.
Looking Ahead: Challenges Await
With just days left before the regular season kicks off, the Senators face a pivotal moment. They will need to harness the lessons learned from their preseason struggles and build on the momentum of their previous win against the Devils. The integration of new players and the health of key veterans will be critical as they prepare for the tough competition that lies ahead.
The Senators will open their season on the road against the Lightning on October 9, a game that will set the tone for what they hope will be a successful campaign.
TL;DR
- Senators finished preseason with a 5-0 loss to the Blues, raising concerns about scoring.
- Team previously secured a 2-0 victory against the Devils, with Linus Ullmark making 14 saves.
- Ottawa traded for Kurtis MacDermid, enhancing their roster ahead of the season.
- Key veterans like Claude Giroux are pivotal in guiding younger players as the regular season approaches.