OTTAWA — This Ottawa Senators team stands out from recent years because they are proving to be more resilient.
While their season has included both winning and losing streaks, the key is their ability to bounce back, especially when facing potential slumps at critical moments. They`ve managed to stay competitive.
Their recent 3-2 victory over the Devils in New Jersey highlights this. Although a comfortable 3-1 lead became a close finish, the Senators secured the win and avoided a three-game losing streak by largely controlling the game against New Jersey.
Consequently, the Senators are in a favorable position in the Eastern Conference wild-card race, holding a relatively secure spot while other teams battle for the remaining position.
With several weeks still remaining in the season, anything can happen. However, the recent struggles of supposedly contending teams have lessened the intensity of the wild-card competition, particularly in the East.
Consider the New York Rangers, who were expected to perform better. They`ve lost seven of their last ten games, barely winning their game on Saturday.
Legendary Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen, in a pre-game speech on his special day, mentioned his efforts to rally the team for the playoffs. Rosen is retiring after this season.
He humorously commented that the Rangers weren`t heeding his advice, hoping for a change soon.
Indeed, Vancouver outshot the Rangers 39-11, and only the exceptional play of goalie Igor Shesterkin kept New York in the game, and barely in the playoff hunt.
Senators fans may recall the Rangers losing a third-period lead in Ottawa on March 8, leading to an overtime win by captain Brady Tkachuk. This game encapsulated the season for both teams: Ottawa finding ways to win, while the Rangers continue to underperform. New York`s wild-card rivals have games in hand and are close behind Montreal, who currently holds the second wild-card spot.
The New York Islanders, despite arguably less talent, have displayed more determination and are close behind the Rangers.
Elsewhere, other hopeful teams are faltering at crucial times. The Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets have each lost eight of their last ten games, significantly diminishing their playoff chances.
Ottawa fans should be aware that upcoming games against lower-ranked teams like Buffalo, Detroit, and Columbus won`t be easy.
These teams will be motivated to disrupt playoff contenders with late-season victories.
Cozens Returns to Buffalo
Dylan Cozens will soon return to Buffalo, the city where he was drafted in 2019, as the Senators face the Sabres on Tuesday.
Cozens, acquired by Ottawa at the trade deadline, has integrated well into a Senators team aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2017. His addition of size and skill, in exchange for the often-injured Josh Norris, is expected to be beneficial.
The Senators are satisfied with Cozens` performance. The 24-year-old has been nearly a point-per-game player, with seven points in eight games. Defensemen Jacob Bernard-Docker and Dennis Gilbert were also part of this trade.
Coach Travis Green noted that Cozens has exceeded initial expectations and still has room to develop, being a young player adapting to a new system.
Green and veteran David Perron both acknowledged the unusual experience of playing against a former team for the first time.
Everything feels slightly different. Former teammates are now opponents, and the dressing room in a familiar arena is new.
Cozens` father is accompanying the team on this trip, which may help to reduce some of the attention on Dylan’s return. Mike Cozens was present at Monday`s practice and was in good spirits before the team departed for Buffalo.
Cozens mentioned that this trip was arranged quickly for his family from Whitehorse, given his recent trade to Ottawa.
Leading up to his return, Cozens has been texting with his Buffalo friends and intends to handle any awkwardness positively.
“I’m excited,” he stated after Monday’s practice. “It will be a bit strange, definitely. I`m trying not to overthink it. Ultimately, it`s just another game, and important for us to get two points.”
Cozens didn`t request the trade, but his improved play reflects his enthusiasm for joining a team with real playoff aspirations, contrasting with the Sabres` continued absence from contention.
He has had time to contemplate the trade on March 7.
“I anticipated being in Buffalo long-term,” Cozens admitted. “I believed I would be part of turning things around there and achieving team success.
“Obviously, it didn`t pan out. It is what it is. I`m happy to be here and very pleased to be a Senator.”
The Senators are equally pleased to have him.
Tkachuk Rests, Expected to Play
Tkachuk, dealing with a hip issue, did not practice on Monday. However, Coach Green expects him to play against the Sabres. Green was less certain about defenseman Nick Jensen, who skated on Monday but has been sidelined since March 13 due to injury.
