OttawaThe Ottawa Senators have clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2017.Sens have missed 7 years in a row since run to the cusp of the final in 2017CBC News · Posted: Apr 08, 2025 9:43 PM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour agoOttawa Senators left wing and captain Brady Tkachuk celebrates with teammates after scoring last month. If the Sens hit 45 wins, it would be their most in a season since their run to the final in 2007. (Geoff Burke/Reuters)The Ottawa Senators have clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2017.The Sens didn’t make it happen with a win in Columbus Tuesday night, but a Detroit loss in Montreal also did the trick.The team’s last playoff run went to the cusp of the Stanley Cup final, losing in double-overtime to eventual champion Pittsburgh May 26, 2017.No player remains who hit the ice for one of those playoff games. The roster saw significant turnover up to new owner Michael Andlauer taking over in September 2023.Ottawa lost 60 per cent of its games in the seven seasons since that playoff run, allowing the team to draft and develop key young players such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson.As fan frustration grew over that talent base being unable to take the next step into the post-season, general manager Steve Staios swung trades over the last year for starting goalie Linus Ullmark and centre Dylan Cozens.Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark stands during the Canadian national anthem before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in November. (Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters)Ottawa’s playoff seed and first-round opponent are not yet set. Among the likeliest possibilities are a matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning, or a Battle of Ontario with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time in the playoffs since 2004.The regular season ends next Thursday.
Ottawa Senators going to playoffs for 1st time in 8 years
