The Ottawa Senators have completed the final month of 2024 with an impressive 9-3-1 record, including a six game winning streak.

The Senators had victories over three playoff teams and a playoff team from last season. They also had four wins against teams that did not make the playoffs in 2024. Two of the wins were Linus Ullmark shutouts.

Two of their losses were against the current best team in the league and the defending Western Conference Champions. The other regulation loss was against the Islanders; the overtime loss was to the Ducks.

The depth of the Senators’ crease has been tested this months with injuries to Anton Forsberg and Linus Ullmark over the course of the month. Leevi Merilainen got his first two career NHL wins. Mads Soogard lost his only NHL game this month against the Jets.

Ottawa has 15 games in 28 days for January, including starting the New Year off with a back to back in the road with travel from Dallas to St. Louis. The conclusion of the nine game road trip is January 7 against Detroit. First home game of 2025 at the Canadian Tire Centre is the 9th against Buffalo.

The Senators have three additional back to back series matchups in January, including the 11 and 12 with a road game in Pittsburgh to then fly back home and face Dallas. The third of four starts at home with Boston on the 18th followed by a plane ride to New Jersey for the 19th against the Devils. The Sens have a back to back at home with the Leafs on Saturday and the only time Utah will be in town on Sunday.

Washington is the final game of the month on the 30th. This will be the toughest month for the franchise with that many games in those many days. Rest management will be a factor for the injuries in the crease. Outscoring opponents will be a major factor, while being a +7 already helps them throughout the season. The depth will need to step up and help defend their playoff position through the rest of the season.

New Year’s Resolution

Senators fans and players enjoy the first round of the playoffs. Personally, Ottawa v Toronto would be such a fun and chaotic first round, but my gut is they face best in the East in an old school 1 v 8 style. Also, if Giroux can get extended that would be great.

More is coming…

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