Sens Writer: Senators Clinch Playoff Spot Despite Loss to Blue Jackets

- Battle of Ontario is always fun. Toronto media will go insane if they lose haha.
- Tkachuk bros against each other is ESPN's dream.
- if Sens poop the bed and face Washington... Might actually be good for Sens? Will there be a long "hangover" after Ovechkin setting a new record? Last couple games might be interesting to see. Ovechkin was useless in 4 games last year so who knows.

Very surprised by surge of Montreal, I thought for sure New York would step up, but I think that locker room is cancerous. That Miller fellow certainly has an effect on people. But hey, More Canadian teams the better! I'm still hoping Calgary catches Minnesota. Unlikely, but having more Canadian teams is always fun.

- Battle of Ontario is always fun. Toronto media will go insane if they lose haha.
- Tkachuk bros against each other is ESPN's dream.
- if Sens poop the bed and face Washington... Might actually be good for Sens? Will there be a long "hangover" after Ovechkin setting a new record? Last couple games might be interesting to see. Ovechkin was useless in 4 games last year so who knows.

Very surprised by surge of Montreal, I thought for sure New York would step up, but I think that locker room is cancerous. That Miller fellow certainly has an effect on people. But hey, More Canadian teams the better! I'm still hoping Calgary catches Minnesota. Unlikely, but having more Canadian teams is always fun.
- PogBoi

Agreed regarding MTL stepping up, but good for them. It's not like they haven't had their share of adversity, and it's great to see another Canadian team pushing hard to make the post-season. As for the NYR, the Trouba/Kakko trades were a pretty bad symptom of a larger problem. You have to think DET is taking a long look in the mirror as well.

As for the opponent, I'm not convinced about WSH... they've had virtually no adversity this year, and played in the easiest division in hockey. Whichever of OTT/MTL gets to move over to the Metropolitan Division may well have a relatively good chance of pulling off an upset. That seems less likely in the Atlantic, but then again a TOR-OTT match-up could be a wild ride. I'm inclined to believe that TBL has been on the more significant warpath in the 2nd half of the season, but FLA may have all of Tkachuk, Marchand, and Ekblad back in the first round. Pick your poison.

I look at Detroit as if they are a year or 2 behind the Sens. Lots of young talent, but Goaltending is a question mark and they have no defense. Seider is the only good one. Simon Edvinsson looks like he could be great though.

Great write up! I hope we end up facing an American team b/c I'd prefer not getting a scenario where a CDN team is guaranteed to be eliminated. Also because if we're facing the Leafs, it'll be that much harder for me to get tickets for a playoff game.

I think the Leafs and Tampa are all in and will do everything to try and finish first in order to avoid a first round match with Florida.

I don't like the Sens against either Florida team. I am warm to the idea of a match with the Leafs. But, like other comments, I think the best fit for them would be Washington.

I think the Leafs and Tampa are all in and will do everything to try and finish first in order to avoid a first round match with Florida.

I don't like the Sens against either Florida team. I am warm to the idea of a match with the Leafs. But, like other comments, I think the best fit for them would be Washington.
- spatso

They seem to match up well vs Washington. Of course, we all k ow playoffs are a different beast, so be careful what you wish for.

That would also mean Montreal Toronto, which would just be tons of fun and a great series.

Not gonna lie here. As a very damaged Leafs fan any playoff matchup scares me. Sens have played really well against the Leafs this year, Habs have the ghosts of 2021 on their side.

Not gonna lie here. As a very damaged Leafs fan any playoff matchup scares me. Sens have played really well against the Leafs this year, Habs have the ghosts of 2021 on their side.
- Kinger34

There may not be any easy match-ups, and either OTT/MTL would be a very entertaining first-round match-up... but objectively, if the Leafs win the division they'll be as well-positioned as they've ever been to make a legitimate run. The Bruins are out of the picture, FLA/TBL should be a punishing series, and the Metropolitan Division is the weakest we've seen in years. The Cup seems legitimately up for grabs for any of the ~top-8 teams in the league, or even potentially for an unexpected team like the WSH/STL years.

My Ranking of teams I'd like to play in Round 1

1) Toronto
2) Florida (20th in NHL since March 1st)
3) Washington
4) Tampa (too much experience, plus goalie)

*Sens are the 5th best team since Mar 1 (only COL, STL, DAL, VGK better)

Right not I'm not scared of any team; my gut tells me this team will make it at least to 6 or 7 games in round 1, if not advance. I don't want to get ahead of myself but the East is not as solid with many teams with players that have tons of miles on them. No one should be shocked if any of the teams above are out in round 1. I think the leafs might be the obvious pick but that also could be dangerous thinking. With the Panthers it's all about the health of those players. Of course with Toronto and Washington I like the short flights

I know everyone is resting players right now, the Sens are too.

I wonder about Florida's injuries though. I think the East is wide open as others have said. This might be T.O's year to get it done.

Ottawa needs a good showing in round one. I'll be happy with that.

My Ranking of teams I'd like to play in Round 1

1) Toronto
2) Florida (20th in NHL since March 1st)
3) Washington
4) Tampa (too much experience, plus goalie)

*Sens are the 5th best team since Mar 1 (only COL, STL, DAL, VGK better)

Right not I'm not scared of any team; my gut tells me this team will make it at least to 6 or 7 games in round 1, if not advance. I don't want to get ahead of myself but the East is not as solid with many teams with players that have tons of miles on them. No one should be shocked if any of the teams above are out in round 1. I think the leafs might be the obvious pick but that also could be dangerous thinking. With the Panthers it's all about the health of those players. Of course with Toronto and Washington I like the short flights
- AlfieisKing

1st round match ups are always dangerous and most every year we see a first round upset surprise. This year the East looks especially dangerous. Lots of comments identifying Ottawa as a team with the goaltending, D and depth up front to give any team a challenge.

But don't rest on Montreal. They are fast and they have been playing tenacious hockey. Not likely, but imagine the buzz if both the Sens and Canadiens won their first round match ups.