Hope Amidst the Playoffs
In the aftermath of the Ottawa Senators’ swift exit from this year’s playoffs, where they were unceremoniously swept by the Carolina Hurricanes, fans have found themselves in search of hopeful narratives as the Stanley Cup race unfolds. Many continue to monitor the paths of former Senators, who are still in contention for hockey’s most coveted trophy this season.
Standout Performers
One standout from this group is Matt Duchene, whose departure from Ottawa now seems almost like a distant memory despite it being only seven years. Currently with 8 points across 5 playoff games, Duchene ranks impressively within the top tiers of postseason performers. His trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2019, which included a significant return for the Senators, is well-remembered by the fanbase.
On the Minnesota Wild’s roster, veteran forwards Nick Foligno and Vladimir Tarasenko have each managed to contribute a single point in five games amidst their playoff campaign. Meanwhile, goaltender Filip Gustavsson serves as a backup during this series, observing from the bench as Jesper Wallstedt takes the lead between the pipes.
Former Senators in Action
In the series featuring the Edmonton Oilers and the Anaheim Ducks, Curtis Lazar, a former first-round pick by the Senators, represents Ottawa’s past presence. While Lazar has yet to register any points in four games, his career longevity as a solid NHL player is commendable, boasting over 600 games played.
The clash between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning sees two former Senators attempting to make their mark, though both Nick Paul and Scott Sabourin remain scoreless in their respective appearances. Paul was traded to the Lightning in 2022, a deal that brought Mathieu Joseph to Ottawa.
In the Boston Bruins-Buffalo Sabres series, injury has sidelined former Sens player Josh Norris, who has yet to make an impact in his two games played. He is anticipated to return in Game 6. Norris was included in a significant deadline trade last year, which acquired Dylan Cozens for Ottawa. The Bruins also feature multiple players with ties to the Senators, with Mark Kastelic, who garnered a reputation for his toughness, contributing a point along with notable penalty minutes. Joonas Korpisalo also joined the Bruins, having been part of the same deal that brought Kastelic in. New face Jonathan Aspirot has showcased his skills, stepping up during injuries to contribute two assists over the playoffs thus far.
Mark Stone and Ian Cole
Lastly, Mark Stone of the Vegas Golden Knights rounds out this list, showing impressive form with four points in five playoff games. Stone, known for his frequent injury battles, has miraculously returned to form when it matters most. Surprisingly, Ian Cole, who once briefly donned a Senators uniform, now plays a role on the Utah Mammoth and has contributed two points in five playoff games. Cole’s journey has been marked by his rapid trades, and reflecting on his eight-year career since those deals might indicate Ottawa could have extracted more in return.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a thread to weave your support into this spring, these former Senators’ paths toward the Stanley Cup can certainly provide a reason to gather around as they battle for playoff glory.
Steve Warne
The Hockey News
This piece originally appeared in The Hockey News Ottawa. For deeper insights into the Senators’ ongoing story, keep an eye on related articles covering various aspects of the team’s season and player performances.
