Ottawa Senators’ Mid-Season Update
As the Ottawa Senators gear up for the second half of their season, General Manager Steve Staios took the opportunity to speak with local media on Saturday, just before the matchup with the Winnipeg Jets. This year has marked a shift in expectations for the Senators, who find themselves struggling in the standings and seeking to reclaim the momentum they built during last season’s playoff run.
Current Team Status
Staios articulated a clear message about the current state of the team, noting the remarkable competitiveness within the league this season. Although the Senators are only three points away from a wild card spot, the daunting task lies in navigating their way past seven other teams vying for the same opportunity. Staios highlighted that to achieve this, the Senators might need to string together several wins—potentially five or six consecutive victories—to break free from the intense competition in the wild-card race.
Goaltending Challenges
Consistency has eluded the Senators thus far, and Staios was quick to emphasize that goaltending is a critical factor in this inconsistency. He candidly addressed the performance of the goaltenders, stating,
“If the goaltenders were in here right now, they would be honest that they haven’t played up to expectations.”
Despite a slow start, he expressed hope that their recent performances have shown improvement and stability—a sentiment that remains precarious given their current statistics, which include the league’s lowest save percentage.
Goaltender Situation
The situation has become more complicated with goaltender Linus Ullmark on indefinite leave, leaving Staios to field questions regarding an estimated return. He assured fans of Ullmark’s importance to the team and emphasized their full support, while also respecting Ullmark’s privacy during this time. Staios noted the potential of young prospects, particularly Leevi and Mads Sogaard, while acknowledging that Merilainen has been the backup plan in place since last summer—an indication of his confidence in the young netminder’s development.
Looking Ahead
With the Senators in a delicate position this season, they face a crucial stretch where their ability to capitalize on emerging talent and even the most reliable of goaltending will be put to the test. Fans, eager for signs of progress, are left watching closely as the team seeks to rekindle the optimism that accompanied last season’s success.
By Steve Warne
