The Ottawa Senators are in better shape than at this point last season and that’s giving general manager Steve Staios reason to be optimistic midway through the campaign this winter.
The Senators (20-18-3) collected eight more points than last year during the first half of the season and showed some progress. Staios attributed the improvement to the renewed commitment to responsible gaming and the development of a team culture under head coach Travis Green.
“The approach is process-based,” Staios said Sunday. We want to take steps. »
“I believe the foundation was set up the right way by the coaching staff and we can build on that. »
The Senators’ improvement in their territory was highlighted by Staios. He noted the impact of acquiring veteran Nick Jensen last summer, as well as the coaching staff’s desire to impose structure and hold players accountable for their actions. Staios also praised defenseman Thomas Chabot, who has elevated his game at the age of 27.
However, injuries to important players, such as goalkeeper Linus Ullmark and forwards David Perron and Michael Amadio, also had consequences.
Ullmark has not played since Dec. 22 against the Edmonton Oilers and no timetable has been set for his possible return. Perron was limited to nine games for personal reasons, while Amadio is experiencing concussion symptoms.
Ullmark’s long-term absence could particularly hurt the Senators.
After struggling in November and a five-game losing streak, the Senators won six games in a row before the Christmas break. They found themselves in playoff position this late in the season for the first time since 2017.
Unsurprisingly, the winning streak coincided with Ullmark’s return to action and the club compiled a 7-0-1 record during his tenure. Since his absence, the Senators have won only two of their seven games (2-4-1).
“I don’t have a timetable,” Staios said of Ullmark. However, I think that seeing (Ullmark and Perron) progress recently gives me reason to be optimistic for the near future. »
Staios said he was confident the group would overcome Ullmark’s absence and said the organization had enough depth in net to get through this period.
“We’re comfortable with (our depth),” he said. She’s young, with (Mads) Sogaard and Leevi (Merilainen), but Leevi has certainly taken her chances so far. »
Merilainen, 22, recorded his first NHL shutout on Saturday in a 5-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
If the progress in defense is obvious, the group of attackers remains in search of consistency. The team has scored 64 goals since Nov. 15 heading into Sunday’s game and its top scorers are down.
Drake Batherson, Tim Stützle, Claude Giroux, Josh Norris and Brady Tkachuk have all experienced lethargy at times and the team will need their support during the final stretch of the season.
There is no doubt that the Senators hope to make the playoffs this spring. Like most general managers, Staios will use the next few weeks to evaluate his players and decide on a plan of action for the trade deadline. However, he will not want to sacrifice the long term for short-term solutions.
“I would like to help the group, but I think we can also hope to get some help internally with boosters,” Staios said. It’s worth keeping an eye on this. »
After a seven-year drought without making the playoffs, fans would probably like to relive the playoff fever this spring. Staios, however, recalled that the Senators are still in the early stages of a rebuild with the goal of building a team that will be successful year after year.
“The road will still be long. But if I can help the group, I will,” he said.
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