Sun. Sep 21st, 2025

After Ending Playoff Drought, Senators Eye Much Bigger Goals This Season

Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates after his goal as he skates to the bench during the third of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Monday, March 3, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Ottawa — The primary objective for the Senators in the upcoming 2025-26 season is to elevate their status from a “good” team to a “great” one. While the Ottawa Senators have frequently demonstrated strong performance, notably by breaking a seven-year playoff drought last season, they have only reached a truly elite level on a few occasions: specifically in 2003, 2007, and 2017. Their single appearance in the Stanley Cup Final was flanked by two runs to the Eastern Conference Final during these periods.

Head coach Travis Green articulated the team`s heightened ambitions during Wednesday`s training camp, stating, “We`re not just here to make the playoffs. We`re here to accomplish much more than that.”

Both Coach Green and General Manager Steve Staios deliberately chose not to disclose precise objectives, yet they underscored the sentiment that simply being a “good” team this season would not meet their aspirations.

Green further elaborated on the challenges ahead: “The players understand it`s not going to get easier. It gets harder. Everyone says they want to win a Stanley Cup. It`s tough to do. It`s not easy.”

By Gareth Tenby

Gareth Tenby is a dedicated combat sports journalist based in Bristol, England. With over 15 years of experience covering everything from local boxing matches to international MMA tournaments, Gareth has established himself as a respected voice in martial arts reporting.

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