The NHL regular season is approaching the finish line, and teams are confirming playoff spots night after night. Recently, the Ottawa Senators secured their position, marking their first playoff appearance since 2017, signaling that their rebuilding phase is finally bearing fruit.
For years, the Senators have shown promise as a young team ready to reclaim their spot in the playoffs. After facing setbacks, this season’s squad has finally validated their potential with a core of young players who are stepping up.
Players like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, and Jake Sanderson, all under the age of 27, have played pivotal roles in the Senators’ climb through the Eastern Conference ranks. With the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins struggling, the Senators capitalized and clinched a playoff berth.
A key factor in this season’s success is the stability in goal, thanks to Linus Ullmark, a former Vezina Trophy winner, along with Anton Forsberg. Their combined performance has provided a solid foundation, allowing the team to come together effectively.
With the Senators preparing to make a splash in the playoffs, here are the updated NHL Power Rankings:
Biggest Movers
- Maple Leafs: Up 6 spots
- Hurricanes: Down 7 spots
| Rank | Team | Change | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avalanche | – | 48-27-4 |
| 2 | Golden Knights | +2 | 47-22-9 |
| 3 | Stars | +3 | 50-22-6 |
| 4 | Maple Leafs | +6 | 47-26-4 |
| 5 | Jets | – | 53-21-4 |
| … | … | … | … |
The Senators, thanks to their recent form and strong core, are ready to create some playoff excitement.
