As the 2023 NHL season approaches its end, the Ottawa Senators find themselves in a precarious position in the playoff race. Despite a strong start to the season, the Senators have struggled in recent weeks, dropping crucial games and falling out of the playoff picture. However, with a talented, young core and a renewed sense of purpose, the Senators still have a chance to make a late push for the postseason. 

The Senators’ current record is 27-26-6, putting them in fifth place in the Atlantic Division and four points out of a wild card spot. With only 23 games remaining in the regular season, the Senators will need to string together some wins and hope for some help from other teams in order to secure a playoff berth. 

One of the key factors in the Senators’ playoff chances will be the play of their young stars. Forwards Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, and Drake Batherson have all shown flashes of brilliance this season, but they will need to elevate their play to another level if the Senators are going to make a serious run at the playoffs. In particular, the Senators will need Stutzle and Tkachuk to continue their strong play and provide a spark on offense. Both players are capable of putting up big numbers, and their success will be crucial to the Senators’ success down the stretch. 

Another important factor will be the play of goaltender Matt Murray. Murray was acquired by the Senators in the offseason and was expected to be the team’s top goaltender. However, he has struggled at times this season, with a record of 10-13-2 and a save percentage of .899. If the Senators are going to make the playoffs, they will need Murray to be at his best in the coming weeks. 

In addition to the play of the Senators’ young stars and their goaltending, the team will also need to continue to improve their overall play. The Senators have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but they have also been inconsistent at times. They will need to tighten up their defense and limit their mistakes in order to have a chance against some of the league’s top teams. 

Despite the challenges facing the Senators, there are reasons to be optimistic about their playoff chances. For one, the team has shown resilience throughout the season, bouncing back from tough losses and refusing to give up. Additionally, the Senators have a relatively favorable schedule down the stretch, with several games against teams that are below them in the standings. 

Ultimately, the Senators’ playoff fate will likely come down to the final few games of the season. They will need to play their best hockey of the year in order to secure a playoff spot, but if they can do so, they could be a dangerous team in the postseason. With their talented, young core and renewed sense of purpose, the Senators could surprise some people in 2023.