The Ottawa Senators needed a response, and they got one in emphatic fashion, a 7-4 dismantling of the San Jose Sharks that has the team firmly back in the conversation for an Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Combined with a 2-0 shutout win over Anaheim on Saturday, the back-to-back weekend wins have given the Senators genuine momentum at exactly the right time of year.
The Standings Picture
With the wins, Ottawa moved to within three points of the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins, who currently occupy the final two wild card spots in the Eastern Conference. The math is tight but not impossible.
Every game from here carries playoff-or-bust weight, and a seven-goal night against San Jose is exactly the kind of confidence-builder this locker room needed.
What It Means for Ottawa
For a franchise that has been rebuilding for several years, a playoff appearance would mark a meaningful milestone. The young core Ottawa has assembled appears to finally be finding its gear at the right time.
The fan base at Canadian Tire Centre has shown plenty of patience. A late-season run like this is the reward they have been waiting for.
What Next
The Senators will need to keep winning while hoping Detroit and Boston stumble. After going 2-0 on a California road trip, they are showing they can do it.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
