Sens Stumble Out of the Gate but Stay Locked In
Ottawa Senators fans had hoped for a strong playoff opener, but the team came up short in Game 1, dropping the decision and losing defenceman Artem Zub to an injury that has yet to be fully assessed. Despite the setback, players and coaching staff were keeping their heads up after the game, insisting the series is far from over.
Zub, one of Ottawa's steadiest blue-liners this season, left the game after what appeared to be a significant hit. He did not return, and the team has not yet provided a timeline for his return. For a Senators squad that has leaned heavily on his shutdown defence and physical presence, losing him — even temporarily — would be a tough blow heading into a best-of-seven series.
Eyes Forward, Not Back
To their credit, the Senators weren't dwelling on the result. In the dressing room after the game, players spoke about the need to adjust, compete harder, and get back to what made them a playoff team in the first place. It's the kind of measured, forward-looking response that a playoff team needs, and Ottawa's core group appeared to have that mindset.
Head coach Travis Green and the staff will be working overnight on adjustments — whether that means line combinations, special teams tweaks, or a shift in defensive pairings to cover for Zub's potential absence. Ottawa's blue line depth will be tested if he misses extended time.
What It Means for the Series
Game 1 losses in a playoff series aren't a death sentence — history is full of teams that dropped the opener and went on to advance. But the Senators will need to find their game quickly. Road teams in the NHL playoffs face uphill battles, and Ottawa will want to grab at least one win before the series shifts back to the Canadian Tire Centre.
The energy in Ottawa during playoff season is unlike anything else in the city. Sens fans are passionate, loud, and hungry for a deep run. The team will need to feed off that home crowd if and when the series comes back to town.
Zub's Status the Biggest Story
Beyond the scoreline, it's Zub's health that will dominate the conversation heading into Game 2. He's been one of the Senators' most reliable defenders, and his absence would force others to step up — potentially reshuffling the entire defensive structure Ottawa has built its game around.
The team is expected to provide a further update on his condition ahead of the next game. Ottawa fans will be watching closely.
The Senators have shown resilience all season. If they can regroup, stay disciplined, and get healthy, there's every reason to believe they can turn this series around.
Source: CTV News via Google News Sens RSS feed
