Breaking Down All Of The Ottawa Senators Playoff Scenarios
With two games remaining in the Ottawa Senators season, there are many different combinations on how the Senators will finish and who they will play. Here is your guide to the final 2 days.
Apr 25, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar (55) is mobbed by teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against the Washington Capitals in overtime at Verizon Center. The Senators won 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
OTTAWA WILL FINISH 8th IF
- Ottawa loses both of their games in regulation.
If the Senators finish 8th, they will play the Penguins.
OTTAWA WILL FINISH 7th IF
- Ottawa gets a single point in their final 2 games and the Rangers get at least a point against the Devils.
- Ottawa gets two points without a regulation or overtime win in their final two games and the Rangers win against the Devils
- Ottawa gets two points with a regulation win in either of their final two games and the Rangers win in regulation against the Devils.
If the Senators finish 7th, they will play either the Bruins or Canadiens in the first round.
OTTAWA WILL FINISH 6th IF
- Ottawa gets a single point in their final 2 games and the Rangers lose in regulation to the Devils
- Ottawa gets two points in their final 2 games without a regulation/overtime win and the Rangers get a single point against the Devils
- Ottawa gets two points in their final 2 games with a regulation/overtime win and the Rangers win in a shootout
- Ottawa gets three points in their final 2 games
- Ottawa gets 4 points in their final 2 games and Toronto gets a point or more against Montreal
If the Senators finish 6th, they will play the Capitals in the first round.
OTTAWA WILL FINISH 5th IF
- Ottawa gets two wins in their final 2 games, regardless of OT/SO scenarios and Montreal beats Toronto in regulation
If the Senators finish 5th, they will play the Bruins or Canadiens in the first round.
So the most likely scenario is that Ottawa will face the Capitals in the first round, which looks to be the most appealing matchup in terms of Ottawa having a chance to move onto the second round. The chances are they will not have to face the Penguins, arguably the team they want to avoid the most.
So the two games to keep your eye on are the Montreal-Toronto game as well as the Rangers-New Jersey match.
Ottawa’s playoff opponent could be set tonight if: Ottawa ends the night ahead of the Rangers and Toronto gets a point against Montreal. The Sens would be in 6th with no chance of moving up to fifth. Then the game in Boston would not matter to the Senators and they could leave some key veterans at home (Alfredsson, Phillips, Gonchar for example) and not have them make an extra road trip.