The Ottawa Senators Have An Attendance Issue As They Play Playoff Hockey In March
By Jay Nowak
16,800. That was the announced attendance Sunday night in the 3rd period, right after the Ottawa Senators coughed up at 4 goal 3rd period lead to the Calgary Flames. You’re probably wondering to yourself “and whats the problem with that?”. However, If you’re an avid Sens fan who likes to get to as many games as possible over the year, such as I do, then you’d probably think that number is pretty low.
During the Sens best years, back when Alfie, Spez and Heater were sending us all home with a free slice of pizza after scoring 6 goals, average attendance was around 19,500, with the 2007-08 season seeing the best attendance numbers at an average of 19,841. Good enough for 3rd in the league that year. Since then, Ottawa’s attendance has dropped to 16th best in the league this year, behind Buffalo, the worst team in the league.
Take a look at the chart below, and it’s easy to see that the Senators are in the middle of a low point.
Its reasonable to think this has to do with the play of the team over the past couple of seasons. This year is no different. Before Christmas break, this team was mediocre at best. But after a 10-1-2 run, that has this team just 5 points back of Boston for the 2nd and final wildcard spot, I was disappointed when 5 minutes before the drop of the puck Sunday night against Calgary, my goddaughter, who I was taking to her first Sens game, turned to me and said “why’s it so empty?”.
I didn’t answer her, because I truthfully had a hard time coming up with one. Why wouldn’t people want to watch this team right now? I understand the Calgary Flames aren’t the biggest draw, but this Senators team has been playing some of their best hockey since the 2012-2013 first round playoff series against Montreal.
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After last nights disappointing loss to Boston, the Sens now find themselves 7 points back of the final Wildcard spot, currently held by those same Bruins. With 17 games remaining, the push for the playoffs just got a whole lot harder.
With the Senators now clearly playing Playoff hockey in March, this is the time that we should be packing the CTC. This team strives on fan support and needs it more than ever. If the attendance begins to dwindle over the next couple of weeks, that may cause a drop in team confidence. Not only is it important to get to games and watch and support your favourite team, but you also get to watch two of the most exciting rookies in the entire league.
ROOKIE TALK:
You’ve probably heard it by now on the nightly game cast, or the morning highlight shows, but Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman have been two of the Senators most consistent players over the course of the year.
Mark Stone is only 22 and still figuring out what kind of player he’s going to be, but this kid is currently 3rd in the NHL in takeaways per game, and passes the puck like a guy who used to wear number 19 around these parts.
Meanwhile, Mike Hoffman currently leads all rookie’s with 24 goals, and sits 4th in overall rookie scoring. Hoffman has the ability to be a 30 goal scorer, and will probably lead this team in goals when the season is over.
NHL rookie scoring leaders via NHL.com
You’re going to want to get to the CTC and watch theses guys, because you’ll probably be buying their jerseys in the very near future.