Spittin' Chiclets has become one of the most popular podcasts in the world. The podcast's duo of Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette has formed one of the best hockey podcasts in the world.
Throughout their time doing the podcast this season, the Ottawa Senators have been talked about. Earlier this season, the podcast had Senators forward Shane Pinto on as a special guest. On his appearance, Pinto revealed how he had "no life" in order to make the NHL.
The Senators have become a talked about team in March with holding the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference with 75 points ahead of their game tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. As the playoff chase is in full effect, one of the Spittin' Chiclets members gave a bold take on the Senators.
Whitney says Sens are a "playoff lock" after saying they'd miss out before this season
Prior to the start of this season, Whitney predicted the Senators would miss out on the 2025 playoffs, but things can change over the course of the season in March. With the Senators' March surge, Whitney called the Senators a "playoff lock" on a recent episode.
With the addition of Dylan Cozens, @ryanwhitney6 is calling the pesky Sens a playoff LOCK 🔒 https://t.co/7ytF8Xp9kG pic.twitter.com/MNLruckDBV
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 15, 2025
"I think they're a lock to make playoffs," Whitney said. "I know Senators fans don't want to hear that. I think they're a lock to get in."
A big reason why the Senators' playoff chances are better is by acquiring Dylan Cozens at the trade deadline. As much as Sens fans may have been upset to see Josh Norris be traded to acquire Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres, the trade has worked in Ottawa's favor.
Since Cozens has been traded over to Ottawa, he's recorded one point in each of the first four games he's played in as a Senator. Bissonnette gave high praises to Cozens on the Senators in the episode.
"I really think that his love and passion and bite will be rejuvenated in that second line center role," Bissonnette said. "You're getting maybe a guy with a better, healthier track record than Norris."
After signing his eight-year extension in 2022, Norris has missed 114 games for the Senators before getting traded at a $7.95 million salary until 2030. Cozens has been healthier in his career and already has made a big impact to continue the Senators' playoff push. The good news for the Senators is Cozens makes over $800 less than Norris per year and is under contract until 2030.
The Senators are 4-0-0 with Cozens since the trade. In March, the Senators have earned 13 out of a possible 14 points in the month.
With 17 games left to play this season, every game will matter for the Senators to make the 2025 playoffs. The Senators will continue to rely on Cozens to help the team make their push for the playoffs.