The Ottawa Senators are heading into the postseason with some momentum, but if they want to get through a gruelling seven-game series, it’s going to take more than just their top-line stars playing at their expected level. Playoff hockey usually comes down to the players who can tilt the ice when things tighten up.
Here are the three biggest X-factors that could determine how long this run actually lasts.
Senators' 3 biggest X factors
1. Linus Ullmark’s Health & Consistency
It’s no secret that goaltending has been the Achilles' heel in Ottawa for years. Ullmark was brought in to help stabilize things, and while he’s been playing decent down the stretch, the playoffs are a different beast. That said, he has the experience. If Ullmark can come up with a big save at least once a game, Ottawa has the potential to hang with any other team in the playoffs. However, if he shows any fatigue from the late-season push, it could be a short spring.
2. The Health of Chabot & Sanderson
We already know what Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson have had to go through just to be on the ice. Chabot returning so quickly from a broken arm is impressive, and Sanderson’s ability to play 25 minutes a night after his own injury stint is important. Whichever team faces the Senators in the first round knows they will be an X-factor just because of their durability. But how durable are they? Will Chabot’s arm hold up through the physical wear of a playoff series? If it does, they will be a very tough out.
3. Secondary Scoring Depth
Lastly, everyone knows Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk (if healthy) will produce, but the real question when the playoffs start is the bottom six. In the playoffs, top lines usually cancel each other out. That means players like Shane Pinto, Ridly Greig, and Michael Amadio need to chip in with timely goals. We’ve seen this before with teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers; their depth shined and helped them go on runs.
Every fan in the fanbase knows Ottawa has the talent to pull off an upset. But if these three factors have a large impact, they will likely be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep run.