Senators host Panthers in Ottawa to begin 2024-25 season
The 2023-24 season was quite a forgettable one for the Ottawa Senators as the team missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. However, a new season will always offer new excitement and energy among the team and fans.
After going 5-1-1 in the 2024 preseason, the Senators are looking to carry over their momentum in the regular season. Tonight's game is one of the most important games of the season, but one of the most exciting games as well.
Senators begin 2024-25 season by hosting defending champion Panthers
The Senators host the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the 2024-25 season opener at Canadian Tire Centre. Puck drop for tonight is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Having the first game of the season against the defending champions might be a tough challenge, but it's a challenge the Senators need in order to make a strong opening statement to begin the season.
Tonight marks the start of two new eras in Ottawa. The first era is with new goaltender Linus Ullmark in between the pipes. With a top goaltender now in Ottawa, more excitement has gone up drastically. Yesterday, the Senators gave Ullmark a four-year extension to lock him up. This season, Ullmark will be the key factor to determine Ottawa's success, but is more than capable of living up to the expectations this season.
The second new era is with new head coach Travis Green. While Green's tenure with the New Jersey Devils last season as interim head coach went rough with a 8-12-1 record, a fresh start with a new team can be needed. Green could be on a short leash this season, but having preseason success can give Senator fans optimism for heading into the regular season.
The Panthers started their Stanley Cup title defense off right with a 6-4 win against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night at home. Sam Bennett scored two goals in the Panthers win.
Last season, the Senators went 0-3-1 against the Panthers. In three of the four losses last season, the Senators were shutout by the Panthers. The Senators finished with a 21-18-2 home record and the Panthers finished with a 26-11-4 road record last season. One area the Senators need to improve on this season is winning games at home.