Through the first two games of the 2024-25 season, the Ottawa Senators have a 1-1-0 record. The Senators earned a big win in the season opener against the Florida Panthers, but suffered a tough 4-1 loss last night against the Montreal Canadiens on the road.
One thing that was apparent from the last game against the Canadiens was the struggles of playing on the road continued over into the first road game of this season.
If the Senators want good news, they have a way to put behind the tough road loss against the Canadiens. With earning a big home win in the season opener, the Senators will find themselves comfortable for the next three games, and it can help them make an early statement in October.
Senators have the next three games at home which can establish themselves as a top team early in October
The Senators will play at Canadian Tire Centre for the next three games this week. All three teams on the schedule that the Senators are playing are against tough teams:
Tomorrow vs Los Angeles Kings
Thursday vs New Jersey Devils
Saturday vs Tampa Bay Lightning
Two of the three teams on the schedule made the 2024 playoffs (Kings and Lightning), and the Devils are currently in first place in the Metropolitan Division.
These next three games for the Senators can help them establish themselves as a top team in the Atlantic Division for the month of October. The Senators need to make an early statement in October so they earn respect back with currently being in a seven-year playoff drought.
It's also important for the Senators and their fans to not overreact after the tough road loss last night against the Canadiens. It's one game and the next three games are at home which can help them gain confidence back.
Having these next three games at home against good teams are also a good test for the Senators to see how good they can be against contending teams in the NHL, but the Senators need to get their offense hot if they are going to gain consistency.
Tim Stutzle scored the lone goal in the loss to the Canadiens, and has scored three of the Senators' four goals this season. Shane Pinto is the only other player to score a goal on the season. If the Senators are going to win at home, the Senators need to get more offense from their depth.