Senators are in tough to return to playoffs, even with Linus Ullmark back

The Ottawa Senators lifted the spirits of their market by making the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in seven years in 2024-25, but a return in 2025-26 seems to be hanging by a thread as they sit seventh in the Atlantic Division after 54 games. 

While the Sens have welcomed back goaltender Linus Ullmark from his leave of absence, the current eight-point gap standing between them and the final Eastern Conference Wild Card spot could be too much to overcome. 

Ahead of the Senators’ two Games remaining until the Olympic break and the frantic sprint to finish the regular season, Daily Faceoff Live hosts Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton dove into the team’s playoff chances on Monday’s episode. 

Tyler Yaremchuk: The Senators have now quickly put together a three-game winning streak and have points in eight of their last 10. Now they’re still eight points out of a playoff spot with a whole bunch of teams that they would need to go and jump, but in the meantime, maybe there’s a chance Ottawa throws something together here with a couple of more games until their Olympic break. I still wince when I say it, and I know that none of these teams in the Eastern Conference, outside of the Rangers, really feel like they’re out of it, but like, I think it’s still going to be a little too late for Ottawa. 

Cater Hutton: It feels that way, for sure… I think when you look at Boston and Buffalo, now, the expectations are low, and it’s easy to play open and just play a free game. Now, all of a sudden, [the Senators have] set the bar pretty high. The pressure will be on after this Olympic break to really try to succeed, and I think this is going to be a really good race, but being eight points back at this point seems like a lot of ground to cover. 

You can catch the Senators segment and more on the latest episode of Daily Faceoff Live here…