Can the Ottawa Senators make the playoffs

The Ottawa Senators sit right on the playoff bubble with a 44.6% chance to make postseason play. For hockey fans tracking the team's progress, will the Ottawa Senators make the playoffs remains the burning question heading into 2026. The answer isn't clear yet, but the pieces are starting to fit together (honestly, it could go either way).

The Senators are closer than you think

Ottawa actually made the playoffs last season, finishing with 97 points before losing in the first round to Toronto. The year before, they missed entirely at 78 points. That's a 19-point swing showing real progress. Here's what's encouraging: they finished just one point behind Florida in the Atlantic Division last season. The Senators aren't far from competing on a regular basis.

What could hold them back this season

Defensive depth remains the biggest concern. Nick Jensen's hip surgery creates some real uncertainty on the back end. The team also needs to improve five-on-five scoring, which lagged last season. If those weaknesses persist, Ottawa could slip back out of playoff position pretty quickly.

The players and coach that matter most

Jake Sanderson, Dylan Cousins, and Shane Pinto carry the offensive load. New defenseman Jordan Spence brings fresh help on the blue line. Coach Travis Green finished sixth in Jack Adams voting last year, showing he can build winning habits. His consistency-focused approach will determine whether Ottawa stays competitive all season long.

What fans should watch for

Keep an eye on the defensive corps health throughout the season. Monitor whether five-on-five scoring trends upward. Watch emerging players like Nikolas Matinpalo gain experience and confidence. These factors will reveal whether Ottawa truly belongs in the playoff picture.

The Senators have a realistic shot at making it, but nothing's guaranteed. Stay tuned to hockey news updates as the season unfolds to track their playoff chances week by week.