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The Ottawa Senators have made a strong early impression this season, posting a 4-1 record through their first five games. However, the wins alone do not tell the full story. Players and coaches alike are pointing to a genuine shift in attitude and team culture as a driving force behind the fast start — their best since the 2014-15 season.
A Team With Something to Prove
The departure of former captain Brady Tkachuk left a significant void. Tkachuk’s presence was impossible to ignore, and his personality carried enormous weight in the locker room. This year’s group, however, appears determined to build its own identity. There is a clear sense among players that they want to be defined by their own character, not by who is no longer there.
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That resolve showed clearly on Saturday night against the Nashville Predators. Ottawa fell behind 2-1 and went more than 22 minutes between shots across the second and third periods. Nashville blocked 26 shots and made the Senators work hard for every opportunity. Despite the pressure, Ottawa did not panic.
With 1:23 remaining, Drake Batherson tipped a puck from close range to tie the game. Ottawa then won 3-2 in a shootout, with Shane Pinto scoring the decisive goal. Pinto openly acknowledged that last year’s team would likely have lost that game. This group, he said, is different.
“Just a different mojo,” Pinto said. “I feel like positivity throughout. In the second period intermission, we were pretty upbeat in the room. We knew we were going to come back. I think overall, the last two weeks, we’ve just had a good mindset going into games.”
Green Sees a Team That Believes
Head coach Travis Green credited the team’s belief in itself and its style of play. “I think they believe they can win any night, every night,” Green said. “They understand the way we play, the identity we want, the urgency we want — with the puck and away from the puck.”
Predators coach Andrew Brunette also acknowledged the competitive nature of the game. “The attention to detail,” Brunette said. “We’re all cognizant of our start and our commitment to giving ourselves the best chance. That’s something we’ll have to continue going forward.”
Meanwhile, forward Drake Batherson stressed the importance of learning to win close games early. “We’ve just gotta keep playing the way we’re playing,” he said. “The more consistent we are, the better off we’ll be and the more games we’ll win.”
Stutzle Adds Charitable Initiative to the Win
Tim Stutzle scored his fourth goal of the season and played a key role in the victory. For Stutzle, however, the win carried extra meaning beyond the standings. He and teammate Thomas Chabot announced a new charitable initiative on Saturday. For every Senators win this season, the two players will donate $1,872 to CHEO, the children’s hospital in Ottawa. They are also encouraging fans to contribute alongside them.
“It’s so special,” Stutzle said. “It gives you something to fight for even more than just playing hockey. You get extra fired up for sure.”
The team is also managing through adversity. Defencemen Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub remain sidelined, and forward William Eklund will now miss an extended period of time as well. Despite those absences, Ottawa continues to find ways to win through collective effort.
Busy Week Ahead for Ottawa
The Senators face a demanding schedule in the coming days. They open the week Monday with a road game in New Jersey. After that, they return home to face the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday and the New York Islanders on Thursday. Three games in four days will test the depth and resilience of this young, motivated group.
So far, however, Ottawa has shown it is more than capable of rising to the challenge. The culture shift appears real, and the results are backing it up.
