Playoff Performance Could Dictate Major Changes
As the Ottawa Senators gear up for another NHL season, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Former NHL player Mike Rupp, speaking with the NHL Network, highlighted the pivotal situation facing the team. According to Rupp, failing to secure a playoff spot this season could lead to significant organizational changes.
Last year was marked as a progression year for the Senators, with expectations set on the growth of their young core and new acquisitions shaping the team's future.
However, one year on, the Senators find themselves in a familiar predicament with lingering doubts about their playoff viability. The offseason move to bring in Linus Ullmark was a strategic attempt to address one of the team's glaring issues: goaltending.
With the appointment of Steve Staios as general manager and Travis Green stepping in as head coach, the team's leadership has seen a reshuffle. The real test will be how these changes translate on the ice and whether the Senators can capitalize on their young talent to secure a playoff berth.
The pressure is undoubtedly mounting for the Senators, especially with new owner Michael Andlauer, who, having invested nearly a billion dollars into the team, expects quick and effective results. Rupp's insights suggest that the time for gradual improvement may be over, and if the Senators fail to make a significant leap this season, the ramifications could be substantial.
As the Senators navigate this critical season, all eyes will be on their ability to meet heightened expectations and possibly avoid the sweeping changes that loom should they fall short. The entire organization, from the players to the front office, is under scrutiny, and the coming months will be telling of the franchise's direction in the years to come.
| POLL | ||
If the Senators are not going to the postseason, will Michael Andlauer make significant changes? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 74.1 % |
| No | 7 | 25.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
