It was a bittersweet sight for Senators supporters to see a packed house cheering their team off the ice for the 2024–25 season after a hard-fought series.
What’s important to remember for Senators fans is that this team took a major step this season — one worth celebrating. They could have rolled over when the series was at 3–0, but instead, they put a scare into the first-place Leafs. Game 5 in Toronto ended in boos and fans fleeing early, despite the Leafs still holding the series lead.
The “Brady sucks” chants gave way to silence.
This young, inexperienced team started a “here we go again” narrative against the heavily favoured Leafs. This was the moment the Senators put the league on notice: they’re back and won’t be an easy out for years to come. Three overtime games, one blowout each way, and a Game 6 tied late — this series could have gone either way.
The Leafs played an excellent series and were a formidable opponent. Full credit to them for blocking out the noise and closing out the series after an insane 1–13 record in elimination games during the Matthews/Marner era before Game 6. Their rebuilt defense made it very difficult to get rebounds and traffic in front of goalie Anthony Stolarz. Their power play was absolutely lethal and struck quickly and often.
The Leafs may be 5–0 against the Senators in the playoffs, but the vibes were never this positive in those previous defeats. Those series featured two teams at similar points in their contention windows. Now, the Leafs are likely down to their final opportunity with this core, while Ottawa is just opening its window. This was likely always going to be the end result when comparing the skill and experience of the two teams.
Still, there are small consolations for Ottawa fans. This series didn’t end in a sweep, and Toronto broke its second-round playoff drought against Tampa two years ago — not against the Sens. Either point would have led to a full season of Leafs fan ammunition in “friendly” social media banter.
Speaking of Ottawa fans — major credit goes to them for finally taking their building back from the invading horde of Leafs supporters. Thanks to grassroots efforts from the team and die-hard supporters like Kevin Lee, tickets ended up in Senators fans' hands. It was a three-game party in Kanata. The regular season may return to business as usual, but those playoff nights gave the team real home-ice advantage — and the players noticed.
Captain Brady Tkachuk wore his emotions on his sleeve in his final media scrum: “You just feel the support... I just really wanted to do it for them. They were absolutely amazing.”
A far cry from a year earlier, when he said: “I just finished Year 6 and haven’t done a thing... I’m sick and tired of losing. At the end of the day, I’m just disappointed.”
Tkachuk, who led the team with 7 points in 6 games, will be an even better leader for having felt the sting of this experience and the love and support of the fans. He and the rest of the squad have plenty of reasons for optimism — even if moral victories might feel a bit hollow immediately after losing a series to their provincial rivals.
Young stars Tim Stützle (5 points) and Jake Sanderson (OT winner in Game 4) had their coming-out parties. Core pieces like Thomas Chabot and goalie Linus Ullmark settled in after shaky starts. Tyler Kleven showed playoff readiness. Even Drake Batherson, despite some untimely penalties, will be wiser from the experience.
The window is now open for contention. Minor tweaks could mean winning one more OT or one-goal game. With a supportive owner and a patient GM, they’ll look to carry this year’s momentum forward.
Core pieces are locked up on reasonable deals. Useful free agents like Claude Giroux, Nick Cousins, and Adam Gaudette have every reason to return.
Gaud's Plan: Adam Gaudette's Decision To Sign In Ottawa Works Out PerfectlyAdam Gaudette has quietly been one of the best stories of the Ottawa Senators’ season – a tale of a player struggling to get back to the NHL, joining forces with a team struggling to get back to the NHL playoffs.
New addition Dylan Cozens will benefit from a full camp. Young goalie Leevi Meriläinen looks ready to platoon with Ullmark.
Coaching was a major bright spot. Travis Green made adjustments that helped the team rally in the series. His defensive structure created buy-in where others failed, frustrating top opposition forwards all year.
One more fast forward to complement Stützle, and a tough right-handed defenseman to support the strong left side and the penalty kill, would be welcome. Strong veteran playoff experience in either role would be a bonus — and GM Steve Staios likely knows it.
Much ink has been spilled about Ottawa’s lack of top-end prospects, but this group has made wise choices with key picks. Carter Yakemchuk looks like a future top-four righty. Mid-rounders like Blake Montgomery, Tomas Hamara, and Stephen Halliday are all trending upward. If they repeat the success of savvy drafting like Ridly Greig, Shane Pinto, Meriläinen, and Batherson — and if the NHL eases its first-round penalty — the farm could rebound quickly. Expect the team to keep their pick this year and delay the penalty.
It’s been so long since Ottawa saw playoff hockey, many forgot what it brings: heartbreak on the way to greater success. This year’s mission was to take a big step — and they did. From the energized fans to the steady management and finally playoff-tested players, the light at the end of the tunnel has arrived. They’ve given every reason to believe another leap is coming.
Maybe it’ll even mean a long-overdue victory in the next Battle of Ontario.
By Andrew Sztein
The Hockey News
Eight Positive Takeaways From The Ottawa Senators 2024-25 Season - Community PostIt is difficult to take solace in consolation prizes so soon after losing to your arch-nemesis for the fifth time in modern-day franchise history.
