The Ottawa Senators Streak Into Florida – How Are They Doing It?

The Ottawa Senators make their first appearance in Sunrise Tuesday for the first time in almost two years to the day.  That December 16, 2019 evening at the BB & T Center, now known as FLA Live Arena was one Senators’ players and their fans would like to forget.

Noel Acciari netted a hat trick, Jonathan Huberdeau added three assists, in what was 6-1 Panthers win. Florida led 2-0 when Senators Artem Anisimov cut the lead to one before the Panthers scored four more unanswered in the second period.

The game also turned out to be the final game in the NHL for Senators’ goalie Anders Nilsson who eventually retired due to lingering concussion symptoms.

This time around the Senators are coming in hot to Florida, winners of four of five games. Their six-game losing skid is now a distant memory.

So what’s changed of late?

Putting Covid-19 behind them.

The Senators seemed to have found their groove after getting players back from Covid-19 Protocol. The team had eight players including goalie Matt Murray in Protocol when the losing streak started. Erik Brannstrom and Shane Pinto each suffered injuries during this period, making the short list even shorter for players available on a nightly basis.

A week without skating and fitness training in the team gym left the club playing catch-up upon their return to the ice. In addition; the Senators were without their leading point-getter, Drake Batherson for all but their final loss, an embarrassing 6-2 defeat at the hands pre-Bruce Boudreau led Vancouver Canucks.

Meeting of the minds.

The Senators held a team meeting on the morning of December 2 in Raleigh. Whatever was discussed appeared to light a fire under the squad.

Facing one the league’s hottest clubs in the Carolina Hurricanes, the Senators were outplayed, but bent and didn’t break – to edge the Canes in dramatic fashion.

Leading 2-0, the Hurricanes tallied two quick goals to tie in the third. However, the Senators were able to get a late go-ahead goal from Josh Norris to win 3-2.

Brady Tkachuk explained after their 6-5 overtime victory versus the Colorado Avalanche 12 days ago in which he scored the game-winner, “We had a meeting in the morning when we got to Carolina. We just went over what our team is – what our identity is – and what we want to be known as. It was a little longer than most meetings, no video. We talked about ourselves. I think that it was imporant to get back to the basics to what we want to be known as. I think that was kind of it, right there. I think everybody wanted to put it on the line going forward.”

Anton Forsberg taking the reins.

Head coach D.J. Smith pledged he’d give the net to whoever steps up and runs with it. For the here and now, it’s Anton Forsberg.

A hockey nomad last season, Forsberg was signed as an unrestricted free agent by Edmonton in October 2020. Waived two months later. Claimed by his former Carolina club. Waived only two days later, to be claimed by Winnipeg, before being claimed off waivers again in March by the Senators.

The 29-year old earned a one-year, $900,000 contract for his play and work ethic around the team. Forsberg made a career-high 47 saves in the win over the Hurricanes. And he’s been in the crease for all four of the Senators’ victories, posting a 2.19 goals-against average, .930 save percentage.

Fosberg was rewarded for his steady play Saturday when he blanked the Tampa Bay Lightning, stopping all 25 shots faced for his NHL career shutout. The Harnosand, Sweden native possesses a 2.19 goals-against average, .930 save percentage in the four appearances.

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The unstoppable trio

The Senators defacto top line consisting of Brady Tkachuk – Josh Norris – Drake Batherson is quickly moving to a trio to be reckoned with around the league.

While the Canucks game can be considered a blip. It was also the first in which Batherson returned from Covid Protocol.

The offensive numbers jump out for themselves.

Brady Tkachuk – seven goals, three assists in six games.

Josh Norris – five goals, four assists in six games.

Drake Batherson – one goal, seven assists in six games.

Compiling 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 20 games played, Batherson is a relative unknown outside of Canada, mainly due to skating in the North Division last season, and not be getting the accolades he deserves.

Norris and Tkachuk each have a shot at forty-goal seasons – hitting the 30-goal plateau certainly isn’t out of the question. Tkachuk’s 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) is already almost halfway to his high of 44 points and 22 goals. Norris is only five goals shy of his total (17) notched in 56 games last season.

The Senators power play has also risen from 21 to 15 in the rankings over the past week.

Chabot for Team Canada?

While the NHL and the NHPA’s decision to go to the Winter Olympics in Beijing is still a question mark to due stringent protocols facing those who may test positive in China, Thomas Chabot has put himself in the conversation as a candidate to control Canada’s blue line.

Offensively, Chabot hasn’t dented the twine, but’s he posted 64 shots on goal in 24 games, and has added 14 assists. He routinely controls the play each time he steps on the ice.

And Chabot is on the ice “beaucoup temps.” His 27:02 time-on-ice leads all NHLers.

Chabot’s defensive skills are improving daily. Senators head coach D.J. Smith stresses this on an almost daily basis.

At only 24-years old, Chabot will be a Norris Trophy candidate for years to come.