Ottawa Senators going to playoffs for 1st time in 8 years
Sens have missed 7 years in a row since run to the cusp of the final in 2017
The Ottawa Senators have clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2017.
The Sens lost 5-2 in Columbus Tuesday night, but a Detroit loss in Montreal did the trick.
The team's last playoff run went to the cusp of the Stanley Cup final, losing in double-overtime to eventual champion Pittsburgh May 26, 2017.
No player remains who hit the ice for one of those playoff games. The roster saw significant turnover up to new owner Michael Andlauer taking over in September 2023.
Ottawa lost 60 per cent of its games in the seven seasons since that playoff run, allowing the team to draft and develop key young players such as Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson.
As fan frustration grew over that talent base being unable to take the next step into the post-season, general manager Steve Staios swung trades over the last year for starting goalie Linus Ullmark and centre Dylan Cozens.
Ottawa's playoff seed and first-round opponent are not yet set. Among the likeliest possibilities are a matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning, or a Battle of Ontario with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time in the playoffs since 2004.
Ottawa Senators president Cyril Leeder said at a news conference Wednesday the team has seen a "frenzy" of ticket sales and inquiries since the Sens clinched a playoff berth.
"We've got some work to do to rebuild our season seat base," Leeder said. "And nothing helps that more than getting in the playoffs."
Leeder said season ticket holders will get the first chance at securing seats for playoff games, with single-game ticket sales opening up to the general public sometime between April 15 and 18.
He added that the team is now looking to source rally towels and other playoff merchandise, hire bands and set up patios outside of the Canadian Tire Centre.
The regular season ends next Thursday.