The Ottawa Senators have experienced a season of resurgence, reflected in their 31-25-5 record, positioning them as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. Offensively, the team has been effective, averaging 2.9 goals per game. Captain Brady Tkachuk has been instrumental, leading the team with 26 goals and contributing 23 assists, totaling 49 points. His physical play and leadership have set the tone for the team’s aggressive style. Center Tim Stützle has emerged as a key playmaker, leading the team with 45 assists and accumulating 65 points, showcasing his vision and creativity on the ice. Defensively, the Senators have been relatively stable, allowing an average of 2.8 goals per game. Goaltender Leevi Meriläinen has been a revelation for the Senators this season, stepping into the starting role and providing a significant boost in net. His impressive .925 save percentage has been a key factor in Ottawa’s ability to remain competitive, as he has consistently delivered clutch performances. The Senators’ blue line, anchored by Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson, has been solid, providing a strong two-way presence that allows the team to transition quickly from defense to offense. Chabot, in particular, has been a workhorse, averaging over 25 minutes of ice time per game and contributing offensively with 40 points on the season. Sanderson, meanwhile, continues to develop into one of the league’s premier young defensemen, using his skating and positioning to shut down opposing forwards. One of the key factors behind Ottawa’s success has been their ability to generate high-quality scoring chances. They rank among the league leaders in expected goals per game, a testament to their aggressive forechecking and ability to sustain offensive pressure. Their power play has been another strength, converting at a respectable 22% clip.

This unit has been especially dangerous with Stützle and Drake Batherson working in tandem to create scoring opportunities. The penalty kill, however, has been an area of concern, ranking in the bottom half of the NHL. The Senators have struggled to contain opposing power plays, often getting caught out of position or allowing too many second-chance opportunities. Ottawa’s recent form suggests they are peaking at the right time. They have won four of their last five games, including a crucial 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on March 10. Their ability to win tight, low-scoring games has been encouraging, as it indicates they can adapt their style to different opponents. Against Philadelphia, the Senators will look to capitalize on the Flyers’ defensive struggles by pushing the tempo and forcing turnovers in the neutral zone. Their speed advantage should allow them to exploit gaps in Philadelphia’s defense, especially if the Flyers continue to struggle with their defensive assignments. Despite entering this game as favorites, the Senators cannot afford to take the Flyers lightly. Philadelphia has played better at home and has a history of making games difficult for opponents at Wells Fargo Center. Ottawa’s defensive structure will need to remain disciplined, as the Flyers still possess offensive weapons like Travis Konecny who can turn a game in an instant. The Senators will also need to be wary of getting into penalty trouble, as their penalty kill remains one of their few weak spots. Overall, this game represents another opportunity for Ottawa to solidify their playoff standing and continue their strong run of form. A win here would further cement their reputation as a team on the rise and put additional pressure on their conference rivals. If they can execute their game plan effectively, maintain their defensive discipline, and continue to get strong goaltending from Meriläinen, the Senators should be in a good position to come away with the two points.