Sens Nation - Your Ottawa Senators Podcast

It's another finale of the Blue Team Elimination Watch. And we're joined by The Athletic's Ian Mendes to discuss the state of the Senators.

We discuss the latest on the Senators' coaching search, including the notion of two excellent coaches who are currently employed. We talk about Thomas Chabot, who reportedly requires surgery on his bad wrist. And our third man in, Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson joins us for the final time this season.

In this episode, Craig Berube makes a push to the top of the rumoured list of Senator coaching candidates; Marc Methot says the Sens "aren't close" to being at the level we're generally seeing in these playoffs; A word on the passing of Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster Bob Cole; Marcus Hogberg returns to the NHL, but where?

We get into the discussion points from GM Steve Staios' end-of-the-year press conference; When considering Chychrun vs Chabot, did Chychrun just decide things for Staios? We get into some of the best storylines of the NHL Playoffs so far. Just like the Sens, Buffalo brings back the winningest coach in their history to try and halt the longest playoff drought in their history.

The Senators held their media availability on Thursday. Brady Tkachuk says he's sick and tired of losing and has faith in new management. Jakob Chychrun gave a surprising answer when asked if he could see himself in Ottawa for a few years. Claude Giroux chimed in with an interesting answer when asked about what the Sens need in a new coach. Erik Karlsson plays his 1000th game as the Pens playoff rally fizzles out.

The Sens home finale is here, but it'll feel as much like a Habs game. Despite the poor season, the Sens had great attendance. Will it go up or down next season? The Sens need a more physical edge and toughness in the top six and in their top four defence. And we don't mean fighting toughness. Tim Stutzle is out again and should probably be shut down now. Why is the smallish but feisty Ridly Greig the one to react to the hit on Stutzle? Trivia: Which six former Senators scored goals that were set up by Sidney Crosby as one (or more) of his 1000 career assists?

With a week left in the season, who are your Ottawa Senator untouchables? Your MVP? If you can’t keep both Chabot and Chychrun, who are you keeping? Do you want Chabot for four more years at $8 million? Do you want to sign Chychrun to an extension, one that will make it worth his while to forego unrestricted free agency next year?

The housecleaning begins. The Sens have fired longtime pro scouts Jim Clark and Rob Murphy.

Former Senator Bobby Ryan parts company with the Sens podcast he was working on after some critical comments about women's sports.

Claude Giroux is up for the Bill Masterton.

What's with the bad angle goals on Joonas Korpisalo?

Empty net etiquette…a lot of the hockey world says the Sens are hypocritical for getting mad at the Devils for how they put a puck into an empty net.

Brady Tkachuk sets the record for hits in a game on Saturday night.

We're joined by the former captain of the Ottawa Senators, Laurie Boschman. Laurie gives us his take on the state of the current Ottawa Senators. We look back on his career, which included playing with Wayne Gretzky in his prime. We get into his reaction the day he found out he was claimed in the expansion draft by Ottawa. What it was like playing for owner Harold Ballard in Toronto. And we also discuss a new digital platform called CAPT (Concussion, Awareness, Protocols, and Training) that Laurie is endorsing that will help athletes get the best care after a concussion occurs. www.CAPTcares.com

The Sens finally figure out Chicago. We discuss Connor Bedard's performance; the first game in a while for Tyler Kleven; and the latest injury to Thomas Chabot. With Anton Forsberg getting a shutout, More on whether the Sens goalies are as bad as their numbers show. Steve is convinced that most goalies are only as good as what's happening in front of them. We discuss the Sens' streakiness, the return of Alexandre Daigle, whose career didn't reach the levels we thought it would but that doesn't make a bad career.

The Senators' Dr. Jekyll gives way to Mr. Hyde and then back again. Sens win two straight. Joonas Korpisalo earned his keep with two nice wins. Why don’t goalies play back-to-back days? Do they work that much harder than the skaters? Spotlight on Drake Batherson and Angus Crookshank who are both trending hard and upward…Drake 'n Jake! Sens fans at the CTC get The Connors back-to-back. What does Jacques Martin want out of the final 12 games? If the Senators only address one area of need this summer, what should it be? Some miserable human sets NHL twitter on fire trying to diminish the accomplishment of Zack Hyman scoring his 50th goal in Ottawa on Sunday.

On today's show:

Sens Back in Losing Slide Staios Calls Expectations "Debilitating for Us" D Soft in front of Ottawa's net Opposing Backup goalies continue to shine Steve urges fans to stay positive Sens sign Ohio State Star forward Stephen Halliday Ostapchuk sent down, Crookshank up Parker Kelly on a top line Dr. Don Chow Added to Ring of Honour Mark Kastelic interview Kastelic on team performance Kastelic on his individual season Kastelic on his health Kastelic on going back on the ice to practice right after a game was over Kastelic on his potential for offence Kastelic on the coaching change Kastelic conversations with Staios and Andlauer Wrapup: Baby Tkachuk on the way

We talk about wearing white at home, which was once the norm. The Sens' modest win streak ends with a 7-2 loss to Carolina. Brady Tkachuk hits 30 goals for a third straight year. NHL GM Meetings discussing, among other things, expanding the number of things that can be challenged in video review and whether the 3 on 3 overtime format needs tinkering.

We're not in Tank Nation, we want to see entertaining competitive hockey in the last month. Claude Giroux provided some with a walk-off slap shot in the shootout win in Columbus. Erik Karlsson doesn’t put much stock in all this talk of him returning to Ottawa. Zack Ostapchuk enters the chat and may have lit a fire under Mark Kastelic.

We discuss the Sens' seven-game slide, Josh Norris's season-ending surgery, Elliotte Friedman talking up Erik Karlsson to Ottawa again. What would a Korpisalo buyout look like? John Tortorella refuses to leave a game he was ejected from and the Minnesota Wild pull their goalie in a 3 on 3.

Steve Staios gets little done at the trade deadline, hopes trade discussions have laid ground work for deals this summer. Vladimir Tarasenko is traded to Florida to play with the other Tkachuk brother who idolized him in St. Louis. The Sens also claim Boris Katchouk off waivers from Chicago.

Should the Sens take a run at Markstrom? Brady Tkachuk misses his first game in almost three seasons. Josh Norris goes on LTIR. We would have thought the Senators couldn't be a worse team than last year. But they're considerably worse. Tarasenko says of the deadline "We'll see what happens." Doesn't sound like a guy who's planning to use his NTC. With 16 pts in 18 games, what will Pinto's next contract look like?

Senators go on an 0-2 road trip and get outshot in Nashville 20-0 in the third period. Head Coach Jacques Martin confirms on radio he will not be back this fall as head coach.

Senators who just got 7 of 8 points against four of the best teams in the league in Tampa Bay, Florida, Dallas and Vegas. Assistant coach Jack Capuano beautifully articulated the NHL’s secret formula for success. Of course, it's easier said that done. Almost on cue, as people start to worry about their huge contracts, Thomas Chabot and Josh Norris start to turn things up. NCAA women's game has a player do "The Ridly Greig."

Sens perk up in Florida. You never know what to expect from the Senators. Which Senators' long-term contracts will age best? And which ones are most concerning?

The Sens lose to 30th place Anaheim and 32nd place Chicago. We discuss the changes that are needed to address team shortcomings.

Ridly Greig in Leafs Kitchen; Rielly appealing his suspension; "The Code" in Hockey is often over-sensitive and selective, and our guest is Drake Batherson.

With Bell Media continuing to go sideways, we discuss the future of Senators' radio and play-by-play in Ottawa. After a nice long break, Jake Sanderson is still sidelined with a lower-body injury. Are Vladimir Tarasenko's days in Ottawa numbered? And when is it time to get concerned about Josh Norris's production?

Former Sens head coach DJ Smith lands a new NHL job out west. We discuss the NHL all-star game. Brady Tkachuk remains optimistic about the second half of the season; Sens at the 2026 Olympics

Senators rally to beat Nashville. Will there be bad blood in Detroit? Senators place Rourke Chartier on waivers. What's next? Would the Senators go after LA Kings winger Arthur Kaliyev? He's reportedly available. If the Sens are interested in Chris Tanev, should they kick the tires on Blake Coleman?? George McPhee's son plays for the B-Sens now. And Oskar Petterson leaves Sweden to join belleville

We get into GM Steve Staios comments this week, which also include his thoughts on Shane Pinto, the kind of player he covets at the trade deadline; and whether Jacques Martin will finish out the year.

Today we talk about Alex Formenton and four other 2018 World Junior players taking leaves of absence. The Sens Win 3 of 4. Should the Sens have gone after Patrick Roy as head coach? Michael Andlauer's enjoys one last game in his front row seats in Montreal. and much more!

Shane Pinto gets re-signed and his suspension ends this weekend. Josh Norris had the regular jersey on at practice so he's almost ready too. What does the centre ice situation look like now? Tim Stutzle talks about handling the outside noise and the inside noise from a yapper like Brendan Gallagher. The Sens bring in a new goalie coach. The Senators have 10 guys making 4 million or more, which ones won’t be here this time next year? 

With the Senators struggling, we discuss the future of Jakob Chychrun, who wanted out of Arizona because they were struggling. Will this be DeBrincat 2.0? We discuss Mads Sogaard's season debut and another blown lead to Colorado. Ridley Greig looks solid, playing with Tkachuk and Giroux. Tyler Ennis retires. And author Howie Mooney joins us to talk about his new sports book "More Crazy Days and Wild Nights." Amazon link: https://www.amazon.ca/MORE-Crazy-Days-Wild-Nights/dp/1738747611

The Senators limp home after their second 0-5 road trip in less than a month. What is going on? Anton Forsberg and Josh Norris are out of the lineup with injuries, creating opportunities for Mads Sogaard and Ridly Greig. Shane Pinto returns to practice, his 41-game suspension ends next Sunday.

Sens GM Steve Staios is reportedly having trade conversations to change team makeup. The Sens have lost three in a row. Jacques Martin starts to play with his lines seriously. Parker Kelly is coming on strong lately. The long-term contracts we’re growing concerned about in Ottawa. Michael del Zotto tears the Sens of two years ago a new one. Connor Bedard is out with a broken jaw. That gives him more time to move his car so his sister can escape the driveway.

The Senators ring in the new year by naming Steve Staios as full-time GM. They also hire TSN Analyst Dave Poulin, and the fourth line gets a boost from ...Erik Brannstrom??

The Sens are finally getting a few bounces, winning two straight after that six-game slide. We talk about the Battle of Ontario and Jacques Martin's long history with it. What's Martin doing that DJ Smith was not? We get into the pro-Leaf bias on national broadcasts. Drake Batherson is on a roll. Would Tim Stutzle be better on the wing than at centre? And we spin the wheel of fortune to determine the Senators' playoff chances.

After 0-5 road trip Brady Tkachuk says he's never felt worse. We discuss the absence of the new coach bump. We remain encouraged by the fact that the Sens now have the right people in place. We discuss possible coaching candidates for next season and how Jacques Martin might be near the top of the list. DJ Smith comments on his time in Ottawa, Jacques Martin's hiring as a consultant, and his dismissal.

After four-plus seasons with the club, the Ottawa Senators have fired head coach D.J. Smith. They also relieved assistant Davis Payne of his duties. Everyone else stays. The Sens hire Jacques Martin as their new interim head coach, and Daniel Alfredsson will be his assistant.

Our 300th episode unravels into a discussion about the state of the team and how changes remain long overdue.

The Senators posted an impressive 5-1 win in Detroit on Saturday but all the talk is about the Dylan Larkin incident and David Perron's vicious reaction to it. Perron is facing a big suspension and Wings fans think Mathieu Joseph should too. We also get into how Shane Pinto will fit in when he returns next month, especially since Ridly Greig is playing so well. And we talk about Jiri Smejkal's limited usage in his NHL debut.

Senes lose round two in the Battle of Ontario and head to Detroit Saturday. Thomas Chabot is back on LTIR. Jiri Smejkal gets called up for his overdue chance to make his NHL debut.

We discuss the Senators' hiring of Jacques Martin as a coaching advisor, the winningest coach in team history; the Senators taking down the Rangers, the best team in the NHL right now; and Thomas Chabot missed November with a hand injury and two games after his return, apparently suffers a knee injury in the Seattle game.

We discuss the week that was for the Senators. They ended their three-game losing slide with a 2-0 shutout win over Seattle Saturday night but they still have a long way to go before we can buy in. The club remains long overdue for a coaching change. Anton Forsberg picked up the Sens' first shutout. Does he go right back in against the Rangers, the best team in the NHL right now?

We're joined by Sens centre Mark Kastelic as he recovers from a high ankle sprain. We discuss the Sens' loss to the Islanders and the crazy schedule ahead. Thomas Chabot shed his non-contact jersey. How will the Sens sort out the salary cap when he returns, probably this Friday? Tim Stutzle must have some kind of small injury he's playing through. and much more!

In this one, we discuss the Senators successful business trip to Sweden. Now that they're back, can they avoid the horrific slump they had after winning two games in Sweden back in 2017? The slump that started the rebuild? Mark Borowiecki was on that team. He joins us to provide his opinion and update us on how his new job in Nashville is going.

Drake Batherson is our guest as we talk about the Sens chaotic season so far and what's new in the room. The Senators are off to Sweden now to take on Detroit and Minnesota in Stockholm.

We discuss Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux complaining about the behaviour of the fans. The reality is most Sens fans weren't booing the players. Will Steve Staios be the Senators' next GM? Will DJ Smith make it to the Sweden trip next week? The curious case of Jiri Smejkal. Is it easier to play in the NHL than the AHL? And we look ahead to the upcoming schedule.

Michael Andlauer announces the Senators are parting company with GM Pierre Dorion. Steve Staios takes over on an interim basis. And the NHL penalizes the Senator for their mixup in the Dadonov deal. The Sens now have to give up a future first-round draft pick

In this episode, we discuss Thomas Chabot being out; Tyler Kleven and Nikolas Matinpalo called up; the three-game win streak is over; Artem Zub is back at practice; Ridley Greig is your rookie scoring leader; Sens about to be punished for miscommunication in the Evgenii Dadonov deal; the tragic on-ice death of former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson.

Shane Pinto gets 41 games for a violation of gambling rules; Erik Brannstrom and Thomas Chabot both have serious injuries; Sens lose three straight to erase all the excitement of a 3-1 start; Will a loss in Pittsburgh be the final straw? Are Peter Chiarelli and Claude Julien waiting in the wings? We say goodbye to our Saturday morning radio show on City News Ottawa.

Sens are off to a 3-1 start; We discuss Josh Norris's first game in nine months; Alex DeBrincat returns in enemy colours; Zack MacEwen clears waivers and is sent to Belleville so the Sens can call up a replacement for Artem Zub; Sens owner Michael Andlauer visits with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and discusses new arena; Jake Sanderson is crushing it; the Woo must die.

The Senators home opening weekend couldn't have gone any better. They beat both the Flyers and Lightning by 5-2 scores, improving their record to 2-1. We discussed what we liked and didn't like, along with the early surprises and early red flags. Michael Andlauer isn't Ryan Reynolds but has definitely ascended to celebrity status in Ottawa. Brady Tkachuk will someday surpass Daniel Alfredsson in popularity. And the Coach nailed a couple of his weekend predictions.

Daniel Alfredsson takes a job with the Senators in player development; Alex Formenton re-signs in Switzerland; We preview the Senators Home Opener against the Flyers and much more!

The Sens fall 5-3 to Carolina. We talk about everything. They had some excellent moments early on and a nice comeback, but they had too many penalties and way too many glitchy moments and shortcuts. Mathieu Joseph answered his critics loudly – the ones who think he should be a salary dump to get Shane Pinto signed.