Senators Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Missing Ullmark, Finding Rhythm and More

The Ottawa Senators are beginning to look like a team capable of making some noise in the Eastern Conference. With a competitive roster, an emerging offensive core and renewed expectations surrounding the organization, Ottawa has put together an encouraging opening stretch to the 2026-27 NHL season.

As the calendar moves into November, the Senators have an opportunity to establish themselves as a legitimate playoff contender rather than simply a team hoping to stay in the postseason conversation. Their upcoming schedule features three important matchups, including tests against the Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins.

There are also some injury concerns to monitor, particularly in goal and among the forward group. How Ottawa manages those absences could have a significant influence on its results over the coming week.

Here are some key storylines to watch and the Ottawa Senators’ upcoming schedule for the week of Nov. 8-15, 2026.

Senators Finding Their Rhythm as November Arrives

Ottawa entered its Saturday matchup against the Utah Mammoth with a 10-6-1 record. The Senators subsequently earned a 4-2 victory, improving their season record to 11-6-1. That represents a promising start for a team looking to build on its progress and establish greater consistency. Ottawa has demonstrated that it can compete with quality opposition, although there have been occasional defensive lapses that suggest there is still room for improvement.

The Senators’ ability to generate offence remains an important strength. Tim Stützle continues to be a central figure in the team’s attack, while the forward group has benefited from contributions throughout the lineup.

The challenge now is maintaining that production while becoming more dependable defensively. Ottawa cannot afford to rely exclusively on its ability to outscore opponents, particularly against teams with established offensive talent.

Stützle and the Offensive Supporting Cast

Tim Stützle’s early-season production has been particularly encouraging. He entered the Utah game with 22 points through 17 appearances, demonstrating the offensive responsibility he carries within Ottawa’s system.

His combination of skating ability, puck control and offensive creativity makes him difficult to contain. More importantly, he has developed into a player Ottawa can depend on in important situations.

The supporting cast will be equally important. Shane Pinto continues to provide valuable depth down the middle, while Dylan Cozens gives the coaching staff another option capable of contributing offensively and handling difficult assignments.

One interesting development has been the arrival of Philip Tomasino. The forward has made an encouraging early impression, recording a point in each of his first three games with Ottawa.

If Tomasino can establish himself as a consistent contributor, he could give the Senators another useful offensive option and help distribute the scoring responsibility.

Injury Report: Ullmark’s Recovery Remains Critical

Goaltender Linus Ullmark has been dealing with a lower-body injury and is still working toward a full recovery. His return will be an important development for a Senators team that needs dependable goaltending throughout the season.

Samuel Ersson and Jonas Johansson have been handling the starting responsibilities, but while there have been some bright spots, their performances have been inconsistent.

The forward group has also been affected by injuries:

• Andre Burakovsky: Placed on injured reserve after sustaining a lower-body injury on Oct. 29.
• Warren Foegele: Expected to miss approximately three to four weeks with a knee injury sustained Oct. 27.
• William Eklund: Expected to miss 10-12 weeks following surgery to repair a torn ankle tendon.
• Ridly Greig: Dealing with a lower-body injury that kept him out of the Nov. 7 matchup against Utah.

These absences have reduced Ottawa’s available forward depth. The team will need contributions from its remaining lineup while waiting for reinforcements.

Defensive Consistency Will Be Tested Against Quality Opposition

Ottawa’s defensive game will be under scrutiny during the upcoming stretch.

Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub give the Senators an important foundation on the blue line. Their ability to move the puck, manage opposing forechecks and contribute offensively is essential to the team’s overall structure.

Thomas Chabot and Jordan Spence also provide valuable options, giving Travis Green flexibility when distributing minutes.

The biggest concern is limiting defensive breakdowns. Ottawa has shown an ability to generate offence, but giving opponents unnecessary scoring opportunities can quickly undermine that advantage.

The upcoming meeting with Colorado should provide a particularly useful measuring stick. The Avalanche possess the speed and offensive creativity to expose mistakes, making defensive discipline a priority.

Senators Upcoming Schedule

The Senators have three games scheduled this week. All three will offer different challenges.

The Nov. 10 matchup against Washington represents an opportunity to take advantage of home ice. The Capitals remain a difficult opponent, and Ottawa will need to be prepared for a physical, competitive contest.

Two nights later, Colorado visits Canadian Tire Centre. This could be the most demanding game of the week, particularly given the Avalanche’s ability to create offence through speed and transition play.

Ottawa finishes the stretch in Pittsburgh on Nov. 14. The Penguins are a team with considerable experience, and road games against them can be challenging. The Senators will need to manage their defensive responsibilities and avoid allowing Pittsburgh to dictate the pace.

Three games in five days will test the team’s available depth.

Can Ottawa Establish Itself as a Playoff Contender?

At 11-6-1, Ottawa is in a favourable position as November progresses. The Senators have demonstrated enough offensive ability and competitive resilience to suggest they belong in the Eastern Conference playoff conversation.

However, the standings are only part of the equation. Maintaining consistency over a full season is considerably more difficult than producing a strong opening month.

The return of Ullmark will be particularly important. If he can regain his form and provide stability in the crease, Ottawa should be better positioned to handle the inevitable stretches when its offence becomes less productive.

The development of younger players and contributions from the supporting cast will also matter. Stützle cannot be expected to carry the offensive responsibilities every night.

The Bottom Line

The Senators have given their fans legitimate reasons for optimism through the opening weeks of 2026-27. Their 11-6-1 record provides a solid foundation, but the coming week offers an opportunity to demonstrate that their early success can translate into sustained results.

Washington, Colorado and Pittsburgh present three different challenges. If Ottawa can collect points while continuing to develop its defensive consistency, it will enter the second half of November in an encouraging position.

The biggest questions remain goaltending health, forward depth and the ability to compete against established contenders. Those answers will help determine just how far this Senators team can go.

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