That was the club\u2019s fifth win in six games, but with only 25 games left on the schedule, the Senators are six points out of the final wildcard spot in the East, and aren\u2019t exactly in control of their own destiny as they prepare to face the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 26.<\/p>\n
The Senators were playing some of their best hockey heading into the break, but they need to pick up where they left off with only one of their first five games at home. Ottawa has to win 19 of its last 25 games, which would put the club in the mix.<\/p>\n
Here are some questions that need to be answered as the Senators return to the office:<\/p>\n
Back from the Olympics<\/p>\n
The Senators were well represented at the Winter Olympic Games, which can be a blessing and a curse.<\/p>\n
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Team USA coach Mike Sullivan has raved about the play of Brady Tkachuk so far at the Olympic Games. \u2018He drags everybody into the fight, literally and figuratively,\u2019 Sullivan said. \u2018That\u2019s what we love about him. He\u2019s an elite player.\u2019<\/p>\n
First, and foremost, the Senators need all their players to return healthy, and there is still hockey left to be played for some of them. The big three: Tkachuk, Sanderson and Stutzle play key roles for this club.<\/p>\n
Stutzle had five goals in five games heading into the Olympics, but was also playing well at both ends of the ice. A lot of nights, he\u2019s the straw that stirs the drink with his skills and abilities.<\/p>\n
He is tied for the lead in goals at the Olympics<\/a> with four heading into Germany\u2019s qualification game against France on Tuesday.<\/p>\n Tkachuk and Sanderson have made an impression at the Games.<\/p>\n Team USA coach Mike Sullivan can\u2019t say enough good things about Tkachuk and his impact.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a beast, he\u2019s a beast. His energy is contagious. He\u2019s so vocal on the bench, in between periods, he\u2019s a positive guy,\u201d Sullivan said on the weekend. \u201cHe drags everybody into the fight, literally and figuratively. That\u2019s what we love about him. He\u2019s an elite player.<\/p>\n \u201cHis hockey sense is underrated and flies under the radar. Because I think when people think of Brady, they think of his brute and his brawn. He certainly brings that element, but I don\u2019t think he gets enough credit for how intelligent he is as a hockey player.\u201d<\/p>\n Tkachuk has been an absolute force to be reckoned with at the Games, and let\u2019s be honest, he is most nights for the Senators. He\u2019s hungry to make the playoffs again with this club.<\/p>\n Buy or sell?<\/p>\n
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