Former Senators Still in the Hunt for the Stanley Cup

As the Ottawa Senators’ playoff journey came to an abrupt end with a four-game sweep by the Carolina Hurricanes, fans are left searching for reasons to cheer in the coming weeks. For those who follow the paths of former Senators players, there remains a glimmer of hope as several ex-players continue their quest for the Stanley Cup this season.

Among the notable names is Matt Duchene, who has been away from Ottawa for seven seasons yet remains a standout performer. Currently with the Dallas Stars, Duchene has accumulated eight points in five playoff games, placing him among the top scorers in the league. His trade to Columbus in 2019 was notable, as Ottawa received Vitaly Abramov, Jonathan Davidsson, and a first-round pick that eventually became Lassi Thomson.

On the Minnesota Wild roster, former Senators veterans Nick Foligno and Vladimir Tarasenko are still battling it out, each registering one point in five games. Meanwhile, goaltender Filip Gustavsson has been a spectator throughout the series, serving as backup while Jesper Wallstedt takes on the starting role.

In the matchup between Edmonton and Anaheim, Curtis Lazar, Ottawa’s former first-round draft pick, has yet to find the scoresheet, remaining point-less through four games for the Oilers. Although he has not lived up to his early draft expectations, Lazar has established a respectable NHL career, amassing over 600 games.

The Montreal Canadiens face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning, who feature two former Senators. Nick Paul, known for his versatility, has not yet contributed offensively with no points in four games, while tough guy Scott Sabourin has played in two games without registering a point. Paul was traded from Ottawa in 2022, a deal that brought Mathieu Joseph and a fourth-round pick, which turned into Blake Montgomery, into the Senators’ fold.

In the series between Buffalo and Boston, Josh Norris finds himself sidelined due to injury, missing the last three games and failing to score in two games played. However, he is expected to return for Game 6. Norris was traded at last year’s deadline in a deal that brought Dylan Cozens to Ottawa. Boston also has three players with ties to the Senators. Mark Kastelic, known for his physical play, has one point and 11 penalty minutes in five games after being traded to the Bruins in the Linus Ullmark deal. Goalie Joonas Korpisalo has only seen 13 minutes of action in relief of Jeremy Swayman. Jonathan Aspirot, having previously spent years in Ottawa’s organization, has impressed in Boston, contributing two assists in five games.

Finally, in the Vegas matchup, Mark Stone has been a key player, notching four points in five games. Despite his history of injuries, Stone consistently steps up during playoff time. Additionally, Utah defenseman Ian Cole, who briefly belonged to the Senators, has two points in five games. Cole was originally acquired in a trade that sent Derick Brassard to Pittsburgh, only to be dealt again shortly thereafter.

For Senators fans looking for a connection this spring, these former players provide a reason to stay engaged as they chase the coveted Stanley Cup. Live vicariously through their playoff journeys, as they continue to represent the legacy of Ottawa’s hockey history.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.