Why Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios is Betting on Stability
Optimism on the Green
The Ottawa Senators unofficially kicked off their NHL season with their annual charity golf tournament, an event imbued with hope and camaraderie. Held at The Marshes in Kanata, it ushers in a season full of aspirations as Hockey fans in Ottawa dream of success on the ice.
GM’s Confident Outlook
At the heart of this optimism is the confident outlook of GM Steve Staios. His decision to retain the same core crew speaks volumes about the faith he has in the current roster. “There’s great energy and optimism,” Staios shared, emphasizing the team’s bond and growth over recent seasons.
Transformation from Last Season
Reflecting on last season, the Senators finally broke their eight-year playoff drought. The post-trade deadline team performance, with a .714 points percentage - second-best in the NHL, is a testament to strategic decisions making waves.
The 5-on-5 Scoring Dilemma
Of course, no team is without its challenges. Ottawa’s 31st ranking in 5-on-5 scoring last season brought concerns, yet the post-deadline performance saw a notable rise, ranking them 11th in this area. “There’s optimism within the group that we can improve,” Staios reassured when addressing concerned fans.
Building on Past Success
Past struggles have only fueled the drive to keep improving. The role of the coaching staff, especially in maintaining focus during rough patches, cannot be understated. “Staying in the moment helped us grow as a group,” Staios noted, underscoring the journey they’ve embarked on.
The Path Ahead
The journey isn’t over. With enthusiasm running high and training camps around the corner, Ottawa is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season. As Staios aptly points out, the road to further success will be a process, but it’s one lined with faith, unity, and readiness for the battles to come.
Only time will tell if this strategy of stability and confidence will transform into triumph on the ice. According to The Hockey News, there’s plenty of reason for fans to feel optimistic as the puck drops on a new NHL season.
