In the world of NHL hockey, anticipation is building as training camps are on the horizon. The new head coach of the Ottawa Senators, Travis Green, recently addressed the media, getting ready for his inaugural season at the helm in the nation’s capital.
The Senators have high hopes of making a push for a playoff spot this upcoming season. However, their performance in the last season was far from satisfactory, with only 37 wins and 78 points, landing them in seventh place in the Atlantic Division. The team has not tasted playoff success since their defeat in the 2017 Eastern Conference Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The struggles on the ice led to significant changes within the organization. Pierre Dorion, the longstanding general manager, was ousted and replaced by Steve Staios last November. Additionally, head coach D.J. Smith was shown the door, with Jacques Martin stepping in on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.
In a move to shake things up, Travis Green was appointed as the 14th head coach in Senators’ history in May. This is not Green’s first rodeo as a head coach, having previously led the Vancouver Canucks for over four seasons. Despite being relieved of his duties in Vancouver, Green brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
Reflecting on his growth as a coach, Green remarked, “As you go along you become more comfortable in what you do. I strongly believe I’m a much better coach today than I was six years ago when I first started in Vancouver.” He highlighted the importance of continuous learning and evolution in any profession.
With a new coach at the helm, the focus now shifts to player development and improvement. Green emphasized the need for honesty and self-awareness amongst his players. “The willingness to be honest and how they need to improve, where they need to improve…that’s going to be a big part of our team getting better,” he stated.
As the Senators gear up for a fresh start under Green’s leadership, the spotlight will be on the young players to step up and elevate their game. The road to redemption for Ottawa begins now, as they aim to rise from the ashes and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NHL once again.
