OTTAWA — Thomas Chabot didn’t mince words after reviewing game film with TSN analysts. The Ottawa Senators’ top defenseman said his team needs to hold onto pucks longer in the offensive zone to generate sustained pressure and reduce costly turnovers that have hampered their transition game.
Speaking following Ottawa’s 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Rangers on March 12, Chabot pointed to specific sequences where quick relinquishment of possession led to odd-man rushes against. “We’re getting the puck in, but we’re not making the next play,” Chabot said. “We’ve got to be stronger on our sticks, protect the puck a little longer, and make the smart pass instead of the panic pass.”
The comment came during a TSN intermission segment where analysts broke down Ottawa’s struggles in maintaining zone time. According to TSN’s internal tracking, the Senators averaged just 22.4 seconds of offensive zone possession per entry in the game — well below the NHL average of 28.7 seconds for teams that qualify for the playoffs.
Chabot, who logged 25:18 of ice time and led Ottawa with four shots on goal, acknowledged his own role in the issue. “I’m not pointing fingers,” he said. “I’ve got to be better at retrieving pucks along the wall and making the first play count. It’s on all of us to be harder to play against when we’ve got it.”
The Senators have struggled with consistency in puck management all season, ranking 28th in the NHL in offensive zone time percentage at 44.2%, according to Natural Stat Trick. Only the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks have worse numbers in that category.
Head coach Jacques Martin echoed Chabot’s sentiment in his postgame press conference. “We’re too eager to move the puck sometimes,” Martin said. “We need to establish control, make the defense chase, and then attack. Right now, we’re giving it back too quickly.”
The issue has been particularly evident on the power play, where Ottawa ranks 24th in the league with a 17.8% conversion rate. In their last five games, the Senators have allowed 10 shorthanded chances while possessing the man advantage, three of which resulted in goals.
Defenseman Erik Gustafsson, who has played alongside Chabot on the top pairing, said the solution lies in simpler execution. “It’s not about making highlight-reel plays,” Gustafsson said. “It’s about winning the battle along the boards, getting the puck to the point, and making the easy play. When we overcomplicate it, that’s when turnovers happen.”
Ottawa’s struggles with puck retention have direct implications for their playoff push. Entering play on March 13, the Senators sat one point out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 32-29-8 record. Their next game is against the Detroit Red Wings on March 14 at Little Caesars Arena, a team that allows the fifth-fewest shots against in the NHL (28.1 per game).
Martin said the team will focus on puck protection drills in practice over the next two days. “We’ll work on body positioning, stick strength, and making the first pass under pressure,” he said. “It’s a habit we need to build.”
Chabot, a Norris Trophy finalist in 2020, emphasized accountability. “We’ve got the skill to compete with anyone,” he said. “But if we maintain giving the puck away, we’re making it harder on ourselves. It’s time to tighten up.”
The Senators will gaze to build on Chabot’s message when they face Detroit, a team they’ve beaten twice this season but lost to in their most recent meeting on February 18. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena, with coverage on TSN and Sportsnet.
As Ottawa pushes for a postseason berth, the ability to sustain offensive pressure may prove as critical as any individual performance. For Chabot and his teammates, the solution starts with something fundamental: holding on just a second longer.
The Senators’ next practice is scheduled for March 13 at 11:00 a.m. ET at the Canadian Tire Centre. Fans can follow updates via the team’s official Twitter account @Senators.
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