Tonight could be the night the Ottawa Senators clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Die-hard fans like Diana Thomas are already dreaming of it.
“I am so excited,” said Thomas.
Thomas has been a season ticket holder for almost 25 years, following the team through its ups and downs.
“We’ve gradually come from the three hundreds to the two hundreds,” she said. “We’re now in the two hundreds at the blue line. Can’t wait for playoffs.”
After years of rebuilding, the team is finally closing in on post-season hockey and local businesses like Buster’s Bar and Grill know what that means.
“Let’s get this done right now. Tonight,” said Steve Schwan, owner of Buster’s Bar and Grill. “It’s huge for us, the farther they go. I hope every game goes into double overtime, and we win every time. But, you know, it’s just the excitement. Everything. The whole city just comes alive.”
Ottawa Senators president Cyril Leeder says they are in the planning stages in organizing events around the city if the team makes the playoffs.
“We’re looking at what can we do outside in the plaza to activate that plaza, bands. We’re looking at opening patios, possibly for restaurants,” he said.
“There’ll be a new opening, a higher grade of production for the games, be playoff merchandise. Lots of things we’d do differently if, again, we’re lucky enough to get into the playoffs.”
Leeder says the team has seen a “jump in their step” seeing the fans celebrate their success this season.
“I think the last month and a half, we’ve really noticed it that the games. Not only the crowds have been big, but they’ve had a lot of energy, they’ve been loud and a lot of emotion at the games,” he said.
“I think the Stanley Cup playoffs are the greatest spectacle in sports. So, we’re genuinely excited that we’re on the brink here.”
The Sens last made the playoffs in 2017, when they lost in double overtime to the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Fans say they can feel the excitement building, not only in the city, but behind the scenes, with dedicated volunteers who’ve been part of the team for decades.
“I’m a volunteer for them for 23 years,” said Sens fan and volunteer Wayne Johnson. “We’re called the Goodwill Ambassadors. We do handouts, we may have to put towels on the seats for the playoff games. It’s an exciting time. Exciting time for us.”
Allan Cayer was one of the original fans who pledged $25 to secure a seat and help bring the Sens back to Ottawa. He’s predicting a win tonight.
“Well, I don’t want to jinx it, but if—no, when—they get in, I think you’ll see the city rise to the occasion,” Cayer said. “And the restaurants will be full. And people will spend money locally, too.”
And through it all, fans like Diana Thomas will be suiting up for every game.
“I always wear it. When it’s a hockey game, I have a number of Senators shirts. I wear them on play dates,” she said.
