When the Senators started on their mandated bye week last Sunday, there was the distinct possibility that when they returned they would be on the outside of the playoffs looking in.
However, thanks to some timely losses by the Bruins, Lightning and Panthers, the Senators still hold onto the second spot in the Atlantic Division, although they are now in a three-way tie for the 2-3-4 spots. The advantage is that they hold games in hand on their close rivals, ranging from 1 in hand on the surging Leafs to 4 in hand on the Bruins. Games in hand are only advantageous if you win them, however, so the Senators need to get back to the way they were playing before Christmas and avoid staying on the slide on which they entered the break.
It won't be easy as the Capitals have been playing pretty well as of late. Since beating Ottawa last Sunday, they have also mounted a comeback third period win against the Leafs, beating them in overtime, and also ended the Blue Jackets' 16 game win streak on the night they would have tied the NHL record, with a convincing 5-0 win.
There are now 5 teams within 2 points in the Atlantic logjam, but they have now as a group played their way to the point where the second wild-card spot is in reach, something that didn't look likely a couple of weeks ago when the Metropolitan division was running away with things.
The Senators need Mike Condon at his best, and Condon did his part by sticking around to work on his game during the break instead of going somewhere fun. Hopefully that pays off because it could be a rusty team that returns, having just one skate of Friday night since their last game six days ago.
Zack Smith could return from the injury that sidelined him for the last 2+ games. It would be a big boost to the left side if he can return because he was playing his best hockey of the season with 7 points in less than five games, rounding into the form that made him a 25 goal scorer last season. Playing with Mark Stone seems to be the straw that stirs his drink and they have great chemistry.
Pretty soon their rivals will be going on their bye weeks (the Leafs start tomorrow), and Ottawa needs to take advantage by doing what most of their divisional foes couldn't - make some ground while they were off.