Making the playoffs after eight years and losing to a hated rival like the Toronto Maple Leafs can give a team huge motivation to build off of for a new season. Last night, the Ottawa Senators kicked off the 2025-26 regular season.
Last night, the Senators defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4. The Senators were down 3-1 after the first period, but won the game in regulation in a tough road environment.
Even though it's one game, people will give a team criticism on whether or not the team looks better or worse from the previous year.