OTTAWA – In a momentous return to the Canadian Tire Centre, Jacques Martin is set to lead the Ottawa Senators as their head coach for the first time in almost two decades. The Senators, seeking to break their losing streak, will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in what promises to be a memorable match on Saturday evening.
Martin, who took over as interim coach following the dismissal of D.J. Smith on December 18, will be looking to inject fresh strategies into the team. Despite a challenging start with two losses on a western road trip, including a 6-4 defeat to the Colorado Avalanche, Martin remains optimistic. His focus is on evolving the Senators into a proactive, pressure-driven team, emphasizing more time in the offensive zone.
During his tenure from 1996-2004, Martin notched a franchise-record 341 wins with the Senators. His last home game, before this upcoming one, was a memorable 2-1 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2004 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Although the Maple Leafs clinched the series in Game 7, Martin’s impact on the team has been indelible.
The Senators, currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with an 11-17-0 record, are under considerable pressure to turn their season around. Martin is prioritizing tactical adjustments, focusing on the team’s neutral-zone strategy and forecheck. The limited practice time due to a packed game schedule means that these changes will be driven largely through video analysis, a method Martin is well acquainted with and ready to utilize.
The Canadian Tire Centre, previously known as the Corel Centre, has undergone significant changes since Martin’s last stint. However, the familiar video room, a crucial tool in his coaching arsenal, remains a constant in an otherwise transformed facility.
Team captain Brady Tkachuk has already noted a shift towards more detail-oriented play under Martin’s guidance. There’s a sense of renewed confidence within the team, with the belief that a single victory could reverse their fortunes and potentially kickstart a winning streak.
The match against the Pittsburgh Penguins is not just a game but a symbolic homecoming for Martin. His connection with the Penguins adds another layer to the narrative, having previously worked as an assistant coach under Mike Sullivan, contributing to their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017. Sullivan, praising Martin’s professionalism and acumen, anticipates his positive impact on the Senators.
Martin’s return is not just a strategic shift for the Senators but a moment of celebration for Ottawa’s fans, who remember his tenure leading the team to eight consecutive Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. With an overall NHL coaching record of 613-483-81, including 119 ties, Martin’s experience and leadership are expected to galvanize the Senators as they strive to make a mark in this season’s challenging landscape.
