For years, the Ottawa Senators had been through the highs and lows of a long rebuild, seeing hope only for tough lessons and frustrating stretches to leave the team wondering if the plan was going in the right direction.

Elevated expectations can bring out the best in teams, or the pressure can sink them. Last season, the Senators passed a big test by reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2017, but now the organization has its sights set on more.

This is a passionate market that still remembers the Stanley Cup Final run in 2007 and the unlikely journey to the Eastern Conference Final in 2017. Those moments set expectations of what this team can accomplish. Getting back to the playoffs is meaningful, but staying there — and building on it — is what truly matters.

That’s the task

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