In a surprising turn of events, attendance at Ottawa Senators’ games has taken an unexpected rise, despite the team’s lackluster performance on the ice. The recent home game against the New Jersey Devils saw a packed house of 19,146 fans, showing their appreciation on Fan Appreciation Night and Tim Stützle Bobblehead Night.
Despite the relatively unexciting matchup and Stützle’s absence due to injury, Senators’ captain Brady Tkachuk put on a show for the fans, leading a spirited comeback attempt. Tkachuk’s display of effort, including a record-breaking number of hits and a goal, was met with chants of support from the enthusiastic crowd.
This surge in attendance isn’t isolated to special nights. Throughout the season, Ottawa has seen a remarkable increase in attendance, ranking fourth in the NHL. Despite being out of playoff contention and facing disappointing results, the Senators have consistently played to nearly full capacity at home games, averaging 17,536 attendees.
The team’s success at the turnstiles hasn’t gone unnoticed, with 18 sellouts recorded this season, including five since February, despite the playoff hopes fading. The Senators have even surpassed the 700,000 mark in total attendance for the first time since 2015-16.
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However, while the fan support is commendable, the organization shouldn’t take it for granted. Ottawa’s management must continue to engage with fans and build upon the goodwill generated this season. With ownership and management changes bringing renewed excitement, there’s an opportunity to solidify a loyal fan base for the future.
As the regular season draws to a close, Saturday’s final home game against the Montreal Canadiens is expected to be another sellout, showcasing the unwavering support of Ottawa’s faithful. Despite the team’s on-ice struggles, the Senators are certainly not lacking in fan enthusiasm at the Canadian Tire Centre.
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