After a one-year absence from the playoffs, Sens Army is in full march once again.
The popular Sens Mile on Elgin St. is the designated ground zero for fans to come and celebrate as the Senators prepare to take on Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs Wednesday night.
Since the successful run to the cup finals in 2007, Sarah O’Grady and her husband Cameron Bishop have wanted to see a return to the festivities of the Sens Mile on Elgin Street, and have successfully done so for the upcoming playoff run.
“We wanted to give Sens fans a central area to congregate together, feed off each other, and build excitement,” said O’Grady. “We chose Elgin to support the team because there are so many establishments there that support the team.”
It was also announced yesterday councillors Diane Holmes and Jan Harder are working on a proposal to officially designate a stretch of Elgin Street as Sens Mile.
The mood amongst Senators fans for the playoffs seems to be one of careful optimism as their team prepares to face the defending Stanley Cup champions.
“I think we have a pretty good chance,” said Samuel Wright. “If we… keep Crosby and Malkin in check, there’s no reason we can’t win.”
“Everyone thinks of them as an underdog and out in the first round,” said Michael Bradley, leader of the Red Scarf Union of Senators fans. “That works to their advantage, and they can take that and use it. As long as they’re strong defensively, they can go far this year.”
