"Sens at regular season format already": Fans react to Ottawa Senators’ disappointing 9-1 loss to Devils in Prospect Challenge

Fans reacted as the Ottawa Senators suffered a disappointing 9-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils in the 2024 Prospects Challenge on Friday.

The annual Prospects Challenge allows teams to evaluate their top prospects in a tournament setting before the start of preseason.

However, the Senators' performance left much to be desired, with one fan tweeting:

"Sens at regular season format already," referencing Ottawa's 37-14-4 record last regular season.

The team failed to put up much of a fight against a New Jersey squad loaded with young talents like Carter Yakemchuk (2024 first-round pick), Tyler Boucher (2021 first-round pick) and Stephen Halliday.

Another fan jokingly said:

"Sens usually go undefeated in the preseason and then don’t make the playoffs. So at least it’s different so far"

Here are some fan reactions:

"WOAH. OKAY I KNOW THIS IS JUST A PROSPECT CHALLENGE AND ITS NOT EVEN PRESEASON BUT JUST WOAH…I HOPE THIS DOESN’T REFLECT OUR UPCOMING SEASON ...," one fan wrote on X.

"Every time i buy a sens ticket i always cheer for the opposing team cuz i know the sens are gonna lose" another fan wrote.

"9-1, I’m supposed to believe this team improved, lol thank god for the leafs," a user commented.

"Prospect pool is ranked 2nd last only after Boston. If the team doesn't win within the next 3 years it's going to be full on rebuild very soon again," another user wrote.

The Senators' prospects next face the Pittusburgh Penguinns and the Colombus Blue Jackets before preseason begins on Sept. 22.

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Stephen Halliday reflects on Ottawa Senators' prospects' loss to the Devils

Stephen Halliday salvaged some pride for the Ottawa Senators by scoring their lone goal, acknowledging the need for a better effort in future games.

"Definitely not the game we wanted," said Halliday after the loss. "A lot to learn and hopefully come back tomorrow and have a way better effort than that."

Captain Tyler Boucher echoed those sentiments, acknowledging the poor start and overall performance.

"It wasn't a great start. It wasn't a great game. I know we haven't played in a while. Guys are shaking rust off, maybe a little bit nervous, but it was too much. Can't happen again."

Boucher emphasized the need to move on and turn the page with two more games left in the tournament.

The Ottawa Senators will look to bounce back in their next game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.