SENSNEWS

Dylan Cozens’ Immediate Impact

Dylan Cozens has now suited up in nine games with the Ottawa Senators, and he has fit like a glove.

Through these nine games, Cozens has recorded eight points, including one of the most electric goals of the season against the Detroit Red Wings.

Revisiting the Trade Deadline

Rewinding back to the NHL Trade Deadline, fans were left with a bittersweet feeling.

Most were excited about the acquisitions of Cozens and Zetterlund, but it was difficult to see Josh Norris leave Ottawa after playing his entire career with the Senators.

Steve Staios himself mentioned that this move was very difficult to make. He spoke highly of Norris but reiterated that he couldn’t allow emotions to dictate his job.

Staios saw an opportunity to acquire a player that would improve the Senators and pulled the trigger.

Perhaps the most emotional about the move, though, was captain Brady Tkachuk.

Many have seen the viral press conference following the move, where Tkachuk was on the verge of tears discussing his relationship with Norris.

Refocusing on Winning

But as the hours passed, players and fans quickly shifted their focus back to the task at hand—playing winning hockey. The Senators, and Dylan Cozens, quickly caught fire.

In his first game with the Senators, Cozens netted an assist against the New York Rangers. The success continued, as Dylan Cozens recorded a point in every game except the Senators’ 4-2 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Cozens’ Line and Advanced Analytics

Beyond individual success, Cozens has notably improved the line with Drake Batherson and David Perron. Perron, in particular, has been especially impactful since around the trade deadline.

At 5-on-5, the line of Perron, Cozens, and Batherson has outscored their opponents 6-4. While it’s a small sample size, the trio has worked very well so far.

Some may point to advanced analytics that don’t suggest immediate success; however, caution should be taken when interpreting those numbers at this stage.

As mentioned, the sample size remains small. During this stretch, the Senators have played games where they were significantly outplayed, notably the game against Detroit.

Yet, despite being dominated in advanced statistics, it was Dylan Cozens who netted the game-winning goal off a great pass from Jake Sanderson.

The point here is that there is a time and place to utilize advanced analytics. Considering the heavy weighting of that particular Red Wings game, where nobody stood out positively by the numbers, the results can appear skewed.

The remaining 12 games should provide better data to analyze Cozens and his line. However, if they continue producing at this rate, their advanced metrics will likely become much more favorable.

Elevating His Linemates

So, how has Dylan Cozens helped elevate the game of his linemates? First, it is fair to address the health of David Perron.

While Cozens has certainly helped—and we’ll discuss this further—a significant amount of credit goes to Perron himself, who has returned to game speed after missing considerable time this season.

Perron faced serious family concerns at the beginning of the season, requiring time away from the team. Upon returning, he suffered a back injury, which further delayed his full recovery.

This recent stretch has allowed Perron to regain consistency and game readiness. Perron himself noted how he was trying to find his legs again after a long absence.

The rust seemingly dissipated around the time Cozens was added to the mix. Cozens’ speed through the middle of the ice complements Perron’s play style, allowing the Senators to gain offensive zone entries and set up their cycle.

Cozens has also been impactful along the boards, providing Senators fans with reassuringly strong puck battles and offensive zone time.

Chemistry with Drake Batherson

Moreover, Cozens can play a skill-based game suited to Drake Batherson. Although Batherson is also capable along the boards, his offensive skill complements Cozens’ abilities.

The two players have connected frequently, which perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise. Cozens and Batherson previously built chemistry while playing together for Team Canada.

Batherson has mentioned how much he enjoyed playing with Cozens, and Cozens previously said they would be “best friends” if they ever teamed up again.

This chemistry is now evident in Ottawa, and as they continue to learn each other’s smaller tendencies, their performance will likely improve further—a great sign for Senators fans.

Looking Ahead

If Perron, Batherson, and Cozens continue excelling, the Senators will boast a formidable top-six forward group.

Additionally, assuming full health, the team’s third line will be strengthened, providing matchup flexibility against opponents’ top lines.

Although the sample size remains small, Cozens has seamlessly integrated into the Ottawa Senators lineup. As the Senators continue their playoff push, the hope is that Cozens and his line will continue elevating their game.