Veteran David Perron is playing a key role in Ottawa Senators playoff push

Ottawa Senators left winger David Perron (57) celebrates his goal with Claude Giroux against the Buffalo Sabres. AP PhotoArticle content

Experience matters.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor

Article content

The Ottawa Senators are trying to book a playoff spot for the first time in eight years and it’s no surprise that veteran winger David Perron is playing a key role in leading the charge down the stretch.

Article content

The Senators tightened their grip on the first wild-card spot in the East with a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena and Perron scored his seventh goal this month.

Article content

With 11 games left and the Columbus Blue Jackets visiting the Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday, Sportlogiq’s Mike Kelly told Postmedia the Senators have a 98% chance of making the playoffs and an 84% chance of finishing in the first wild-card spot.

Article content

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Article content

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

This is the closest they’ve been to a spot in the post-season since the Senators advanced to the Eastern Conference final in 2017 and adding a guy like Perron has paid big dividends.

Article content

There isn’t much the 36-year-old Perron hasn’t been through during his 18-year National Hockey League career and, with a goal in three straight games, he’s serving notice he knows what it takes to win.

Article content

“I don’t really look at it as far as goals,” Perron said. “I look at it more as overall play. It’s nice when it goes in because you keep getting the trust and the opportunities. I want to keep doing that.”

Article content

Perron won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 in his third stint with the organization. He was drafted by the Blues at No. 26 overall in 2007 and spent six seasons there before being dealt.

Article content

But Perron was so well-respected by St. Louis that he was brought back twice after his initial departure.

Article content

Games like this are why Perron was signed to a two-year, $8-million US deal on July 1 after the Wings let him test unrestricted free agency.

Article content

Steve Staios, the Senators president of hockey operations and general manager, wanted a veteran presence in the club’s dressing room to play a key support role with captain Brady Tkachuk and the core while also taking some pressure off 37-year-old Claude Giroux.

Article content

“I’ve been representing David Perron since he was 17 and I’ve always recognized the competitive fires burning deep inside him,” longtime agent Allan Walsh, co-managing director of Octagon Hockey, told Postmedia on Friday. “Over the years, David has found a way to harness that superpower beyond personal stats to become the quintessential leader of very good hockey teams.

Article content

“David plays for the team. He will do whatever it takes. David’s passion comes from working together with a group of guys he loves and showing them how to win. Some players just know, they rise to the occasion, thrive on the pressure, they yearn to be in that fox hole.