Blue Jackets Face Off Against Senators Amid Playoff Hopes

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to host the Ottawa Senators tonight at 7 p.m. ET at Nationwide Arena in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup.

This game is the second encounter between the clubs in three nights, following the Senators’ commanding 4-0 victory in Ottawa on April 6.

The Senators enter this game with a record of 41-29-6, totaling 88 points and are currently fourth in the Atlantic Division. They are on a two-game winning streak, having secured victories against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers. In their last game, the Senators’ Linus Ullmark made 40 saves, showcasing a strong defensive performance.

The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, are struggling to maintain their playoff hopes, currently sitting at 34-32-9 with 77 points, six points shy of a wild-card spot. Following a disheartening 5-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus must find a way to bounce back against a formidable opponent.

“We have to have the belief that if we can get on a roll and get on a run here that we’ll be in a good spot at the end of the year,” said Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason.

Columbus will rely on players like Kirill Marchenko, who has recorded 70 points this season, including 31 goals. Zach Werenski will also be a key contributor, leading the team with 54 assists.

The Senators are dealing with injury concerns, most notably their captain Brady Tkachuk, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Tkachuk leads the team in scoring with 29 goals this season and has been integral to their success.

In contrast, the Blue Jackets have no players on injured reserve, although they will be missing Kevin Labanc for the rest of the season. The expected lineup for Columbus includes Kent Johnson, Boone Jenner, and Sean Monahan, while Ottawa is projected to field Tim Stutzle and Claude Giroux on their top line.

Tonight’s matchup is vital for both teams, not just for current standings but for morale as they head into the closing weeks of the season. Columbus has averaged four goals per game over their last five but has struggled defensively, allowing five goals per game during that stretch.

Fans can catch all the action live on FDSNOH and TSN5. With playoff aspirations dangling just out of reach, every point is crucial for the Blue Jackets as they face a confident Senators team.