Capitals Face Surging Senators in Crucial Eastern Conference Clash

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Washington Capitals face the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup. The Capitals, riding an eight-game points streak, aim to extend their dominance against a Senators team that has won three consecutive games and is one point shy of a playoff spot.

Washington (29-10-5) enters the game fresh off a 3-0 shutout victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. Goaltender Logan Thompson stopped all 19 shots he faced, earning his first shutout as a Capital. The team’s recent success has been bolstered by the emergence of rookie Ethen Frank, who has recorded points in each of his first three NHL games, including two goals and an assist.

“You could make a strong argument that [Frank’s line] earns us points against Montreal, and then the following night in Nashville,” said Capitals coach Spencer Carbery. “The only reason we get three out of four points there is because of that line, and the plays that they make in that game.”

Frank, a 26-year-old right wing from Papillon, Nebraska, has brought speed and energy to the Capitals’ lineup since being recalled from AHL Hershey last Friday. His performance has earned him increased ice time, logging 12:20 minutes in Tuesday’s win.

Ottawa (22-18-3) is in the midst of a resurgence, winning three straight games, including back-to-back road shutouts against Pittsburgh and the New York Islanders. The Senators’ recent success has been fueled by strong performances from Tim Stützle, who has 43 points this season, and captain Brady Tkachuk. Goaltender Leevi Meriläinen will start in place of the injured Linus Ullmark.

Thursday’s game marks Washington’s first visit to Ottawa since a 6-1 loss on Oct. 18, 2023. The Capitals currently rank second in the NHL in goals per game (3.61) and fifth in goals against per game (2.52). Ottawa, meanwhile, is fighting to secure a playoff berth, sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the game airing on Monumental Sports Network.