The Ottawa Senators are tied for a wild card spot with eight games left in the season, but injuries to key defensemen and goaltending struggles threaten their postseason hopes. Thomas Chabot underwent surgery on a broken right arm bone and will miss the rest of the regular season. Linus Ullmark's recent need for a rest day has drawn media attention amid poor team save percentages.
The Senators sit at 86 points, tied with the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers, and trail the Columbus Blue Jackets by two points for the final playoff position. With only eight games remaining, every point carries high stakes for the team in their push for a wild card berth. The squad has shown solid defensive play overall but ranks last in the NHL in team save percentage, highlighting ongoing issues in net. Linus Ullmark, signed to a $33 million extension, holds an .888 save percentage this season. He skipped a start against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, with James Reimer stepping in instead, prompting widespread media discussion across Canada. Thomas Chabot is out for the season following surgery last Thursday on a broken bone in his right arm, facing a four-to-eight week recovery that likely rules him out of any early playoffs. Jake Sanderson practiced in a non-contact jersey in Florida but did not play against the Florida Panthers. Rookie Carter Yakemchuk, who has impressed since his debut, left that game early after a high hit from Noah Gregor, adding to the defensive injury list. The Senators return to action after facing the Buffalo Sabres on April 2, with upcoming games against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, Tampa Bay Lightning on April 7, and Florida Panthers on April 9. To overtake Columbus and Detroit, they must secure points in most remaining contests.
