The Ottawa Senators, holding a 31-22-9 record, are four points behind the Boston Bruins for the Eastern Conference's final wild-card position after a 7-4 win over the Seattle Kraken. Recent trades have bolstered their roster, while an injury to defenseman Jake Sanderson adds uncertainty. The team faces a key matchup against the Vancouver Canucks before returning home.
The Ottawa Senators are in the midst of a critical push for the playoffs, currently sitting four points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, behind the Boston Bruins. Their recent 7-4 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday has fueled momentum, with forward Shane Pinto contributing a three-point performance, including one goal and two assists. Dylan Cozens has also been impactful, scoring in consecutive games, notably the game-winning goal against the Calgary Flames earlier in the week.
At the trade deadline, the Senators made targeted moves to strengthen their lineup. They acquired 29-year-old winger Warren Foegele from the Los Angeles Kings to provide added grit and reliability across all zones. In a corresponding transaction, 37-year-old veteran David Perron, sidelined by a sports hernia, was traded to the Detroit Red Wings for a conditional draft pick. Additionally, Ottawa brought in local talent Graeme Clarke, a former 67’s winger, from the Washington Capitals.
However, the team faces a setback with defenseman Jake Sanderson suffering an upper-body injury during Saturday's game after a hit from Brandon Montour. His availability for Monday's contest against the Vancouver Canucks remains uncertain.
Ottawa is concluding a five-game Western road trip with the Canucks matchup before heading back to the Canadian Tire Centre for a three-game homestand. There, they will host the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks, games that could prove pivotal in their playoff chase.