The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face off against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre today, April 6, 2025, in what promises to be an electrifying matchup. This game marks the second encounter between these two teams this season, and it is the first leg of a back-to-back home-and-home series. The Blue Jackets, eager to avenge their previous loss against the Senators last Saturday, are coming off a disappointing 5-0 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs. With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, fans can expect an intense showdown.
The Senators enter this game riding a wave of momentum, having won their last two games against formidable opponents. They secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, followed by a convincing 3-0 win against the Florida Panthers yesterday. Currently sitting at 41-29-6 with 88 points, the Senators are just four points behind the Panthers for third place in the Atlantic Division. On the other hand, the Blue Jackets, with a record of 34-32-9 and 77 points, are desperately trying to claw their way back into the playoff picture, sitting six points out of the final wild-card spot.
As the puck drops at 5:00 PM ET, the stakes couldn't be higher. The Senators will likely start Linus Ullmark in goal, who has been solid this season with a record of 22-13-3 and a save percentage of .908. His performance will be crucial as the Senators look to maintain their defensive prowess, having allowed only 12 goals in their last six games. The Senators' power play has also been effective, ranking 12th in the NHL with a conversion rate of 23.4%.
For the Blue Jackets, the lineup will feature key players like Kirill Marchenko, who has been a standout this season with 31 goals and 39 assists for a total of 70 points. Marchenko has faced the Senators seven times in his career, recording five points, including a goal in their previous matchup this season. Another player to watch is Zach Werenski, who leads the Jackets with 54 assists and 74 points, averaging an impressive 27:01 minutes of ice time per game.
In terms of historical context, the Blue Jackets have struggled against the Senators, holding an 18-19-5 record in 42 all-time meetings. However, they have fared better recently, going 9-5-3 in the last 17 encounters. The Jackets will need to harness this recent success to overcome the Senators today.
Injury reports reveal that the Blue Jackets will be without Kevin Labanc, who is on injured reserve for the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury. The Senators, meanwhile, are also dealing with injury concerns, as their captain Brady Tkachuk is listed as day-to-day and has missed the last three games due to an upper-body injury. Tkachuk leads the Senators with 29 goals and is a vital part of their offensive strategy.
Both teams are coming into this game with varying degrees of urgency. The Blue Jackets, after their recent loss, are in dire need of a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They have averaged four goals per game over their last five games but have also allowed five goals per game, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. Conversely, the Senators have been on a roll, showing resilience and defensive strength in their recent outings.
Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+, TSN5, or listen on TSN 1200. With limited tickets remaining, those attending the game can expect a charged atmosphere as both teams vie for crucial points in the standings.
As the game approaches, the anticipation builds. Will the Blue Jackets find the spark they need to turn their season around, or will the Senators continue their winning ways and inch closer to securing a playoff spot? Today's matchup is not just another game; it’s a pivotal moment in the NHL season for both teams.
Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Ottawa Senators. As the final stretch of the season unfolds, every point counts, and both teams are ready to battle it out on the ice!
