The Ottawa Senators find themselves at a pivotal moment as they gear up to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night, March 5, 2025. Following their recent match against the Washington Capitals, where they managed to secure a point, the Senators are determined to keep the momentum going. With playoffs on the line, the importance of this game is undeniable, particularly as Ottawa vies for positioning against competitors like the Columbus Blue Jackets.
On March 3, the Senators faced off against the Capitals, marking the end of a five-game losing streak. Despite the late-game drama, they stopped the bleeding; but as one fan quipped, the team's performance still kept their mental health on life support. Tonight's clash against the Blackhawks is branded as must-win—not due to Chicago's lowly status (the Blackhawks currently sit at 19-35-7), but rather due to the unforgiving chase for playoff positioning.
Favorable results on the NHL scoreboard on March 4 only add to Ottawa's hopes. The Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets both suffered regulation losses, keeping the Senators within reach of the playoff spots. The Blue Jackets, after losing 6-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning, remain three points above Ottawa. Meanwhile, the Red Wings fall under the playoff line tied with the New York Rangers, one point clear of the Senators.
Health-wise, the Senators are as sound as they can be. They’re running the same lineup as seen on Monday, with Linus Ullmark set to guard their goal. Despite Tyler Kleven's week-to-week injury status, no additional changes are expected, leaving defensemen Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson to shoulder the bulk of the ice time. Both blueliners had considerable minutes against the Capitals, with Chabot and Sanderson clocking 25 and 31 minutes respectively.
Though Chicago entered this matchup having just won two games, their recent trade dynamics could play to Ottawa's advantage. Over the past weekend, the Blackhawks traded defenceman Seth Jones for promising goalie Spencer Knight. Knight made headlines with his stunning debut, saving 41 shots and leading his team to victory against the Los Angeles Kings. With Knight's arrival, the Blackhawks hope to bolster their performance, but the Senators' offensive upswing adds complexity to the matchup.
Tim Stützle is pivotal to this offensive recharge. After overcoming previous struggles, he now flaunts his incredible form, maintaining a 12-game point streak with 18 points during this period. Brady Tkachuk, the Senators' captain, also shows his scoring prowess, finding the back of the net three games running.
With their past meetings favoring Chicago—who previously held 17 wins from their last 21 encounters against Ottawa since 2010—the Senators seem to need to muster every ounce of competitive spirit possible to change the narrative. Both teams have posted lackluster offensive stats, with Ottawa averaging 2.82 goals per game and Chicago slightly trailing at 2.75. Where Ottawa finds strength on defense with 2.85 goals against per game, Chicago falters with 3.48 goals against average, the worst in the league. The Senators' performances have led them to find offensive opportunities, which would prove advantageous against the Blackhawks' struggling defense.
Facing the woes of both teams, this game offers the Senators not only hope for playoff contention but also the opportunity to break free from the confines of inconsistency. The current scenarios reveal Ottawa’s need to capitalize—while also hoping for continued struggles from teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers, who now trail the Senators following their respective losses on March 4.
Wednesday's game against the Blackhawks begins at 7:30 p.m. EST, and fans can catch the action on Sportsnet and TSN 1200. The Senators' strategy is clear: netting points will require both capitalizing on their chances and containing Chicago’s offense.
With the NHL trade deadline quickly approaching on March 7, there’s also anticipation surrounding potential player movements leading up to the closing window. Reports suggest GM Steve Staios is exploring trade options for forward Josh Norris, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the Senators' current dynamic as they head toward the playoffs.
Standing at the precipice of playoff potential, the Senators hope to rally their efforts, regain faith from their supporters and position themselves as playoff contenders. This meeting with Chicago is not just another game; it’s pivotal for their chance at postseason glory.