In a significant blow to the Ottawa Senators, captain Brady Tkachuk will miss his fifth consecutive game as the team prepares to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 8, 2025. Tkachuk, who has been sidelined due to an upper-body injury, was not included in the projected lineup and did not travel with the team for this crucial matchup.
The 25-year-old left winger last played on March 30 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and has not skated since being deemed doubtful by head coach Travis Green following the Senators' impressive 3-0 victory over the Florida Panthers on April 6. Tkachuk's absence is felt deeply, as he leads the Senators with 29 goals and has contributed 26 assists in 71 games this season.
Despite the challenges posed by Tkachuk's injury, the Senators find themselves in a promising position. Currently sitting in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 42-29-6, Ottawa is five points ahead of the Montreal Canadiens, who occupy the second wild-card spot. A win against the Blue Jackets would not only solidify their playoff position but also mark the first postseason appearance for Tkachuk since being drafted fourth overall by the franchise in 2018.
In Tkachuk's absence, the Senators are relying on the strong performance of goaltender Anton Forsberg, who is set to start against Columbus. Forsberg was stellar in his last outing, stopping all 39 shots he faced against the Panthers, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Ottawa lineup.
While Tkachuk's return remains uncertain, with Friday's game against the Montreal Canadiens looming, the Senators are hopeful for a quick recovery. His leadership and scoring prowess will be vital as the team approaches the end of the regular season and the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Senators are also monitoring the status of forward Nick Cousins, who has been out since January 25 due to knee surgery but participated in a non-contact practice session. The potential return of Cousins adds another layer of excitement for Ottawa fans as they look to bolster their roster for the playoff push.
On the other side, the Blue Jackets are eager to capitalize on the Senators' injury woes. With a record of 33-36-8, Columbus is looking to play spoiler and enhance their own late-season momentum. The matchup promises to be intense, with both teams having much to gain on the ice.
As the Senators prepare to face the Blue Jackets, fans are left wondering how the absence of their captain will impact the game. Will Ottawa's depth be enough to secure a win? Or will Columbus seize the opportunity to challenge the playoff-bound Senators? The stakes are high as the puck drops on this pivotal matchup.
In other NHL news, the Florida Panthers are also facing injury challenges as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Captain Aleksander Barkov and several key players participated in morning skates after missing a recent loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The Panthers currently sit third in the Atlantic Division and are looking to maintain their playoff position.
As the regular season winds down, teams across the league are gearing up for the playoffs, making every game count. The Senators, with their sights set on a postseason berth, will need to rally together in Tkachuk's absence and show their resilience against the Blue Jackets. Fans will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds.
