The long wait for Ottawa Senators fans might be ending soon.
Tonight`s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets presents the Senators with an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since their memorable run to the Eastern Conference Final in 2017.
Currently holding a record of 42-29-6 with 90 points, the Senators will secure their playoff spot if any of these conditions are met:
- They win against the Blue Jackets;
- OR They earn at least one point against Columbus AND the Detroit Red Wings do not win against the Montreal Canadiens in regulation time;
- OR The Detroit Red Wings lose to the Canadiens in any manner.
Since almost reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2017, the Senators have been rebuilding, significantly changing their team. Key steps in this rebuild include drafting Brady Tkachuk in 2018, and Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson in 2020.
This season, General Manager Steve Staios made impactful moves, acquiring goalie Linus Ullmark and forward Dylan Cozens. This revitalized team has surged in the standings and is now close to ending their playoff drought.
The Senators aren`t the only team with playoff aspirations tonight. The New Jersey Devils also have a chance to clinch a playoff spot if they get at least one point against the Boston Bruins.
Additionally, several teams already in playoff positions are aiming for division titles and home-ice advantage.
Division title
- The Washington Capitals can clinch the Metropolitan Division title if the Carolina Hurricanes lose to the Buffalo Sabres in regulation.
Home ice
- The Toronto Maple Leafs can secure a top-two spot in the Atlantic Division with a regulation win over the Florida Panthers.
- The Carolina Hurricanes can secure a top-two spot in the Metropolitan Division by defeating the Sabres in any fashion and hoping the Devils don`t win against the Sabres in any fashion OR by getting a point against the Sabres while the Devils lose to the Bruins in regulation.
- The Dallas Stars can secure a top-two spot in the Central Division by defeating the Canucks in any fashion OR by getting a point against the Canucks if the Avalanche lose to the Golden Knights in any fashion OR if the Avalanche lose to the Golden Knights in regulation.
- The Golden Knights can secure a top-two spot in the Pacific Division with at least one point against the Avalanche.
The Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets have already secured home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs.
