The Ottawa Senators will look to extend their impressive late-season surge when they visit the New Jersey Devils on Sunday night at Prudential Center. The Senators (43-27-10) are riding a four-game winning streak and have already secured their spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs after the Devils defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5-3 on Saturday.
Senators Clinch Playoff Berth with Fourth Straight Victory
Ottawa won their fourth straight game with a 3-0 shutout against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Saturday. Ridly Greig scored short-handed and had an assist, Jake Sanderson scored on the power play and Michael Amadio had a goal and an assist in the victory.
Linus Ullmark made 23 saves to record his third shutout of the season for Ottawa, which was a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill. Ullmark has started each game during the winning streak, demonstrating his crucial role in the Senators' playoff push.
The Senators are tied at 96 points for the first wild-card spot with the Boston Bruins, and hold a 37-31 advantage in the regulation wins tiebreaker. With their playoff berth now secured, Ottawa can focus on improving their seeding heading into the postseason.
Offensive Explosion During Win Streak
The Senators have been dominant offensively during their recent run. The Senators have outscored opponents 17-6 during their three-game winning streak heading into Saturday's shutout victory. The team has shown balance throughout the lineup, with contributions coming from multiple sources.
The Sens enter Saturday on a three-game win streak with at least five goals in each victory, showcasing their offensive firepower at the most critical time of the season. Jake Sanderson returned to the Ottawa Senators lineup last weekend after missing 13 games with a shoulder injury, and has logged five points in his past three games.
Devils Host Jersey Appreciation Night
Sunday's matchup carries special significance for the Devils organization. The New Jersey Devils will host Jersey Appreciation Night on April 12, 2026, as they play their final home game against the Ottawa Senators for a 7:00 PM contest.
The first 9,000 fans in attendance will receive a "fan" shirt commemorating the final season of the "Jersey" jersey. The night will include a pre-game Fan Fest, in-game prizes, activations and more to celebrate the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season.
Key Players to Watch
For the Senators, goaltender Linus Ullmark has been exceptional during the winning streak, providing the stability needed for a playoff-bound team. His ability to make key saves and keep opponents off the scoreboard has been instrumental in Ottawa's success.
On defense, Jake Sanderson has made an immediate impact since returning from injury, providing both offensive production and solid defensive play. His return has coincided perfectly with the team's winning streak and playoff clinching.
However, the Senators will need to monitor the status of captain Brady Tkachuk. The Senators played the last 18:03 without captain Brady Tkachuk in Saturday's game. Coach Travis Green said "He just wasn't feeling well", leaving his availability for Sunday's game uncertain.
Season Series and Playoff Implications
The two teams have met twice previously this season, with each team securing a victory. Brady Tkachuk had a goal and two assists and the Senators beat the New Jersey Devils 4-1 on Saturday night in their January 31 meeting.
While Ottawa has secured their playoff position, this final regular season game provides an opportunity to build momentum heading into the postseason. The Senators will look to carry their winning ways into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where every game becomes crucial and the margin for error shrinks considerably.
Sunday night's 7:00 PM puck drop at Prudential Center in Newark will mark the conclusion of both teams' regular season series and give the Senators a chance to finish the year on a five-game winning streak.
Sources & Original Reporting
