Ottawa Senators' Playoff Pursuit: A Critical Stretch Ahead

As the NHL regular season approaches its conclusion, the Ottawa Senators find themselves in a challenging position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Currently, the Senators are four points behind the New York Islanders for the second wild-card spot and five points behind the Boston Bruins for the first wild card. They are also five points back of the Montreal Canadiens, who occupy the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic Division. With only 12 games remaining, including seven against teams currently in playoff contention, the Senators must capitalize on their opportunities to secure a postseason berth.

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The Senators' remaining schedule includes a crucial matchup against the New York Rangers, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Their only game against the Islanders, Bruins, or Canadiens is on April 11, which could be pivotal for their playoff hopes. In comparison, the Montreal Canadiens have 13 games left, with eight against playoff teams, while the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers have 12 and 11 games left, respectively, with a significant number against teams in playoff positions.

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According to projections from Stathletes, the Canadiens are expected to finish with 101 points, securing the No. 3 spot in the Atlantic Division. The Bruins and Senators are projected to earn wild-card spots with 98 and 98 points, respectively, while the Islanders are forecasted to finish with 96 points. However, the Senators have struggled against some of the teams they will face down the stretch. They have lost both encounters with the Buffalo Sabres this season and have yet to win against the Carolina Hurricanes, who have also defeated Ottawa in both previous matchups.

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In the latest NHL action, several teams vying for playoff positions have had notable performances. The Winnipeg Jets edged the New York Rangers 3-2 in a shootout, while the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Washington Capitals by the same score. The Carolina Hurricanes secured a decisive 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, further complicating the playoff race for teams like Ottawa.

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The Senators' management has expressed optimism about their chances, emphasizing the importance of each game in the final stretch. They are focused on improving their performance against playoff-bound teams and securing as many points as possible to enhance their playoff prospects.

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Critics of the Senators' playoff chances point to their inconsistent performance against top teams and the challenging nature of their remaining schedule. Analysts suggest that unless Ottawa can significantly improve their record against playoff contenders, their chances of making the postseason may diminish.

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The Senators' upcoming games will be crucial in determining their playoff fate. With their next match against the Rangers, they must secure a win to keep their hopes alive as they navigate a demanding schedule leading up to the regular season's conclusion on April 16.

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