The Ottawa Senators arrive in Columbus on April 8, 2025, riding a wave of confidence and momentum that has pushed them squarely into the Eastern Conference playoff conversation. Sitting at 42-29-6, the Senators are peaking at just the right time, with a three-game winning streak that includes an authoritative 4-0 victory over these same Blue Jackets just two days prior. That win was highlighted by the superb performance of goaltender Linus Ullmark, who turned aside all 30 shots for his fourth shutout of the season, further solidifying his role as the backbone of Ottawa’s defensive game plan. Ullmark has quietly built a standout campaign with a 2.68 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage, providing the kind of goaltending stability necessary for postseason-caliber hockey. Offensively, the Senators have relied on a balanced attack, averaging 2.87 goals per game and getting steady contributions from their top line anchored by Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle. Tkachuk’s gritty, net-front presence has yielded 29 goals and 55 total points, while Stützle’s creativity and elite playmaking have led to a team-best 72 points, including 51 assists. That dynamic duo, supported by strong secondary scoring from the middle six, has made Ottawa difficult to match up against, particularly when they dictate pace and possession. On the road, the Senators have compiled a solid 18-18-4 record, and their recent road form—featuring wins over playoff-bound teams like Florida and Tampa Bay—signals that this is a club unfazed by hostile environments. Their road success has been powered by disciplined special teams play, smart puck management, and the ability to adapt their style depending on the opponent.

Against Columbus, Ottawa will look to replicate the suffocating defensive effort they delivered in their recent shutout, where they neutralized the Blue Jackets’ top scorers and blocked key shooting lanes to limit high-danger chances. One area of emphasis will be continuing to play a clean, penalty-free game, as their recent success has been built on minimizing time spent shorthanded while capitalizing on key power-play opportunities. The Senators’ ability to wear teams down with relentless puck pursuit, combined with steady play from their blue line, has allowed them to limit defensive breakdowns and keep games within their control. Every game now carries playoff implications, and Ottawa appears to be embracing that urgency, playing structured, mature hockey with contributions coming from all four lines and all three defensive pairings. Against a Columbus team reeling from three straight losses and showing cracks in defensive consistency, the Senators are poised to strike early and dictate terms. Should Ullmark continue his elite form and Ottawa’s top-six maintain their pace, the Senators will be well-positioned to extend their win streak, maintain momentum in the standings, and demonstrate they’re more than ready for the pressures of postseason play. A composed, detail-oriented effort from Ottawa should keep them in command of this matchup and send another strong message to the rest of the Eastern Conference.