Ottawa Senators Await Thomas Chabot's Status for Penguins Clash
The Ottawa Senators are facing a critical lineup decision as they prepare to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night. Veteran defenceman Thomas Chabot is officially listed as a game-time decision, leaving his participation in doubt due to an undisclosed injury sustained during Saturday's victory over the New Jersey Devils.
Injury Details and Pre-Game Uncertainty
Chabot left Saturday's 4-1 win at the Canadian Tire Centre after appearing to injure his right hand or wrist. He was seen on the bench in visible discomfort, shaking his hand while being attended to by head athletic therapist Dom Nicoletta. Despite returning to the ice for Monday's morning skate at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, his status remains uncertain.
Coach Travis Green confirmed that defenceman Nikolas Matinpalo will dress for warmups, while the team plans to have all seven blueliners participate in pre-game preparations before making a final decision on Chabot's availability. The injury is particularly concerning given Chabot's history with right hand/wrist issues, including tendon repair surgery in April 2024 that addressed problems he had battled for nearly two years.
Chabot's Importance to the Senators Lineup
Losing Chabot would represent a significant setback for the Senators. The defenceman has been a cornerstone of Ottawa's blue line this season, averaging 21 minutes and 55 seconds of ice time per game while anchoring the club's second defensive pairing. Through 39 games, he has contributed five goals and 17 assists for a total of 22 points.
This season has already seen Chabot miss 15 games with a core muscle injury, an absence that was compounded by what the team acknowledges was an attempted return that came too soon. His competitive nature makes him determined to play, especially with only three games remaining before the NHL's Olympic break.
Broader Context for Senators' Playoff Push
The Senators enter Monday's contest facing an uphill battle in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Ottawa currently trails the Buffalo Sabres by eight points for the final wild-card spot, with several other teams including the Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, and Columbus Blue Jackets also positioned ahead of them in the standings.
In net, the Senators will rely on Linus Ullmark, who made a triumphant return on Saturday with 26 saves against New Jersey after a 35-day leave of absence for mental health reasons. The team hopes Ullmark's presence can help stabilize their goaltending situation as they attempt to climb back into contention with 27 games remaining on their schedule.
Looking Ahead to Back-to-Back Road Games
Monday's matchup against Pittsburgh marks the beginning of a challenging back-to-back road trip for Ottawa. Following their game against the Penguins, the Senators will travel to Raleigh to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night. Veteran backup James Reimer is expected to start in goal for that second contest.
The timing of Chabot's potential absence couldn't be more critical as Ottawa attempts to build momentum heading into the Olympic break. His presence on the ice provides not only defensive stability but also offensive production from the blue line that the Senators desperately need during this crucial stretch of their season.
