Senators Confront Defensive Woes Ahead of Critical Sabres Clash
The Ottawa Senators are set to begin April facing significant adversity as they prepare for a pivotal five-game homestand, starting with Thursday night's matchup against the Buffalo Sabres at Canadian Tire Centre. With the club sitting just two points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot and only eight games remaining in the regular season, every contest carries immense playoff implications.
Ullmark Expected in Net Despite Recent Struggles
Despite recent performance concerns, all indications point toward goaltender Linus Ullmark starting against the Sabres. The Senators' netminder was pulled during the first period of their previous outing after allowing multiple goals, but with the season hanging in the balance, coach Travis Green appears ready to return to his veteran goaltender for this crucial divisional matchup.
The Senators enter Thursday's game reeling from a disappointing 6-3 loss to the Florida Panthers that extended their losing streak to three games. The defeat was particularly damaging as Ottawa squandered a valuable opportunity to gain ground in the playoff race during a game they desperately needed to win.
Defensive Corps Decimated by Injuries
The Senators' defensive situation has reached crisis levels with multiple key players sidelined. The blue line took another hit during the Florida game when rookie defenceman Carter Yakemchuk required assistance leaving the ice after absorbing an elbow to the head from Panthers winger Noah Gregor late in the third period.
Coach Green provided no immediate update on Yakemchuk's status following the game, and with the team not practicing on Wednesday, clarity will likely come during Thursday's morning skate. Early indications suggest Yakemchuk may miss significant time during the homestand based on the severity of his exit from the contest.
Ottawa is already without three of their top defencemen: Jake Sanderson (shoulder), Thomas Chabot (broken forearm), and Nick Jensen (knee surgery). This leaves the club severely depleted on the back end as they attempt to secure a second consecutive playoff appearance.
Sanderson's Return Timeline Remains Uncertain
While Sanderson has resumed skating with the team in a non-contact jersey—a positive development in his recovery from a March 7 injury against Seattle—his availability for Thursday's game appears doubtful. The young defenceman would need to be cleared for full contact before returning to game action, and he was still wearing the protective yellow jersey during Tuesday's practice session.
Most projections suggest Sanderson could potentially return for Saturday afternoon's matchup against the Minnesota Wild rather than Thursday's game against Buffalo. However, the team's desperate defensive situation could potentially accelerate his timeline if medical staff deem him ready.
Should Sanderson remain unavailable against the Sabres, the Senators would likely recall defenceman Jorian Donovan from their AHL affiliate in Belleville. Donovan previously appeared in two games with Ottawa last week and would provide much-needed depth to the depleted defensive corps.
Playoff Race Intensifies in Eastern Conference
The battle for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot has evolved into what observers are calling a "turtle derby," with multiple teams struggling to seize control. The New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, and Senators remain locked in a tight competition where every point carries amplified importance.
Ottawa's ability to overcome their defensive challenges and secure victories during this critical homestand could determine whether their season extends beyond the regular schedule. With Ullmark expected to anchor the goaltending and the defensive lineup in flux, Thursday's game against Buffalo represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Senators to reverse their recent fortunes.
