The stars have aligned for Brady Tkachuk’s squad. After a chaotic night on Tuesday, where the Islanders, Blue Jackets, Flyers, and Red Wings all lost in regulation, the Ottawa Senators find themselves just 2 points out of a playoff spot on several rivals despite a 6-3 loss to the Florida Panthers.
The “March Madness” of the NHL has officially bled into April, and if Ottawa is going to pull off the improbable, these are the three games that will decide their fate.
1) The “Bounce Back” vs. Buffalo Sabres
- Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
- The Stakes: Ottawa is coming off a rough three-game skid, including a 6-3 loss to Florida, where they gave up five goals in the first period. Buffalo just hit the 100-point mark and topped the Atlantic Division.
- The Mission: Ottawa has to prove they can handle a heavyweight. Winning this “bounce back” game is non-negotiable to stop the bleeding and prove they belong in the postseason conversation.
2) The “No Excuses” Rematch vs. Florida Panthers
- Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
- The Stakes: This is a late-season rematch at the Canadian Tire Centre. By this point, the two-time champion Panthers, who are currently sitting 8th in the Atlantic and virtually eliminated, will likely be resting veterans or playing “spoiler” with a depleted lineup.
- The Mission: In the last meeting, Matthew Tkachuk’s Panthers bullied Ottawa early. Florida has also gone to 3-0 against Ottawa this season. This time, there are no excuses. If Ottawa can’t beat a Florida team that is already looking toward the golf course, they don’t deserve the Wild Card.
3) The “Morale Booster” vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 (Regular Season Finale)
- The Stakes: The Battle of Ontario always carries weight, but with the Maple Leafs about to be eliminated and in total organizational disarray following the firing of Brad Treliving, the pressure is entirely on Ottawa.
- The Mission: This could be the game that clinches it. Beating the Leafs isn’t just about the two points; it’s about the morale of entering the playoffs by crushing your biggest rival on home ice.
The Senators’ Path to the Postseason
The race for the Eastern Conference wild-card spot is extremely tight. The Columbus Blue Jackets currently sit in the second wild-card position with 88 points. The Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and Philadelphia Flyers all have 86 points, while the Washington Capitals are right behind with 85.
Since the New York Islanders (third in Metro) and Blue Jackets both stumbled last night, Ottawa now controls its own destiny. The Senators also have a game in hand on both Columbus and Washington, which could prove important.
READ: Brady Tkachuk Criticized as Ottawa Senators’ Playoff Chances Take Severe Hit in 6-3 Loss to Panthers
With only three points separating five teams, every remaining game is crucial. The Senators must play their best in all eight games; there’s no room for mistakes. It’s basically win or go home.
