Senators Advance to Playoffs with 4-0 Victory Over Blue Jackets

The Ottawa Senators secured their position on the brink of clinching a playoff berth with a convincing 4-0 shutout against the Columbus Blue Jackets, marking their third consecutive victory and their 10th shutout of the season. Linus Ullmark stood out with 30 saves, while Adam Gaudette and Nikolas Matinpalo, who scored his first NHL goal, set the tone with early goals in the first period. The Senators now hold the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, maintaining a seven-point lead over Montreal with just five games left in the regular season. David Perron and Shane Pinto also added goals, including an empty-netter from Pinto, ensuring a comfortable win. Coach Travis Green noted the importance of this moment for the team, who last made the playoffs in 2017, with a chance to officially secure their spot in the upcoming rematch against Columbus. The Senators extended their shutout streak to 153 minutes, demonstrating their defensive strength as they head into the final stretch of the season.