Senators Edge Blue Jackets 3-2, Strengthen Playoff Position

In a crucial matchup for playoff positioning, the Ottawa Senators defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2, solidifying their hold on the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Ridly Greig opened the scoring for Ottawa, but Boone Jenner quickly equalized for Columbus. The Senators regained the lead with goals from Drake Batherson and Jake Sanderson, despite a late push from the Blue Jackets, who pulled within one goal thanks to Kirill Marchenko's score. Linus Ullmark made 29 saves for Ottawa, while Daniil Tarasov stopped 24 shots for Columbus. With ten games left in the season, the Senators are eight points clear of the Blue Jackets, who are fighting for the second wild card spot. Both teams are set for more critical matchups in the coming days as they vie for playoff positions.