As the NHL playoff race heats up, the Ottawa Senators find themselves in a tense scenario with only eight games left in the regular season. Sitting in the first wild-card spot with a record of 39-29-6, their fate is largely in their hands. However, they face significant competition from teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the New York Rangers. Each of these teams is within striking distance, intensifying the urgency for Ottawa to maximize their favorable schedule.

Despite a recent setback against the Buffalo Sabres, who swept the season series against the Senators, veteran Claude Giroux emphasizes the importance of playing the right way to secure wins. With seven out of their last eight games at home, the Senators must capitalize on this opportunity, especially with key matchups against competitors like Columbus and Montreal looming on the horizon. The absence of captain Brady Tkachuk due to injury adds another layer of challenge, as his energy and leadership are crucial during this critical stretch.