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Senators Seek to Strengthen Wild-Card Hold Against Red Wings
The Ottawa Senators are feeling the pressure as they head into Thursday’s matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite holding the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, Ottawa has cooled off lately, dropping three of their last four games. Their most recent setback came in a frustrating 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, a game that saw them dominate possession but fail to convert on scoring chances.
After surging with a six-game winning streak to seize the wild-card lead, the Senators (37-28-5, 79 points) have struggled to maintain their momentum. However, they remain focused on solidifying their playoff position as they face a Red Wings team that has been struggling even more.
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Ottawa’s Offense Looking to Rebound
The Senators put forth a strong effort against the Sabres, outshooting them 32-24 and winning 70.9% of faceoffs. However, the inability to score during 5-on-5 play proved costly. Dylan Cozens, recently traded from Buffalo, was especially disappointed, feeling that the team missed a golden opportunity.
“I really wanted to win that game,” Cozens said. “I think we had it at the start. We were in control and we just kind of let them back in it. We should have just kept pushing.”
Coach Travis Green echoed the frustration, emphasizing the need for more grit around the net. “We needed another goal. The first 14 minutes we probably could have had three goals, so it’s frustrating, especially losing at this time of year,” Green said.
Linus Ullmark’s Heroics
Ottawa’s recent success against Detroit was largely due to goaltender Linus Ullmark, who made an incredible 49 saves in their last meeting, including 27 stops in the second period alone. His stellar play was pivotal in the Senators’ 2-1 victory on March 10.
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Red Wings Desperate to Break Out of Slump
The Detroit Red Wings (33-32-6, 72 points) were once in the same playoff spot that Ottawa now holds, but their recent skid has put their postseason hopes in jeopardy. Detroit has managed just three wins in their last 13 games, including a tough 5-2 road loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.
Misfiring Offense and Defensive Breakdowns
Despite taking an early lead on a power-play goal by J.T. Compher, the Red Wings quickly lost control as Colorado piled on four consecutive goals. Defenseman Moritz Seider acknowledged the team’s inability to sustain momentum.
“Even though the first period turned out 2-1 (Colorado), we handled it real well, created chances and then two or three mistakes and you look at the scoreboard and it’s 3-1 or 4-1 and it’s hard to get that back against that team,” Seider said.
Detroit coach Todd McLellan did not mince words about the performance, emphasizing that mistakes against elite teams are costly. “We made some mistakes and their good players capitalized,” McLellan said.
Skate to Victory
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Key Matchups to Watch
Dylan Cozens vs. J.T. Compher
Cozens is looking to make an impact after a disappointing performance against his former team, while Compher remains one of Detroit’s few consistent offensive threats.
Linus Ullmark vs. Alex Lyon
Ullmark has been stellar, especially against Detroit, but Lyon’s recent performance raised questions about his consistency. If Talbot returns, the Red Wings’ goaltending might be more stable, but Ullmark’s dominance is a significant advantage for Ottawa.
Thomas Chabot vs. Moritz Seider
Two elite defensemen face off in a battle of blueline prowess. Chabot’s ability to jump into the rush and create offense will be crucial, while Seider’s defensive responsibility will be tested by Ottawa’s speed.
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Game Prediction
The Senators need to regain their scoring touch, and facing a Detroit team that has been in a downward spiral could be just the ticket. If Ottawa can convert their offensive opportunities and maintain pressure in the offensive zone, they should come out on top.
Detroit’s struggles are rooted in inconsistent goaltending and defensive lapses, and against a motivated Ottawa squad, they’ll have to be sharper to avoid another loss. The Senators’ ability to capitalize on scoring chances and play disciplined hockey will be key to extending Detroit’s misery.
Prediction: Senators 3, Red Wings 1
Expect Ottawa to bounce back with a strong defensive effort while finding the back of the net against Detroit’s shaky goaltending.
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FAQs
What is at stake for the Senators in this game?
The Senators are trying to solidify their hold on the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, and a win would help keep pace with the teams chasing them.
How have the Senators performed against the Red Wings this season?
Ottawa leads the season series 2-1, with all games being close and low-scoring.
Who is the key player for the Senators in this matchup?
Dylan Cozens will be looking to bounce back after a tough game against Buffalo, and his offensive contribution will be vital for Ottawa.
What are the Red Wings’ main issues right now?
Inconsistent goaltending and defensive breakdowns have led to their recent slump, as they’ve won just three of their last 13 games.
Is Linus Ullmark expected to start in goal for Ottawa?
Given his previous success against Detroit and the importance of the game, Ullmark is likely to start.
Who could make the difference for Detroit?
J.T. Compher, who scored against Colorado, will need to continue his scoring touch and provide offensive stability for the Red Wings.
The Senators have an opportunity to reclaim their momentum and strengthen their playoff position, while the Red Wings are desperate to snap their losing skid and rekindle hope. Will Ottawa assert their dominance, or can Detroit turn their fortunes around? Stay tuned for an intriguing clash between two teams fighting to prove themselves.
