Shorthanded Senators Fall 4-3 in Overtime to Devils Despite Playoff Berth Secured
The Ottawa Senators, having already clinched their spot in the National Hockey League playoffs, opted to rest several key players in their regular-season finale against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday night. This strategic move came with the team's postseason ticket already punched, but it ultimately resulted in a hard-fought 4-3 overtime loss at the Prudential Center in Newark.
Strategic Rest for Playoff-Bound Squad
With their playoff position locked, the Senators made the calculated decision to sit captain Brady Tkachuk, top center Tim Stutzle, and defensemen Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot. Both Sanderson and Chabot have recently returned from injuries—a shoulder issue and broken arm, respectively—making the rest particularly valuable as they prepare for the postseason grind.
Tkachuk, still feeling the effects of a hit taken during Saturday's game against the New York Islanders, is expected to be fully ready for playoff action. In their absence, the Senators dressed Stephen Halliday and Kurtis MacDermid up front, while Cameron Crotty and Dennis Gilbert slotted in on defense. Halliday hadn't played since March 3 in Edmonton, and MacDermid saw his first game action since March 5 against the Calgary Flames.
Overtime Drama in Newark
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair that required extra time to decide. The Senators battled back from an early 2-0 deficit with three unanswered goals in the second period, courtesy of Fabian Zetterlund, Shane Pinto, and Michael Amadio. However, New Jersey's Dawson Mercer tied the game 3-3 on a shorthanded breakaway at 12:28 of the third period, forcing overtime.
In the extra frame, Devils captain Nico Hischier capitalized on a powerplay opportunity, scoring at 3:18 to secure the victory for New Jersey. Senators backup goaltender James Reimer, starting in place of Linus Ullmark who had made seven consecutive starts, stopped 26 of 30 shots. Nico Daws was solid in net for the Devils, helping his team secure the win.
Playoff Implications and First-Round Matchup
The overtime loss leaves the Senators in the second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference. Their first-round opponent remains undetermined as the regular season concludes. Depending on results in the final days, Ottawa could face the Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, or Tampa Bay Lightning.
A 3-2 victory by the Boston Bruins over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday means the Senators could still finish in either the first or second wildcard position. If the Bruins defeat the Devils on Tuesday at home, Ottawa will secure the second wildcard spot. The playoffs are scheduled to begin on Saturday, with broadcast considerations from Hockey Night in Canada, ESPN, and TNT potentially affecting scheduling.
Coach's Perspective and Road Success
"It was a big point," said Senators coach Travis Green after the game. "We had a lot of good players out of the lineup tonight. Guys battled, but when you give up two shorthanded goals, it's tough to win in the NHL."
Despite the loss, the Senators closed out their regular season with an impressive 21-15-5 record on the road, demonstrating their ability to compete in hostile environments—a valuable trait as they prepare for playoff hockey where every game matters.
