Fans at Canadian Tire Centre experienced a late start to Monday night's hockey action as the scheduled game between the Ottawa Senators and the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets was pushed back.
Puck Drop Postponed at Canadian Tire Centre
The National Hockey League contest, originally set for a 7:00 PM EST start on Monday, December 29, 2025, did not begin as planned. The opening faceoff was delayed by a full 30 minutes, with players taking to the ice much later than anticipated. The specific reason for the delay was not immediately detailed in the initial reports.
Context of the Matchup
The game marked another chapter in the season series between the two clubs. Just weeks earlier, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, the teams faced off in Columbus, Ohio. In that contest, Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk was a prominent figure, applying pressure in front of Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves during the second period, as captured in an Associated Press photograph.
The delay disrupted the usual game-night rhythm for spectators and broadcast schedules. Such postponements, while uncommon, can occur due to a variety of logistical or technical issues at the arena, ranging from unforeseen maintenance problems to travel complications affecting team arrival.
Impact and Fan Experience
A half-hour delay, while relatively brief, has a tangible impact. It alters the timing for television broadcasts, concession operations, and, most importantly, the plans of thousands of attendees. For families and those with work commitments the next day, even a short postponement can create scheduling challenges.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex behind-the-scenes coordination required to execute a major professional sports event seamlessly. Despite the hiccup, the expectation was for the game to proceed with full 60 minutes of regulation play once the issue was resolved and the puck was finally dropped.
