Senators and Panthers clash in pivotal Atlantic Division showdown tonight
The Ottawa Senators will host the Florida Panthers at Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. Both teams enter the matchup after tough losses earlier in the week, with the Senators dropping three straight games.
The Senators are struggling, having lost their last three matches, including an 8-2 defeat to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday. Tim Stützle leads the team in scoring with 19 goals, 26 assists, and 45 points so far this season. Drake Batherson follows closely with 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists). However, Ottawa will be without starting goaltender Linus Ullmark, who is on leave. Leevi Meriläinen is expected to start in his place.
The Panthers also come into the game after a 6-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday. They currently hold seventh place in the Atlantic Division, just two points ahead of the Senators. Florida has dominated recent meetings, winning seven of the last ten games against Ottawa, including a 6-2 victory in their first matchup this season on October 11. Sandis Vilmanis will make his NHL debut for the Panthers in tonight’s game.
The Senators will look to end their losing streak, while the Panthers aim to bounce back from their own defeat. With key players missing and a rookie making his debut, both teams have adjustments to make. The outcome could impact their positions in the Atlantic Division standings.
