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X Marks The Spot: Senators Officially Clinch Playoff Spot For Second Straight Year
TL;DR
The Ottawa Senators have clinched a playoff spot for the second consecutive year after a 3-0 victory against the New York Islanders and the Detroit Red Wings' loss to the New Jersey Devils. This marks a significant turnaround from being ten points out of a playoff position just two months ago.
(Alexander Wohl-Imagn Images)
On January 27th, the Senators were ten points and seven teams out of a playoff spot in the NHL's Eastern Conference standings.
What a difference a couple of months can make.
Ottawa's 3-0 victory on Long Island on Saturday afternoon, combined with the Detroit Red Wings' 5-3 Loss to the New Jersey Devils later in the day, means the Senators have officially clinched a playoff spot for the second straight season.
Since January 27th, the Senators have only lost six games in regulation, posting a record of 19-6-3. Not quite as good as the 2015 Hamburglar Run, but it's right there among the best in-season turnarounds in Ottawa Senators history.
That included the win on Long Island, where Linus Ullmark earned his 3rd shutout of the season and 15th of his career. Mike Amadio and Ridly Greig each had a goal and an assist. Jake Sanderson provided the insurance, giving the Senators a 2-0 advantage on a 5-on-3 third-period power play. Ottawa managed only 16 shots in the game.
In Detroit on Saturday, the Wings just couldn't get the Devils out of their hair, blowing three one-goal leads in the game. Jesper Bratt scored the winner for the Devils with under four minutes to play.
Once the Senators won their game, Detroit's comeback was destined to be a long shot anyway. They would have had to win their last three games, including two in Florida, while the Senators would have had to lose their last two.
Ottawa currently holds down Wild Card 1 with two games to play. If they win out, it's theirs. The final road game will be in New Jersey on Sunday. Their regular season finale is at home to Toronto on Wednesday.
Steve Warne
The Hockey News
This article was first published at The Hockey News Ottawa. Check out more great Sens features from The Hockey News at the links below:
Why Shane Pinto Should Be One Of The Favourites For The Selke Trophy
Chabot Cleared To Play... 17 Days After Breaking His Arm
Ullmark Describes Masterton Trophy Nomination As Bittersweet
'A Superstar Moment:' The Senators Goal Everyone Is Talking About
Q&A
How did the Ottawa Senators secure their playoff spot?
The Senators secured their playoff spot by winning 3-0 against the New York Islanders and benefiting from the Detroit Red Wings' loss to the New Jersey Devils.
What was the Senators' position in the standings two months ago?
Two months ago, the Senators were ten points and seven teams away from a playoff spot in the NHL's Eastern Conference standings.
Is this the first time the Senators have made the playoffs in consecutive years?
No, this is the second consecutive year that the Ottawa Senators have clinched a playoff spot.
