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The Ottawa Senators and Tampa Bay Lightning, two of the top scoring teams in the NHL, are set to face off in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup on Saturday afternoon. The Senators are in the thick of the Wild Card race, while the Lightning sit near the top of the Atlantic Division standings.

Why it matters

This game has major playoff implications for both teams. The Senators are looking to solidify their position in the Wild Card race, while the Lightning are aiming to maintain their spot atop the Atlantic Division. With both teams boasting high-powered offenses, this has the makings of a thrilling, high-scoring affair.

The details

The Senators are coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Penguins, but have picked up points in 18 of their last 21 games. They’ll be shorthanded on the blue line, with five defensemen out, including standouts Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot. The Lightning, meanwhile, have five players with at least 20 goals on the season and are the league’s second-highest scoring team.

The game is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

The players

Tim Stützle

A young, skilled forward for the Ottawa Senators who has recorded at least one assist against the Lightning in nine of the last 10 meetings between the teams.

Jake Guentzel

A prolific goal-scorer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, having tallied four times in his last five games and six goals in his last 10 against Ottawa.

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What’s next

The outcome of this game could have a significant impact on the Eastern Conference playoff race, with both teams vying for positioning. Fans will be eager to see if the high-scoring trend continues between these two teams.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Senators and Lightning features two of the NHL’s most potent offenses, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling, high-scoring affair with major playoff implications. The Senators’ shorthanded blue line will be tested against the Lightning’s firepower, making for an intriguing strategic battle.