Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Thomas Chabot goes down. The Ottawa Senators lose key pieces in the middle of a playoff race.
Head coach Travis Green confirmed a prolonged absence for his two defensemen. Beating the New York Rangers leaves a very bitter taste.
Ottawa secured a masterful 2-1 win last night. The visitors limited the home favorites to just nine shots on goal at Madison Square Garden.
Allowing so few shots is a historic feat against an offensive powerhouse. Ottawa controlled the pace of the game from start to finish.
This outstanding defensive performance now becomes a real headache. Five defensemen in the organization are currently on the injured list.
Jake Sanderson, Nick Jensen, and Dennis Gilbert were already out. Chabot and Lassi Thomson are now added to that concerning list.
Managing this situation is becoming critical for the head coach with such a packed schedule. Building defensive pairings with so many absences will require a lot of creativity tonight against Detroit.
“So, for those counting at home, the Sens will play against Detroit tomorrow without:
Jake Sanderson
Thomas Chabot
Nick Jensen
Dennis Gilbert
Lassi Thomson
Three everyday defenders unavailable. Two brought up as reinforcements also sidelined.”
Two emergency call-ups force Ottawa to fight for playoff survival despite a depleted lineup
Simply put, the general manager will have to act quickly. Two emergency call-ups from the American Hockey League have been made today.
The team sits just two points behind the New York Islanders and a playoff spot. Every game will dictate their survival through April.
This upcoming matchup against the Detroit Red Wings is shaping up to be decisive. The club must collect points to maintain pressure on its rivals.
Facing the rest of the schedule with a depleted defensive group will be a major challenge. The available players will need to log heavy ice time.
No one wants to miss the playoffs after so much effort. Everyone will have to come together to overcome this run of bad luck.
Ottawa holds a 34-24-9 record, not bad at all.
Thomas Chabot, 29, has 31 points in 55 games this season. The 6-foot-2 defenseman was a first-round pick by the Ottawa Senators in 2015.
This situation could hurt the Canadiens in the playoff race, as Ottawa facing Detroit with a depleted lineup increases the chances of the Red Wings gaining crucial points.
Detroit is now quietly closing the gap on the Canadiens, making every point in this stretch critical as the playoff race tightens.
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