Ottawa Senators Defeat Makeshift Panthers, Solidify Playoff Position

Florida's injury-depleted roster puts up a fight, but can't overcome Ottawa's offensive onslaught

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:33am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color, conveying a sense of motion and energy.The Senators' offensive firepower overwhelms the makeshift Panthers in a crucial late-season matchup.Sunrise Today

The Florida Panthers, missing several key players due to injury, put up a valiant effort against the playoff-contending Ottawa Senators. However, the Senators' offensive firepower proved too much, as they defeated the Panthers 5-1 to solidify their own postseason position.

Why it matters

This game highlights the challenges the injury-plagued Panthers have faced down the stretch, as well as the Senators' determination to secure a playoff spot. The result could have significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.

The details

Despite going down 2-0 in the first period, the Panthers continued to battle, with Gus Forsling and two other defensemen making their NHL debuts. The Senators, led by Fabian Zetterlund's two goals, pulled away in the third period to secure the victory. Linus Ullmark made 21 saves for Ottawa, while Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 22 shots for Florida.

  • The game was played on April 9, 2026 at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.
  • The Senators scored two goals in the first period to take a 2-0 lead.
  • Ottawa extended their lead to 3-0 early in the third period.
  • The Panthers scored their lone goal midway through the third period to make it 3-1.
  • The Senators added two late goals to seal the 5-1 victory.

The players

Fabian Zetterlund

The Ottawa Senators forward scored two goals in the game, including the game-winning tally in the third period.

Linus Ullmark

The Ottawa Senators goaltender made 21 saves to earn the victory, bouncing back from a poor performance against the Panthers the previous week.

Jake Sanderson

The Ottawa Senators defenseman assisted on the team's first goal, helping to set the tone early in the game.

Sergei Bobrovsky

The Florida Panthers goaltender made 22 saves, but was unable to prevent the Senators' offensive onslaught.

Gus Forsling

The lone Florida Panthers defenseman remaining from the team's Opening Night roster, Forsling played a key role in the team's effort despite the injuries.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but the guys really battled hard out there. Unfortunately, we just couldn't overcome their offensive firepower in the end.”

— Paul Maurice, Florida Panthers Head Coach

“This was a big win for us as we continue to fight for a playoff spot. Fabian really stepped up and gave us the offensive spark we needed.”

— D.J. Smith, Ottawa Senators Head Coach

What’s next

The Panthers will look to regroup as they head to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs in their final regular season game. The Senators, meanwhile, will continue their push for the postseason with their next contest against the Sabres.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the resilience of the injury-depleted Panthers, who refused to go down without a fight against a playoff-contending opponent. However, the Senators' offensive depth and goaltending proved to be the difference, as they solidified their position in the playoff race.