Senators Soar Past Injury-Riddled Devils

Drake Batherson and Brady Tkachuk lead Ottawa to victory over New Jersey's third-string goalie

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:20pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and scoring action of a hockey game, with players' forms dissolving into the vibrant, expressionistic composition.The Senators' offensive firepower overwhelms the injury-depleted Devils in a high-scoring affair.Newark Today

The Ottawa Senators continued their strong play, defeating the injury-plagued New Jersey Devils 4-2 on Sunday night. Led by standout performances from Drake Batherson and team captain Brady Tkachuk, the Senators took advantage of the Devils' depleted roster and third-string goaltender Nico Daws to secure the win.

Why it matters

The Senators have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL over the past few months, and this victory keeps them firmly in playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Devils' injury woes have hampered their ability to compete, as they were forced to start their third-string goalie against a surging Ottawa squad.

The details

Batherson recorded a goal and an assist, extending his point streak, while Tkachuk added two points of his own. The Senators also received contributions from their recently returned defensemen, Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot, who helped shore up the team's blue line. For the Devils, the loss was their fourth in the last five games as they continue to navigate a rash of injuries to key players like Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce.

  • The Senators have won five straight games against Eastern Conference opponents.
  • Batherson has points in 69% of his games against teams outside the Top-10 in goal suppression and eight of nine when playing in the latter half of back-to-backs.
  • The Senators and Devils faced off on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. ET.

The players

Drake Batherson

A forward for the Ottawa Senators who is enjoying the best offensive season of his career, already surpassing previous highs in goals and points.

Brady Tkachuk

The captain of the Ottawa Senators, who has a tremendous track record against the Devils, picking up at least one point in eight of the last nine meetings.

Nico Daws

The third-string goaltender for the New Jersey Devils, who owns an .891 save percentage in the AHL.

Jake Sanderson

A defenseman for the Ottawa Senators who recently returned from injury to help shore up the team's blue line.

Thomas Chabot

A defenseman for the Ottawa Senators who also recently returned from injury to bolster the team's defensive corps.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same intensity and focus that has carried us through this stretch. The injuries to the Devils have certainly helped, but we can't take anything for granted.”

— D.J. Smith, Head Coach, Ottawa Senators

“It's been a tough run of injuries, but our guys are battling hard. We'll need to regroup and find a way to get healthy before the playoffs, if we want to make a run.”

— Lindy Ruff, Head Coach, New Jersey Devils

What’s next

The Senators will look to extend their winning streak when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, April 14th. The Devils, meanwhile, will hope to get healthier as they prepare to host the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, April 16th.

The takeaway

The Senators' depth and resilience have been on full display during their recent hot streak, as they've weathered injuries to key players and continued to win games. Meanwhile, the Devils' injury woes have hampered their ability to compete, but they'll look to regroup and get healthy before the playoffs.