Ottawa Senators Clinch Playoff Spot with Win Over Islanders

Senators overcome long odds to secure second straight postseason berth

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:37pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game between the Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders, with the players and puck represented as fragmented, angular shapes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually illustrating the Senators' resilient playoff push.The Ottawa Senators' hard-fought playoff clinching victory over the New York Islanders showcases the team's resilience and determination in a visually striking, cubist-inspired interpretation.Elmont Today

The Ottawa Senators have clinched a playoff spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, marking their second consecutive postseason appearance under head coach Travis Green. The Senators faced long odds to make the playoffs in January, but have since turned things around with a 23-8-5 record since Jan. 12, tied for the second-best in that span. The team's penalty kill has also improved significantly since assistant coach Mike Yeo took over, and goaltender Linus Ullmark has returned to form after a personal leave of absence.

Why it matters

The Senators' playoff berth is a major accomplishment for the team, which was once considered a long shot to make the postseason. Their turnaround highlights the resilience of the squad and the impact of coaching changes and player returns from injury and personal leave. The Senators' success also has implications for the Eastern Conference playoff race, as they currently hold the first wild-card spot.

The details

The Senators needed a win over the New York Islanders and a Detroit Red Wings loss to the New Jersey Devils on Saturday to clinch their playoff spot. They accomplished both, winning 3-0 over the Islanders while the Red Wings lost 5-3 to the Devils. The Senators' penalty kill has improved to 83.1%, sixth-best in the league, since assistant coach Mike Yeo took over in late January. Goaltender Linus Ullmark has also returned to form, going 14-4-3 since Jan. 31 with a 2.20 goals-against average and .926 save percentage in April.

  • On Jan. 12, the Senators were tied for last place in the Eastern Conference with a 2-6-1 skid.
  • On Jan. 24, assistant coach Mike Yeo took over the Senators' penalty kill, which has since improved to 83.1%.
  • On Jan. 31, goaltender Linus Ullmark returned from personal leave and has gone 14-4-3 since then.

The players

Travis Green

Head coach of the Ottawa Senators.

Michael Amadio

Forward for the Ottawa Senators.

Ridly Greig

Forward for the Ottawa Senators.

Linus Ullmark

Goaltender for the Ottawa Senators who returned from personal leave and has since gone 14-4-3.

Brady Tkachuk

Captain of the Ottawa Senators who suffered an injury in the game against the Islanders.

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What they’re saying

“We've been playing a lot of good hockey as of late. So, we've just got to take it day by day, not look too far ahead. And obviously, once we get to the playoffs, that's another whole challenge. So, we've just got to make sure we're ready for it.”

— Michael Amadio, Forward, Ottawa Senators

“It was maybe a little ugly, but our team's confident. I think we always knew we were going to be in this spot.”

— Ridly Greig, Forward, Ottawa Senators

“Give them credit, they've embraced it. They got the job done.”

— Travis Green, Head Coach, Ottawa Senators

“He's unbelievable. Kept us in it early. And then we get a couple of goals and went from there.”

— Ridly Greig, Forward, Ottawa Senators

What’s next

The Senators will hope for good news on the injury status of captain Brady Tkachuk, who left Saturday's game against the Islanders with an undisclosed injury. The team is already missing defensemen Tyler Kleven and Nick Jensen due to injury.

The takeaway

The Ottawa Senators' unlikely playoff berth is a testament to the team's resilience and the impact of coaching changes and player returns. Their success has shaken up the Eastern Conference playoff race, and the Senators will look to carry this momentum into the postseason despite some key injury concerns.