Senators Defeat Panthers 5-1, Inch Closer to Playoffs

Fabian Zetterlund's two goals help Ottawa take another step toward postseason berth.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:52am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the chaotic movement and energy of a hockey game, with players' figures blending into vibrant brushstrokes.The Senators' decisive victory over the Panthers showcases the team's playoff push and the explosive energy of professional hockey.Florida Today

The Ottawa Senators defeated the Florida Panthers 5-1 on Thursday night, with forward Fabian Zetterlund scoring a pair of goals to lead his team. The win moves the Senators closer to securing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, as they currently hold the second and final wild-card position.

Why it matters

The Senators' victory over the Panthers is an important step in their quest to reach the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2017. As the race for the final wild-card spot heats up, every win is crucial for Ottawa in their bid to end their postseason drought.

The details

Zetterlund opened the scoring for the Senators in the first period and added another goal in the third to help Ottawa pull away. The Senators also received goals from Tim Stützle, Brady Tkachuk, and Claude Giroux in the convincing win over the Panthers.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Fabian Zetterlund

A forward for the Ottawa Senators who scored two goals in the team's 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers.

Tim Stützle

A forward for the Ottawa Senators who scored a goal in the team's 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers.

Brady Tkachuk

A forward for the Ottawa Senators who scored a goal in the team's 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers.

Claude Giroux

A forward for the Ottawa Senators who scored a goal in the team's 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers.

Florida Panthers

The NHL team that lost 5-1 to the Ottawa Senators in this game.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a big game for us in the playoff race, and the guys really stepped up and played a complete game.”

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

What’s next

The Senators will look to build on this win as they continue their push for the playoffs. Their next game is on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, another key matchup in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.

The takeaway

The Senators' victory over the Panthers keeps them firmly in the playoff picture, as they look to end their postseason drought. Zetterlund's two-goal performance was a key factor in the win, and the team will need continued contributions from their top players as the regular season winds down.