Ottawa Senators fans are anticipating celebrating the end of their playoff drought very soon.
The Senators significantly increased their chances of securing a playoff berth with a decisive 4-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at home on Sunday.
If Ottawa confirms their qualification, it will be their first appearance in the playoffs since 2017.
The Senators hold a comfortable lead for the first wild-card position and still have a chance to climb into the top three of the Atlantic Division.
Ottawa achieved back-to-back shutouts this weekend, beginning with a 3-0 win against the Florida Panthers on Saturday.
Linus Ullmark recorded the shutout against the Blue Jackets, while Anton Forsberg secured the shutout in the game against Florida.
Adam Gaudette, Nikolas Matinpalo, David Perron, and Shane Pinto were the goal-scorers for Ottawa on Sunday.
Columbus also experienced back-to-back shutouts this weekend, but unfortunately for them, they were the team unable to score, further diminishing their playoff hopes. On Saturday, Columbus was shut out by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Tristan Blackwood