Playoff Push Meets Division Power as Senators Visit Lightning
A crucial Atlantic Division matinee with major postseason implications
Canada Wire | 28 March 2026
The Ottawa Senators’ quest for a wild-card spot faces a stern test this afternoon as they visit the Atlantic Division-leading Tampa Bay Lightning. Both clubs enter this showdown with key players sidelined, adding another layer of intrigue to a matchup that has historically favoured the visiting Senators.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida
Records: Ottawa Senators (38-24-10, 86 pts); Tampa Bay Lightning (44-21-6, 94 pts)
Team News & Injuries
Tampa Bay Lightning: The Bolts will be without two key forwards as Nikita Kucherov and Nick Paul are out due to illness. Kucherov had three points in the season-opening loss to Ottawa.
Ottawa Senators: Top defenceman Jake Sanderson is on the road trip and is questionable after missing the past 10 games. In a significant blow, Thomas Chabot is out for at least four weeks following surgery on his right forearm (26 March). The Sens are looking to bounce back from a 4-3 shootout loss to Pittsburgh, a game where Drake Batherson scored twice.
Season Series & Historical Context
The Senators struck first in this season’s series, earning a 5-4 victory in Tampa on 9 October 2025. Brayden Point (1G, 2A) and Nikita Kucherov (3A) led the Lightning in that loss, while Linus Ullmark backstopped the Sens to the win.
History heavily favours Ottawa in this building. In 63 all-time games at Tampa’s arena, the Senators hold a commanding 40-23-0 record against the Lightning. Over the last 10 meetings between these clubs, Ottawa boasts a 7-3-0 record.
Stakes & Playoff Picture
This is a critical two points for both sides. The Senators are entrenched in a tight wild-card race in the Eastern Conference, making every point precious down the stretch. The Lightning, sitting near the top of the Atlantic Division, are looking to solidify their position and gain ground in the Presidents’ Trophy race.
Betting Outlook
Despite their strong home record and superior standing, the Lightning’s significant injury news has shifted the odds. Tampa Bay opens as a -164 favourite (moneyline), with the Senators at +137. The over/under for total goals is set at 6.5.
How to Watch
TV: TSN5, TVAS (Canada), BSSUN (Tampa regional)
Streaming: ESPN+, Disney+
Radio: TSN 1200 (Ottawa), WDAE 95.3 FM (Tampa)