Senators Seek Win After Close Loss to Rangers

The Ottawa Senators are set to host the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, seeking to secure a victory after a challenging stretch that includes three losses in their last four games. Their most recent performance saw them fall 4-2 to the New York Rangers on Thursday, a game in which the Senators felt they showed notable improvement despite the outcome. Coach Travis Green and players like Drake Batherson acknowledged the fine line between winning and losing in the NHL.

The Senators displayed a strong push in the third period against the Rangers, narrowing the deficit to one goal before ultimately conceding an empty-netter. This late surge offers a potential blueprint for success as they face the Blues. However, Ottawa is contending with key player absences, including defensemen Thomas Chabot and Artem Zub, and forward Shane Pinto, who recently sustained a lower-body injury.

Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues enter the game on a two-game losing streak, having been outscored 9-3. They too are grappling with multiple long-term injuries to forwards Jimmy Snuggerud, Nathan Walker, and Alexey Toropchenko. Blues coach Jim Montgomery pointed to defensive breakdowns as a primary concern, noting issues with "poor reloads" and "poor gaps." Goaltender Jordan Binnington has struggled recently, allowing seven goals in his last two starts, and will require improved defensive support from his team.