3 takeaways from Senators' 4-0 shutout win against Blue Jackets

The Ottawa Senators had a quick turnaround after defeating the Florida Panthers 3-0 yesterday as they then got ready take on the Columbus Blue Jackets.

In the final game of a back-to-back this season, the Senators were eager to earn their second win against the Blue Jackets in an eight-day span. The Senators simply dominated from start to finish.

The Senators shutout the Blue Jackets 4-0 at Canadian Tire Centre. With the win, the Senators improved to 42-29-6 on the season. The "we want playoffs" chant would only continue to be heard more inside the arena from Sens fans.

With earning another two crucial points, the Senators now have 90 points on the season in the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Sweeping the final back-to-back of the season would only help the Senators' chances more of getting closer to clinching a playoff spot.

3. Long drought is over

One forward who was deeply struggling was Adam Gaudette. In the entire month of March, Gaudette recorded just one assist. Against the Blue Jackets, Gaudette finally got a monkey off his back.

Gaudette scored the opening goal of the game 2:24 in to not only record his 17th goal of the season, but it would help end a 23-game goal drought.

The Senators needed Gaudette to get his offense going again in the middle of the playoff chase. Gaudette certainly did scoring the opening goal of the game.

2. Congrats on your first!

Nikolas Matinpalo has had to fight his way to earn playing time in the NHL. Prior to today, Matinpalo had only recorded one assist in 40 career NHL games. Game 41 would be a special one for Matinpalo.

Just 2:02 later after Gaudette scored to make it 1-0, Matinpalo scored his first NHL goal to extend the Senators' lead to 2-0.

Matinpalo's goal would then lead to the Blue Jackets pulling Daniil Tarasov 4:26 into the game.

1. New day, same result in goal

Prior to today, the Ottawa Senators have gotten strong goaltending from both Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg. Ullmark allowed in one goal this past Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning to earn a pivotal division win. Forsberg recorded a 40-save shutout yesterday against the Panthers. Today, it was Ullmark's turn to record a shutout.

Ullmark finished with 29 saves to earn his 23rd win and his fourth shutout of the season. Ullmark has won both his starts against the Blue Jackets this season. In both starts combined, Ullmark has made 57 saves against the Blue Jackets this season.

In his past two starts, Ullmark has allowed in one goal. Ottawa getting crucial goaltending from Ullmark and Forsberg in the middle of the playoff race in April will help the team grow more confidence.

With the shutout, the Senators tied a franchise record with 10 shutouts in a single season between Ullmark, Forsberg and Leevi Merilainen.

The Senators will be back in action on Tuesday night against the Blue Jackets again, but this time at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Tuesday will be the final road game of the season for the Senators. It also marks the third game in 10 days between the Senators and Blue Jackets.