When March arrived, the Ottawa Senators were in need of turning around their season in order to make a serious push for the 2025 playoffs. In the first three games of the month, the Senators have earned five out of a potential six points.
Now, the third and final meeting against the New York Rangers has arrived. With how tight the Eastern Conference standings are, this meeting against the Rangers is one of the most important games of the entire season.
Senators host Rangers in third and final meeting of 2024-25 season
The Senators host the Rangers at Canadian Tire Centre with puck drop scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET. Both teams come into today's game with 67 points each in the standings.
This past Wednesday, the Senators earned a pivotal 4-3 overtime road win against the Chicago Blackhawks. The win marked the first time the Senators won in Chicago since December 2016.
Josh Norris and Tim Stutzle each scored their 20th goal of the season in the win. Stutzle's goal was not only the overtime winner, but it also extended his point streak to 13 games. Jake Sanderson and Drake Batherson each recorded two assists in the win as well.
As for the Rangers, they come into today's game with a 31-26-5 record. The Rangers have earned points in five of their last six games to remain in the playoff race. The Rangers fell 3-2 in overtime in their last game on Wednesday night against the Washington Capitals.
Artemi Panarin leads the Rangers with 26 goals and 64 points. Outside of Panarin, the Rangers don't have another 20-goal scorer on the team. Adam Fox leads the Rangers with 43 assists.
The Rangers have won both games against the Senators this season in New York City. On Nov. 1, the Rangers defeated the Senators 2-1. In the second meeting on Jan. 21, the Rangers embarrassed the Senators with handing them a 5-0 loss. Matt Rempe scored a surprising goal in the Jan. 21 game.
Igor Shesterkin started both games in between the pipes for the Rangers against the Senators. In the combined two games, Shesterkin has stopped 60-of-61 shots on goal against him by the Senators.