The Ottawa Senators’ playoff hopes are at stake with Brady Tkachuk’s status still uncertain ahead of crucial upcoming NHL games.

Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Capital One Arena on March 03, 2025 in Washington, DC.

© Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Capital One Arena on March 03, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The Ottawa Senators face a significant challenge in their playoff push, as star forward Brady Tkachuk could miss more time due to an upper-body injury sustained in late March.

With the Senators currently leading the wild-card race and holding a five-point lead over the Montreal Canadiens, the pressure is on the team to maintain momentum down the stretch of the NHL season. The absence of Tkachuk, a pivotal player on both offense and defense, raises questions about the team’s ability to secure a playoff spot.

Tkachuk’s injury, the result of a hit by Ryan Graves in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, has kept him out of the Senators’ last two games. And the recent news is not encouraging. “I was hoping he was going to skate today, but he’s not going to,” coach Travis Green said Friday, according to NHL. “So, that’s about all I can say about it.”

The uncertainty surrounding the length of Tkachuk’s absence adds tension to a pivotal moment in the season for the Senators, who are preparing for a crucial doubleheader Saturday and Sunday against the Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators plays against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on January 07, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators plays against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on January 07, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The impact of Tkachuk’s absence

Brady Tkachuk’s absence represents a significant challenge for the Ottawa Senators in their playoff fight. His ability to generate offense and his physical presence on the ice are critical to the team’s success. The Senators’ ability to overcome his absence and secure crucial wins in upcoming games will be decisive in their quest for a playoff spot.

The determination of the Senators

Despite Tkachuk’s absence, the Senators have shown their ability to compete, most recently notching a win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. With seven games remaining in the NHL regular season, the doubleheader against the Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets represents a crucial opportunity for the Senators to solidify their position in the standings.