The Ottawa Senators are set to face off against the Detroit Red Wings on February 26, 2026, at Canadian Tire Centre, with the puck scheduled to drop at 7 PM. The Senators, boasting a record of 28-22-7, come into this matchup looking to maintain their momentum after winning five of their last six games prior to the Olympic break. Meanwhile, the Red Wings, currently in a slump with only one win in their last five games (1-3-1), will be aiming for a turnaround.
Detroit leads the season series against Ottawa, having won the first two encounters back in January. In their last matchup in Ottawa, the Red Wings jumped to a 3-0 lead and secured a 5-3 victory. The Senators nearly reversed their fortunes in their January 18 encounter in Detroit, taking a 2-0 lead before ultimately falling 4-3 in overtime, with former Senator Alex DeBrincat netting the decisive goal.
A notable aspect going into this game is the return of Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson, who recently celebrated an Olympic gold medal victory in Milan. Both players are key to the Senators’ success, but their taxing Olympic experience might affect their performance. Tkachuk’s and Sanderson’s returns have drawn mixed reactions from fans, especially after their public appearances in the United States following their Olympic triumph.
The Senators’ injury report includes top scorer Tim Stutzle, who missed the morning skate and has not practiced since the Olympics due to illness. His status remains uncertain, and he will be evaluated closer to game time. Additionally, defenseman David Perron is progressing from sports hernia surgery and could be available for the Senators’ upcoming road trip.
In goal for Ottawa, Linus Ullmark is expected to start after having played in only two games since December due to personal leave. His performance will be crucial as the Senators look to capitalize on their remaining 25 games to make a playoff push.
With the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 6, this game also serves as a pivotal moment for the Senators, as it might be the last appearance at home for certain players. The stakes are high for Ottawa as they look to avoid a slump and build toward the end of the season.
As the Senators take the ice tonight, they not only aim for victory but also to solidify their playoff aspirations amidst a competitive Eastern Conference. Fans will be keen to see how the team responds after a long break and what changes may come in the roster through potential trades. The anticipation remains high for an exciting match against the Red Wings.