Linus Ullmark stopped 30 shots for Ottawa’s second consecutive shutout as the Senators defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0 on Sunday, moving closer to their first playoff berth since 2017.
The Senators, winners of three straight games, now hold the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with five games remaining. They sit seven points ahead of Montreal, who played at Nashville on Sunday night.
Adam Gaudette and Nikolas Matinpalo scored early in the first period to give Ottawa a quick lead. For Matinpalo, it marked his first NHL goal.
David Perron added a third-period goal, while Shane Pinto sealed the victory with an empty-netter. Thomas Chabot contributed two assists in the win.
The Blue Jackets have now lost three consecutive games.
Gaudette opened the scoring just 2:24 into the first period. Matinpalo followed quickly, finding the net at 4:26.
Matinpalo’s goal prompted Columbus to pull starting goaltender Daniil Tarasov after he allowed two goals on just six shots. Elvis Merzlikins took over and performed admirably, stopping 22 of 23 shots the rest of the way.
Perron extended Ottawa’s lead early in the third period.
The Blue Jackets have now gone two full games without scoring, having also been shut out 5-0 in Toronto on Saturday night.
Ottawa’s defensive excellence continues to impress, with the team extending its shutout streak to 153 minutes. Anton Forsberg made 40 saves in the Senators’ 3-0 victory over Florida on Saturday.
Perron’s third-period goal provided crucial breathing room for Ottawa after Columbus came out strong to start the final frame with several quality scoring chances.
The Senators dominated early, recording the first eight shots on goal.
The teams will meet again Tuesday night in Columbus.
