Sean Monahan scores against James Reimer as Blue Jackets and Senators meet in key wild-card race game

Monahan beats Reimer as Columbus and Ottawa collide with identical records

Sean Monahan scored against goaltender James Reimer during a matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators at Nationwide Arena, a game framed by tight standings in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Entering the contest, both clubs carried the same record (22-19-7) and were positioned in the crowded chase for the final wild-card places. The meeting was also the teams’ last of the regular season, adding weight to a head-to-head that could matter in tiebreak scenarios later in the schedule.

Reimer’s role and Ottawa’s short-term goaltending picture

Reimer started for Ottawa after recently stepping into NHL action again this season. Ottawa had been managing its goaltending situation amid Linus Ullmark’s absence on a personal leave, and the team had turned to Reimer for experienced depth. The Senators arrived in Columbus having collected points in four straight games, though two of those results were overtime losses.

Ottawa’s approach emphasized a quick start and structured play through all three periods, with the lineup featuring Shane Pinto between Claude Giroux and Michael Amadio at morning skate, a combination previously used before Pinto missed time.

Columbus’ context: a homestand opener and a coaching change

For Columbus, the Senators’ visit came at the front end of a five-game homestand. The Blue Jackets had also been building momentum following a recent head coaching change, with Rick Bowness taking over from Dean Evason and guiding the team through a strong stretch of results in the days leading into the matchup.

The game’s broader narrative reflected two teams attempting to stabilize their seasons at the same time: Columbus leaning on improved results at home and Ottawa looking to convert close games into regulation wins during a road swing.

What the matchup means going forward

• The clubs’ identical records underscored how small margins—special teams, late-game execution, and goaltending swings—can shape the wild-card picture over the final months.

• With this being their final regular-season meeting, any points gained here carry added value in a direct comparison between two teams aiming to stay in the postseason hunt.

• For Ottawa, Reimer’s performance window remains significant as the team navigates its crease options while Ullmark’s status evolves.

Columbus and Ottawa entered the night level on points and chasing position in a tightly packed Eastern Conference race, turning an ordinary midseason date into a consequential standings test.