Ottawa Senators Face Challenges with Injuries to Key Players

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The Ottawa Senators are facing a tough challenge as they take on the Winnipeg Jets without some of their key players, including Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris, and Shane Pinto. All three players were absent from the team's lineup due to injuries, with Tkachuk suffering a lower-body injury, Norris dealing with an upper-body injury, and Pinto nursing an upper-body injury as well. Despite their absence, the Senators are looking to bounce back from a four-game losing streak and stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.

The Senators currently sit two points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild-card spot in the East, and their upcoming games will be crucial in determining their playoff fate. With Tkachuk, Norris, and Pinto out, the team will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void. The Senators have recalled Angus Crookshank and Jan Jenik from the AHL's Belleville Senators to help bolster their lineup. Coach Travis Green is hopeful that Norris will return to the lineup soon, and Pinto is also closer to returning, but Tkachuk's status remains uncertain.

The Senators' injury woes are not unique, as several other teams in the NHL are also dealing with injuries to key players. The Minnesota Wild's Joel Eriksson Ek is week to week with a lower-body injury, while the New York Rangers' Chris Kreider is out with an upper-body injury. The Colorado Avalanche's Valeri Nichushkin could return to the lineup soon after missing 21 games with a lower-body injury. The Senators will have to navigate these challenges and find a way to win without some of their top players if they want to make a push for the playoffs.

Here are the current standings for the Eastern Conference wild-card race:

• Ottawa Senators: 29-24-4, 62 points
• Columbus Blue Jackets: 30-23-4, 64 points
• Detroit Red Wings: 28-22-6, 62 points

The Senators will need to string together some wins to stay in the hunt, and their upcoming games against the Jets and other teams will be crucial in determining their playoff fate. With the trade deadline looming, the Senators will have to decide whether to make any moves to bolster their lineup or stick with their current roster.

The Senators' playoff hopes are still alive, but they will need to overcome their injury woes and find a way to win consistently if they want to make a push for the postseason. The team has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but their inconsistency has been a major issue. With Tkachuk, Norris, and Pinto out, the Senators will have to rely on other players to step up and lead the team to victory. The NHL season is always full of surprises, and the Senators will be looking to make a surprise push for the playoffs despite their injury woes.

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