Senators Top Rangers in Costly Victory
The Ottawa Senators secured an important win over the New York Rangers on Monday night, but the dressing room mood was tempered by serious injury concerns after defencemen Thomas Chabot and Nick Thomson both departed the game early.
Chabot, Ottawa's top defenceman and one of the most important players on the roster, was spotted leaving the rink wearing a splint on his wrist. Head coach Travis Green confirmed after the game that the veteran blueliner faces a lengthy absence, a significant blow to a Senators team still fighting for playoff positioning down the stretch.
Chabot's Injury a Major Blow
Chabot has been the anchor of Ottawa's defensive corps for years, logging massive minutes and quarterbacking the power play. Losing him for any extended stretch dramatically changes how the Senators can manage their blue line. The 27-year-old signed an eight-year extension with the organization back in 2022, signalling the club's long-term commitment to him as a cornerstone piece.
Thomson also left the game and did not return, though the severity of his injury was not immediately disclosed. Losing two defencemen in a single game puts immediate pressure on Ottawa's depth on the back end.
Still, a Win is a Win
Despite the injuries, the Senators found a way to get the job done against a Rangers squad that has been a tough opponent all season. The two points are valuable for Ottawa as they continue pushing to stay relevant in the wild playoff race in the Eastern Conference.
The win showcased the team's resilience — a quality that has defined much of this Senators group under Green's leadership. Ottawa has been known for finding ways to compete even when shorthanded, and Monday's result was a testament to that grit.
What's Next
The Senators will need to quickly assess the depth of both injuries before their next game. If Chabot's wrist issue is as serious as early indications suggest, the front office may explore options to address the blue line — whether internally by promoting from Belleville or via a transaction.
For Senators fans in Ottawa, the emotions of the night are mixed: elation at a big win, anxiety over what the next few weeks look like on defence. Chabot has been so central to how this team plays that his absence will require everyone else to step up in a meaningful way.
Updates on both players are expected as the team continues its schedule. Sens fans will be watching closely.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
