Expert recap and game analysis of the Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Ottawa Senators NHL game from April 8, 2025 on ESPN.

Here are three takeaways: Defeating Ottawa pulled the Blue Jackets even with the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings at 79 points each. All three have five games left and now they’re chasing just one final playoff spot controlled by the Montreal Canadiens — who are close to clinching the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Ottawa Senators may not have won their game on Tuesday night vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets, but they finally achieved a goal that many didn’t believe they were capable of - making the NHL playoffs.