In a season with more than their fair share of adversity, and in the face of a seemingly endless supply of "season ending" twists and turns, the Ottawa Senators are headed to the NHL playoffs. Sergei Gonchar scored the winner and Erik Karlsson turned in a heroic effort playing his first game in more than 10 weeks as the Sens edged the Washington Capitals by a 2-1 final.  The win moves Ottawa into 6th in the Eastern Conference, which would mean a playoff rematch with these same Capitals.

Win and you’re in.  It’s that simple for the Ottawa Senators tonight as they visit the Washington Capital. In fact, any combination of two points, either gained by the Sens or loss by the Jets, means Ottawa locks up their spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.  And as much as fans will be keeping a keen on the happenings in Winnipeg, the players will be focused on earning their way in, with a win over the recently crowned Southeast Champs.  Oh and by the way, they’ll have their best player back in the line up.

The Washington Capital did the Senators a huge favour on Tuesday night.  The Sens will be hoping to face an equally cooperative Capitals squad tomorrow night in DC.  With a win over the Ovechkin and the Caps, the Senators would clinch a berth in the playoffs.  In fact, things are pretty simple for the Sens now- a win in their last three games and they officially punch their ticket to the dance.  And it looks like they may have a familiar face in the line up for Thursday’s game.

Ottawa Senators defenceman Andre Benoit will be named the team’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy. The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is an annual award voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association and given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.  Each team nominates one player to be considered for the award.