Overview
- Nikolas Matinpalo was boarded from behind by New Jersey forward Anthony Mantha, went head-first into the boards, received on-ice medical attention and did not return to the game.
- Mantha was assessed a five-minute major for boarding, given a misconduct and was ejected, and league officials have signaled the incident will face a Department of Player Safety review.
- Ottawa designated Matinpalo’s absence as an upper-body injury while coach Travis Green suggested it appeared to be a head injury and said the team will evaluate him further.
- The Senators won 4-1, with Tim Stützle recording a goal and an assist, but the victory on Monday came with an extended power-play sequence and sustained pressure on Ottawa’s already thin blue line.
- With Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub already sidelined, Ottawa faces short-term defensive strain and has flagged internal roster moves and evaluations as it prepares for its next games.