OTTAWA, Ontario (Interstat) — The Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators meet Monday night at Canadian Tire Centre in a matchup of teams looking to build momentum before the calendar turns. Columbus (16-21-0) arrives after a 4-2 home win over the New York Islanders on Sunday, snapping a two-game skid. Ottawa (18-19-0) seeks to rebound from a 7-5 road loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. The Senators won the previous meeting this season, 6-3 in Columbus on Dec. 11. National Statistical’s game simulator projects a 3-1 Ottawa victory on Monday. A key player to watch for the Blue Jackets is forward Charlie Coyle. While held off the scoresheet Sunday, he contributed two hits in the victory. In the Dec. 11 loss to Ottawa, Coyle recorded a goal on four shots. He has five points (one goal, four assists) in his last 10 games. For the Senators, defenseman Jordan Spence is playing a pivotal two-way role. He logged a goal and an assist in Saturday’s high-scoring loss to Toronto. Spence also had a shot and two hits in the earlier win over Columbus this month. The Blue Jackets’ Sunday win was fueled by Kirill Marchenko’s two goals and Adam Fantilli’s assist and eight shots. Ottawa’s offense in its last outing was led by Tim Stuetzle’s goal and Stephen Halliday’s two assists, alongside Spence’s multi-point effort. Both clubs have struggled for consistency. Columbus is 4-6-0 in its last 10 games. Ottawa is 5-5-0 in that same span, including a four-game win streak from Dec. 15-21 that was halted by consecutive losses to Buffalo and Toronto. The game opens a critical stretch for each team. Following Monday’s contest, Columbus hosts New Jersey on New Year’s Eve before a five-game Western road trip. Ottawa opens 2026 at home against Washington on Jan. 1 before a challenging schedule that includes matchups with several current playoff contenders. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.