Preview: Senators at Blue Jackets COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — Two teams hovering near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings will meet Tuesday night when the Ottawa Senators visit the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Both clubs enter with nearly identical records, seeking consistency as the season progresses. The Senators (22-25-0) are looking to rebound from a crushing 6-5 overtime loss to Montreal on Saturday. The Blue Jackets (22-26-0) are coming off a 4-3 shootout victory in Pittsburgh on the same night. The season series is split 1-1. Columbus dominated the most recent meeting, a 4-1 win in Ottawa on Dec. 29. The Senators took the earlier game, 6-3 in Columbus on Dec. 11. A key player to watch for Ottawa is defenseman Jake Sanderson, who is in the midst of a significant offensive surge. Sanderson recorded a career-high four points (one goal, three assists) in the loss to Montreal and has logged 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in his last 10 games. His dynamic play from the blue line has been a bright spot for the Senators. For Columbus, winger Kirill Marchenko remains a constant offensive threat. He scored a goal in the shootout win over Pittsburgh and has been productive lately, with nine points (four goals, five assists) in his last 10 contests. His scoring touch will be central to the Blue Jackets’ attack. Ottawa’s recent form has been volatile, mixing high-scoring wins (8-4 over the N.Y. Rangers) with lopsided defeats (8-2 to Colorado) over the past two weeks. Columbus has been marginally better lately, going 5-4-1 in its last 10 games compared to Ottawa’s 4-6-0 mark in the same span. The game pits two teams with similar records but contrasting recent trajectories. The Blue Jackets aim to build on their shootout win and gain ground, while the Senators hope Sanderson’s hot hand and a more disciplined defensive effort can help them snap a two-game skid (0-1-1). Following this game, Ottawa continues a road trip in Nashville on Thursday. Columbus remains home to host the Dallas Stars on Thursday.