Hot Senators, Devils Clash in Newark with Playoff Implications NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — Two teams fighting to solidify their playoff positioning will meet Sunday when the Ottawa Senators visit the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. The Senators (43-37-0) enter on a surge, having won five of their last six games, including a 3-0 road victory over the New York Islanders on Saturday. Ottawa’s success is anchored by goaltender Linus Ullmark, who has been stellar. He is 6-1-0 in his last seven starts, posting a .947 save percentage over that span and coming off a 23-save shutout. New Jersey (41-39-0) is also coming off a win, defeating Detroit 5-3 on Saturday. The Devils’ offense is powered by winger Jesper Bratt, who had two goals and an assist in that victory. Bratt has recorded 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in his last 10 contests. The season series is split, with each team winning on home ice. Ottawa claimed the most recent meeting 4-1 on Jan. 31, while New Jersey won 4-3 in Ottawa on Dec. 9. Both clubs are in a tight cluster of Eastern Conference teams vying for the final wild-card spots, making this a critical two-point matchup. The Senators have found consistency, going 7-3-0 in their last 10. The Devils have been more volatile at 5-4-1 in that stretch but possess high-end scoring talent. Statistical projections offer a split verdict. National Statistical’s game simulator predicts a 4-3 Devils victory, while its ELO rating system gives Ottawa a 56.4% probability to win. For Ottawa, secondary scoring emerged Saturday with Ridly Greig and Michael Amadio each notching a goal and an assist. New Jersey’s top line of Bratt, Jack Hughes (goal, assist Saturday), and Nick Bjugstad will look to solve Ullmark. The Devils begin a two-game road trip in Boston on Tuesday. Ottawa hosts Toronto on Wednesday.