Matinpalo exits the game against the Devils early after a big hit

Ottawa Senators defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo exited midway through the first period against the New Jersey Devils following a hit from behind by Devils forward Anthony Mantha. Matinpalo required evaluation from a trainer before leaving down the tunnel. The club subsequently announced that Matinpalo would not return due to an upper-body injury, while Mantha received a five-minute major penalty for boarding.

The setback adds to an ongoing injury crisis for Ottawa's defensive unit. The Senators are already playing without Jake Sanderson, Artem Zub, and Cam Crotty, forcing active defenders like Thomas Chabot, Jordan Spence, and Carter Yakemchuk into heavier workloads ahead of their upcoming game against the St. Louis Blues.