Tyler Kleven

Ottawa's brass eyes Jacob Kleven as the steadying force on defense who brings size, smarts and shutdown chops that this blue line desperately needs right now. Meanwhile, the Tkachuk-Stützle-Batherson line carries the weight of the Senators' offense, and insiders whisper they must crank up the production or watch playoff hopes fade. Garrioch dishes on exactly what Kleven adds to the mix and why this top trio's goal drought spells trouble for a team on the bubble.

Tyler Kleven slots back into the Senators' lineup on defense for Game 3 against the Hurricanes, bringing that rugged edge Ottawa desperately needs after a tough start to the series. The big defenseman's return gives coach Travis Green a timely boost on the back end, where the Sens have been leaky against Carolina's speed. With the series hanging in the balance, Kleven's physicality could shift the momentum in a matchup where every blue-line minute counts for Ottawa's playoff survival.

Tim Batherson knows a playoff beast when he sees one, and he's singing the praises of teammate Jake Kleven's rugged style that thrives under the bright lights. Kleven's physical edge and shutdown game have Ottawa buzzing in the playoffs, the kind of tool that separates contenders from pretenders this deep into April. With the series heating up, Batherson's endorsement carries weight from a guy who's been through the grind, hinting at bigger roles ahead for the young defender.

Tyler Kleven stays sidelined for the Senators on Monday, leaving Ottawa's blue line thin as they grind through the regular season's final stretch. Front offices around the league know how much his physical presence means in the bottom pair, especially with call-ups like Carter Yakemchuk waiting in the wings down in Belleville. This injury bug could force some tough lineup choices if Game 2 prep ramps up without him.