Chychrun scores in home debut as Senators down Blue Jackets

It's an exciting time for the Ottawa Senators and their fans right now.

Following a 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night, the Senators (32-26-4) sit three points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins (31-21-9) — who lost 4-1 earlier in the evening to the Florida Panthers — for the final wild-card berth in the NHL's Eastern Conference.

"It kind of gave me chills to be honest," said Tim Stutzle, who scored a pair of goals. "It was so loud and it was awesome. We're playing great right now and hope to keep it going."

It was also a warm welcome for Jakob Chychrun, who was acquired from Arizona in a Wednesday trade to help solidify Ottawa's blue line. The 24-year-old had a goal and an assist in his home debut.

Fans were loud when Chychrun took his first shift and late in the third he was shown on the big screen and raised his arm sending the crowd into a frenzy.

"That was fun," admitted Chychrun. "I don't know what made me do that, just spur of the moment, but the crowd got me going so that's what it's all about, I think, is just having fun.

"They were really into it tonight so it was a blast out there."

Ottawa's blue line led the way on this night as Travis Hamonic, also scored a pair of goals, and Cam Talbot made 18 saves.

WATCH | Hamonic scores twice at home against Columbus:

Hamonic isn't quite known for his offensive abilities, but there was no denying his teammates happiness for his success.

"Boys had some fun with it for sure," Hamonic said. "It's not every night you score a couple in a game, but I think the important part is that we won."

The Blue Jackets were coming off a 4-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken and never seemed to be able to keep up with the Senators.

Jack Roslovic and Patrick Laine scored