The Ottawa Senators put up a strong performance with a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, completing the season sweep in the Battle of Ontario. Despite a slow start for both teams, Ottawa controlled much of the play for the first two periods, outshooting the Maple Leafs 10-5 in the first period and applying consistent pressure with an aggressive forecheck.
The second period saw a back-and-forth scoring. It seemed as if every time the Maple Leafs scored, the Senators responded. Jake Sanderson quickly answered a William Nylander goal to tie the game. Later, David Perron‘s goal off a Drake Batherson helper tied the score again after the Maple Leafs had taken the lead on Auston Matthews’ goal off a turnover in the Senators’ defensive zone.
The Senators capitalized on their first power-play chance, and Claude Giroux scored the game-winner. Ottawa held on, and the Maple Leafs could not beat goalie Linus Ullmark. That was the game.
Item 1: Claude Giroux Extends Point Streak
Claude Giroux continued his impressive run with a goal and an assist in Ottawa’s win on Saturday. He extended his point streak to four games. Fortunately for Giroux, his power-play goal came on a centering pass to Ridly Greig that deflected off Toronto defenseman Chris Tanev and past goaltender Anthony Stolarz. This goal gave the Senators a lead they didn’t give up. Giroux is now on a four-game, four-point streak (two goals, two assists).
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The veteran forward has been a key player for Ottawa. He has 43 points in 66 games on the season. In addition to his goal, Giroux created multiple scoring chances, including a near breakaway while killing a penalty. His ability to contribute has been an upside for the Senators’ playoff push.
Item 2: Jake Sanderson Continues Strong Play with Goal
Jake Sanderson extended his hot streak with another strong game on Saturday. He fired a shot past Stolarz’s blocker off a cross-slot pass from Tim Stützle. This goal jumped his production to 21 points (five goals and 16 assists) in his last 18 games. He’s been on fire, clearly emerging as one of the NHL’s rising star blue-liners.
Although only 22 years old, Sanderson is impressive both offensively and defensively. He has registered 116 career points (21 goals, 95 assists) in 221 games. His 200-foot game is growing, and he’s contributing in all situations. This Senators team is improving, and Sanderson looks to become a cornerstone of its defense for many seasons.
Item 3: Linus Ullmark Proving His Vezina Was No Fluke
Save for the goofy turnover, Linus Ullmark was exceptional in goal. He stopped 21 shots against the Maple Leafs on Saturday. The 2023 Vezina Trophy winner came back slowly from a recent injury. Recently, however, he’s looked exactly like the elite goaltender who earned the distinction as the NHL’s best goalie.
He played a considerable role in Ottawa’s sixth-straight win and seventh in their last eight games. Ullmark has produced a 6-1-0 record in his last seven starts, and his overall season numbers stand at 18-11-3 with a 2.66 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.
Related: Family First: Why Linus Ullmark Chose the Senators for the Long Haul
Ullmark’s stellar play has been key to the Senators’ recent success. His ability to shut down the opposition and keep his team in the game when needed has solidified his status as one of the NHL’s top goalies. The Senators look to make the postseason, and the Boston Bruins don’t. That fact seems to say it all.
Item 4: Brady Tkachuk Pushes Point Streak to 9 Games
Brady Tkachuk continued his impressive run with an assist that extended his point streak to nine games. Tkachuk is on a 10-point streak (seven goals, three assists). He remains a dominant force on both sides of the puck. Despite his recent hip injury, Tkachuk is the engine that makes this team work. There’s no slowing down for the rugged forward. Last night, he even left the game for a couple of minutes, got a few stitches, and returned to engage in the action.
The Senators’ captain has been a key player all season. On his way to a 30-goal season (he now has 27 goals and 26 assists), he also has registered 211 hits. His all-around game makes him a rare breed. His reputation as one of the NHL’s most impactful players will only grow if he can lead his team further toward the Stanley Cup.
What’s Next for the Senators?
The Senators firmed up their playoff hopes last night. With the two points, the team now sits in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, keeping them in the mix for a playoff spot.
Moving ahead, Ottawa must keep up its strong defensive play and take advantage of offensive chances as it pushes for a higher spot in the rankings. They’ve got key games against the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche. Wins in these games would help solidify their playoff position.
