The Ottawa Senators held on for a 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday on the road. In the end, one dominant second period, where Brady Tkachuk, Drake Batherson, and David Perron each scored, was enough to push the Senators to their first win in three games. It was a win the Senators needed.
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With the win, the Senators improved their record to 37-27-5 and stayed in the thick of the playoff race. They currently hold the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Surprisingly, they now sit just one point behind the Devils (37-28-6). New Jersey holds third place in the Metropolitan Division. Even better, Ottawa has two games in hand.
Item 1: Linus Ullmark Holds on Against the Devils
Linus Ullmark was key in the Senators’ win. He stopped 25 of 27 shots to help his team take home the win. After a recent rough patch, this game was a bounce-back for Ullmark. Until Saturday night, in his last two games, he had allowed eight goals on just 33 shots. The Devils pulled within a goal late in the third period, but Ullmark held on. He made a crucial stop with just five seconds left on a shot from Stefan Noesen to preserve the lead and earn his sixth win in his last eight games.
Ullmark’s rebound after a challenging game against the Colorado Avalanche is a hopeful sign for Ottawa’s playoff push. On the season, his record of 19-13-3, 2.78 goals-against average, and .908 save percentage proves he can handle a heavy load. That solid play must give his team the confidence to grab and hold a playoff position.
Item 2: Brady Tkachuk Scores Again
Brady Tkachuk continued his strong play. His opening goal was number 28 on the season and came on a tip-in from the slot early in the second period. The helper came thanks to a perfect pass from Jake Sanderson. Tkachuk has been playing with a nagging hip injury. Although he scored, his ice time (just 13:23) was his lowest total for the season. Yet, he’s still productive.
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Tkachuk’s play has lifted the Senators. In March, gimpy as he has been, he’s still scored seven goals and added three assists in his last 11 games. In 67 games this season, he’s scored 28 goals and added 26 assists (54 points). He has also added 217 hits and plays solid offense and defense. Despite his injury, Tkachuk’s work ethic drives Ottawa’s push for a strong regular season finish.
Item 3: Drake Batherson Earns His Third Straight 20-Goal Season
Drake Batherson scored his 20th goal of the season just 33 seconds after Tkachuk’s opening goal in the second period. The 26-year-old winger has been solid lately, scoring four goals and adding three assists in his last six games.
By scoring, Batherson reached the 20-goal mark for the third straight season. His offensive production has turned into an annual event. With 56 points on the season, he’s just 10 points short of matching last season’s career-high.
Item 4: David Perron Scores on the Power Play
David Perron scored a key goal with the man advantage to help extend the Senators’ lead to 3-1. The play proved the old hockey adage of putting the puck on the net. A one-timer from Claude Giroux deflected off Perron’s hip in the slot and into the net. The fortunate bounce gave Ottawa the cushion it needed to weather a late surge from New Jersey.
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After a slow start, Perron has gained solid form in March. He’s now scored five goals and three assists over his last 11 games. He’s been particularly valuable on the power play, putting in two goals with the man advantage. As a veteran player known for his physical play, Perron has also collected 58 hits this season. In 31 games, the veteran winger has collected 12 points. While that seems a low total, his recent play has helped to establish his value at this time of the season.
What’s Next for the Senators?
The Senators will visit the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday as they hope to keep their playoff push vibrant. The Senators have gained what they want – a spot in the postseason. Now, they just have to hang onto it. Who knows what could happen if they continue to build momentum as the regular season winds down? Another win in Buffalo would help stay on track.
