Senators Secure Pre-Season Victory Over Maple Leafs with Ostapchuk's Short-Handed Goal
The Ottawa Senators pulled off an impressive 2-1 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a thrilling pre-season matchup that showcased both teams’ early-season intensity and determination. This marks Ottawa’s second consecutive win against their rivals, having previously triumphed 6-5 in an overtime nail-biter just a few days prior.
As the game unfolded, it was evident that the Senators were eager to establish their identity for the upcoming season. Nick Cousins, a veteran presence in the locker room, highlighted the significance of learning to secure tight games, particularly those that end with scores like 2-1, which often define playoff success. “It was pretty choppy, but when you can come out on the right side of things, it feels that much better,” he remarked, emphasizing the team’s need for resilience in such tight contests.
The captain, Brady Tkachuk, made his presence known as he participated in every scrum, indicating his readiness to elevate the team’s performance this year. He acknowledged a slow start but praised the team’s ability to showcase their character and determination. “We played a full 60 minutes right to the end, and we’re not just going to sit back,” Tkachuk said, reinforcing the Senators' commitment to aggressive play.
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The game reached a pivotal moment in the third period when Zach Ostapchuk, displaying impressive skills, stole the puck from Toronto’s Nicolas Mattinen and netted a short-handed goal at 12:36. This goal not only served as the game-winner but also underscored Ostapchuk’s growing confidence as the game progressed. Reflecting on his performance, he noted, “It definitely felt good. I wasn’t too happy with my first period, so to get that one and kind of get the game winner was big for our team.”
Ottawa’s victory was backed by a solid performance from goaltender Anton Forsberg, who made 20 crucial saves throughout the match, ensuring that the Leafs’ efforts to find the net were met with stiff resistance. The lone goal for Toronto came from Alex Steeves, who managed to score during a faceoff scramble in the first period. Despite their loss, Leafs coach Craig Berube praised his team's effort, acknowledging that they played hard and had their chances, even though they couldn’t capitalize on them.
Both teams struggled with power plays throughout the night, going a combined 0-for-8. Senators’ coach Derek Green expressed satisfaction with the team’s penalty-killing efforts, emphasizing the importance of patience as they adapt to new systems. “They did a good job. It’s a new system to them,” he said, highlighting the learning curve involved for both players and coaches.
In an unfortunate turn, Senators’ Ridley Greig had to exit the game due to an upper-body injury after drawing two penalties in the first period. Coaches decided to be cautious with his recovery, underscoring the need to prioritize player health during the pre-season.
Looking ahead, the Senators are set to host the Buffalo Sabres, while the Maple Leafs will face off against the Montreal Canadiens. As both teams prepare for the upcoming regular season, this pre-season clash served as a valuable opportunity to refine their strategies and strengthen team dynamics. The Senators’ win not only builds their confidence but also sets a competitive tone as they aim to make a mark in the NHL this year.
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