Last season, the Ottawa Senators were tied for the NHL lead with 10 shutouts, the highest in the league. However, this season, shutouts have been more elusive for them.
On Thursday night, Linus Ullmark delivered a flawless performance, stopping all 23 shots he faced as the Senators defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0 at Canadian Tire Center. This marked Ottawa’s first shutout of the season and only the fourth time they conceded one goal or fewer. Brady Tkachuk scored twice, extending the Penguins’ winless streak to seven games (0-3-4). David Perron and Claude Giroux also found the net, while Drake Batherson contributed two assists.
The Senators had been confident in their style of play, hoping for a breakthrough. They caught a bit of luck recently with a late tie in Winnipeg on Monday. Against Pittsburgh, they demonstrated further improvement with goals from Perron and Giroux.
Perron’s goal came off a shot from Jordan Spence that bounced off his skates or shin pads, while Giroux’s goal was a result of a slick move after Michael Amadio mishandled the puck near the net. Giroux spun and scored, beating Arturs Silovs.
The Senators showed one of their strongest performances this season, earning a well-deserved victory. Their record improved to 16-13-4, and they remain just three points shy of a playoff spot, holding a 3-1 record in their last four games.
Despite striving for a top-three Atlantic division spot or a wild-card berth, the Senators face stiff competition due to a slow start, although the challenge is not impossible.
Up next, Ottawa faces the Chicago Blackhawks at home, where they will benefit from not having to face Connor Bedard, sidelined with a shoulder injury. Bedard scored his first NHL hat trick during Chicago’s 7-3 victory over Ottawa in October.
Fan Take: This win is crucial for the Senators as it signals a potential turning point in their season, rekindling hopes for a playoff push. For hockey fans, it showcases how resilience and strong defense can shift momentum, keeping the competition vibrant and exciting.
