As the Ottawa Senators navigate the tumultuous waters of preseason hockey, their recent outings reveal both promise and challenges. In a notable matchup against the New Jersey Devils, the Senators secured a 2-0 victory, showcasing an impressive performance with goaltender Linus Ullmark making 14 saves. Captains Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle led the charge, demonstrating the team’s potential as they prepare for the regular season.
However, the Senators faced a contrasting fate just days earlier in a heated clash with their rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. The game, marked by intense physicality, ended with a staggering 150 penalty minutes handed out, a reflection of the growing animosity between the two franchises. The Senators' Carter Yakemchuk and Zack MacEwen became pivotal figures in the brawls that broke out, drawing attention to the team’s gritty spirit. Despite the chaotic nature of the game, Ottawa struggled, suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat.
As the Senators continue their preseason schedule, the focus shifts to their upcoming game against the St. Louis Blues. With a 2-2 record so far, Ottawa is eager to build momentum and solidify their lineup ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff, led by head coach D.J. Smith, is keen on addressing lingering issues, particularly in five-on-five scoring and penalty killing, which were evident in their earlier matches.
With the roster still being fine-tuned, the Senators aim to capitalize on the strengths of players like Stützle and Tkachuk while mitigating the weaknesses exposed in previous games. The team’s ability to harness their physical style while maintaining composure will be crucial as they look to set the tone for a successful season. As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on the Senators to see how they adapt and evolve in this competitive landscape.