In a thrilling match-up between two Canadian rivals, the Ottawa Senators emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. The Senators may have been happy with the result, but what really stood out was the determination and effort that went into securing the pre-season victory.
With back-to-back wins against the Maple Leafs, Ottawa’s players are starting to grasp what it takes to succeed in the NHL. Nick Cousins, who scored in the game, expressed the importance of grinding out tight games like this one. “It was pretty choppy but when you can come out on the right side of things it feels that much better,” said Cousins. “I think we just have to be comfortable in those 2-1 games. I mean, that’s the type of games that get it done in May and June.”
As the Senators look to turn things around this season, they are relying on new voices in the locker room to help guide the team. Captain Brady Tkachuk, who made his first appearance in the pre-season, displayed his gritty playing style and leadership qualities. “I think we started a little slow but then I think we showed what our identity is going to be,” Tkachuk noted. “We played a full 60 minutes right to the end and we’re not just going to sit back.”
The game was deadlocked at 1-1 in the third period when Zach Ostapchuk stepped up to score the decisive goal, a short-handed marker at 12:36 after creating a turnover. Ostapchuk’s confidence grew as the game progressed, and he was pleased to contribute to the team’s success. “It definitely felt good,” said Ostapchuk. “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.”
This victory marked the conclusion of a home-and-home series between the Senators and the Maple Leafs, with Ottawa also coming out on top in Sunday’s game with a thrilling 6-5 overtime win. As the Senators continue to build chemistry and resilience, their early success in the pre-season bodes well for the challenges that lie ahead in the regular season.
