The Senators showcased their weekend prowess by securing a back-to-back sweep, capping it off with a 7-4 triumph over Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks. The Canadian Tire Centre buzzed with the energy of 18,764 fans on Sunday evening.
Following a 2-0 victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday, the Senators have positioned themselves just three points shy of the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins for the final playoff spots in the East, with 16 games remaining.
Coach Travis Green expressed the team's determination: “You love to hear it. No one wants it more than the guys in the room.
We’re trying; hopefully we can get there.” Green’s confidence in his squad is palpable.
Drake Batherson was the star, netting two goals, while former Sharks winger Fabian Zetterlund contributed with a two-point performance. Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Cozens, Tyler Kleven, and Warren Foegele also found the back of the net, making it a true team effort.
Batherson’s game-winning goal was a stroke of luck, coming off a deflection from Artem Zub’s shot that bounced off Batherson’s shoulder at 13:08 in the third period.
In a notable storyline, Laurent Brossoit made his first NHL start since April 18, 2024, when he played for the Winnipeg Jets. After missing last season due to hip surgery, Brossoit was traded to the Sharks from the Chicago Blackhawks last month.
It was also the first time this season that Ullmark started both ends of a back-to-back. His last similar feat was in December, with a 3-0 win in Carolina followed by a 3-2 overtime victory against Pittsburgh in Ottawa.
Michael Misa managed to level the score at 4-4 early in the third with a shot Ullmark would have preferred to save. However, the Senators' offense ensured Ullmark’s efforts were enough, despite conceding four goals on 23 shots.