The Senators made a statement on Saturday, refusing to fade quietly into the NHL off-season. They continued their playoff push with a 2-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, thrilling 18,381 fans at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Center Shane Pinto was instrumental, dishing out two assists, while Michael Amadio and Thomas Chabot found the back of the net. Linus Ullmark was a wall in goal, securing a 23-save shutout to earn the Senators two crucial points in their chase for an Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Ullmark, who had a tough outing with three goals allowed on 23 shots in a recent loss to the Canadiens, bounced back in style. His second shutout of the season was highlighted by a stellar save against Beckett Sennecke during a Ducks power play with just 15 minutes left in the third period.
Reflecting on the game, Ullmark said, “We talked about the last game, and we weren’t happy with the result. We knew we had to play a good game, and, coming into this one, we had to be ready from the start. We had to try to bring a playoff mentality.”
Backup goalie James Reimer, set to start against the Sharks on his 38th birthday, picked up the game puck for Ullmark. He planned to give it to Alexandre Menezes, the Senators’ equipment assistant, celebrating his 1,000th game, but Menezes already received one from the team.
The Ducks tried to challenge for goaltender interference, claiming Tim Stutzle had knocked Husso off-balance. However, after review, the goal stood, surprising many as replays showed Stutzle’s skate making contact with Husso’s.
With this win, the Senators are clearly not ready to call it a season, keeping their playoff hopes alive and well.