In an afternoon showdown, the Ottawa Senators looked to bounce back from a tough loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Meanwhile, the Ducks arrived in town still reeling from a heated 6-4 defeat against Toronto, a game that saw Radko Gudas suspended for a knee-on-knee hit on Auston Matthews.
With Gudas serving the first of his five-game suspension, Drew Helleson stepped into the lineup. The Senators, on the other hand, made a lineup change due to Nick Jensen's lower body injury, bringing in Dennis Gilbert for his second NHL appearance this season.
The Senators started strong, controlling the puck early, but struggled to get past Ville Husso. Their pressure was effective, though, as the Ducks only managed their first shot on goal halfway through the period.
Anaheim's Jansen Harkins then took a penalty for holding, giving Ottawa a powerplay opportunity. Despite some close calls from Drake Batherson and others, the Ducks' defense held firm.
Late in the period, Ottawa's Artem Zub was penalized for hooking, giving the Ducks a powerplay. However, the Senators turned the tables with a shorthanded breakout by Michael Amadio and Ridly Greig, drawing a slashing penalty against Anaheim. Husso's stellar goaltending kept the game scoreless by the end of the first.
The second period saw the Ducks come out aggressively, but it was Ottawa who struck first. Nick Cousins intercepted a pass, setting up Shane Pinto to assist Amadio for the opening goal.
This energized the Senators, who peppered Husso with shots. Despite a slashing penalty on Tyler Kleven, Ottawa's penalty kill was sharp, leading to a goal by Thomas Chabot off a feed from Pinto, making it 2-0.
After a failed goalie interference challenge by Anaheim, the Senators nearly extended their lead, but Husso's acrobatics kept them at bay. The period ended with roughing penalties to Nick Cousins and Frank Vatrano, setting up an intense third period.
Early in the third, the Ducks had a powerplay opportunity after a tripping call on Lars Eller. Linus Ullmark was outstanding, making a crucial save on Beckett Sennecke.
The Senators continued to control the game, determined to prevent a Ducks comeback. A late penalty on Cutter Gauthier gave Ottawa another powerplay, but a goal by Tim Stützle was disallowed for interference.
With Husso pulled for an extra attacker, the Senators remained steadfast, securing a 2-0 victory.
Game Notes:
Shane Pinto's defensive prowess was on full display, directly contributing to both Ottawa goals. His all-around performance was a highlight of the game.
Jordan Spence, stepping up in Nick Jensen's absence, was impressive on the blue line. He excelled at maintaining offensive pressure and disrupting Anaheim's attacks.
Linus Ullmark earned a well-deserved shutout, making key saves throughout, including a game-saving stop on Sennecke in the third.
Ottawa's cohesive play and strategic execution made the difference, showcasing a team ready to make waves in the league.