In a defensive showcase at the Canadian Tire Centre, Linus Ullmark was the backbone for the Ottawa Senators, stopping 23 shots to secure a 2-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Ullmark was particularly clutch in the third period, turning away 11 attempts to earn his second shutout of the season. This performance adds to his impressive record of 10-1-3 over his last 15 starts.
The Senators, who are riding a strong 6-1-2 streak, benefited from a mix of strategic plays and individual brilliance. Thomas Chabot delivered a short-handed goal, while Shane Pinto orchestrated the offense with two crucial assists. Ottawa will look to continue their momentum as they wrap up their homestand against the San Jose Sharks.
On the other side of the ice, Ville Husso was solid for the Ducks, making 27 saves. However, Anaheim struggled offensively, managing just 12 shots in the first two periods. This loss marks a tough road trip for the Ducks, who are 1-2-0 heading into their final game against the Montreal Canadiens.
Michael Amadio opened the scoring for Ottawa early in the second period. Pinto seized a loose puck in the neutral zone and set up Amadio for a clean shot past Husso’s glove, capitalizing on a 2-on-1 break.
Chabot's goal, coming at 9:21, was a testament to Ottawa's aggressive penalty kill. After Pinto disrupted a pass at the blue line, he led a 3-on-2 charge, finding Chabot in the high slot. Chabot then delivered a precise wrist shot to double the lead.
The Ducks challenged the goal for potential goalie interference, but the review upheld the call. Tim Stutzle's incidental contact with Husso was deemed not to have impacted the play, allowing the goal to stand.
Stutzle almost extended his point streak to 15 games, but a third-period effort was nullified due to goalie interference. Despite not adding to his tally, Stutzle's recent form-19 points over 14 games-has been a highlight for the Senators.
Ottawa’s disciplined defense and Ullmark’s stellar goaltending made the difference in this matchup, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to their homestand.