TORONTO – Linus Ullmark went out to play the puck halfway by way of Saturday’s second interval.
The Senators goaltender — his staff’s finest participant on many nights — was flat on his abdomen seconds later following a brutal gaffe that ended with Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews firing into an empty cage.
A company that’s seen loads of arduous occasions in recent times might need crumbled in previous seasons.
Ottawa head coach Travis Inexperienced’s message in 2024-25 has centered on solely worrying in regards to the current. His staff received again to work, received again even — and took one other large step towards a playoff return.
Ullmark made 21 saves in a 4-2 victory over Toronto to present Ottawa a sixth straight win and a 3-0-0 season sweep over its provincial rival.
“I gotta work on my dangles somewhat bit,” the Swede joked of his flub. “Not a great toe-drag.”
Ullmark, nevertheless, was excellent from there, together with two big stops on John Tavares late in regulation after additionally holding the fort on a third-period Leafs energy play.
“Actually didn’t have an effect on anybody,” Inexperienced stated of Ullmark’s mistake. “That’s one thing that we’ve talked about all yr. Whether or not it’s after a recreation or throughout a recreation, don’t change issues simply because they’re not going precisely the way you need when you’re enjoying effectively.”
Associated Movies
David Perron introduced the Senators again stage at 2-2 a couple of minutes later earlier than Claude Giroux scored the winner on a person benefit off a go that hit Toronto defenceman Chris Tanev’s stick and snuck by goaltender Anthony Stolarz.
Get breaking Nationwide information
For information impacting Canada and world wide, join breaking information alerts delivered on to you once they occur.
“We’re discovering other ways to win,” stated Ottawa blueliner Jake Sanderson, who scored his staff’s first objective after falling behind 1-0. “We are able to play a talent recreation, we will play a tricky recreation. We’re prepared for something.”
Ottawa’s rebuild — the staff hasn’t made the post-season since attending to Sport 7 of the 2017 Japanese Convention remaining — has been lengthy and painful, however this iteration feels totally different.
“We’ve talked rather a lot about our group that the previous doesn’t matter,” stated Inexperienced, who was employed final Might. “The previous is what it’s. You reside within the current, take into consideration tomorrow and study from what occurred right now. We’ve executed a great job.”
The Senators occupy the primary wild-card spot within the Japanese Convention and sit 4 factors again of Tampa Bay for second within the Atlantic Division. The Leafs dropped down to 3rd based mostly on the Lightning having extra regulation wins.
“The standings are tight,” Sanderson stated. “However on the similar time, we will’t get too excessive, we will’t get too assured. Simply give attention to the following job.”
Additionally in his first marketing campaign with Ottawa, Ullmark stated the group doesn’t appear as glad with this six-game profitable streak in comparison with one of many similar size earlier within the schedule.
“I’m simply pleased to contribute,” he added. “It’s been a enjoyable experience to date.”
One the Senators hope stretches lengthy into the spring.
STAYING FOCUSED
Mitch Marner spoke Saturday morning for simply the second time because the Leafs, in line with a number of studies, requested him to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate a take care of the Carolina Hurricanes for fellow star winger Mikko Rantanen forward of the NHL commerce deadline.
The ahead picked No. 4 total by Toronto on the 2015 draft, who can grow to be an unrestricted free agent July 1, declined and Rantanen was subsequently shipped to the Dallas Stars earlier than signing an eight-year, US$96-million contract extension.
Marner was requested pre-game what the final week has been like.
“Hockey-wise, it’s nothing,” stated the product from close by Thornhill, Ont. “I’m simply out right here enjoying hockey with these guys, and I’m having fun with that.”
HOME COOKING
Ottawa acquired centre Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres on deadline day in a five-player swap that noticed fellow centre Josh Norris go the opposite method.
The 24-year-old Whitehorse product welcomed the commerce for numerous causes — together with the vacation spot.
“I all the time needed to play in Canada sooner or later,” Cozens stated following the morning skate. “I’m pleased to be right here.”
So, why was it a precedence to finally play north of the border?
“As a result of I’m Canadian,” Cozens stated with a smile. “It makes me wish to play in Canada somewhat extra … I couldn’t be happier.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed March 15, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
Source link