The Ottawa Senators, led by Thomas Chabot, finally hit the ice after watching other NHL teams start their season. Chabot, now the team’s captain, made an impact with a goal and an assist in a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“It’s great to be back and playing hockey instead of just watching,” said Chabot, who took over the captaincy following Brady Tkachuk’s trade to the Florida Panthers. Goaltender Linus Ullmark described the lead-up to the game as “pretty boring” but acknowledged the potential benefits of a short training camp.
The win, however, was marred by the loss of key defenseman Jake Sanderson to a lower-body injury early in the game. Despite the setback, the Senators managed to hold off a strong push from the Maple Leafs, securing the win with a late goal by Stephen Halliday.
Toronto’s star players, including Auston Matthews and William Nylander, posed a threat in the second period, but Ottawa’s defense stood firm. Ullmark made crucial saves throughout the game, admitting that some luck played a part in his performance.
The game marked a milestone for Senators head coach Travis Green, who celebrated his 500th NHL game behind the bench. Former Senator Daniel Alfredsson, now an associate coach with the Maple Leafs, faced his old team for the first time, expressing mixed emotions about the matchup.
Green reflected on his coaching journey, noting the growth and experience gained over time. As the Senators opened a new chapter post-Tkachuk, the team’s victory against the Leafs set a positive tone for the season ahead.
