Ottawa Senators Triumph Over New Jersey Devils
In a decisive preseason matchup played Sunday at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, the Ottawa Senators secured a 2-0 triumph against a New Jersey Devils split-squad, enhancing their record to 2-1.
Key Moments of the Game
The game came alive late in the third period when the Senators capitalized on a power play opportunity, breaking the deadlock with just 4:26 remaining. Tim Stützle, seeking redemption after missing a penalty shot and hitting the post earlier in the game, orchestrated a setup that turned serendipitous: after losing control of the puck, it fortuitously fell to rookie Stephen Halliday in prime position. Halliday seized the moment, firing a high snap shot past Devils goalie Georgi Romanov, marking a significant contribution to his campaign for a roster slot.
Adding to the Senators’ lead was free-agent acquisition Olle Lycksell, who secured an insurance goal less than three minutes later. Demonstrating quick thinking, he intercepted an errant drop pass from New Jersey’s defenseman Calen Addison at the blue line, raced in solo, and calmly deposited the puck into an open net, confirming the Senators’ victory.
Goaltending and Special Teams Performance
Meanwhile, Ottawa’s goaltender Linus Ullmark showcased solid performance despite facing only 14 shots, successfully achieving his first shutout of the preseason. This was a much-needed improvement after conceding three goals in his last exhibition outing. The Senators also exhibited strong special teams performance, converting one out of three power play opportunities while remaining flawless on three penalty kills. Romanov, tasked with defending the Devils’ net, faced a significantly higher volume of shots, stopping 30 attempts but ultimately unable to keep his team in the game during crunch time.
Broadcasting Challenges
It’s worth noting that English-speaking fans of the Senators might have found themselves grappling with their French, as the broadcast of the game—held in Quebec City—was not available in English, which sparked curious conversations among supporters.
Looking Ahead
The Senators’ next challenge will come on Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens, another opportunity to capture the attention of fans in Quebec City and gauge the potential to draw support amidst their historic rivalry.
