The Ottawa Senators are proving that a potent offence can start from the back end, a trend that powered them to a decisive victory as they finally return to Canadian Tire Centre.
Blueline Brigade Fuels Road Trip Finale
Closing out a grueling seven-game road trip with a strong 4-3-0 record, the Senators secured a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Tuesday night. The most significant storyline was the overwhelming contribution from the defence corps, which combined for six points in the contest.
Defencemen Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub each found the back of the net, while Jordan Spence and Tyler Kleven added two-point efforts. Kleven's two assists marked the first multi-point game of his young NHL career.
Climbing the NHL Rankings
This offensive outburst from the blueline had immediate statistical repercussions. The Senators jumped from 10th to 4th overall in the NHL for points contributed by defencemen this season, now trailing only the Canadiens, among others. The Colorado Avalanche lead the league with 74 points, largely behind star Cale Makar.
Overall, Ottawa's defencemen have now amassed 66 points (13 goals, 53 assists) this season. This production is even more impressive considering it has been achieved without alternate captain Thomas Chabot, one of the team's most capable two-way defenders.
Jake Sanderson is at the forefront of this surge, extending his point streak to four games. During this run, he has compiled three goals and three assists for six points, performances that are inserting his name into the early conversation for the Norris Trophy.
Team Confidence and Homecoming
Sanderson praised the collective effort after the win in Montreal, calling it one of the defence corps' best games this season. He highlighted clean breakouts and aggressive play, specifically commending Kleven's physical presence.
Coach Travis Green echoed the sentiment, pleased with how his defencemen managed the game. While he discourages reckless risk-taking, Green encourages his blueliners to join the rush and activate in the offensive zone when the opportunity arises. He noted they were "solid" and did an "outstanding job" at both ends of the ice.
The team now turns its attention to a long-awaited home game. After their seven-game journey, the Senators finally return to Ottawa to host the New York Rangers on Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre. They will look to carry the momentum from their defensive unit's offensive explosion into this key matchup.
