Senators Player Grades: Ullmark Unflappable, Sanderson Norris-Like in Win Over Devils
Linus Ullmark was near perfect, Jake Sanderson delivered a two-way masterclass with two assists, Tim Stutzle was on fire offensively, and Artem Zub remained steady as ever in the Ottawa Senators' 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday. This win marks the Senators' third consecutive regulation triumph, showcasing a team hitting its stride at a crucial point in the season.
Goaltending Excellence
Linus Ullmark took center stage in his return from a leave of absence, making 26 saves and earning headlines for his commanding performance. His composure in net was unflappable, turning away numerous Devils scoring chances and providing a solid backbone for the Senators' defensive efforts. Ullmark's near-perfect outing underscored his importance to the team's recent success, as he consistently denied New Jersey's offensive pushes with precision and poise.
Defensive Standouts
Jake Sanderson's performance was nothing short of Norris Trophy-caliber, contributing two assists while excelling in both offensive and defensive zones. His ability to read the play and make smart decisions with the puck was instrumental in Ottawa's victory. Artem Zub, as always, provided a steady presence on the blue line, shutting down opponents and maintaining defensive stability throughout the game.
Forward Contributions
Tim Stutzle: A
Stutzle navigated the neutral zone with ease, creating numerous rush opportunities and displaying brilliant hockey IQ. He twice intercepted New Jersey pass attempts at perfect moments, leading to offensive transitions. His 3-1 goal, while somewhat fortunate, was set up by excellent skating and skillful puck-handling. Despite a couple of giveaways, including one on the penalty kill, his two-way game was super solid overall, and he led the team with five shots on goal.
Brady Tkachuk: A
Tkachuk's shot selection was brilliant, as he beat Jake Allen with a cheeky five-hole wrister for the 1-0 goal. His quality wrist shot from the top of the right face-off circle also set up Dylan Cozens' 2-1 goal. The captain consistently found space in the offensive zone, offering one-timer opportunities and demonstrating why he's a constant threat on the ice.
Fabian Zetterlund: B+
Zetterlund's legs were chugging all night, with spirited backchecks, successful rushes past defenders, and passionate forechecking. He had a great scoring chance on a centring pass from Claude Giroux during a rush and managed three shots in just 7:03 of ice time, showing efficiency and energy in limited minutes.
Dylan Cozens: A
Cozens created several scoring opportunities from the slot with sharp wrist shots and smart passes when seams opened up. He fought hard in front of the net to score his 100th career goal, batting a Tkachuk rebound out of the air for the 2-1 marker. Although he took an elbowing penalty in the second period, he should have drawn a power play in the third when Brenden Dillon twice pushed him into Allen, highlighting his aggressive play.
Overall Team Performance
The Senators' victory was a comprehensive team effort, with contributions across all lines and defensive pairings. The win not only extends their regulation win streak but also demonstrates growing chemistry and confidence within the squad. As the season progresses, performances like this will be crucial for Ottawa's playoff aspirations, with players stepping up in key moments to secure important points.
