What Happened
Ottawa has won five of six games to start the season, including a 4-1 victory at New Jersey on Monday, per Sportsnet. The Senators opened Oct. 3 as the last NHL team to begin play but have already skated in six games, more than all but five clubs. The run has come while Jake Sanderson has been limited to under five minutes of action, Linus Ullmark dealt with a minor injury scare, and William Eklund was lost to an ankle injury.
Key Details
- Ottawa opened its season Oct. 3, the last NHL club to do so.
- The Senators have played six games, more than all but five NHL teams.
- Jake Sanderson has played fewer than five minutes this season after leaving the opener against Toronto early.
- William Eklund is expected to miss an extended period with an ankle injury from Thursday against Philadelphia.
- Linus Ullmark owns a league-best .948 save percentage.
- Tim Stutzle has five goals and 10 points in six games; captain Thomas Chabot averages 27:14 of ice time.
What It Means
The fast start gives Ottawa early footing in the Atlantic Division, where playoff races are tight. Banking points while Sanderson, Ullmark and Eklund are unavailable could matter later in the season. Stutzle's production and Chabot's heavy minutes have carried the club so far, according to Sportsnet.