Senators Surge Past Sharks 7-4, Boost Playoff Hopes
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Drake Batherson scored twice, including the game-winning goal, as the Ottawa Senators defeated the San Jose Sharks 7-4 on Sunday. Batherson’s decisive goal came with 6:52 remaining in the third period, deflecting off him after an Artem Zub shot. Warren Foegele, Fabian Zetterlund, Tyler Kleven and Dylan Cozens too scored for Ottawa, while Brady Tkachuk added an empty-net goal. The Senators’ win improves their record to 34-23-9 and pulls them within three points of the Detroit Red Wings in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Linus Ullmark made 19 saves in goal for Ottawa.
Senators Surge Past Sharks in High-Scoring Affair
Ottawa, Ontario – Drake Batherson’s two goals propelled the Ottawa Senators to a 7-4 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday, marking a significant win in their pursuit of a playoff berth.
Batherson’s Decisive Performance
Determined to secure the win, Drake Batherson proved to be the difference-maker, scoring the go-ahead goal with 6:52 remaining in the third period.
Specifically, an Artem Zub shot deflected off Batherson as he attempted to protect his face, giving the Senators a crucial lead.
Batherson’s performance highlighted his ability to capitalize on opportunities and contribute in key moments.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
The game was characterized by a relentless back-and-forth exchange, with both teams showcasing offensive prowess.
Warren Foegele, Fabian Zetterlund, Tyler Kleven, and Dylan Cozens also found the back of the net for Ottawa, although Brady Tkachuk added an empty-net goal to seal the victory.
San Jose responded with goals from Mario Ferraro, Tyler Toffoli, Collin Graf, and Michael Misa, but ultimately fell short.
Ullmark’s Solid Goaltending
Linus Ullmark delivered a steady performance in net for the Senators, stopping 19 shots in his third consecutive start.
Coming off a 23-save shutout against the Anaheim Ducks, Ullmark demonstrated his consistency and reliability.
Laurent Brossoit, making his first NHL start since April 18, 2024, faced a barrage of shots, making 17 saves for the Sharks.
Playoff Implications and Team Standings
This win propels the Senators to a 34-23-9 record, positioning them just three points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Senators have demonstrated a strong recent form, winning six of their last nine games (6-1-2).
Meanwhile, the Sharks (32-27-6) face an uphill battle as they continue their season.
Celebrini’s Milestone and Power Play Improvement
Despite the loss, Macklin Celebrini reached a notable milestone, achieving 60 assists in just 65 games.
This is the fewest games required for a Sharks player to reach 60 assists since Erik Karlsson accomplished the feat in 63 games in 2022-23.
Notably, Ottawa’s power play, which had been struggling, converted on 2 of 3 opportunities, showcasing a positive trend.
Did you know? Linus Ullmark has been instrumental in the Senators’ recent success, providing a stable presence in net and contributing to their playoff push.
Looking Ahead
The San Jose Sharks will visit the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, while the Ottawa Senators will travel to face the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.
FAQ
Q: Who scored the winning goal for the Senators?
A: Drake Batherson scored the go-ahead goal with 6:52 remaining in the third period.
Q: What was Linus Ullmark’s save percentage in the game?
A: Ullmark stopped 19 of 23 shots.
Q: What is Macklin Celebrini’s assist total for the season?
A: Celebrini has recorded 60 assists this season.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Drake Batherson’s performance as the Senators produce their playoff push. His ability to score in crucial moments could be a key factor in their success.
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