Batherson and Ullmark Deliver in Senators’ Win Over Ducks

The Ottawa Senators delivered a decisive 5-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday Night Hockey, propelled by standout performances from forward Drake Batherson and goaltender Linus Ullmark. The Hockey Central panel, led by David Amber, broke down the game, highlighting Batherson’s offensive explosion and Ullmark’s rock-solid goaltending. Here’s a deeper look at their insights on the game and what it means for the Senators moving forward.

---

---

Batherson Dominates with Four-Point Night

Drake Batherson stole the show with a hat trick and an assist, totaling four points on the night. According to the panel, Batherson’s recent surge has been fueled by confidence and assertiveness under new coach Travis Green. Sam Cosentino remarked, “Everyone is loving the Drake right now,” praising his ability to create scoring opportunities and execute from all areas of the ice.

Batherson’s performance highlighted his knack for being in the right place at the right time, as he consistently capitalized on chances in the offensive zone. The Hockey Central crew noted that this assertive play separates good players from great ones. With Batherson stepping up, the Senators gained a much-needed spark to fuel their offensive efforts.

Ullmark’s Steady Presence in Goal Helped Save the Day

Linus Ullmark, acquired to stabilize Ottawa’s goaltending, did precisely that against Anaheim. The panel emphasized how crucial Ullmark’s performance was, stopping 31 of 32 shots and ensuring the game never got out of hand. “Things didn’t get sideways tonight,” Luke Gazdic noted how Ullmark kept the Ducks’ chances to the outside and easily handled traffic in front of the net.

Although Ottawa’s goaltending has been average over the past two seasons, Ullmark’s consistent play has provided a foundation for the Senators to build upon. His ability to control the pace and keep calm under pressure has been instrumental in helping the young team stay competitive in critical moments.

Stützle’s Quietly Dominant Performance

While Batherson and Ullmark earned the headlines, Tim Stützle’s all-around play didn’t go unnoticed. The panel highlighted his ability to control the pace of the game, both offensively and defensively. Justin Bourne pointed out that Stützle led all players in offensive zone puck possession time. He demonstrated his skill in orchestrating plays and keeping Anaheim on their heels.

Beyond his offensive contributions, Stützle’s work on the backcheck and puck recoveries stood out. These “little details,” as Amber put it, allowed the Senators to transition effectively and sustain pressure in the offensive zone. Even without flashy stats, Stützle’s effort set the tone for Ottawa’s dominance throughout the game.

Senators’ Team-Wide Contributions Helped Drive the Win

One of the most encouraging signs for the Senators was the balanced scoring effort, with eight players registering points. The Hockey Central panel praised Ottawa’s ability to outwork Anaheim from the first whistle. The Senators showed strong habits and a commitment to the team’s game plan. The Senators played a complete game from Batherson’s offensive explosion to Stützle’s quiet dominance and Ullmark’s steadiness in the net.

The Bottom Line: The Game Was a Glance of the Senators’ Potential

The Senators’ win over the Ducks showcased the potential of their young core when everything clicked. While consistency has been an issue, performances like this demonstrate that Ottawa has the pieces to compete on any night. If Batherson can maintain his scoring touch, Ullmark continues his reliable goaltending, and Stützle drives play like a true star, the Senators could make noise in the playoff race. However, as the panel hinted, developing these habits against stronger teams will be the real test of Ottawa’s growth.

Related: Senators Eyeing Trade, Josh Norris Among Possible Big Names