Ottawa Senators

Senators Shut Out Maple Leafs 3-0 in Dominant Victory

Last night, the Ottawa Senators completely dominated the Toronto Maple Leafs by a score 3–0. What were the three takeaways of the game?

by
Old Prof
November 13, 2024

The Ottawa Senators smothered the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-0 in Toronto, with Linus Ullmark earning his first shutout of the season. Goals from Josh Norris, Tim Stutzle, and Michael Amadio helped Ottawa secure an impressive win, snapping Toronto’s three-game winning streak and sending a strong message to their Atlantic Division rivals.

The Game’s Overview

The Senators kept the Maple Leafs on the defensive in a game defined by solid goaltending and disciplined play. Linus Ullmark’s outstanding 27-save shutout marked his first since joining Ottawa. Anthony Stolarz faced 38 shots, doing his best to keep Toronto within reach. The Senators scored twice in the second period to go up 3-0. By then, the game was out of reach for the Maple Leafs. Once again, Toronto was missing Auston Matthews.

Three Takeaways from the Senators / Maple Leafs Game

Here are the three key takeaways from the Maple Leafs and the Senators game.

Takeaway One: Linus Ullmark Solidifies His Role as Ottawa’s Stopper

Ullmark’s stellar performance in the net made all the difference for Ottawa. He stopped all 27 shots he faced. This shutout highlighted why the Senators extended his contract. It marked a significant step in Ullmark’s journey as the team’s new number-one goaltender.

If Ullmark can continue delivering performances like this, Ottawa has a solid chance to compete for a playoff spot this season. There’s no way he doesn’t give his Senators teammates confidence to engage in the play openly. With the double whammy of solid goaltending and solid play in front of the goalie, the Senators could be the real deal this season. They could finally make the playoffs.

Takeaway Two: Secondary Scoring Stepping Up for the Senators

Josh Norris, Tim Stutzle, and Michael Amadio each contributed a goal. They showed the team’s depth and ability to generate offense beyond their top players. Stutzle’s goal early in the second period built momentum. Amadio’s follow-up just a minute later sealed the Maple Leafs’ fate.

This kind of secondary scoring will be crucial for Ottawa as they push to end their playoff drought. As noted, the Senators might have the scoring and coaching to lead them to a solid season and into the playoffs.

Takeaway Three: Strong Defense Stymies the Maple Leafs’ Offense

The Senators played a disciplined defensive game, effectively shutting down Toronto’s offense and limiting high-quality scoring chances. They allowed only 27 shots and prevented the Maple Leafs from establishing a rhythm.

With Ottawa’s defense and Ullmark standing tall, the Senators effectively stifled a team on a hot streak, showing the potential of their team’s defense-first strategy.

The Key Play of the Game

The pivotal moment came in the second period, just after Tim Stutzle scored to make it 2-0. Michael Amadio added a third goal within a minute, demoralizing the Maple Leafs and silencing the Toronto crowd. This rapid back-to-back scoring sequence took the game out of reach. It gave Ottawa complete control of the game and allowed them to shift to a more defensive posture for the rest of the night.

What’s Next for the Senators?

Ottawa will seek to build on this win as it continues to climb in the Atlantic Division standings. This performance against a tough Toronto team shows that the Senators have both the defensive structure and the offensive depth to compete. If Ullmark’s goaltending remains steady and Ottawa can keep generating offense from all lines, the team could break its playoff drought.