OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators, led by a stellar performance from goaltender Anton Forsberg, triumphed with a convincing 5-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres at the Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday.
Forsberg, the backbone of Ottawa’s victory, stopped 45 shots, attributing much of his success to the team’s defensive strategy. “The team did a good job of keeping them on the outside and not screening me,” Forsberg reflected. His efforts were crucial in securing the Senators’ third win in their last four outings, improving their record to 14-18-0.
The Senators’ offense also clicked into gear, with Zack MacEwen and Mark Kastelic each netting their first goals of the season. MacEwen’s goal came from a powerful slap shot in the first period, setting the tone for Ottawa’s dominant performance.
Defensive stalwart Thomas Chabot praised the team’s effort, highlighting the limited opportunities allowed on the inside. Chabot, returning after a 12-game absence due to a fractured tibia, contributed two assists, despite admitting to some rustiness in his game.
For the Sabres, Tage Thompson provided a glimmer of hope with a goal, cutting the deficit to 2-1 late in the first period. However, Devon Levi, facing 31 shots, could not replicate Forsberg’s heroics between the pipes.
Buffalo, now standing at 15-19-4, missed head coach Don Granato for the second consecutive game due to illness. Assistant coach Seth Appert stepped in, emphasizing the need for more presence around the net.
The Senators continued to build their lead with goals from Dominik Kubalik and Kastelic. Artem Zub’s empty-netter sealed the final score, reflecting Ottawa’s dominance throughout the game.
In post-game reflections, Senators coach Jacques Martin, celebrating his 1,300th NHL game, praised the team’s improved mindset and competitive edge, especially after their recent 6-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils.
The Sabres, despite their efforts, struggled to capitalize on their chances. Defenseman Connor Clifton expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rebound, emphasizing the importance of grinding out results to improve their standing.
The game also marked a unique milestone for Erik Brannstrom, who played his first NHL game as a forward, contributing an assist and a plus-2 rating in 15:13 of ice time.
As the Senators savor their emphatic victory, the Sabres face the challenge of regrouping and finding their scoring touch to climb back into contention.
