In an electrifying start to the season, Linus Ullmark delivered an impressive 30-save performance in his Ottawa debut, propelling the Senators to a 3-1 triumph over the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, on Thursday night. The game didn’t end well for the Panthers, as captain Aleksander Barkov was sidelined with an injury following a late-game collision with the end boards.

Stutzle’s Double Strike and Pinto’s Contribution

The scoring was initiated by Tim Stutzle, who capitalized on a power play opportunity in the first period. Stutzle then sealed the deal in the final period, firing an empty-netter into the Panthers’ goal. Shane Pinto, another Senator, added to the scoreboard tally in the initial period.

Crucial Late-Game Saves from Ullmark

As the third period wound down, Ullmark showcased his goaltending prowess, denying shots from Anton Lundell, Mackie Samoskevich, and Carter Verhaeghe, thereby preserving Ottawa’s 2-1 lead. Gustav Forsling managed to breach Ottawa’s defense with just over four minutes remaining, but it wasn’t enough to sway the game in the Panthers’ favor. Florida’s goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky, ended the night with 29 saves.

Panthers and Senators: Post-Game Insights

The Panthers, still riding high from their 6-4 home victory over Boston on Tuesday, were punished for their slow start against the Senators, failing to recover after going down by two goals. On the other hand, the Senators demonstrated their commitment to improving their defensive play, blocking a commendable 27 shots during the game.

Potentially Game-Changing Moment

In a crucial moment, Barkov, the Panthers’ captain, sustained an injury while attempting to thwart Stutzle’s empty-net goal. The extent of his injury remains unknown as there was no immediate update post-game.

Continue the Winning Streak

Ullmark’s record against the Panthers is impressive, boasting a 10-1-0 in his last 11 starts against Florida, contributing significantly to Ottawa’s success.

What’s Next?

The Panthers will look to bounce back when they face Buffalo on Saturday night, while the Senators aim to continue their winning momentum against Montreal on the same day.

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.