2 quick takeaways from Senators' first ever win in Utah
It was the first time ever that the Ottawa Senators were playing an NHL game in the state of Utah against the Utah Hockey Club.
Utah has created a tough atmosphere to play in for visitors, so the Senators had a tough test in seeing what playing in the Beehive State was like. However, playing in a new atmosphere wouldn't bother the Senators at all.
The Senators shutout the Hockey Club 4-0 at Delta Center to improve to 4-2-0 on the season. The Hockey Club's first ever home loss is now courtesy of the Senators.
Momentum was riding high for the Senators after winning two of the three games on their three-game home stand, but the Senators needed to gain momentum by being able to win on the road after road struggles last season. Road struggles appeared to be apparent again after the Senators' first road loss of the season against the Montreal Canadiens, but the Senators earned their first road win in convincing fashion.
2. Offense is still attacking from all angles
The Senators scored five goals in their recent game on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. No signs of the offense slowing down happened in Utah.
In the first period, the Senators scored four goals after the Utah offense dominated for the first half of the period. Drake Batherson opened up the scoring with scoring his third goal of the season at 11:43. Just 1:23 later, Claude Giroux scored to make it 2-0 on a beautiful play.
Now that's a cheeky chip 😄#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/9CfSR93ev5
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 23, 2024
With under two minutes remaining in the first period, Ridly Greig scored his first goal of the season on a powerplay opportunity after missing the past three games. The Senators' powerplay remains efficient yet again. With under 10 seconds remaining in the first period, Brady Tkachuk scored to make it 4-0. Tkachuk has now recorded one point in every game to start the season.
The Senators were able to chase Utah goaltender Connor Ingram from the game after their four-goal first period explosion. While the Senators didn't score against Karel Vejmelka in relief, the offense contributed big in the first period to put Utah in a tough hole.
Don't blink or you'll miss this one 💨#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/3BAnFaW1Wh
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 23, 2024
The defenssive pair that stood out was Nick Jensen and Thomas Chabot. Both of them each recorded a +3 rating, and Jensen would also add two assists annd Chabot added on assist.
1. Forsberg finally silences the critics
Linus Ullmark made the trip to Utah with the speculation of starting in goal after missing the past three games due to a strain injury. However, Ullmark still wasn't ready to play, and it meant Anton Forsberg would get his fourth consecutive start. Concern about Ullmark grew tremendously and pressure on Forsberg was higher.
Forsberg allowed in at least three goals in his past three starts, including four goals allowed in the previous game against the Lightning. Goaltending with Forsberg has been a major concern and some wondered if his Senators tenure could be coming to an end. Against Utah, Forsberg delivered his best game of the season.
Forsberg recorded 31 saves to earn his sixth career shutout. Twenty-four of Forsberg's 31 saves came in the first and second period combined.
Forsberg with his best two saves of the game. #GoSensGo
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) October 23, 2024
Sens need to tighten up. Nice lead but giving up a ton in the d-zone. Feels like a matter of time. pic.twitter.com/edvWzdfBr3
Forsberg's shutout against Utah are the signs that the Senators hope that he's capable of showing when Ullmark isn't starting. With needing to earn trust back from the Senators this season, Forsberg's shutout in his fourth start of the season is a great way to earn trust again from head coach Travis Green.
The Senators will continue their three-game West Coast road trip on Friday night at 6 p.m. ET when they take on the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Last season against Vegas, Ottawa went 1-1-0. Ottawa hasn't won in Vegas since Vegas' inaugural season in 2017-18.