Ottawa Senators: Sens Silence The Toronto Maple Leafs

The final instalment of the Battle of Ontario was keenly viewed, not just by Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leaf fans, but every team in the Atlantic.

The Sens boasted a 2-1 lead in the first three games of the series. Unfortunately we have not seen proper sentiment towards the Battle of Ontario since their last meeting in the post-season back in 2003-04.  With everything still to play for in the wacky division, both teams felt the heat. Ottawa were undoubtedly the better side, albeit the score a little flattering with a desperate Toronto yanking Anderson twice at the end.

I’ve mentioned in my last couple of articles how pivotal the Sens attacking play from the blue-line has been. The shock of Dion Phaneuf becoming an attacking presence once more. You could undoubtedly see this from the game-plan early into the fixture.

Ottawa’s first line in both offense and defense was the dominant force in last night’s game. They were the deciding factor in a voracious tie. In this article we will explore what happened last night and its’ impact.

Blue-Line Dominance

It is no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs biggest failing is their defense. Once again glaring as the Sens took control. As phenomenal as the Leafs offense play has been (and my word has it been exciting to watch) they are two defensemen short of a nailed on playoff side.

Where Toronto have excelled this season, is against teams who have attacked them, finding gaps in their opposition and simply outscoring them. However, when they come up against a team who revolves around a solid defensive unit. Like the Ottawa Senators they have been found out.

More from SenShot

• Crunch. Crush. Grind. Mash. The Tyler Kleven Story
• Belleville Senators: What To Expect In 2023-24
• Daniel Alfredsson and Marian Hossa Hit The Ice One Final Time
• Ottawa Senators: Something’s Got to Give
• Hot Pierre Summer 2.0? Let’s Talk About The Ottawa Senators Offseason So Far!

Some may not enjoy watching the Ottawa Senators ‘brand’ of hockey. However, for those involved with the organisation and those watching, it gets results.

Furthermore, Ottawa’s defense in recent games have been fundamental to their offensive output too. Boucher wants the team to build from the back. They do exactly that with Phaneuf’s recent output. Last night, Methot and Karlsson combined for three points.

The opening goal of the night from Dennis Wideman showed their effective game plan in action. Pre-game yesterday, I was hoping that the Sens would pepper Anderson from range, it was where I could see a break through occurring. The Sens did exactly that, put a shot in front of traffic and who knows where the puck will end up.

First Line Offense And Differing Systems

Arguably the best game of the season for this opening line. Combining for nine points between them.  Mark Stone is coming into his own, contributing five points (4 assists and 1 goal). Eclipsing their Toronto counterparts whose first line of Leivo, Kadri, Komarov who notched three points between them. Exciting to watch and the chemistry seems to be cemented as we approach the stretch toward the playoffs.

One thing is for sure, when Ottawa play like a team, they are irresistible. Bar Karlsson, there are no out-and-out superstars on that Sens team. As a result, they have to work hard as a team.  The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and it showed last night. Mitch Marner’s linemates of Tyler Bozak and James Van Riesmdyk where invisible without him.

Individual talent is exciting, no doubt about that. Faced against a team who is well drilled and organised, it cannot flourish. Look no further than their first meeting of the season, Auston Matthews scores four goals and rightly takes the headlines. Yet, Ottawa win the game and take two points.