3 takeaways from Senators' 2-1 win against Maple Leafs

As the second Battle of Ontario arrived for the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs, the Senators entered cold with being shutout in back-to-back games to the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins.

The Senators entered tonight without scoring a goal in 137:10. Even with a long stretch without scoring a goal, the Senators headed into tonight with confidence due to their 3-0 shutout win against the Maple Leafs in the first meeting of the season in November, and the second meeting would end with the same outcome.

The Senators defeated the Maple Leafs 2-1 at Canadian Tire Centre to improve to 25-20-4 on the season.

With the Senators winning both games against the Maple Leafs this season, they now take the Battle of Ontario season series for the 2024-25 season. In a hard fought game, it wouldn't be an easy game for the Senators.

3. Two droughts were due to end

Heading into a game going 137:10 without scoring a goal and converting on just one powerplay in 19 attempts can make it difficult for any offense to find a way to score. However, the Senators were able to end two droughts at once.

After failing on their first powerplay of the game, the Senators got a 4-on-3 powerplay chance in the first period. This time, the Senators would capitalize when Tim Stutzle scored a powerplay goal to tie the game at one. With Stutzle scoring, it ended the Senators drought of exactly 147:53 without scoring a goal.

Stutzle is now third on the Senators roster with 16 goals this season after his goal.

2. A friendly bounce

The Senators and Maple Leafs were tied at one past halfway through the third period. In hockey, a bounce can change the outcome of a game immediately. A bounce would help the Senators out big time.

Matthew Highmore attempted to make a pass to Shane Pinto. The pass would go off of Mitch Marner's stick and then go off of Pinto's knee. After the puck hit Pinto's knee, the puck would go in passed Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll and in the net to give the Senators a 2-1 lead with 9:13 remaining.

Pinto scored his ninth goal of the season. Four of Pinto's nine goals are now game-winning goals this season.

1. Third consecutive strong start

Anton Forsberg had recent struggles when starting a game, but has been hot recently. Forsberg had allowed in one goal over has past two starts coming into tonight. Against the Maple Leafs, Forsberg stood tall again.

After Bobby McCann scored 3:46 into the game, that would be it for the Maple Leafs offense. Forsberg stood tall and finished by making 28 saves to earn the win. Forsberg has now allowed in one goal in each of his last three starts to earn more confidence.

This hot stretch by Forsberg was needed after he allowed in at least three goals in eight consecutive starts prior to last Sunday against the New Jersey Devils. Forsberg also has earned wins in two of his last three starts.

The Senators have a quick turnaround in under 24 hours as they host the Utah Hockey Club tomorrow at 5 p.m. ET. Tomorrow is Utah's first ever time playing in Ottawa. On Oct. 22, Ottawa shutout Utah 4-0 in Salt Lake City. Ottawa scored all of its goals in the first period and Forsberg recorded a shutout in the win.