2. One young superstar is getting better and one veteran is finding his rhythm
One player that the Senators will need to have a big year from is defenseman Jake Sanderson. At 22 years old, Sanderson is getting significant playing time from head coach Travis Green, and he showed why today.
Sanderson recorded first three-point game of the season with recording three assists, and it was his second multi-point game in the past three games, as well as his third consecutive game with recording at least one point. It was also Sanderson's second three-point game of his career.
The Senators will continue to rely on Sanderson this season, and he has made big strides five games into the season with now recording seven points. Sanderson is tied now with Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk for the most points on the Senators roster.
One veteran the Senators needed to get going is Claude Giroux. Prior to today, Giroux was off to a slow start with recording just two points. Today, Giroux showed why he is still heavily relied on by the Senators.
Giroux recorded two assists for his first multi-point game this season, and has now recorded points in the past three games. Giroux recorded the primary assist on the first two goals by the Senators in the first period, and had a beautiful pass on Josh Norris' goal.
Put your hands up in the air if you absolutely neuf'd 'em 🙌#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/JxDw6OQe4v
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 19, 2024
When Giroux is playing at a high level on offense, the rest of the Senators get more confident. With Giroux recording two assists today, both Giroux and the Senators can start heating up more on offense. The Senators needed Giroux to get out of his slow start, and today he did.