2. Tim Stutzle and Shane Pinto are destined for big seasons
If the Senators are going to have success this season, they are going to need to have their top offensive talented players produce goals. Tonight, two players scored goals, but the Senators need them to keep scoring.
Tim Stutzle opened the scoring just 5:52 into the game, and Shane Pinto scored his first goal of the season in the first period as well. Stutzle only recorded one powerplay goal last season after scoring 10 in the 2022-23 season. To have Stutzle score in the first game of the season on the powerplay is a great sign. Stutzle scored the empty netter for his second goal of the game to ice the game.
PInto is destined for a big step this season after recording 27 points in 41 games last season. Pinto got the arena buzzing less than five minutes after Stutzle scored the first goal of the game. Pinto did the work himself on the goal by firing a beautiful wrist shot past Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. For Pinto to record the game winning goal the first game of the season is a step in the right direction for a big season.
Shane Pinto gives the Sens an early 2-0 lead over the Panthers. 👀 pic.twitter.com/KRZLw9rtLF
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 10, 2024
Both Stutzle and Pinto will be relied on heavily by head coach Travis Green to help win games. With both of them being really young, the sky can be the limit for them this season.