Ottawa Senators hockey returned today with the 2025 preseason opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Canadian Tire Centre. However, the game resulted with the Senators losing 4-3 to the Maple Leafs.
The game began rough for the Senators with trailing 3-0 after 20 minutes. The Senators did cut the deficit from 4-1 to 4-3, but the game resulted in a too little too late.
When a team loses, sometimes it could be hard to find positives. However, there was something big that happened for two players fighting to get more NHL playing time.
Two new Senators made an impact in their first game with the team
This past off-season, Arthur Kaliyev and Olle Lycksell each joined the Senators. Both players didn't play much in the NHL last season with their respected teams. However, both players played in the preseason opener against the Maple Leafs, and made an impact.
The Senators found themselves trailing 4-1 in the second period. Looking to find a way to swing momentum back on the Senators' side, Kaliyev scored a goal to cut the deficit to 4-2.
Early in the third period, the Senators had an early powerplay. Out of a scramble in front of the net, Lycksell scored a powerplay goal to cut the deficit to 4-3 just over 4.5 minutes into the third period.
Scoring a goal in the first game with your new team is a good way to leave a solid first impression. Both Kaliyev and Lycksell needed a good first impression to show potential.
Last season, Kaliyev played in just 14 games for the New York Rangers and recorded four points. Kaliyev showed promise from 2021-2024 when he was a member of the Los Angeles Kings. Now, the Senators can offer a fresh start for Kaliyev at 24 years old.
The same can be said for Lycksell at 26 years old. Lycksell only played in 19 games last season with the Philadelphia Flyers and recorded five points.
Despite rough seasons last season in the NHL, both Kaliyev and Lycksell showed promise in their Senators debut with each scoring a goal to try and spark a comeback win.