Jake Sanderson's game gets respect from Hall of Fame defenseman

When Game 4 arrived for the Ottawa Senators last night, their backs were against the wall facing an 0-3 series deficit to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

For the third consecutive game, the Senators and Maple Leafs needed overtime. The Senators had lost Game 2 and Game 3 in overtime. However, the third time was the charm and the Senators won Game 4 by a final of 4-3.

Game 4's overtime hero was Jake Sanderson. The goal by Sanderson marked his first career playoff goal. However, Sanderson's overtime goal helped him get more respect by an all-time defenseman who is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Pronger gives Sanderson respect after Game 4

This season, the Senators have seen an incredible rise from Sanderson. The 23-year-old defenseman has caught the league with his incredible season. This season, Sanderson became the first Senators defenseman since Thomas Chabot in the 2018-19 season to record 50 points in a season.

One former Norris Trophy defenseman to give Sanderson high praise was P.K. Subban during the 4 Nations Face-Off this past February. Now, it was Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Pronger to give Sanderson high praise.

After the Game 4 win, Pronger called Sanderson "sooo smooth." Pronger also said that Sanderson is "taking his game to that next level." When a Hall of Fame defenseman gives a young defenseman high praise like that, it's a big deal.

Sanderson's been heavily relied on by the Senators all season. In the 2024-25 regular season, Sanderson's 57 points were the third most on the roster. Sanderson needed a breakout season in his third year in the NHL. One thing is for certain, Sanderson has broken out with the respect he got from Subban in February and now Pronger.

Despite no playoff experience prior to this year, it's not bothering Sanderson one bit. Sanderson's three points are tied for the most playoff points on the Senators right now with Claude Giroux and Brady Tkachuk.

When the Senators needed their young defenseman more than ever, he came through with scoring an overtime playoff goal. For Sanderson to score his first playoff goal with the Senators facing elimination, it made the goal even sweeter.

"I think Sandy's not scratching, but he's becoming better," said Senators head coach Travis Green after the Game 4 win. "He's still improving."

Green knows that he can rely on Sanderson game after game as a head coach. Sanderson will only continue to raise his game moving forward with the way he's been playing throughout the whole season.

Sanderson and the Senators now must win in Game 5 on Tuesday night in Toronto to avoid elimination again. Sanderson's overtime magic has given the Senators new life and a new sense of confidence heading back to Scotiabank Arena.