3 takeaways from Senators win in second preseason game against Maple Leafs

The Ottawa Senators won their first preseason game in overtime against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday night in Toronto by a final score of 6-5. Last night marked a rematch between the two teams in the second preseason game, but this time, the game would be played at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.

The Senators defeated the Maple Leafs 2-1 in the second preseason game to complete the home-and-home sweep and improved to 2-0-0 in the 2024 preseason. The 2024 Stanley Cup champion and newly signed Senator Nick Cousins knows having tough, grinding wins is a good tone to set when playing tough teams in the NHL.

"We just have to be comfortable in those 2-1 games," Cousins said. "I mean, that's the type of games that get it done in May and June."

With the first preseason game played in Ottawa, it offered a great opportunity for Senators fans to get a first look at what they hope will be a breakthrough season. The second preseason game offered a great chance for the Senators to make corrections in their first game.

3. Jake Sanderson is progressing

Defenseman Jake Sanderson needed to show good improvement immediately with now getting paid $8.05 million per year until 2032. In his 2024 preseason debut, Sanderson showed improvement.

Sanderson scored the first Senators goal to tie the game at one late in the first period and would play over 23 minutes of ice time and finished six shots on goal. Sanderson also played over 4.5 minutes on the powerplay and 2.5 minutes on the penalty kill. Sanderson played a big part in helping the Senators kill four Maple Leafs powerplays.

The Senators need Sanderson to make a big progress this season at 22 years old. Last night was a big positive step to having a big season.

"He was impressive," said head coach Travis Green about Sanderson.

2. Another young player scores in the clutch unexpectedly

In the first preseason game, Carter Yakemchuk scored the overtime winner and left a good first impression on the Senators. Last night, Zack Ostapchuk came through in the clutch unexpectedly.

With the game tied at one past halfway in the third period, the Senators found themselves on the penalty kill. Ostapchuk forced a turnover in the Maple Leafs end and scored a backhand goal past Maple Leafs goaltender Dennis Hildeby to put the Senators up 2-1.

Ostapchuk only played in seven games last season and recorded no points. If Ostapchuk continues to play well this preseason by being able to play the penalty kill and score in the clutch, it offers Ostapchuk a great chance to earn more playing time this season.

"I definitely know I have another gear here," Ostapchuk said. "But, I think for the most part I've been working hard and just feeling the puck and making plays."

At 21 years old, Ostapchuk is eager to reach his full potential. Grinding on the fourth line and playing on the penalty kill could be his way to the Senators opening night roster.

1. Defense and goaltending were way better

In the first preseason game, Mads Sogaard struggled with allowing five goals. Sogaard still doesn't look like he is NHL ready at 23 years old. Anton Forsberg got the start in goal and he didn't dissapoint along with the Senators defense.

Ottawa killed off all four of Toronto's powerplay opportunities. On Sunday, Ottawa allowed on powerplay goal on three attempts.

In the third period, a defensive statement was made. While Toronto finished the game with 20 shots on goal, Ottawa's defense allowed five shots on goal in the third period. Forsberg made 19 saves in the win and made a good impression in the preseason.

Forsberg needs to earn Ottawa's trust again after struggling the past two seasons. With having an excellent performance in his first preseason start, it can be a good sign of more good starts to come.

The Senators will host the Buffalo Sabres Thursday night in their third preseason game at Canadian Tire Centre with puck drop at 7 p.m. ET. The Sabres are 3-0-0 this preseason and have scored 16 goals.