Ottawa, ON — Shane Pinto’s shootout strike sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Ottawa Senators over the Nashville Predators on Saturday night, capping off a resilient comeback that saw the hosts erase a two-goal deficit in the third period.
The win improves Ottawa to 4-1-0 at home this season, while Nashville concludes their Eastern Canada road trip with a disappointing 2-1-2 record away from Bridgestone Arena.
Third Period Surge Seals Point
Trailing 2-1 entering the final frame, the Senators appeared disjointed early, managing their first shot only at the 16:06 mark. But a pivotal moment came when Nashville’s Roman Josi was whistled for a delay-of-game penalty with just 13 seconds left in regulation, sending the Canadian Tire Centre into a frenzy.
With Linus Ullmark pulled for an extra attacker, Drake Batherson capitalised on the chaos, rifling a shot past Matt Murray at 18:37 to knot the contest at 2-2. The goal marked Batherson’s third of the season and provided a dramatic ending to a period that will be remembered in Ottawa for weeks to come.
“We never stopped believing,” said Batherson post-game. “Even when things weren’t going our way, we kept pushing. That’s what playoff hockey feels like, and we want more of it.”
Power Play Woes Haunt Both Sides
Despite the late surge, special teams remained a sore spot for both clubs. Ottawa went 1-for-6 with the man advantage, including a fruitless 54-second two-man opportunity in the second period. Nashville fared slightly better, converting once through five chances.
Tim Stutzle gave the Senators their first power-play goal of the night midway through the second, taking a crisp feed from Dylan Cozens and sliding the puck past Murray’s blocker. The German international has now registered points in three consecutive games, solidifying his role as Ottawa’s offensive catalyst.
For Nashville, Jonathan Marchessault opened the scoring in the first period with a slick redirection, followed by a stunning five-hole blast from Steven Stamkos on the power play — his first goal of the season. Ross Colton added the Predators’ second marker, showcasing the depth scoring that has made them a formidable force in the Central Division.
Debuts and Milestones Mark the Night
The contest also served as a homecoming of sorts for Andre Burakovsky, who suited up for his first game with the Senators after missing the opening four fixtures due to injury. The veteran winger logged nearly 16 minutes of ice time, injecting energy into a forward group that has struggled with consistency.
Nashville introduced two fresh faces to their lineup as well. Defenceman Jayden Struble, acquired from Montreal on Friday, made his Predators debut alongside veteran partner Roman Josi. Centre Vitali Pinchuk, a promising young prospect, skated in his first NHL game and earned praise from coaching staff for his composure under pressure.
“It’s everything I dreamed of,” Pinchuk said through a team interpreter. “To play in the NHL, in Canada, in this atmosphere… it’s incredible. I just want to keep learning and help my team win.”
Goaltending Battles Define Contest
Both goaltenders turned in commendable performances despite the high-stakes nature of the affair. Ullmark finished with 16 saves, including several highlight-reel stops in the third period before being pulled for the extra attacker. His willingness to gamble on the rush paid dividends when Batherson’s tying goal gave the Senators new life.
Murray, making his second start of the season, made 18 saves and was particularly stingy in the first half before surrendering the late tying marker. His positioning on Stutzle’s power-play goal drew criticism from Nashville management, though head coach Andrew Brunette defended his netminder’s overall performance.
“We’ve got confidence in Matt,” Brunette said. “Goaltending isn’t just about stopping pucks — it’s about making the big save when it matters. Tonight, we didn’t get that one.”
Why it Matters
This victory represents more than just two points for the Senators — it signals a shift in momentum for a young squad still searching for its identity. With key contributors like Stutzle and Batherson stepping up in clutch moments, and veterans like Burakovsky integrating seamlessly into the lineup, Ottawa appears poised to build on their strong start. For Nashville, the loss serves as a reminder that even elite teams can struggle on the road, particularly against motivated opposition in hostile environments. As both clubs continue their respective campaigns, performances like Saturday’s thriller in Ottawa will likely serve as benchmarks for what’s possible when desperation meets opportunity.