The Ottawa Senators continue to keep their playoff hopes alive and they did so by beating the Florida Panthers 5-2 on Monday night.
Mads Sogaard made 32 saves in the win to move the Washington Capitals in the East standings and move within five points of the No. 2 draft team held by the Pittsburgh Penguins. They find themselves just two points behind the Panthers, who they will meet for the last time this season on April 6.
With the Panthers’ loss, the Maple Leafs’ playoff spot is officially assured.
In a duel between the Tkachuk brothers, it was Brady’s troops who had the last laugh as Matthew was cleared of the score sheet. In the first game on October 29, the eldest had a goal and two assists in a win for the Panthers.
The young captain of the Sens netted his team’s first goal midway through the first period by framing a one-timer following a fine pass from Thomas Chabot. It was his 34th goal of the season.
“I think we played a good game, capitalized on our chances and got two important points. We have to keep our momentum going for the next two games,” said Alex DeBrincat.
“I think overall we’ve been pretty good. It wasn’t a bad performance. We just had some penalty problems and they capitalized on their chances, said Matthew Tkachuk. I think we prevailed 5v5, but the special teams didn’t work in our favour. »
The crowd joined in and sang a “Brady’s better” chant a few times to spice up the Tkachuk brothers’ rivalry.
“To be honest, I thought it was great,” Stützle said of the vocals. I think we also have to give credit to Matthew. I think he has 97 points, he’s an unreal player and he had a few chances tonight too, but in the end I’ll definitely stick with Brady. »
Erik Brannstrom doubled the home side’s lead by hitting the target on the five-man attack with 1 minute left in the period with the help of Brady Tkachuk.
Gustav Forsling put the Panthers on the board in the second period, but the Senators’ powerful power play struck twice more through Alex DeBrincat and Tim Stützle.
Shane Pinto put the finishing touches in an empty net.
Forsling eventually got both goals for the Panthers, whose losing streak extends to four games. Aleksander Barkov’s individual streak has also come to an end, he who had collected at least one point in his last 10 games.