Ottawa Senators Training Camp Update - September 25th

After opening preseason by beating a star-studded Leafs roster with a team that is best described as "Thomas Chabot and Some Guys," the Sens looked to keep the good vibes going last night, as they hosted their provincial rivals for a rematch. The Leafs brought a much worse team to Ottawa this time around, but the Sens still beat them. It was not the most exciting game, but the Sens pulled off a 2-1 regulation win, and there's nothing better than beating the Leafs at the Canadian Tire Centre.

• There was a bit of concern earlier in the day when Josh Norris was once again practicing with the group not playing against the Leafs. He participated in physical drills at practice and the team keeps saying that there’s nothing to worry about. I’d be more inclined to believe them if this hadn’t already happened before.

Here’s Josh Norris in a physical drill at #Sens practice.

Norris has been centering a line with Noah Gregor and Michael Amadio. No faceoffs for any players so far during this session. pic.twitter.com/4aOomaHjiF

— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) September 24, 2024

• Although the Sens (kind of) brought their “A” roster to this matchup against the Leafs, they did not bring their “A” game, and that’s fine. Neither team looked particularly sharp. Preseason!
• This was our first good look at Nick Jensen in a Sens jersey, and even though he was paired up with Filip Roos and not a player actually expected to be on the opening night roster, he looked good. I noticed several good offensive plays from him.
• Ridly Greig got hurt after a slew foot in the first period and left the game with an “upper body injury” that the broadcast later clarified was a “dental issue.” So, crisis averted? I guess? 
• The top line of Stützle, Tkachuk and Giroux was absolutely flying all night. Stützle especially was noticeable every single time he hit the ice.
• Sanderson was another standout, but I doubt any of you need me to tell you that. I don't love that he was paired up with Hamonic again, but he didn't let that hinder him, as he even scored the Sens' first goal with a beautiful shot from the slot.
• Forsberg played the whole game, but I can’t say I can draw many conclusions about his play. The one Leafs goal was pretty soft, but aside from that he looked good and wasn’t challenged that much. Still no sign of Ullmark, who apparently tweaked something during camp but is still expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.
• If there’s one thing the city of Ottawa loves, it’s hockey players whose last name ends with “chuk.” Ostapchuk had a great game and even got the game winning goal.

"I'll take that, thanks" - @Z_Ostapchuk10 (probably 🤷‍♂️)#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/0NlohtrnKY

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) September 25, 2024

• The Sens will have another practice day tomorrow before hosting the Sabres on Thursday.