Senators Stifle Rangers with Historic Defensive Performance
NEW YORK (AP) — In a stunning display of defensive resilience, the Ottawa Senators defeated the New York Rangers 2-1 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, holding their opponents to a mere nine shots on goal. This marks the fewest shots allowed by the Senators in franchise history and the Rangers’ lowest shot total since December 11, 1955, when they also recorded nine shots against Detroit.1 It’s also the fewest shots any NHL team has conceded in over two decades, predating the introduction of the salary cap.
Injury-Ravaged Defense Shines
The Senators’ remarkable achievement was made even more impressive by the fact that they played more than half the game with only four defensemen. Injuries to Thomas Chabot (right arm) and Lassi Thomson (lower body) forced Ottawa to navigate a significant defensive disadvantage.4 Chabot was injured late in the first period after a stick-to-arm contact with Rangers captain J.T. Miller, while Thomson exited in the second period.
Pinto and Foegele Lead the Way
Shane Pinto opened the scoring for the Senators in the first period, and Warren Foegele added the game-winning goal in the second.4 Foegele, acquired by Ottawa in a trade with Los Angeles, has scored five goals in his last nine games.
Reimer Praises Team Effort
Ottawa goaltender James Reimer expressed his admiration for his teammates’ performance. “The boys played great,” Reimer said.1 He also acknowledged the mental challenge of facing so few shots, stating, “These games are a lot harder than a 30- or a 40-shot night…You’re not in a rhythm. You’re not feeling it.”4
Looking Ahead
Coach Travis Green indicated that Chabot and Thomson will be sidelined for an extended period and that the team will call up two replacements before their next game against the Detroit Red Wings.4 Ottawa is already without Jake Sanderson (possibly out another week) and Nick Jensen (recovering from knee surgery). Jordan Spence led the Senators’ defensemen in ice time, logging a career-high 26 minutes and 44 seconds.4 The Senators’ victory boosts their playoff push as they continue to fight for a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Rangers Struggle to Generate Offense
Rangers captain J.T. Miller lamented his team’s performance, stating, “They were better than us…We just didn’t have it. I don’t know what to say. We got outplayed, got outcompeted — things that we’re just not OK with as a group.”4
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