Senators open season with a 3-2 victory over the Maple Leafs

The Ottawa Senators kicked off their 2024 season with a hard-fought 3-2 triumph over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night at the Scotiabank Arena. Stephen Halliday scored the game-winning goal with just seconds left in the third period, as Ottawa held on to secure their first victory of the campaign. Thomas Chabot, who made his debut as team captain, contributed a goal and an assist in his first game leading the Senators, while Michael Amadio provided the remaining offensive firepower for Ottawa.

Claude Giroux added two assists to the night's production. Auston Matthews and Kirill Marchenko found the back of the net for Toronto, with the latter marking his NHL debut with a goal. Sergei Bobrovsky made 26 saves for the Maple Leafs, while Linus Ullmark made 27 stops for the Senators. The Maple Leafs are currently 1-2 on the season, while Ottawa begins their season record at 3-0.

Chabot opened the scoring for the Senators with 1:08 remaining in the first period, equalizing the game when he redirected Morgan Rielly's point shot from close range 33 seconds into the second period. Marchenko, acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets just prior to the season, added a goal in the second period after being set up by a power play.

Amadio tied the game again midway through the third period with a 2-on-1 assist from Tim Stutzle. Halliday secured the victory with a well-taken goal just as a penalty expired. The Senators will next take on the Boston Bruins in a matchup on Monday night, while the Maple Leafs will host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday night.