Sens open post-Tkachuk era with victory over Leafs

TORONTO – In Ottawa’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, Thomas Chabot led the Senators in a thrilling debut as team captain. Chabot contributed both a goal and an assist in his first game as leader of the Ottawa Senators following his trade from the Florida Panthers in June. "It's fun to be back home and watch some hockey at 7 p.m. on TV, but you want to be the team out there," said Chabot.

Ottawa goaltender Linus Ullmark made 27 saves in the win, despite a 3-2 loss due to the re-aggravated lower-body injury of No. 1 blueliner Jake Sanderson. The Senators, without Artem Zub, managed to hold onto a lead and evened the score at 2-2 in the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Stephen Halliday secured the win midway through a spotless third period when he swatted home a loose puck with the power play expired.

Ottawa's defence, led by Chabot, showed great structure and refused to allow Toronto's star-studded attack featuring Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Kirill Marchenko to get an extra attacker in the final minutes. The victory was a great start for the Senators, who play at home and feel extra emotion.