OTTAWA — In a game filled with intensity and excitement, Brady Tkachuk scored the game-winning goal in overtime, leading the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night. This win marks the Senators' first three-game winning streak of the NHL season, a significant milestone that fans have been eagerly awaiting.

Linus Ullmark, stepping in unexpectedly for starting goalie Anton Forsberg—who suffered a minor injury during warm-ups—delivered an impressive performance with 26 saves. Ullmark had just come off a stellar 3-0 shutout victory against the Carolina Hurricanes the previous night and faced a tough challenge in only his fifth career back-to-back game.

The scoring opened with a stunning goal from Thomas Chabot at 7:34 of the first period, his first in 26 games, taking advantage of a miscalculated moment by Penguins’ goalie Tristan Jarry. Just moments later, Ullmark made a fantastic stick save on Erik Karlsson that prevented what seemed like a sure goal. His performance continued as he made another crucial save against Sidney Crosby, keeping the Senators in the lead.

However, the Penguins fought back; Blake Lizotte evened the score early in the third period. The Senators managed to re-establish a lead shortly after, as a shot from Chabot deflected off Drake Batherson's skate, leaving the Penguins trailing again. Despite the efforts of Kris Letang, who scored for Pittsburgh to keep the game tight, the Senators held strong, supported by Ullmark’s heroic saves and Tkachuk’s strategic play.

TAKEAWAYS:

- The Senators showcased their resilience and adaptability, overcoming fatigue from the night before and controlling substantial stretches of the game.

- Pittsburgh began sluggishly but curbed their momentum in the third period, showcasing their competitive spirit.

KEY MOMENT:

Ullmark's critical save on Erik Karlsson's shot at 9:58 in the first period was pivotal in maintaining the Senators’ momentum early in the game.

KEY STAT:

Remarkably, the Senators have scored first in their last six games, achieving a record of 5-0-1 in that stretch.

Looking ahead, the Senators will embark on a rigorous road trip, consisting of nine straight away games, as the Canadian Tire Centre will host the World Junior Hockey Championship. Their next challenge will be against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Penguins will return home to face the Los Angeles Kings on the same day.

This thrilling match showcased the determination and skill that Ottawa brings to the ice, and fans can only hope that this momentum will carry through the grueling road ahead!