Known collectively on this particular page as the Holy Trinity of Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa Senators and their chief rivals in Montreal and Toronto are off and running (some faster than others) in the drag race known as the 2024-25 NHL season.
As we’ve discovered though, it’s not so much a race as a lengthy, wearying marathon. One that starts in early October and ends (for some) in springtime while for others the run-walk-jog-or-sprint wraps up well into the summertime.
Those in Ottawa also recognize that as ‘important’ as the games are in March and April – as we approach the playoffs – games near or at the start of the season can be even more so.
With that in mind and with the first week of hockey in the books, let’s visit the good and the bad for the trio.
OTTAWA SENATORS
The good: Well, for one, goals and scoring in general don’t appear to be much of an issue.
The Senators laid a licking on a usually defensively sound squad from Los Angeles this past week. Eight goals? Fun to watch.
From a player perspective, Senators’ brass has to be ecstatic with the starts from both Tim Stutzle (three goals, six points), Josh Norris (four points) and the emerging Jake Sanderson.
Stutzle’s wrist troubles from last year appear to be mended, while cross-your-fingers Norris appears healthy.
The standout though is Sanderson who’s taken yet another step in his game. He’s next level and it looks like he’s well on his way to being a top-end blueliner league-wide.
The bad: Goals are good, sure, but letting ‘em in at an alarming rate? Not so much.
In their three games, prior to tonight’s tilt with New Jersey, Ottawa’s surrendered 12 markers. The bulk of the damage came against LA when the Kings put up a seven-spot.
Concerning as well is the health of newbie Linus Ullmark, who won’t play again tonight due to ‘stiffness’ (whatever that means). That suggests it’s another test for Anton Forsberg whose goals-against average is slightly higher than a Justin Trudeau inflation rate. Rookie Mads Sogaard has been equally ineffective.
The blueline took a hit as well as steady Artem Zub is out for a period (concussion), and it appears as if Thomas Chabot is already travelling on another bumpy road of health.
MONTREAL CANADIENS
The good: 2020 was an extraordinarily strong draft year for the Ottawa Senators (Stutzle, Sanderson and Ridley Greig in the first round), but don’t fall asleep on Montreal.
Picking at No. 16, the Habs picked westerner Kaiden Guhle.
Guhle’s taken another step and thrust forward, a la Sanderson, and he’s quickly establishing himself as a top-end defenceman. Through Montreal’s first four games, Guhle’s nabbed four points and put up a stunning +6 in the plus-minus rankings.
Les Canadiens also took care of a troubling monkey on their back with a convincing win over Ottawa this week. The Senators have had Montreal’s number for seemingly the last decade.
The bad: As with Ottawa, injuries have been key.
Heading the charts is Patrik Laine who is out until likely Christmas, or further, with a pre-season knee injury.
Montreal’s Jekyll & Hyde defensive play saw them shut out Toronto on opening night, hold Ottawa to a goal a few nights later. In between, the Canadiens allowed six to both Pittsburgh (last night) and Boston (one week ago).
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
The good: The buy-in to new coach Craig Berube’s tight system.
The Buds were run-and-gun under Sheldon Keefe and now they’ve adopted a more mature and responsible approach under The Chief.
It surely doesn’t make them a whole heckuva lot more entertaining to watch but if Toronto can stay the course, this is how you win in the playoffs.
Other goodies?
Newcomers Anthony Stolarz (in particular: 1.70 GAA and a .940 save percentage) and Chris Tanev have been exceptional. Tanev was just what the team needed – again, more maturity and strength on the blueline.
Bobby McMann, on the outs with Berube early on, has found his wings and has put up three goals in his three games played.
The bad: Well now, if I told you Auston Matthews had zero goals through his first three games would you proffer a field sobriety test?
Not to worry, Team Toronto, your new captain found the back of the net last night.
And we’d also like to share on the Leafs’ goaltending, as it’s not been all good news. Pencilled in as the team’s No. 1, surprise-surprise, Joseph Woll is once again on the shelf with, once again, a mystery injury. Not good at all.
thegrossgame@yahoo.com
PHOTO: Courtesy Ottawa Citizen