Senators Clobber Leafs 5-2 To Move To Within Three Points Of Red Wings For Playoff Spot
The Senators outshot Toronto 43-14 but the Leafs briefly made the game close in the third period.
Jordan Spence and Tyler Kleven each helped set up two goals on Saturday night as the Ottawa Senators rolled to a 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, outshooting them 43-14 in the process. The Senators looked to have the game well in hand, building a 3-0 second-period lead before Toronto pushed back. The Leafs clawed their way to within one, but Michael Amadio’s third-period goal poured cold water on the embers of a comeback, before Ridly Greig’s late marker ultimately sealed the win.
Ottawa also got goals from Tim Stützle, Claude Giroux, and Warren Foegele, who now has four goals in eight games since joining the club. Easton Cowan led the way for Toronto with a goal and an assist, while John Tavares added the other Leafs goal. This was a game the Senators absolutely had to have, and not just because they're right in the thick of the playoff chase.
The circumstances were clearly tilted in their favour. Toronto has gone from first to worst in the Atlantic this season and is now playing out the string. They were already without Auston Matthews due to a knee injury, and had also lost Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton to trades at the deadline two weeks ago.
Just before puck drop, the Leafs were dealt another blow when Morgan Rielly was ruled out. But the headaches didn't end there. After preparing all day to be the backup, Joseph Woll was forced into action after William Nylander’s shot struck starter Anthony Stolarz in the throat area during warmups.