Jacques Martin, who replaced DJ Smith on the Ottawa Senators bench, had to wait longer than he would have liked to get his first win in his new role, but that is now over as his players beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 defeated overtime Saturday at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Since returning as head coach of the Ottawa club, Martin has seen his team lose a lead of two goals or more twice in a row. That was the case again this time, but the Senators ended up winning in overtime.
Tim Stützle scored the winning goal in extra time by playing alone in front of Alex Nedeljkovic. Additionally, Brady Tkachuk had a productive night, collecting a total of three points (one goal and two assists).
Josh Norris, Erik Brannstrom and Jakob Chychrun were the other scorers for the formation of the state capital. Drew O'Connor, Lars Eller and Rickard Rakell responded for the Penguins. Kris Letang had a goal and an assist while Reilly Smith had two assists.
This win allows Ottawa to end its six-game losing streak. If the Pens had won on Saturday, they would have recorded their fourth win in their last five games.
Matthews' craziness continues
Auston Matthews impressed again in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The American scored another brace, taking his goal tally since the start of the season to 28.
If he continues at this pace, he will finish the season with 76 goals. John Tavares and William Nylander also set the tone for the guests. As for the Blue Jackets, Justin Danforth is the only one who managed to fool the guard of Martin Jones. The latter made 27 saves on 28 shots.
Also note that Columbus forward Sean Kuraly left the game at the end of the first period after being hit. Paramedics were called to help. The team announced on X that he was later taken to the hospital with an abdominal injury. His condition is not considered serious.
A 550th career for Fleury
Marc-André Fleury recorded his 550th career victory thanks to the Minnesota Wild's 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins.
The Quebecer is now just one win away from Patrick Roy and second place in the rankings for most wins by a career goaltender in the National Hockey League. Martin Brodeur is in first place with 691 wins.
On Saturday, Fleury made 19 saves on 21 shots.
His teammates, after allowing the first goal of the game, scored three unanswered goals thanks to Joel Eriksson Ek, Kirill Kaprizov and Marcus Foligno. David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie gave the Bruins a red light.