Senators vs Panthers turned into a statement win for Ottawa on Wednesday night. The Senators routed the Florida Panthers 5-1 at Canadian Tire Centre, spoiling Brady Tkachuk’s return to Ottawa and extending their strong start to the season.
After a 1-1 first period, Ottawa scored twice in each of the final two frames. Tim Stützle recorded a power-play goal and an assist, while Stephen Halliday also had a goal and an assist. Jake Sanderson added two assists in his return from an eight-game absence.
Ottawa takes over after the first
Brady Tkachuk, now with Florida, opened the scoring on the power play — but it was all Senators from there. Claude Giroux’s second-period strike proved to be the game-winner, with Shane Pinto, Warren Foegele and Halliday adding insurance.
Ottawa outshot Florida 30-18 and never looked back after seizing control in the second period, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Sanderson’s timely return
Sanderson’s two assists in his first game back from an eight-game absence gave Ottawa’s blue line a major boost. With the win, the Senators continue to build momentum in the early season.
The scoreline reflected Ottawa’s dominance after the first period. Once the Senators found their rhythm, the Panthers had no answer — the forecheck was relentless, the power play clinical, and the goaltending solid when called upon. Stützle’s power-play marker was the pick of the goals, a sweeping team move finished with precision.
For Tkachuk, the homecoming was spoiled in the worst way, though the Ottawa crowd’s warm reception showed the respect he still commands in the city. Florida’s defeat was comprehensive, and the Panthers must regroup quickly. The Senators, meanwhile, are making an early statement: this is a team with serious intentions this season.
Ottawa’s special teams were the difference. The power play struck at key moments while the penalty kill stood firm, and in a game of fine margins, that efficiency proved decisive. The Senators’ coaching staff will be delighted with the discipline and execution on display.
Florida, on the second night of a back-to-back, heads to Pittsburgh on Thursday looking for a quick response.
