Senators Win in OT, Yakemchuk Continues to Push for Roster Spot

By the way the Ottawa Senators handled the aftermath of the Montreal Canadiens preseason game, it seems like they have the same mindset as the rest of the fanbase. That mindset being, can we just start the regular season already? Having seen Tkachuk, Chabot, and Stutzle leave the Canadiens game early, the Senators decided to ice a lineup without most of their top players last night, choosing to call up several AHL players to take on the Detroit Red Wings in their second last preseason game. No Sanderson, no Norris, no Chabot, (this list could go on for a while), no problem! The Senators struggled through a rough first period but found their legs in the second half of the game. Noah Gregor scored the overtime winner as the Senators beat the Red Wings 4-3. Let’s dive into the details.

READ MORE: The Ottawa Senators Path Back to the Playoffs

Carter Yakemchuk Continues to Impress

This feels like a repetitive headline at this point. Yakemchuk, like the rest of the team, didn’t have a great first half of the game. By the end of the game, though, he once again left his mark. He played over 24 minutes, the most of any Senator, and registered two assists, including feeding Noah Gregor for the overtime game winner. He’s now at seven points through four games, making him one of the most productive preseason players in the NHL. Yakemchuk has done his part in earning some regular season games. It’s just up to Steve Staios and company to decide if they feel that’s what makes the most sense for his development.

Up and Down Start for Forsberg

This was shades of last season from Anton Forsberg. He would certainly like to have the second goal back, and probably the third as well. To his credit, he fought through the weak goals to make some key saves and wound up with the win in a 30 save effort.

Make no mistake about it, this is a massive eyar for Forsberg. He’s at the end of his contract, coming off a bad season, and Mads Sogaard is pushing to be a full-time NHL goalie for next season. He’s also backing up a goalie in Linus Ullmark that hasn’t exactly been a workhorse in the NHL, having never played more than 49 games in a season. Forsberg needs to have a good year to help the Senators compete for a playoff spot, and to help earn his next NHL contract. This type of game didn’t exactly provide a ton of clarity in regards to what form Forsberg is in as we close in on the regular season.

Depth Forward Battles Rages On

Noah Gregor has earned a spot on the Senators fourth line to start the season. To go along with his two goals, he ate up over four and a half minutes on the penalty kill. His speed is an asset to have as the Senators look to replace Mathieu Joseph. The rest of the fourth line is more of a mystery. Adam Gaudette scored another goal, giving him four goals in four games. Jan Jenik continues to play with some bite to his game. It’s easy to envision him fitting in with the likes of Nick Cousins and Ridly Greig. Zack MacEwan showed up on the stat sheet with an assist and 10 penalty minutes.

With one final preseason game to be played tonight against the Montreal Canadiens, these guys will likely have one last chance to impress Travis Green and end up on the roster for the start of the regular season.