In the win, Brady Tkachuk and Chris Tierney broke goal droughts while Alex Formenton scored his 10th of the season, as Three Thoughts examines.
Goal droughts broken
Not one, but two goal droughts were broken Tuesday night.
Brady Tkachuk snapped a 15-game goalless streak that dated back to Dec. 14, 2021, while Chris Tierney scored his first goal in 32 games.
Tkachuk ended his drought 71 seconds into the game as from the left corner, behind the goal line, he threw the puck out front where he had targeted Adam Gaudette but it hit Sebastian Aho and went past Antii Raanta.
"It was wearing a little bit and I was getting frustrated," Tkachuk said of his scoreless streak. "For those types of things you have to work through it. There were plenty of chances throughout that drought but that first one doesn't happen without Gauds going to the net."
Tierney got his first goal since Nov. 2, 2021, at 2:54 as he picked off an Ethan Bear pass at the blue line and walked in and ripped a bardown shot past Raanta. The goal ultimately wound up being the game-winner too, the 15th of his career.
"When you're in a drought it's always a relief to score," Tierney said. "It's frustrating when you get chances and they aren't going in so it was nice to finally get one."
Formenton reaches double digits
Alex Formenton's impressive season reached new heights Tuesday as for the first time in his NHL career he reached double digits in goals.
The Barrie native buried his 10th goal of the season in the first period last night as Connor Brown's pass from behind the net found Formenton who would make no mistake.
"His speed off the puck, with the puck, he's finishing checks, he's dangerous every night," Sens head coach D.J. Smith said.
Formenton became the fourth Senator to get to double digits this season after Josh Norris (18), Tkachuk (14) and Drake Batherson (13). His 21 points are the seventh most on the Sens.
However, with 40 games still left to play this season, the speedy winger is looking to build on his strong first half.
"I just want to be comfortable with the puck and have confidence," Formenton said. "Be able to make plays. With more ice time, I want to perform."
Sens dominate season series against Canes
The Hurricanes, who have the fourth most points in the NHL this season, have lost just 10 times in regulation this season.
The Senators have contributed to 20 per cent of that number.
With Tuesday's win, the Sens concluded its season series with the Canes with a 2-0-1 record as they collected five of a possible six points.
"The message in our room is that's the kind of team we want to emulate," Tkachuk said. "They have so much skill and great players but the number one thing is they work. Top to bottom, they work.
"They're a Stanley Cup contender for a reason and that's a team down the road we want to be like."
Their win in Raleigh on Dec. 2 began the turnaround of the Sens' season. They entered that game 4-15-1 and since a 3-2 win that night, Ottawa has gone 12-7-3.
Carolina won 3-2 in a shootout Jan. 27 at Canadian Tire Centre before the Sens' 4-3 win Tuesday.
Of Formenton's 10 goals this year, four have come against Carolina, and all came during 5-on-5 action.
"No secret [to the success]," Formenton said with a smile. "I just try and take each game with the same mentality of outworking the opponent and using my speed as my asset."
