Carter Yakemchuk Shines in Ottawa Senators’ Preseason Victory

Carter Yakemchuk made an impressive debut for the Ottawa Senators just three months after being drafted in the first round of the National Hockey League (NHL) draft. The 18-year-old defenseman scored the game-winning goal in a 6-5 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday night. Yakemchuk carried the puck across the ice before slipping it past Maple Leafs’ goaltender Matt Murray with a backhand shot.

His unexpected play was a surprise to many, including the Senators’ new head coach, Travis Green. “I was thinking he (Yakemchuk) should probably get rid of it (the puck), but then he decides to go all the way and score,” Green admitted during a press conference following this preseason matchup.

The game featured a flurry of goals, especially in the third period, as both teams continuously exchanged scores. The Leafs managed to force overtime when William Nylander scored against goalie Mads Sogaard with just 22 seconds remaining in regulation. Sogaard faced a total of 37 shots throughout the game.

Senators’ Cole Reinhardt scored twice, and summer acquisition Jan Jenik contributed four points, including a goal. Adam Gaudette and defenseman Donovan Sebrango also scored for the Senators. “Anytime you win a game, it’s a good feeling,” said Green, noting that he had not included many veterans in the lineup. Only Thomas Chabot, Drake Batherson, and Shane Pinto donned their uniforms.

In contrast, the Maple Leafs fielded a stronger lineup including stars Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares. The two teams are set to face off again on Tuesday at the Canadian Tire Centre.

This report includes contributions from The Canadian Press.