GAME DAY: After Impressive Shutout Victory At Carolina, Ottawa Senators Host Pittsburgh on Saturday Night

Nothing could be finer than the win in Carolina on Friday night for the Ottawa Senators. They defeated the Hurricanes 3-0 in a building that historically gives them fits. Linus Ullmark continued his hot hand with his second shutout, tying his career best.

But when the game was over, and his teammates came to congratulate him, Ullmark seemed most excited to celebrate with Shane Pinto. Pinto scored twice in the game, his first goal since opening night and shed a 15-game pointless streak.

Pinto's smile and relief after scoring, along with his teammates' happy reactions, will be one of the more memorable moments of the season.

If the Sens ship has begun to turn around, that game may be regarded as a significant turning point someday. The Senators have now won four of their last five games, and the only blemish is a loss to the Islanders, a game where the Sens were the far better team.

The Senators are right back at it on Saturday night, hosting Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby is 37 now, so Ottawa fans won't get many more chances to see the NHL great in person.

It also the return of Erik Karlsson, one of the most popular players in Senators' history. Karlsson had 101 points for the San Jose Sharks in the 2022-23 season, the most in a season by an NHL defenceman in 30 years. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Karlsson had 56 points last season, and he's on pace for about 50 points again this year.

Like the Senators (14-13-2), the Penguins (13-14-4) are trying to stay within earshot of the Eastern playoff teams. Both are currently two points out of a wild spot.

Tonight will be the final home game for the Senators in the 2024 calendar year. After this, the World Junior Hockey Championships take the building over, sending the Senators on a nine-game road trip, which could make or break their season.

One of the big questions is whether the Sens will give back-to-back starts to Ullmark, who's now won four in a row, giving up just three goals in the process.

Saturday's game starts at 7 pm (SN1, TVAS2).

Related: Ottawa Senators Top Prospect Carter Yakemchuk Not Invited To World Juniors In Ottawa

Related: Finnish Goalie Making a Strong Case For The Number Two Job With the Ottawa Senators Next Season

Related: Former Ottawa Senator Coach Guy Boucher Lands A New Coaching Job