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The Ottawa Senators Lose Centre for Remainder of Ranger Game

It is difficult that injuries are starting to pile up for the Ottawa Senators. In tonight’s game versus the New York Rangers, we found out early in the second period that centre Shane Pinto would miss the remainder of the contest with a lower-body injury. He had taken a hit from Mika Zibanejad into the boards in the first period of action. If this turns out to be anything of an extended timetable, this could be a major concern for the Ottawa Senators. The Sens strongly rely on their depth in the middle of the ice to wear down teams.

Shane Pinto Leaves Ranger Game With Lower-Body Injury

The Ottawa Senators were already without Thomas Chabot, Lars Eller and Artem Zub for tonight’s game versus the Rangers. The Eller and Zub injuries were noted as being just day-to-day. However, if any other pieces go down, it might be time for general manager Steve Staios to act on the rumours circulating. The Sens have been known to search for an upgrade at forward, going back to, at least, May.

Senator insider Bruce Garrioch reported at the intermission that Thomas Chabot is at least a week away from beginning to skate. The Senators do not want to rush him back and risk further injury.

What About the (Potential) Loss of Pinto

The loss for Pinto is in particularly costly, as he is a very important part of the Sens. He plays on the best line along with Michael Amadio and Claude Giroux. That trio is ticking along with an expected goal percentage of 69.4 entering play tonight. Personally, Pinto is on pace for career highs in goals, points, hits, and shots on goal. He’s already up to 12 goals, 18 points, 65 shots, and 34 hits. This isn’t to mention his overall elevated play, that had him in Team USA conversation for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. Let’s just hope this is another, day-to-day thing. If it isn’t don’t expect Staios to stand idly by.

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

About Levi Pike, Editor

Levi Pike is an editor and writer here at Last Word on Hockey. He has lived all over Canada but grew up in Nanaimo, BC. Currently, he lives with his loving wife, three kids, and dog in the capital of the Easterly most province of Canada, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. He’s passionate about hockey, in particular, the Ottawa Senators and statistics. He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Statistics at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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