Stutzle keeps Senators perfect as Vasilevskiy hits milestone: Atlantic Division roundup

The Atlantic Division’s Monday slate underlined two storylines at the top: Ottawa is still perfect after a statement win in Boston, while Tampa Bay rode a milestone performance from Andrei Vasilevskiy to stay near the front of the pack. In Montreal, all eyes are on injuries and lineup decisions before an early measuring-stick game against Carolina.

Undefeated Senators roll through Boston without Sanderson

In Boston, Tim Stutzle took over. The Ottawa centre scored twice and added an assist in a 4-1 win over the Bruins, keeping the Senators undefeated to start the year. Ottawa now leads the Atlantic with 4 points from two games (2-0-0), nudging ahead of a crowded group at 4 points.

The early success comes as the blue line deals with a significant absence. Defenceman Jake Sanderson was injured Saturday in Toronto and has been sent back to Ottawa, where he will miss at least the next two games. Behind the bench, Travis Green is starting his third season as head coach, leaning on continuity and an established identity without Brady Tkachuk, and with Thomas Chabot now wearing the C. Looking ahead, Ottawa is also part of Alex Ovechkin’s farewell tour, with the Capitals captain scheduled to play two of his nine final regular-season games in Canada in the nation’s capital.

Vasilevskiy milestone keeps Lightning close, Bruins stall

In Tampa, the Lightning handled the Flyers 4-1. Andrei Vasilevskiy needed just 13 saves for his 372nd career win, tying Andy Moog for 20th on the NHL’s all-time list. The result moves Tampa Bay to 2-1-0 and 4 points through three games, good for second place in the Atlantic, just behind Ottawa and ahead of Florida and Boston on tiebreakers.

For the Bruins, the 4-1 loss to Ottawa was a step back after a .500 start. They drop to 2-2-0 with 4 points in four games, still in the mix but briefly looking up at the streaking Senators.

Canadiens juggling lineup, Leafs patient, Red Wings in turmoil

In Montreal, Monday was all about preparation for the home opener against the defending Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes. Martin St. Louis is weighing whether to give playoff regulars another shot or to insert Arber Xhekaj, Oliver Kapanen, Adam Engstrom and Samuel Montembeault. Star winger Ivan Demidov missed practice for a therapy day, and his status looms large after a 6-5 loss in Pittsburgh reignited questions about the Canadiens’ defensive play.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic, the Toronto Maple Leafs are choosing patience with their second line. Gavin McKenna and his unit have yet to record a point through three games, but the club is resisting early overhauls. In Detroit, the mood is far more tense. The Red Wings are described as spiralling: Simon Edvinsson is reportedly seeking a trade, Dylan Larkin has been booed at home, and pressure is building on the organization even as reports suggest the team has shifted to pursuing a long-term deal with Edvinsson. In the background, NHLPA executive Ron Hainsey pushed back against Gary Bettman’s recent comments on no-trade and no-move clauses, an issue that resonates with veterans across this division.