Senators off to best start in 12 years with 4-1 record after Nashville comeback

The Ottawa Senators are off to their best start in 12 years, improving to 4-1 on Saturday night with a 3-2 comeback victory over the Nashville Predators at Canadian Tire Centre.

Tim Stützle, 24, has been the standout performer, recording 4 goals and 8 points in the Senators' first five games with a plus-five rating. Against Nashville, Stützle played more than 26 minutes, contributed a goal and an assist, and scored the shootout winner. Coach Travis Green cautioned that he will need to monitor Stützle's minutes. "I've got to watch Tim's minutes because he likes to play a lot," Green said Saturday.

Goalkeeper Linus Ullmark has been equally impressive, stopping 81 of 86 shots faced with a 1.34 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage. In the Nashville game, Ullmark made 16 stops, including a crucial save on Roman Josi's breakaway late in the third period and a final save on Steven Stamkos in the shootout. "He's been great from training camp on. He's looked sharp. He played great again (Saturday night). He made a couple of big saves when we needed him," Green said.

The Senators are managing injuries to key players. Jake Sanderson has been out since the season opener against Toronto on October 3 and remains out indefinitely, skating on his own rather than with the team. Defenceman Artem Zub, injured in April with a knee injury, has resumed skating with teammates and is expected to return soon. Forward Cam Crotty was placed on injured reserve Sunday after being a late scratch Thursday, with Green noting he "wasn't feeling well" following the team's skate. Winger William Eklund is likely out for at least two games.

Despite the roster gaps, the team travels to New Jersey Monday night for a match against the Devils at Prudential Center.