Panthers vs. Senators Recap: Tkachuk Point, Stutzle Under Cash

The Senators beat the Panthers 5-1 in regulation. Florida struck first on a power-play goal at 10:00 of the 1st, and Ottawa answered with a power-play goal of its own at 14:13 of the 1st. From there it was all Senators: two even-strength goals in the 2nd and two more in the 3rd. Ottawa outshot Florida 30-19, and Akira Schmid made 25 saves on 30 shots for Florida. Ottawa used two goalies: Linus Ullmark stopped 17 of 18 in 43:35 and Samuel Ersson stopped the only shot he faced in 16:25. It was a physical, penalty-heavy night, with 44 penalty minutes for Florida, 40 for Ottawa and 42 Florida hits. Four DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

Tim Stutzle under 2.5 shots on goal (-150 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Stutzle had been a low-volume shooter early this season, at 2 or fewer shots in most of his games and averaging 1.7, and Florida has been one of the better teams at limiting shots. - What happened: Stutzle finished with 1 shot on goal, 1.5 under the line. He made it count: his one shot was the power-play goal at 14:13 of the 1st that tied it 1-1, and he set up the final goal at 14:57 of the 3rd. He logged 19:41, including 7:33 on the power play. - Worth watching: Big power-play minutes with low shot volume is the profile for this under. He produced points without needing shots, which is exactly why the under can work even on a good night for him.

Matthew Tkachuk 1+ points (-170 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Tkachuk had a point in nearly every game this season, and with Barkov and Marchand out, he was running the top power play. - What happened: Tkachuk had the primary assist on Florida's only goal, the power-play strike at 10:00 of the 1st. That one assist cleared the line. He played 17:29 with 4:53 on the power play and added 5 hits. - Worth watching: As long as he anchors PP1, his point floor stays high even when the team gets handled.

Seth Jones 2+ shots on goal (-110 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Jones had been getting to 2+ shots in most games, averaging 2.8 on heavy minutes. - What happened: Jones put 3 shots on goal in 21:09, 1.5 over the line. He also picked up the second assist on the 1st-period power-play goal and had 3:45 of power-play time. - Worth watching: Defensemen who play 21-plus minutes and touch the power play keep the 2+ line in range. This one cleared with room.

Matthew Tkachuk under 2.5 shots on goal (-110 at DraftKings): CASHED - Our read: Tkachuk had been more setup man than shooter, at 2 or fewer shots in most games and 1.9 a game. - What happened: He finished with 2 shots on goal, half a shot under the line, while still getting his point as a passer. - Worth watching: Pairing his points over with his shots under fits the same read: he creates for others. It stayed true here.

How the game played out

The 1st period was even, one power-play goal each. Ottawa took over at even strength after that, scoring at 9:34 and 17:18 of the 2nd, then at 7:58 and 14:57 of the 3rd. Florida went one-for-five on the power play and managed 19 shots all night.

Trends to watch

• Florida's power play was the only offense: its one goal came with the man advantage, and Tkachuk and Jones were both on it.
• Ottawa won 62.3 percent of faceoffs and drew 7 power-play chances, but scored only once with the man advantage. Its other four goals came at even strength.
• Stutzle got 7:33 of power-play time, scored on his only shot and added an assist. That usage keeps his point props live even when his shot count is low.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. More NHL game recaps are on the NHL recaps page, the latest board is on the NHL hub, and if you're newer to these, start with what a player prop is.