For the second year in a row, and for very different reasons, the Senators head into the historically unkind month of November without Shane Pinto.
Shane Pinto's absence from the Ottawa Senators due to an undisclosed week-to-week injury is poised to have significant repercussions for the team as they navigate the tortured month of November.
Historically, the Senators have fared much better with Pinto in the lineup, boasting a record of 76-58-12 compared to just 46-65-8 without him. This stark contrast underscores his value to the team.
Pinto’s contributions extend beyond just his presence in the lineup. The Senators have a remarkable 42-10-6 record when he registers at least one point, highlighting his role as a catalyst for offensive production. As the Sens look for consistent scoring in their bottom six, Pinto’s absence will make that much more difficult.
Notably, this season alone, the Senators are 3-0-0 in games where Pinto has recorded a point. His ability to contribute offensively is vital and takes some pressure off of some of the other top players to score every night.
As the Senators continue to be without at least one of their top three centers, as they have been for much of the past three seasons, they are left to contend with the challenge of filling that void.
When Pinto, along with Tim Stützle and Josh Norris, are all in the lineup, the team has an impressive record of 29-15-3. This shows that the trio is crucial for the Senators' success, as they not only provide scoring but also help solidify the team's overall structure down the middle of the ice.
Furthermore, the absence of David Perron, in addition to Pinto, is a tough blow for Ottawa. The line of Perron, Pinto, and Michael Amadio has emerged as one of the league’s most effective combinations, ranking 4th among forward lines with a minimum of 30 minutes played together (MoneyPuck). The chemistry and synergy developed by this line are critical to the Senators' success in suppressing scoring chances against from other teams’ top players
With Pinto sidelined, the Senators face an uphill battle to maintain their competitive edge. Especially heading into a month that has haunted them in recent years. As they adapt to his absence for the time being, the team will need to find ways to compensate for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, which could ultimately determine their performance in the coming weeks.
The Senators will be looking to their remaining centers to step up and fill the gap left by Pinto, as they aim towards a potential playoff spot.