Shane Pinto Powers Senators Past Avalanche in Hard-Fought 4-3 Victory

Shane Pinto tallied two goals and an assist on Thursday night to lift the Ottawa Senators to a 4-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado stayed within striking distance thanks to goals from Gabriel Landeskog, Artturi Lehkonen, and Parker Kelly, but Ottawa held firm in the final stretch.

Shane Pinto delivered an electric three-point performance on Thursday night, propelling the Ottawa Senators to an exhilarating 4-3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Despite navigating a lineup thinned by notable injuries, Ottawa controlled the tempo during crucial stretches to lock down the one-goal victory during the 2026-27 NHL Regular Season.

Colorado mounted a persistent attack all night, generating tallies from Gabriel Landeskog, Artturi Lehkonen, and Parker Kelly. Even so, the Avalanche could not quite bridge the deficit in a tense, hard-fought matchup from opening puck drop to the final horn.

The decisive moment

Ottawa seized firm control by converting high-danger chances in the offensive zone, orchestrated largely by Pinto's sharp instincts around the net. When Colorado applied sustained pressure late in regulation, the Senators clamped down defensively to protect the one-goal edge.

By the numbers

Shane Pinto (OTT): 2 goals, 1 assist, driving three of Ottawa's four tallies on the night.
Gabriel Landeskog (COL): 1 goal, helping lead Colorado's offensive charge.
Artturi Lehkonen (COL): 1 goal, providing secondary scoring for the visitors.
Parker Kelly (COL): 1 goal, finding the back of the net against his former squad.
1 goal: The final scoring margin separating the two clubs in a tight contest.

Pinto's multi-goal showing supplied just enough separation to hold off Colorado's balanced three-scorer response.

What it means

For Ottawa, capturing a tight victory demonstrates valuable lineup grit while William Eklund, Warren Foegele, and Nick Cousins remain out. Eklund continues his extended recovery following ankle surgery, making prime offensive contributions from key forwards like Pinto essential.

For Colorado, producing three goals despite missing superstar contributors Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar highlights significant offensive depth. Nevertheless, the Avalanche will look to tighten defensive gaps and hope for swift returns from their top playmakers.

What to watch next

Ottawa looks to maintain this momentum and continue leaning on Pinto's hot stick in upcoming action. Meanwhile, Colorado shifts its focus toward regrouping defensively while monitoring the day-to-day statuses of MacKinnon and Makar.