The line of Shane Pinto, Michael Amadio, and Ridly Greig has been a breath of fresh air for Ottawa Senator fans. They’re also a big part of the reason why the Sens found themselves clinching a playoff spot with some games left in the 2024-25 NHL regular season. In fact, after yesterday’s matinée victory against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Sens secured the top Eastern Conference wild card spot. So let’s analyze the impact this line has played in helping the Sens secure their first playoff berth since way back in 2017.
The Senators GAP Line, Better Known as Greig, Amadio, Pinto
They always seem to make smart little plays. That is especially so along the boards, where each of them is known to being hard on the puck. Moreover, they each can grind, have some hands, and have good hockey sense. They’re not afraid to go to the dirty areas, and they mix in enough skill to keep defensive matchups on their heels.
Looking at each of the individuals, they come to the current role from differing pathways. First of all, Shane Pinto has been behind Joshua Norris and Tim Stutzle, and now Dylan Cozens. He is basically the perfect third line, two-way centre. The statistics that are noteworthy are as follows. If Pinto gets a goal, the Sens are 14-0-1 on the year. Additionally, if he even registers a point, as he did yesterday, they’re an incredible 25-1-1. Talk about being lucky.
The Cup Winner of the Greig, Amadio, Pinto Line
This is Michael Amadio‘s second time in Ottawa after a brief five-game stint in 2020-21. Since that time the nearly 29-year-old has matured, that includes becoming a Stanley Cup champion with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. Furthermore, he not only brings needed playoff experience to the Sens, but he can be productive as well. He has a good snapper and can bulge twine when the opportunity presents itself. That cup run with Vegas saw him post ten points in 16 games. Meanwhile, this year in Ottawa he is putting up career marks. His 16 assists and 28 points are both career highs.
Finally, the last piece of the line is one of the fan favourites on this Sens roster. Greig can do it all and always leaves it all out there on the table. What a bunch of beauties this line has when it comes down to it. There are a big part of the reason that the Sens win hockey games. In addition, for Greig, this is only his second full season in the show. He is also putting up personal bests. 13 goals (tied with last year), 20 assists, and 33 points (career highs).
If we check out there statistics as a line, we continue to be impressed. The Sens have five line combinations who have played more than 120 minutes. The line of Greig, Amadio, and Pinto ranks second on the team with a 54.6 xGoals%. Moreover, the line that is ahead of them doesn’t exist anymore since the Cozens – Norris trade. So, even though the line is overly offensive as a third line, they generate more than any of the Sens regular line combinations.
How Will It All Play Out
One final note, and that is on the arrival on the scene of Hayden Hodgson and the toughness factor he brings. Fans of the Belleville Senators know what he can do with his 156 penalty minutes in 43 games. In addition, he does understand how to generate offensively, with some puck skills and always looking to put pucks on net. It seems like he is a perfect addition if you want some physicality come springtime hockey.
So, there you have it. A look at the Ottawa Senators GAP line. The Sens have the top end taken care of with the likes of Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, and Brady Tkachuk, along with a few others. Moreover, this season they have been able to shore up the rest of the lines, in particular the third line. Also, with guys like Hodgson or Nick Cousins in the fold, there lineup is looking more and more complete. This group still has a lot of learning to do. But who knows, with a solid performance from Linus Ullmark, they could give fits to either of their first round opponents. With the Sens clinching the top WC spot, their opponent will either be the Tampa Bay Lightning or the Toronto Maple Leafs. In any case, Go Sens Go!
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
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