Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto marked his return to the ice on Sunday in a 5-3 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers, concluding a suspension that sidelined him for the initial 41 games due to NHL sanctions related to “activities related to sports wagering.” Pinto, aged 23, boasted an impressive record of 20 goals and 15 assists in 82 games for the Senators in the preceding season.
The league’s investigation failed to uncover any proof of Pinto betting on NHL games, offering limited details, and Pinto has refrained from disclosing specifics in recent interviews.
Taking to the ice as the second center, Pinto made a notable impact, contributing an assist to Tim Stützle’s second-period goal. The struggling Senators, currently residing in the last spot in the Eastern Conference with 33 points, eagerly anticipated Pinto’s return, with interim coach Jacques Martin expressing expectations of an energy boost. Martin emphasized the need for Pinto to maintain a simple game and adapt swiftly to the pace.
“He’ll bring a lot of energy,” Senators interim coach Jacques Martin said prior to Sunday’s game. “But he’s got to keep the game simple and try to adjust on the fly to the pace of the game.”
Pinto had previously issued an apology in October upon the announcement of his suspension, expressing remorse to the NHL, Ottawa Senators, teammates, fans, the city of Ottawa, and his family. He assumed full responsibility for his actions and expressed eagerness to rejoin his team on the ice.
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