OTTAWA — On a night that Erik Karlsson’s return and Bobby Ryan’s healthy scratch were set to be the main storylines, Nick Paul had a different idea in mind.

The Senators forward stole the evening with a single-game career-high three points, including the game-winner, in a 5-2 victory over the Sharks Sunday – hefty numbers for Paul who was placed on waivers during training camp.

“The puck ended up going my way. It happens sometimes. It’s what I’ve been working for. It’s what I’ve been doing all summer. It’s nice to get going that way, and getting some confidence,” Paul said following the win.

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Brady Tkachuk, who also recorded three points in the win, credited Paul’s visit to a local seafood restaurant for his success.

“[Nick] was saying he’s going to go to the Red Lobster every night from now on. He went there last night. I don’t want to say it, but he had a tough stomach this afternoon. I think he’s going to have to do it before every game now," Tkachuk said with a smile.

While many hockey players are superstitious, Paul’s renewed confidence is something the Mississauga, Ont. native has had on full display since being recalled from the Sens' AHL-affiliate Belleville.

In 56 games over the last four seasons with Ottawa, the 24-year-old winger garnered just four goals and eight points in limited ice time. Thanks to an offensive outburst against the Sharks, he already has four points in just six games to kick off 2019-20.

Fresh off a 2018-19 AHL campaign where he compiled a professional career-high 39 points (16 goals, 23 assists) in 43 games, Paul found himself waived during training camp in September. But instead of letting his confidence fall, he kept honing his game.

“I think my biggest asset when I was in the AHL was skating with the puck. I’ve been getting a little more confidence with my skating. Instead of making a quick play," the 2015 Canadian World Junior gold medalist explained. "I’m using my feet, using my legs - skating with the puck, creating space. It’s helping me a lot. If I want to chip it in, I can still chip it in. Moving my legs is definitely creating more space for me out there."

Nick Paul, buy yourself a dang house in Ottawa. Or Kanata if you like the suburbs. Whatever you prefer.



Anywhoooo #Sens up 2-1 pic.twitter.com/UerGETTo8G — Hailey Salvian (@hailey_salvian) October 27, 2019

As much as Paul’s confidence is shining through today, that wasn’t always the case. Being waived twice previously, the 6-3, 219-pound forward was forced to deal with the cruel part of the sport at a young age, and with time, had to build himself back up.

“It’s tough. It’s definitely a mental battle. Especially, the more times you’re sent down, your chances limit. My first couple of years, I was really tough on myself. I was my worst critic. I went through a meditation process where I started meditating and letting everything go," Paul said in a TSN1200 interview. "I had a problem with bundling everything up, keeping the stress on myself, which ended up making me crack — where as now, it’s “Okay, I got rid of it. I’m good.' Before I would be like, 'Don’t mess this pass up.' And what happens? I’d mess that pass up. Now I’ve changed my mindset. It’s like, 'Okay, make that pass. What is the next play?' Now I don’t worry about the outcome — just make that outcome happen.”

Elevated to skating on a line with centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Connor Brown, Paul is drawing a rave review from D.J. Smith.

“He was the best-conditioned guy in training camp. He won the award. He doesn’t get tired. He works in practice. He’s been humbled. He’s been through waivers a bunch of times. It’s hard not to pull for a guy like that. He’s doing everything he can to stay in the league. He’s been good for us,” said the Senators bench boss.

If anything has been gained by Paul over his six games played to date, it’s that he’s unlikely to clear waivers if there is a next time.