Ottawa Senators Face Setback Against Montreal Canadiens
In a gut-wrenching defeat that ended 6-5 in overtime against the Montreal Canadiens, the Ottawa Senators faced yet another setback that highlights their ongoing struggle with goaltending woes. The team’s standout, Jake Sanderson, shone brightly during the match, contributing significantly to the offense by notching a personal best of four points—three assists and a goal—helping the Senators carve out a 5-3 lead in the third period.
Frustration Amidst Performance
Yet, instead of basking in the glory of his performance, Sanderson was left to grapple with the frustration of yet another missed opportunity. The Senators, who were fighting for playoff contention, came up short primarily due to the subpar play of goaltender Leevi Meriläinen. His performance during the game marked the lowest of his past eleven outings, as he recorded an abysmal .847 save percentage. After this defeat, Meriläinen’s struggles in net appear to be dragging down the entire team.
Post-game, Sanderson expressed his discontent candidly, stating, “Leevi made some good saves, but you know, at the end of the day, you gotta make more than 10 saves to win a game.”
This comment sparked a moment of silence in the interview that spoke volumes, especially as it deviated from the typical defense of a teammate one would expect in such situations.
Team Dynamics and Fan Reactions
While players Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle attempted to rally around Meriläinen, underlining the team’s collective responsibility, their reactions during critical moments in the game seemed to suggest otherwise. With every goal conceded, the burden of carrying the team rested heavily on their shoulders. The team was not just fighting against their opponents, but their own sense of frustration grew palpable against the backdrop of their home crowd being overtaken by Canadiens supporters.
This defeat was particularly disheartening not only because of the rivalry but due to the context—the Senators were supposed to reclaim some pride in their own arena as they celebrated the Canadian Tire Centre’s 30-year history. The significance of the occasion only amplified the disappointment, and the chaotic atmosphere further tested the already tenuous morale of the team.
Looking Ahead: Goaltending Concerns
Looking beyond the immediate aftermath of this game, the ownership and management’s failure to address the glaring goaltending issue looms large. The Senators have relied heavily on Meriläinen, who has played a staggering eleven games in just three weeks—a scenario atypical for a developing goaltender facing confidence-shattering challenges. The absence of Linus Ullmark, who has been on personal leave, has exacerbated the problem. Despite not having the best season prior to his exit, his continued presence at games raises questions about the team’s goaltending strategy during his absence. With James Reimer now on the bench as a backup, the urgency for a rotation change is perhaps more vital than ever.
Conclusion: A Season at a Crossroads
The Senators are now staring down the barrel of a potentially lost season. With an increasingly tempestuous atmosphere around the team, the leadership of General Manager Steve Staios is under growing scrutiny. The outcome of the recent game against the Canadiens only adds urgency to the mounting pressure as the team fights to avoid slipping further. Fans and analysts alike sense that realizations must be made before it’s too late. In a league where one or two saves can change the game’s outcome, the Senators struggle to find stability amidst chaos. It remains to be seen how the organization will respond to these pressing challenges as they strive to salvage the remainder of the season.
Jack Richardson – The Hockey News Ottawa
