Ottawa Senators Secure Victory
The Ottawa Senators are making strides up the Atlantic Division standings, securing a 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth on Sunday evening at Canadian Tire Centre. This win marked their second consecutive triumph, following a solid performance the previous night. Goaltender Leevi Meriläinen was pivotal, registering 29 saves and contributing to the team’s impressive record of just one regulation loss in their last ten outings (6-1-3).
Meriläinen’s Impact
Meriläinen, who was making his first start since October 27, provided a much-needed boost to the Senators, especially given the inconsistent goaltending from Linus Ullmark early in the season. Despite a challenging debut against the Buffalo Sabres, where he conceded eight goals, Meriläinen has rebounded well in his next two appearances, showcasing poise and delivering crucial saves that helped secure Sunday’s win.
Team Contributions
Across the lineup, Ottawa’s depth proved essential with contributions from several players. Ridly Greig opened the scoring with his second goal of the season, while Nick Cousins added his third goal. Jordan Spence celebrated his first goal as a Senator, raising questions about his continuing role on the team, especially as he stepped up to share ice time with prominent defenseman Thomas Chabot during the match.
Meanwhile, Michael Amadio is increasingly difficult to categorize as merely a secondary scorer, having netted his fourth goal in as many games, putting him third in team scoring with six goals overall. Known for his prolific past in junior hockey, his current offensive streak is a welcome surprise for Ottawa, which currently lacks a top-tier NHL scorer.
Utah Mammoth’s Performance
The Utah Mammoth demonstrated their speed, with both of their goals coming from fast-paced, isolated plays. Nick Schmaltz delivered a highlight-reel goal that left Jake Sanderson behind, and Clayton Keller followed suit with a similar effort. Head coach Travis Green acknowledged the Mammoth’s quickness, stating that while Ottawa found some success early, they had to make strategic adjustments to cope with the visitors’ speed.
Looking Ahead
With the victory, the Senators pushed their record to 8-5-1, continuing their gradual ascent in the Atlantic Division. They are set for a hectic week ahead, with home games scheduled against the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, and Washington Capitals. Additionally, the Senators recently mourned the passing of their first general manager, Mel Bridgman, who died at the age of 70, marking a poignant moment for the franchise.
