The Ottawa Senators scored two goals against the Detroit Red Wings on March 10, 2025, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory as they push for playoff contention. David Perron shone during the game, netting the first power-play goal for the Senators, demonstrating the team's potential for resilience amid recent roster changes.
Perron, who has previously faced upper body injuries, stepped up significantly for the Senators. He scored one of the two goals and managed 12 minutes of ice time during the match, contributing to the team’s overall performance. The Senators secured their victory with 23 shots on goal and three assists—an impressive feat against their adversaries.
The backdrop of the Senators' victory is even more significant considering the recent changes within the team. Just days earlier, on March 7, 2025, the Senators made headlines by trading Josh Norris to the Buffalo Sabres for Dylan Cozens—a decision emphasizing the desperate need for change within the organization. Along with Cozens, the team also acquired winger Fabian Zetterlund from the San Jose Sharks. These trades were enacted by the Senators’ General Manager Steve Staios, who believed it was time for the team to evolve.
“It's going to keep happening until you really find a way to take the next step,” Perron remarked, addressing the emotional impact of the recent transactions, particularly the departure of Norris, who had been with the Senators for considerable time. Captain Brady Tkachuk, visibly emotional after the trade, channeled his feelings positively by scoring twice—one of which was the game-winner—against the New York Rangers just two days after the Norris deal. This showed the Senators' depth and willingness to rally together for the upcoming challenges.
Despite dealing Norris, the Senators made their playoff ambitions clear as they continue to navigate through the final stretch of the season. The victory over the Red Wings, who are now struggling on their sixth consecutive loss, placed Ottawa firmly at 71 points, edging them closer to securing wild-card contention.
Reflecting on the game, Senators’ goal had Linus Ullmark performing exceptionally, making 48 saves throughout the match. Cozens marked his debut with the Senators by scoring his first goal, contributing to their win during the final minutes of the match—a sign of promising potential. The Senators are focused on aligning their new acquisitions with their existing core of players, which includes strong figures like Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, and young talents such as Tim Stutzle and Ridly Greig.
While the Red Wings managed to tie the game at one point courtesy of forward Dylan Larkin’s 27th goal, they lacked the necessary urgency to convert their opportunities, leading to disallowed goal by Lucas Raymond due to time expiration.
The Senators' upcoming games will be pivotal as they seek to solidify their position for the post-season, but they are not without challenges. Both Coach Travis Green and the players understand the necessity of quick integration for Cozens and Zetterlund, with Green’s guidance pivotal during this transitional phase. “You slowly get to know players, and we’re going through this right now,” Green said, emphasizing the importance of chemistry and team dynamics.
The league awaits to see if the Senators can turn their recent success and adaptability following the trades and injuries to build momentum moving forward. Ottawa's immediate goal remains clear: to secure their spot among the NHL's elite teams, competing not just for victories but also vying for the much-coveted playoff berth.