The Edmonton Oilers secured a decisive 3-1 victory against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday night, bringing the Senators’ impressive winning streak of six games to a halt. The match played at Rogers Place was marked by solid performances from several Oilers, alongside some unfortunate circumstances for Ottawa, particularly the injury to goaltender Linus Ullmark.
Right from the beginning, it was clear both teams had significant stakes. The Senators entered the game riding high on their recent form, eager to extend their streak, but the Oilers were equally determined to capitalize on their recent momentum. They’ve been on fire lately, winning 11 of their last 13 matches.
Viktor Arvidsson opened the scoring for the Oilers, converting on a pass from Connor McDavid during the first period. The Oilers took the lead 1-0, setting the tone for the rest of the match. The Senators quickly replied, with Nick Cousins netting the equalizer just 25 seconds after the start of the second period, showcasing Ottawa's tenacity and eagerness to remain competitive.
Unfortunately for the Senators, they would soon feel the sting of loss—not just on the scoreboard, but also due to Ullmark’s injury. The starting goaltender, who had been dominant throughout the season and had entered the game with a personal seven-game win streak, left the contest after the first period. According to Coach Travis Green, “His back tightened up so we felt it was best for him to come out,” raising concerns about the severity of the injury.
With Ullmark out, backup Leevi Merilainen stepped up, trying to hold the fort. He performed admirably under pressure, making 12 saves throughout the game after coming on in relief. Though at just 23 years old and only having played four career NHL games, he showed promise. Nick Cousins praised Merilainen, stating, “He’s super calm back there,” as he tried to keep the Senators competitive.
Yet, the momentum shifted again when Zach Hyman scored on the power play later in the second period, restoring Edmonton's lead at 2-1. This goal was significant as it underscored the Senators’ issues; they took five penalties throughout the game, which severely limited their ability to generate offensive rhythm and let the Oilers capitalize.
Adam Henrique extended the lead for the Oilers early in the third period, scoring with his first goal since November 16. This put Edmonton firmly on top, at 3-1. Despite having several attempts to claw back, including pulling Merilainen for an extra attacker late in the game, the Senators failed to pull off any late-game magic.
Despite the loss, the Senators remain playoff contenders, holding a solid position with 38 points, currently sitting second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference. Their recent run, especially with Ullmark's stellar displays prior to the injury, had raised hopes among fans. The Senators’ performance had certainly improved, with eight wins out of their last ten games, but they’ll need to regroup quickly.
Post-game, Coach Green addressed both Ullmark’s injury and the team's discipline issues. He emphasized the need to get back to basics and minimize the penalties they incur to uphold their momentum moving forward. "Every game is pivotal, especially as we approach the holiday break,” he added on the importance of the upcoming match against the Winnipeg Jets.
Meanwhile, the Oilers now sit second in the Pacific Division, just three points behind the Vegas Golden Knights, giving them renewed confidence as they continue their pursuit of playoff positioning. Edmonton's powerful duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl extended their scoring streaks to nine games each, making significant contributions to the team’s success.
The stakes are high as teams navigate the competitive NHL standings, and both the Senators and Oilers are eager to continue their push as the season progresses. Fans can expect thrilling matches as they return to action this Saturday, with the Senators facing the Winnipeg Jets and the Oilers taking on the Los Angeles Kings.
Overall, this game had significant ramifications for both teams, and the challenges reflected what could lie ahead as they move through the holiday season and beyond.
