On Monday, March 10, 2025, the Detroit Red Wings were unable to break their losing streak, falling 2-1 against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. This was the Red Wings' sixth consecutive loss, and they remain stuck on 66 points, with their record now at 30-28-6.
The game was tightly contested, with the Red Wings outshooting the Senators 49 to 23. Despite their efforts, the Red Wings could not find the back of the net until late in the third period. Their only goal came from captain Dylan Larkin, who tied the game after forcing a turnover and receiving a no-look backhand pass from Lucas Raymond.
Linus Ullmark, the Senators' goaltender, was the standout player of the night, making 48 saves. This performance included tying his career high with 27 saves during the second period alone, effectively stalling Detroit's attempts to score.
"You can't really ask for more from your goaltender," said Senators head coach DJ Smith after the game. Ullmark's efforts have been pivotal for the Senators, who improved to 33-25-5 on the season and currently sit at the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference with 71 points.
The Senators struck first during the first period with David Perron's power-play goal at 7:39, providing the team with momentum early on. Perron, who previously played for the Red Wings, showcased his scoring ability after receiving a pass from Claude Giroux.
After Larkin's goal evened the score 1-1, it seemed like the Red Wings might turn the game around. But with just 5:04 remaining, the Senators capitalized on another opportunity when Dylan Cozens scored his first goal as part of the Senators, coming through during yet another power play for his new team. Cozens took advantage of Detroit's Moritz Seider, who was penalized for roughing just moments before.
This late goal from Cozens proved to be the decisive moment, as the Senators held onto their lead for the last five minutes. "We’re getting used to each other, but I think we have something good here,” Cozens remarked after the win. His impact since being traded to the Senators has been notable, as he continues to help the team solidify their playoff aspirations.
The Red Wings fought hard for the equalizer right up until the final moments of the game, where Lucas Raymond appeared to score just as the clock hit zero. Unfortunately for the Red Wings, the officials ruled the goal disallowed, confirming it through video review.
Detroit will face the Buffalo Sabres next on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena, with hopes to turn their fortunes around after this game. Coach Derek Lalonde expressed positivity about the effort: "I think this was one of our best performances of the losing streak. We just need to find a way to finish the game strong and convert those chances." He believes great opportunities lay ahead, but time to capitalize is waning.
The Senators, riding high off the win, will quickly face off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. They have now secured nine points over five games this March, and with the playoffs nearing, every game becomes increasingly important as the Senators strive to clinch their first playoff spot since 2017.
Ullmark's performance is encouraging for the Senators and their fans; his ability to bounce back from previous struggles is key to their playoff ambitions.
With another chance to play coming fast, the Senators hope to keep their momentum going, exemplifying the character and determination they’ve shown throughout this challenging season. Meanwhile, the Red Wings remain focused on breaking their streak and adjusting to their most pressing challenges.