VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Jake Sanderson scored just 15 seconds in overtime, leading the Ottawa Senators to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night. This win marked the Senators' sixth consecutive victory, their first six-game win streak since March 2017, buoying the team’s spirits as they head closer to the mid-season break.
The Senators got off to a strong start with standout performances from several players. Shane Pinto was particularly impressive, scoring two goals and showcasing his growing prowess on the ice. Claude Giroux also contributed significantly, adding one goal and one assist, solidifying his role as one of the team's leaders. Josh Norris chipped in with a short-handed goal, capitalizing on the Canucks' mistakes and demonstrating the Senators' remarkable defensive strategy, even when down players.
Jakob Sanderson not only scored the overtime winner but also provided two assists throughout the game, showcasing his all-around capabilities. The rookie’s performance was pivotal, marking his steady growth and importance to the team as the season progresses. Goalkeeper Leevi Merilainen was another key player, stopping 21 of the 25 shots he faced, securing his first NHL victory after stepping in for the injured Linus Ullmark. This win not only adds to his confidence but also signals Ottawa’s depth and resilience amid injuries.
On the other side, the Vancouver Canucks struggled to find their rhythm, experiencing their third consecutive loss and showcasing some troubling trends. Brock Boeser was one of the bright spots for the Canucks, netting two goals, including the game-tying marker with just 4:50 left to play. His ability to capitalize on loose pucks was noteworthy and provided some hope against the Senators.
Quinn Hughes also had a significant impact on the game, contributing one goal and two assists. Hughes's performance this season has been remarkable; with 40 points to his name (eight goals and 32 assists), he has now become the seventh defenseman in NHL history to record such numbers within 33 games of multiple seasons.
Despite the encouraging performances from its stars, the Canucks found themselves struggling offensively, particularly from some of their top players. J.T. Miller remains without a goal since returning from injury, and Elias Pettersson's lack of points over the last six games raised concerns about the team's overall effectiveness. The Canucks are now 0-1-2 over their past three games and have lost four of their last five, prompting worries about their performance as they head to face the San Jose Sharks on Monday.
Coach Bruce Boudreau's team needs to regroup and re-establish their game plan, especially as they look to remain competitive this season. Their current form leaves much to be desired, and with injuries piling up and stars underperforming, the path forward seems challenging.
The Senators will take momentum from this victory as they prepare to face the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. Coach D.J. Smith has stressed the importance of consistency, and if their current hot streak is any indication, the Senators are gaining confidence at just the right time.
With the NHL season rapidly approaching the halfway mark, both teams find themselves at significant junctures. For the Senators, it’s about building on this success, finding ways to continue winning, and solidifying their position as contenders. For the Canucks, it’s about overcoming adversity, reigniting their offensive firepower, and ensuring they remain competitive as the playoffs loom on the horizon.
