VANCOUVER — The Ottawa Senators extended their win streak to six games, claiming a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks during Saturday night’s matchup. The highlight came just 15 seconds after the overtime period began, when rookie defenseman Jake Sanderson sped down the left wing, slotting the puck through the legs of Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen, solidifying the Senators' impressive run.
This marked the Senators' first six-game winning streak since March 2017, demonstrating significant growth for the team, which is earning points consistently. Coach DJ Smith lauded his team's resilience, noting how they've built momentum over recent games.
The night began with Ottawa, already riding the wave of three consecutive victories, ready to capitalize on their opponents’ recent troubles. The Canucks entered the game with scrutiny surrounding their roster dynamics, particularly the relationship between star players J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, which made the pressure palpable.
Action tightened up as the puck dropped, with Ottawa asserting control early. They struck first when veteran forward Claude Giroux tipped Thomas Chabot's shot past Lankinen just over 90 seconds after the opening whistle. Feeling emboldened, the Senators continued to apply pressure, resulting in Shane Pinto doubling their advantage during a swift two-on-one opportunity, pushing the score to 2-0 by the 16:22 mark of the first period.
The Canucks, knowing they needed to respond, found their footing with Brock Boeser scoring their first goal, bravely falling backward to connect with Quinn Hughes' sharp pass. With just 18 seconds left on the clock, Hughes himself leveled the game at 2-2, quickly shifting the momentum before the first intermission.
Coming back from the break, the Canucks started strongly on the powerplay, but the Senators remained composed. Pinto, once again, emerged as the hero, netting his second goal of the night early in the second period to restore the lead to 3-2. Despite this, the Canucks weren't about to be deterred; Jake DeBrusk tied the game again at 3-3 midway through the second after finding the net following another strong shot from Hughes.
With under five minutes left before the second intermission, the momentum swung yet again. Sent on the powerplay, the Canucks surrendered another goal as Josh Norris scored shorthanded, slipping one past Lankinen to take the 4-3 lead.
Heading to the third period, the Senators worked hard to hold onto their marginal lead. Tensions mounted as Vancouver launched numerous attempts to equalize, but Ottawa’s solid defensive play proved effective until the clock wound down. With just 4:50 remaining, Boeser tied the game once again, blasting home a rebound after Merilainen's initial save. This set the stage for potential overtime drama.
When the buzzer rang, both teams packed up for what would be a historical extra session. Sanderson took control right from the faceoff and made the decisive play; displaying the poise and skill of not just what the Senators needed to clinch victory but also what they hope to build on moving forward.
Leevi Merilainen, who stopped 21 of 25 shots to earn his first NHL victory, shone brightly throughout the evening, stepping up admirably, especially with notable up-and-comer Anton Forsberg sidelined due to injury. His success adds another layer of depth to the Senators' roster as they prepare for their next matchup.
Throughout the night, both sides showcased the competitive spirit inherent to Canadian hockey. Quinn Hughes not only scored but also provided two assists for the Canucks, who struggled with consistency but displayed moments of brilliance. Meanwhile, Boeser’s pair of goals highlighted the fighting spirit within Vancouver, who have now lost three consecutive games.
Looking forward, the Senators take this momentum to Edmonton for their next game, hopeful to extend the streak, whereas the Canucks search for solutions as they host the San Jose Sharks.
The significance of Saturday night's contest extends beyond just the scoreboard; it exemplified the heart and resilience of this Senators team, one aiming for playoff contention after years of rebuilding.
