The Ottawa Senators faced off against the Winnipeg Jets on December 22, 2023, but fell short with a 4-2 loss, marking the team’s first game back from the holiday break. The absence of goaltender Linus Ullmark, who was sidelined with back spasms, dramatically influenced the outcome of the game. Mads Sogaard, summoned from the American Hockey League, stood between the posts but struggled to replicate Ullmark's recent stellar performances, leaving the Senators short-handed against the top-seeded Jets.
For the first half of the game, the Senators appeared poised to secure their momentum. They took the lead early with two power-play goals, the first scored by Tim Stutzle and the second by Ridly Greig, giving Ottawa hope against the formidable Jets. Coach Travis Green expressed mixed feelings about the early success, stating, "We played a good game, but it wasn’t good enough," reflecting on the impending challenge the Jets presented.
Despite Ottawa’s strong start, the Jets slowly gained control, orchestrated by their high-octane offense featuring stars like Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabriel Vilardi. Ottawa’s impressive 2-0 lead was undone as the Jets responded with four unanswered goals throughout the remainder of the game, including two apiece from Connor and Scheifele.
Returning to His Roots
Ullmark's injury occurred during the Senators' previous match against the Edmonton Oilers, and as he recovered, the Senators looked to Sogaard to rise to the occasion. Unfortunately, Sogaard's performance was lackluster compared to Ullmark’s December record, during which he had been virtually unbeatable. Confronted with 23 shots, Sogaard stopped 19 of them, yet his goaltending was not enough to withstand the Jets' offensive barrage.
Sogaard’s prior NHL experience this season, which included allowing four goals against the Los Angeles Kings, raised questions about his readiness for this significant responsibility. Green, nevertheless, defended Sogaard's performance, stating, "I thought he was fine. It’s easy to critique a goalie when you lose, I’m not going to do it." Yet, others noted how the Jets expertly exploited defensive lapses and errors, demonstrating the formidable challenge of facing the league's top team.
The Jets took full advantage of Ottawa’s defensive mistakes, particularly the opportunities created during power plays. Nikolaj Ehlers and Vilardi capitalized on their advantages, scoring near-perfect goals and changing the tide of the match. The Senators’ defensive breakdowns, particularly noted by Thomas Chabot who said, "We made a few mistakes, those are most likely to end up in the back of your net," underscored how unforgiving high-level play can be.
Moving Forward
Ottawa’s chance to regain composure arrives soon, as they prepare to face the Minnesota Wild on December 24, 2023. This road trip, now including Leevi Merilainen as their potential starting goalie, presents yet another opportunity for the Senators to rally after this defeat. The Wild, strong at home but even more dominating on the road, will test the Senators’ resolve and adaptability. Coaches and players alike hold high hopes for both individual and team performances as they aim to chase down playoff positioning.
Looking back at their previous meeting, the Senators were able to find some consistency on power plays, finishing this matchup successfully at 2-for-4, showcasing promise for future games. Green noted, "I like the way they scored; it’s been a long time coming," hinting at potential progress. Still, the Senators recognize the necessity to find their rhythm at even strength, emphasizing the team’s need to improve overall gameplay.
This illuminating match against the Jets highlights the broader issue of reliance on key players and the need for backup players to step up when stars like Ullmark cannot. While the Senators exhibited moments of brilliance, the reality of the competition demands greater consistency—particularly under pressure. Following this testing night against the Jets, they must regroup and prepare for their upcoming encounters, keeping their playoff aspirations alive for the remainder of the season.