Sens Continue Point Streak with OT Loss to the Washington Capitals
There is no stopping that perfect Ovechkin shot
The Ottawa Senators entered tonight's matchup with the Washington Capitals riding the momentum of an series of wins, fueled by the standout performances of young goaltender Leevi Meriläinen. Adding to the excitement was the NHL debut of Ottawa-born rookie Donovan Sebrango.
The Sens started off the game with high energy and a disciplined, structure approach. They seemed like the more poised team for the better part of the first half of the period – which is saying something as the Caps ranks as one of the league's best . Michael Amadio, who had missed 10 games, looked like he was more than ready to make an impact in his first game back. Everything seemed to be going well for the Sens but even with Tim Stützle generating incredible chances, nothing made it into the opponent's net.
The Sens continued to push and only seemed to get more energized as the period went on. Stützle was having himself quite the period as he held on to the puck and dazzled through the Capitals. Still, no luck getting that puck into the net.
The highlight of the period had to be one beautiful stop by Leevi Meriläinen on Jakob Chychrun, which had the crowd roaring.
Jakob Chychrun stopped by Leevi Meriläinen. #Sens #GoSensGo
— Pesky Sickos (@peskysickos.com) January 16, 2025 at 7:40 PM
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The Sens got to start the second period with a power play, the first of 3 in the period. They moved the puck well and generated some chances but it seemed that Logan Thompson was just a brick wall at this point.
With the momentum they got from the first power play, the Sens continued to push and a few minutes later Shane Pinto was able to draw another penalty. Unfortunately, this power play was a serious of sloppy passes and miscalculated passes.
So while Ottawa was controlling most of the chances, it was reassuring to know that Meriläinen was also on high alert whenever he was called upon. It doesn't seem like you can say enough good things about this kid.
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing Sebrango make some subtle but good plays as his mom and family proudly watched along. His story is one that is bound to become adorned and popular in Ottawa and he was very composed in his first NHL game tonight.
Kim Sebrango watches on proudly as her son Donovan makes his NHL debut: #Sens #GoSensGo
— Pesky Sickos (@peskysickos.com) January 16, 2025 at 8:19 PM
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Ottawa secured one more power play opportunity that they failed to capitalize on and after 40 minutes of mostly outplaying the Capitals; they had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.
You can't expect a team like the Capitals to stay subdued for 40 minutes without some pushback. That is exactly what happened in the third period. The Caps were getting the better and more frequent chances and at times the Sens were caught with some very dangerous sloppy plays. At one point, Ottawa went nearly ten minutes without a shot on net. So while they'd been the better team for most of the first forty minutes, their lack of scoring was threatening to waste a good effort.
While they were disciplined for most of the game, the Sens took a third period penalty that could have cost them 2 points. It was one of the scariest power plays I had seen in a while with the Caps just raining down with shots and opportunities against our young and innocent goalie. The Sens miraculously killed the penalty and it was mostly because of the great plays from Meriläinen, like this little piece of perfection against Ovechkin.
Leevi Meriläinen stops an Ovi bomb on the PP. #Sens #GoSensGo
— Pesky Sickos (@peskysickos.com) January 16, 2025 at 9:02 PM
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As the third period progressed, it became clear that this was one of those games that was destined for extra time.
It seemed like the Sens might have possession of the puck for the entirety of overtime with the way they started things off: they were poised, cautious and deliberate with every move but then things got a bit loose and when Tom Wilson escaped on a breakaway, our phenom goalie rose to the occasion yet again:
HUUGEEE stop from Leevi Meriläinen as he stops Tom Wilson's breakaway attempt. The CTC proceeds to change Leevi's name. #Sens #GoSensGo
— Pesky Sickos (@peskysickos.com) January 16, 2025 at 9:36 PM
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However, he couldn't possible have stopped this perfectly placed shot by Alexander Ovechkin as the Capitals win the game in OT with less than 2 minutes left.
Alex Ovechkin calls game in OT. A shooter's shot. Leevi deserved better in that OT period. 1-0 Final. #Sens #GoSensGo
— Pesky Sickos (@peskysickos.com) January 16, 2025 at 9:37 PM
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The Sens' failure to convert on three power plays cost them the game but they did play a strong game against the top team in the conference and that has to count for something. In the tight race for that wildcard spot, even securing one point is valuable.
Onwards!
Game Notes:
-The game began with a ceremony for the DIFD foundation, an emotional event that brings the Ottawa community together.
-The Sens played a tight defensive game, but once again failed to generate much by the way of sustained offensive pressure. Come back soon, Thomas Chabot!
-Before the game, Jakob Chychrun said he expected some boos upon his return but from the sounds of it, it was mostly cheers for his little commercial break "welcome back" party.
