Ottawa Senators Suffer 5-2 Loss to Montreal Canadiens After 4 Nations Face-Off Break
Image credits: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Patrick Doyle
The Ottawa Senators' struggles continued as they suffered a 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in their first game back from the 4 Nations Face-Off break. This defeat marks their fourth consecutive loss, leaving them tied with the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild-card berth in the Atlantic Division. The Senators are now eight points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for second place, a significant gap that has formed over the past 22 days.
The team's performance was described as "rusty" by coach Travis Green, who noted that they were not good with the puck and did not play a pretty game. The Senators were missing key players, including captain Brady Tkachuk and forwards Shane Pinto and Josh Norris, which further exacerbated their struggles. Despite the challenges, Tim Stutzle extended his point streak to nine games with a goal and an assist, but the team's overall performance was disappointing. Goaltending has been a concern for the Senators, with Linus Ullmark allowing five goals on 15 shots before being pulled in the second period.
The Montreal Canadiens, on the other hand, had a strong team effort, with 11 players collecting points, including Brendan Gallagher, who recorded a goal and an assist. Sam Montembeault made 25 saves for his 19th win of the season, helping the Canadiens snap a three-game losing streak. The Canadiens' victory also extended the Senators' losing skid to four games, making it essential for the Senators to regroup and improve their performance to stay in the playoff race. The Senators' next game will be against the league-leading Winnipeg Jets, a challenging opponent that will require the team to be at the top of their game.
The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which took place recently, saw Team Canada face off against Team USA in the championship game. The game was marked by a intense and physical play, with both teams giving their all. The tournament was a success, with high viewership and engagement, and it highlighted the growing interest in hockey in the United States. The NHL's efforts to promote the sport and attract new fans seem to be paying off, with the tournament generating significant buzz and excitement. As the Senators look to bounce back from their loss, they will need to draw on the resilience and determination that defined Team Canada's performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The Senators' schedule for the remainder of the season is crucial, with 25 games left to play. They will need to focus on improving their goaltending and overall team performance to stay in the playoff race. The team's players, including Tim Stutzle and Jake Sanderson, will need to step up and lead the team to victory. The Senators' next few games will be critical in determining their playoff fate, and they will need to be at the top of their game to succeed. Here are the key statistics from the Senators' recent games:
- Goals for: 2
- Goals against: 5
- Shots on goal: 25
- Power play percentage: 20%
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