A promising start for the Ottawa Senators was undone by a disallowed goal and subpar goaltending, resulting in a 5-3 defeat to the Detroit Red Wings at Canadian Tire Centre on Monday, January 6, 2026.
Goaltending Woes Derail Strong Start
The Senators came out with ferocious energy, but momentum shifted after an early goal was called back. The game quickly slipped away due to poor performances in the crease from Leevi Merilainen. With starting goalie Linus Ullmark currently on leave, the team desperately needs more reliable efforts from its netminders to stay competitive.
Player Performance Breakdown
Tim Stutzle earned top marks. After a shaky first ten minutes, he found his rhythm, orchestrating the offense and extending his point streak to 13 games with a secondary assist. His chemistry with new linemate Claude Giroux was electric, culminating in a spectacular assist on Brady Tkachuk's goal.
Brady Tkachuk delivered a classic performance. He drew an early penalty, delivered a massive hit on Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and netted his seventh goal of the season with a determined drive to the net.
Claude Giroux was a catalyst, battling hard and scoring the goal that made it 3-1 to spark Ottawa's pushback. His connection with Stutzle was a bright spot, despite a costly giveaway that led to Detroit's shorthanded, game-sealing goal by Michael Rasmussen.
Other notable performances included Dylan Cozens, who scored a hard-nosed power-play goal, and David Perron, who posted strong possession numbers. Fabian Zetterlund set up Giroux's goal but was otherwise quiet, while Shane Pinto missed a key chance on a 2-on-1.
Looking Ahead for the Senators
The loss highlights a critical issue for Ottawa: consistency in goal. While offensive stars like Stutzle, Tkachuk, and Giroux can create chances, the team needs stops to win. Merilainen's performance underscores the urgency for him to elevate his game during Ullmark's absence. The Senators' ability to bounce back will hinge on shoring up their defensive reliability as they continue their season.
