The Ottawa Senators' struggles deepened on Saturday night as they fell 3-2 to the division-rival Florida Panthers, marking their fourth consecutive defeat in what was billed as a must-win game. The loss was a collective effort of frustration, highlighted by a particularly difficult night for defenceman Artem Zub and a lack of decisive play from star forward Tim Stutzle.
A Night of Frustration and Penalty Trouble
Artem Zub embodied the Senators' rough evening, taking two minor penalties and suffering a dangerous cross-check that sent him face-first into the boards. His time in the penalty box proved costly for a team that could ill afford to give the potent Panthers extra opportunities. In net, rookie goaltender Leevi Merilainen struggled once again to provide the steady presence Ottawa desperately needed, facing a relentless Florida attack.
Key Performances and Missed Opportunities
The game's turning point came early, when Tim Stutzle's hesitation at the top of the slot allowed Florida's Evan Rodrigues a clear lane to wire a wrist shot past Merilainen on the power play for a 1-0 lead. Stutzle, normally a catalyst for offence, was uncharacteristically indecisive with the puck, holding onto it too long and falling victim to aggressive stick checks from the Panthers' defence. His struggles on the power play later drew audible boos from the home crowd at the Canadian Tire Centre.
In contrast, veteran Claude Giroux continued his remarkable season with another stellar performance, earning top marks. The 37-year-old forward saved a goal with a defensive play on a penalty kill in the second period and later scored to bring Ottawa within one late in the third. His consistent two-way effort has been a bright spot in an otherwise dim season for the Senators.
Captain Brady Tkachuk also had a quiet night, registering a C- grade. While he found himself in good scoring positions down low, his overall game, particularly his speed in transition, was lacking. Drake Batherson was denied by the post on a gaping net during a second-period power play, a critical missed chance when the team needed momentum, though he did get a tip on Giroux's late goal.
Grading the Rest of the Lineup
Shane Pinto played a solid game, showing early chemistry with Michael Amadio and earning a primary assist on a goal by Fabian Zetterlund. Zetterlund's marker, which he admitted was perhaps the luckiest of his NHL career, briefly gave the Senators life. David Perron showed renewed energy, using his speed effectively on forechecks, while Ridly Greig had a relatively average performance on his own bobblehead giveaway night.
The defeat leaves the Senators searching for answers as their playoff hopes continue to fade. The combination of self-inflicted wounds, such as Zub's penalties, key players like Stutzle underperforming, and inconsistent goaltending, has created a recipe for the extended losing streak they now aim to snap.
