The Ottawa Senators' path to the NHL playoffs grew significantly more difficult on Saturday night after a 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers at Canadian Tire Centre. This marks the team's fourth consecutive defeat, a season-worst losing streak that has pushed them further from postseason contention.
Must-Win Game Ends in Familiar Fashion
Facing the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, the game was categorized as a must-win for the Senators. They entered the contest sitting six points out of the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference with 39 games remaining. Despite a late push, the result was a familiar disappointment for the 17,085 fans in attendance.
The loss compounds the struggles from a brutal 8-2 defeat to the Colorado Avalanche just two days prior. While the effort was improved, the Senators generated minimal pressure on Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky for much of the game, managing only 12 shots through the first two periods.
Controversial Call Fuels Fan Frustration
The game's turning point came with controversy in the second period. Florida's Carter Verhaeghe delivered a hit from behind on Senators defenseman Artem Zub, sending him face-first into the boards. Officials initially assessed a major penalty but, after video review, downgraded it to a minor.
The decision incensed the home crowd, leading to drinks and debris being thrown onto the ice and causing a brief delay. The Senators' frustration was compounded when Verhaeghe scored on the ensuing power play at 13:13 of the second period to give Florida a 2-1 lead.
Too Little, Too Late for Ottawa
Florida extended their lead early in the third period when Gustav Forsling beat Ottawa goalie Leevi Merilainen at the 3:48 mark. The Senators showed a spark of life late, with Claude Giroux scoring to pull within one goal with just 1:42 remaining. Fabian Zetterlund also found the net for Ottawa, but the rally fell short.
This critical loss leaves the Senators in a precarious position. With the NHL's Olympic break approaching next month, the team has little time to reverse its fortunes. The message from the dressing room is clear: the desperation and urgency must increase immediately, or their playoff dreams will be extinguished before the stretch run even begins.
