The Ottawa Senators’ 6-5 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday wasn’t just another wild, high-scoring affair-it was a game that laid bare the team’s ongoing struggles between the pipes. And while the offense showed up, the defensive lapses and goaltending woes were once again front and center.
Jake Sanderson didn’t mince words postgame when asked about rookie netminder Leevi Merilainen’s performance. “I think Leevi made some good saves,” Sanderson said.
“But I think, at the end of the day, you’ve got to make more than 10 saves to win a game.” That’s a tough but telling comment from one of the team’s top defensemen-and a reflection of the frustration bubbling inside a locker room that’s seen too many leads evaporate this season.
Merilainen, who allowed six goals on just 19 shots, had a rough night. The Senators carried a two-goal cushion into the third period, but it wasn’t enough.
The Canadiens stormed back, scoring three in the final frame before sealing the comeback in overtime. For Merilainen, it was another tough outing in what’s been a rocky campaign.
He came into the game with an .860 save percentage across 20 appearances-a number that paints a pretty clear picture of the challenges he’s faced adjusting to the NHL pace.
Head coach Travis Green didn’t shy away from the reality of the situation either. “It’s hard to give him a pass,” Green said.
“I’m sure he’d like to have one or two back. I feel bad for him.”
There’s empathy there, but also accountability. Green knows his team can’t afford to give away games like this, not with the standings tightening and playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Still, not everyone was ready to point the finger at the young goaltender. Forward Tim Stützle, who notched two points on the night, came to Merilainen’s defense.
“I don’t know why we’re talking about this,” Stützle said. “Leevi’s been playing great.
He’s been playing a lot of hockey. It’s always every time somebody scores, everybody blames the goalie.
But we have his back. We’ve got to play better in front of him and don’t give up high-danger scoring chances.”
That’s a fair point. The Senators’ defensive structure has been leaky all season, and giving up quality chances in tight is a recipe for disaster-especially with a young goalie still finding his footing.
It’s not just about the number of shots; it’s about the types of shots he’s facing. And right now, Ottawa isn’t doing enough to protect the crease.
The goaltending carousel hasn’t helped either. Ottawa has already used four different netminders this season, a sign of instability that’s tough for any team to overcome.
The recent signing of veteran James Reimer to a one-year deal underscores the urgency in trying to plug the holes. Meanwhile, Linus Ullmark-who’s been away from the team since December 27 due to personal reasons-is expected to travel with the club to Detroit for Sunday’s matchup against the Red Wings.
That’s a positive development, and the Senators could certainly use his experience and steadiness in net.
For Merilainen, the road ahead will require resilience. Rookie goaltenders often face a steep learning curve in the NHL, and this season has been a trial by fire.
But the Senators can’t afford to let these kinds of games slip away if they want to stay competitive. Whether it’s cleaning up the defensive zone or getting timely stops, something has to give-and soon.