Senators Stun Avalanche with Statement Win at Home
If you’re a hockey fan in Ottawa, this one’s going to stick with you for a while.
The Ottawa Senators pulled off one of their most complete performances of the season Tuesday night, taking down the league-leading Colorado Avalanche 5-2 in a game that was equal parts disciplined, gritty, and-yes-surprisingly fun. It’s the kind of win that reminds you why you keep watching, even in a season that hasn’t exactly gone to script.
Let’s break it down.
First Period: Control Without Finish
The Sens came out with a surprising level of control against one of the NHL’s most dangerous teams. They earned an early power play, but the man advantage continues to be a sore spot-they couldn’t generate much of anything.
Still, at even strength, they dictated play. Ottawa dominated puck possession, tilting the ice in their favor and keeping Colorado largely on the perimeter.
James Reimer had a quiet first 20 minutes thanks to a structured, if conservative, effort in front of him. But for all the time Ottawa spent with the puck, they didn’t create many high-danger chances. The first period ended scoreless, and while the Sens looked solid, you couldn’t help but wonder if they’d regret not capitalizing.
Second Period: Momentum Swings and Quick Responses
Early in the second, Ottawa finally cracked the scoreboard. Artem Zub launched a perfect stretch pass that found Nick Cousins in stride, and Cousins did the rest-burying a breakaway with a confident finish to make it 1-0.
That goal seemed to flip a switch. Ottawa started pressing, and for a few minutes, it felt like they might blow the game open. They created several near-misses-chances that had fans wondering how the puck didn’t find the back of the net.
But hockey has a way of punishing missed opportunities.
Roughly ten minutes after Cousins’ tally, Reimer gave up one he’ll want back-an awkward goal to former Senator Parker Kelly that tied the game at 1-1. It was the kind of soft goal that’s haunted Ottawa all season, and it felt like the game might start slipping away.
Instead, the Sens answered immediately.
Just 20 seconds later, Ridly Greig restored the lead with a quick-strike goal that caught the Avalanche off guard. It was Greig’s latest in a string of strong performances, and it came at a moment when the team badly needed a response. 2-1 Ottawa.
Third Period: Holding the Line
Claude Giroux gave Ottawa some breathing room early in the third with a beautiful wrist shot that beat the Avalanche netminder clean. That made it 3-1, and it felt like the Sens were finally going to get rewarded for their effort.
But Colorado wasn’t going to go quietly.
Valeri Nichushkin cut the lead to one with a highlight-reel move, dancing around Ottawa’s defenders to make it 3-2. That goal shifted the momentum hard in Colorado’s favor. The Avalanche began to swarm, and the Senators looked like a team trying to hang on for dear life.
For several tense minutes, Ottawa was stuck in its own zone, collapsing around Reimer and struggling to clear. The Avs were pushing hard, and the Sens were doing just enough to survive. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective.
With just over eight minutes left, Fabian Zetterlund had a golden chance to ice the game on a breakaway but missed wide. It was a frustrating moment in a game full of near-misses, and it left the door open for Colorado to keep pressing.
The Avalanche pulled their goalie with just under four minutes to go. Ottawa had a few looks at the empty net, but missed wide-leading to a defensive zone draw with over two minutes left.
That’s when Brady Tkachuk stepped up. The captain buried an empty-netter to make it 4-2 and give the Sens some much-needed breathing room.
Tim Stützle added another empty-net goal shortly after, skating the puck in himself to seal the 5-2 win. That final scoreline might look comfortable, but make no mistake-this was a battle.
Notable Performances
- Artem Zub: That stretch pass to spring Cousins was a thing of beauty. Zub was solid throughout, making smart plays in all three zones.
- Ridly Greig: Another game, another goal.
Greig continues to be a spark plug, noticeable every time he hits the ice.
- Tim Stützle: No goals against a goalie tonight, but his speed and puck control were on full display. He was a constant threat in transition.
- Shane Pinto: Quiet offensively, but led all forwards in ice time and played a key shutdown role.
Did the dirty work that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet.
- Discipline: The Senators didn’t take a single penalty all game. Against a team like Colorado, that’s not just impressive-it’s essential.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a win-it was a statement. The Senators played with structure, responded to adversity, and finally got the goaltending they needed to close out a game against an elite opponent. It’s the kind of performance that makes you wonder what this team could look like with a little more consistency.
For now, though, Ottawa can enjoy a rare and well-earned victory over one of the NHL’s best. And after the season they’ve had, that’s worth celebrating.