The Ottawa Senators didn’t just sneak out of Philadelphia with two points-they earned them the hard way. In a gritty, grind-it-out kind of game that won’t win any beauty contests, the Senators found a way to get it done, edging the Flyers 2-1 in overtime at Xfinity Mobile Arena. That’s five wins in six games now for Ottawa, and while this one wasn’t pretty, it was exactly what they needed heading into the Olympic break.
Tim Stützle delivered the dagger in overtime, scoring a highlight-reel goal to seal the deal. It was the kind of play that reminds you why he’s such a key piece of Ottawa’s core-speed, skill, and poise under pressure. After 60 minutes of frustration and missed chances, Stützle’s finish was a breath of fresh air for a team that knows every point is critical from here on out.
Nick Cousins had the lone goal in regulation for the Senators, and it held up until the final moments of the third. With just 1:14 left on the clock and Flyers goalie Dan Vladar pulled for the extra attacker, Jamie Drysdale spoiled James Reimer’s shutout bid, threading a shot through traffic to tie the game at one. It was a tough break for Reimer, who had been sharp all night, especially considering he was stepping in last-minute for Linus Ullmark, who was scratched due to flu-like symptoms.
“We didn’t want to give that one up late, especially after the way James played,” Stützle said postgame. “My line wasn’t good for 60 minutes, but we found a way to win.”
That’s the kind of honesty you appreciate from a young leader. And he’s not wrong-this wasn’t Ottawa’s cleanest effort.
They managed 27 shots on goal but didn’t generate many high-danger chances. The Senators struggled to get bodies in front of Vladar and create those greasy second-chance opportunities that often make the difference in tight games.
That’s something they’ll need to clean up if they want to keep pace in the playoff race.
Because let’s be clear: the margin for error is razor-thin now. With just 25 games left on the schedule and the team still eight points out of the final playoff spot in the East, every game from here on out carries weight.
That’s why this one mattered so much. The Flyers came in reeling-just three wins in their last 14-and Ottawa couldn’t afford to let this opportunity slip away.
James Reimer, thrust into a starting role on short notice, delivered the kind of bounce-back performance the Senators needed after a tough outing against Carolina earlier in the week. He wasn’t overly busy, but he was steady when it counted, especially in the second period when the Flyers started to push.
“We just gutted it out,” said captain Brady Tkachuk. “That’s all we cared about-getting those two points. Everybody stepped up.”
And that’s been the story of this recent stretch for Ottawa. It’s not always been perfect, but they’ve found ways to win.
And with the Olympic break now in full swing, they’ve given themselves a fighting chance heading into the final stretch. The next challenge?
A home date with the Detroit Red Wings on February 26. The stakes only get higher from here.