Canadian Teams Morning Review – Jan. 19: Senators & Oilers
Sunday was one of those nights where Canadian hockey fans could feel both hope and frustration. The Ottawa Senators and Edmonton Oilers each had their storylines, but the tone couldn’t have been more different. Ottawa jumped out early against Detroit, only to see a lead slip away in dramatic fashion. Edmonton, on the other hand, rarely let up against St. Louis, running their opponents over from start to finish.
Both games made it clear that momentum is a fragile thing. Ottawa showed flashes of what makes them dangerous, but Detroit’s composure in the late stages was the deciding factor. Edmonton reminded everyone why finishing chances and playing a full 60 minutes matters—the Oilers made sure nothing got away. The night underscored a simple truth: talent is important, but structure and execution win games.
The other thread tying the two games together was key players rising to the occasion. Alex DeBrincat scored against his old team in Ottawa, and Zach Hyman for Edmonton weren’t just scoring—they were decisive when it counted, giving their teams the edge in very different ways.
Detroit Red Wings 4, Ottawa Senators 3 (OT)
Ottawa looked sharp out of the gate. Drake Batherson scored off a rebound, and Dylan Cozens converted a Brady Tkachuk feed on a power play to make it 2–0 just five minutes in. The Senators’ early play suggested they could challenge a top Atlantic Division team, but Detroit methodically fought back.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka got the Red Wings on the board with a power-play goal, Lucas Raymond tied it, and James van Riemsdyk’s late-period strike put Detroit ahead again. Then Andrew Copp set up Alex DeBrincat for the overtime winner, giving the Red Wings a 4–3 victory. DeBrincat’s 26th goal highlighted his knack for coming through in tight moments, while John Gibson made 19 saves to keep Detroit in striking range whenever Ottawa threatened.
The defining moment came fast in overtime: a clean pass from Copp to DeBrincat and a successful finish. For Ottawa, the lesson was clear—early leads don’t mean much without follow-through, and lapses at critical moments can undo all the good work.
Edmonton Oilers 5, St. Louis Blues 0
Edmonton didn’t leave much room for doubt. Zach Hyman scored twice and assisted on another, Connor Ingram made 27 saves for his first shutout of the season, and the Oilers controlled the game from start to finish. The win was another reminder of how hard they are to beat when they strike first—the team is now 21–1–4 when opening the scoring.
Hyman was the standout, but the key moment came in the second period when his second goal essentially sealed the game. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added a milestone marker with a goal in his 1,000th NHL game, a nod to the Oilers’ experienced core. St. Louis had Dylan Holloway back after 15 games out, but the Blues couldn’t generate enough chances against a disciplined, confident Edmonton squad.
What It All Meant for Canadian Teams Last Night
For Canada’s teams, Sunday was a reminder that hockey can turn quickly. Ottawa showed talent and grit but couldn’t hold the lead when it mattered most. Edmonton showed how structure, finishing, and confident goaltending can turn a good night into a statement.
The common thread? Moments matter. One goal, one lapse, one standout performance can swing a game. For fans, it was both a caution and a lesson: skill alone isn’t enough. How teams respond under pressure will define the next few weeks more than streaks or stats.