Stützle Leads Senators Past the Hottest Team in Hockey - the Bruins

From the Ottawa Senators’ bench, this one felt like a real test — Boston came in riding a seven-game heater, and early on, you could tell Ottawa wanted to punch first. Claude Giroux set the tone with that early power-play strike off a sharp Tim Stützle feed, and when Dylan Cozens made it 2–0 late in the first, the building had that “why not us?” energy.

Still, the Bruins don’t go away quietly, and as the game tightened, you could see Ottawa wobble just a bit. That’s when Leevi Merilainen’s steadiness really mattered. He didn’t face a heavy workload, but he made the right stops at the right times and kept the floor from falling out.

The Senators Regained Control in the Third Period

The third period was where Ottawa took control back. Shane Pinto, who had himself quite a day with that new four-year deal, scored early on a clean little 2-on-1 finish, and that seemed to wake up Stützle’s line. Drake Batherson threaded one of those patient, head-up passes he seems to make in slow motion, and Stützle buried it to take the lead back for good. His empty-netter sealed it, but the real story was the response: Ottawa didn’t love their second period, said so out loud, and then fixed it. For a team trying to build something sturdy, beating the league’s hottest club by standing tall in the third feels like the kind of win that sticks with you.

Key Points for the Senators

First, Tim Stutzle Shines: The kid was everywhere tonight. Two goals and an assist, including the game-winner and that empty-netter at the buzzer. He’s the kind of player who steps up in the moments that matter, the one who can tilt a tight game in Ottawa’s favor.

Second, the Games’ Turning Point: Shane Pinto’s third-period goal was the nudge Ottawa needed. After a wobbly second period and a locker-room huddle that clearly got everyone’s attention, Pinto’s redirect off Michael Amadio’s pass gave the Senators breathing room and momentum. That’s when you could feel the game swing back toward Ottawa.

Third, Why This Game Matters: Beating Boston isn’t just another win. Snapping their seven-game streak and extending Ottawa’s own point streak to seven games shows this team has grit. They can stumble, they can get tested—but when they stick together, they can grind out a win against the league’s best.

The Bottom Line for the Senators

Leevi Merilainen was solid in net, making 18 saves and keeping the Senators in the game when Boston pressed. Beyond him, Dylan Cozens, Claude Giroux, and Drake Batherson all made their presence felt, showing that Ottawa isn’t a one-line team. Even with Nick Jensen out late, the squad didn’t fold. They showed what happens when you stick to your game plan, play smart, and take advantage of the chances that come your way—regulation wins against a team like Boston don’t happen by accident.