Wild 3, Senators 2: Ottawa Heartbreak in Minnesota
The Ottawa Senators came within a whisker of leaving Minnesota with two points, only to see Joel Eriksson Ek score with 24 seconds remaining in a 3–2 loss at Grand Casino Arena. It was the kind of finish that leaves your chest heavy, the kind that lingers long after the final horn.
For much of the night, Ottawa played with poise, patience, and a sense of urgency that belied their road standing. Tim Stutzle and Dylan Cozens combined for four points, cutting a 2-0 Minnesota lead to 2-2 and keeping the game alive late into the third. But the Wild’s late push, capped by Eriksson Ek’s one-timer on a perfect cross-ice feed from Marcus Johansson, stole the spotlight and left the Senators staring at a single point instead of the full two.
It was a game of small margins, but Ottawa showed resilience and structure, even if the scoreboard didn’t reward their effort.
Key Point One: Tim Stutzle and Dylan Cozens Keep Ottawa in It
The Senators’ top forwards were exactly that — top performers. Stutzle’s power-play goal late in the first and Cozens’ tying wrist shot on the man advantage in the second period highlighted Ottawa’s ability to respond under pressure. When the team needed energy and composure, these two delivered.
Key Point Two: The Senators’ Special Teams Came Through
Ottawa scored with the man advantage, with Stutzle and Cozens’ goals swinging momentum back their way. After going down 2-0, they made the most of their chances and showed they can be a real threat even on the road in Minnesota.
Key Point Three: Leevi Merilainen Stood Tall
Leevi Merilainen faced 22 shots from a Wild team that rarely relents at home. While two late goals went in, he kept Ottawa competitive through the first 59 minutes and gave the Senators a fighting chance in overtime, proving that the netminder’s future in Ottawa is bright.
Final Thoughts from the Senators’ Perspective
This loss stings, but there’s plenty to build on. Ottawa showed grit, resilience, and the ability to play in a hostile environment without folding. The power play was sharp, the forwards pressed effectively, and the team never quit.
Small details — the final 24 seconds, a perfect pass by Johansson, and the missed overtime opportunity — made the difference. But these are teachable moments for a team still finding its stride on the road.
The Senators leave Minnesota knowing they belong in these close games. The challenge now is converting late opportunities and closing out tight contests. If they can, the 14-13-4 record could feel a lot better than it looks on paper.