Senators Suffer Heartbreaking Collapse in Nashville
The Ottawa Senators experienced one of the most frustrating losses of their season on Thursday night in Nashville, surrendering a commanding 3-0 lead to fall 5-3 to the Predators in regulation time. After dominating the first half of the contest, the Sens watched their advantage evaporate through a combination of costly penalties, defensive lapses, and an inability to stem Nashville's surging momentum in the final frame.
Key Factors in the Senators' Demise
Several critical moments turned the tide against Ottawa. Tim Stutzle found himself preoccupied with officiating decisions, a distraction that culminated in a third-period cross-checking penalty. That infraction directly led to the Predators' game-tying goal. Furthermore, Fabian Zetterlund took a particularly damaging double-minor for high-sticking early in the third, handing Nashville all the momentum it needed to complete its comeback. In net, James Reimer was solid for stretches but could not make the clutch, game-saving stop when it was most desperately required.
Individual Player Report Card
Let's break down the performances from Ottawa's roster in this crushing defeat.
Forwards
Tim Stutzle: C
Stutzle's night was a mixed bag. Offensively, he showed flashes but was guilty of forcing passes that led to turnovers. His major undoing was the penalty in the third period that proved catastrophic. While he was on the wrong end of some missed calls, his visible frustration with the referees did him no favors. On a positive note, his penalty-killing efforts were exemplary, including a crucial shift during a four-minute Nashville power play where his defensive work and puck management were vital.
Brady Tkachuk: B-
Tkachuk used his size and strength effectively for much of the game, driving the net with strong puck protection and engaging physically in scrums. He set a perfect screen on Dylan Cozens' tip-in goal that made it 3-0. However, he was caught out of position and looking for coverage on Steven Stamkos' late go-ahead, hat-trick goal, a critical defensive lapse.
Fabian Zetterlund: D+
Zetterlund's game will be remembered for one costly mistake: a needless high-sticking double-minor early in the third period. This penalty swung the game's momentum entirely to Nashville and was a pivotal moment in the Senators' collapse.
Dylan Cozens: B+
Cozens continued his strong play, extending his point streak to five games with a well-executed deflection for Ottawa's third goal. He also contributed a significant shot block in the third period when the game was tied, demonstrating his two-way commitment.
Shane Pinto: C+
Pinto's scoring touch has cooled considerably after a hot start. He hit the post on a first-period rush and has only two goals in his last 16 outings. A terrible giveaway late in the first period immediately generated three high-danger chances for Nashville, though he was fortunate that Reimer bailed him out.
Stephen Halliday: A
In a bright spot for Ottawa, Halliday made his recall from the AHL's Belleville Senators count. He scored his first-ever NHL goal by jamming home a rebound in the crease, a memorable moment in an otherwise forgettable team performance.
Nick Cousins: A+
Cousins was arguably Ottawa's best forward. His relentless forechecking and puck retrieval were outstanding. He won numerous puck battles in just over 11 minutes of ice time and his hard work along the boards directly created the rebound that Halliday converted for his milestone goal.
Defencemen
Jake Sanderson: A-
Sanderson was a defensive rock once again, making another massive, potentially game-saving shot block at a critical juncture. His consistency on the back end remains a cornerstone for the Senators.
Artem Zub: B+
After a shaky shift early where he was too casual with clearing attempts, Zub simplified his game and was effective. He made a excellent stretch pass to spring Pinto in the first period and his well-placed wrist shot was tipped by Cozens for a goal. He was also the victim of a very soft slashing penalty that was more a referee's error than an infraction.
Looking Ahead After a Painful Loss
This game serves as a harsh lesson for the Ottawa Senators on the importance of maintaining discipline and composure with a lead. Dominating for thirty minutes means little if you cannot close out the game. The individual performances, from Halliday's joyful first to Cousins' relentless effort, provide some silver linings, but the overarching story is one of a monumental opportunity squandered on the road. The team must regroup quickly to learn from these mistakes as they continue their season.
