In a thrilling Monday night matchup, the Ottawa Senators mounted a comeback to defeat the struggling Winnipeg Jets, with captain Brady Tkachuk playing the hero in overtime. The final score was 3-2, handing the Jets another tough loss on home ice at Canada Life Centre on December 15, 2025.
Jets Start Strong, Senators Rally Back
The Winnipeg Jets came out with energy, looking to snap their recent skid, and managed to build an early lead. However, the Senators, led by a determined performance from goaltender Linus Ullmark, weathered the storm. Ullmark was instrumental, making several key saves throughout the game, including a notable stop on Jets forward Nino Niederreiter during a first-period scramble that also involved Senators defenders Tyler Kleven and Nikolas Matinpalo.
Despite the Jets' pressure, Ottawa chipped away, tying the game and forcing the extra frame. The momentum shifted as the Senators' persistence paid off, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Tkachuk Seals the Deal in Extra Time
The overtime period was a tense, back-and-forth affair before Brady Tkachuk took matters into his own hands. The Senators' powerhouse forward found the back of the net, securing the two points for Ottawa and silencing the Winnipeg crowd. The goal capped off a resilient road performance for the Senators, who showed grit in battling back from a deficit.
This victory provides a boost for Ottawa, while the loss extends a difficult period for the Jets, who are searching for answers and consistency as the season progresses.
What This Means for Both Teams
For the Ottawa Senators, this win is a testament to their growing resilience. Coming from behind on the road against a division rival is a significant confidence builder. The play of Linus Ullmark provides a solid foundation, while Tkachuk's clutch scoring reinforces his role as a leader.
For the Winnipeg Jets, the struggle continues. Letting a lead slip away and losing in overtime at home is a frustrating outcome that highlights ongoing issues in closing out games. The team will need to regroup quickly as they look to climb the standings in the competitive Central Division.
The game, captured by THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Greenslade, was a classic NHL encounter filled with saves, physical play, and an unforgettable overtime conclusion.
