The Ottawa Senators were left with a solitary point after a hard-fought 3-2 overtime defeat against the Dallas Stars at the Canadian Tire Centre on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The game, witnessed by 16,562 fans, was marred by contentious officiating that drew the ire of the team and its management.
A Strong Start Fades Away
The Senators launched into the game with purpose, establishing a 2-0 lead in the first period. Defenceman Nick Jensen and forward Drake Batherson found the back of the net, giving the home team early control. However, maintaining that momentum proved difficult, a recurring theme for the club this season.
Dallas steadily pushed back, and if not for a stellar performance by goaltender Linus Ullmark, the game would have slipped away sooner. The Senators were decisively outshot 17-6 in the third period, showcasing the mounting pressure from the Stars.
Controversial Calls and a Costly Equalizer
The momentum shifted significantly in the third period, aided by penalties against Ottawa. The Stars capitalized on a power play, with Jason Robertson tying the game 2-2 with a shot past Ullmark's glove side with 12 minutes remaining.
The Senators' bench and fans were particularly incensed by a high-sticking penalty called on Ridly Greig, a call that coach Travis Green admitted he "wasn't crazy about." The frustration was palpable, and post-game, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Steve Staios was seen heading towards the officials' room, though he did not meet with them.
Overtime Heartbreak and Injury Concern
For the fifth time in their last six games, the Senators were forced into overtime. The extra frame ended at the 2:02 mark when Dallas's Roope Hintz scored during a scramble in front of the net. The goal was reviewed for goaltender interference but ultimately stood.
Compounding the loss, the Senators saw a key player exit the game. Top defenceman Thomas Chabot left after the first period with an upper-body injury, forcing the team to adjust its lineup for the remainder of the contest and casting a shadow over the upcoming games in their homestand.
Despite the result, Coach Green emphasized the team's competitive level. "We're not sitting here surprised we played well. It was a hard-fought hockey game," Green stated. "When you play good teams, I thought we had some chances to put the game away, and we gave them new life." The loss also snapped an eight-game home winning streak for the Senators against the Stars, whose last victory in Ottawa dated back to March 6, 2016.
