Against a tough Ottawa team that recorded 12 hits in the first period, Utah came out aggressive and disruptive on defense in the second. But by the third period, it was Ottawa who broke through Utah's defense first with two goals.
Claude Giroux broke a third-period tie and added an assist, rookie Leevi Merilainen made 34 saves and the Ottawa Senators beat Utah 3-1 on Sunday night.
Clayton Keller's 18th goal of the season not enough as Utah falls, 3-1, in Ottawa
Leevi Merilainen made 34 saves, and the Ottawa Senators won 3-1 against the Utah Hockey Club at Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday. Merilainen, a rookie who is 5-1-1 in his past seven starts, stretched to make a pad save on a bat from Logan Cooley to keep it 3-1 at 18:14 of the third
A Utah turnover while on the power play led to the Senators’ first goal of the game in the second period. Shane Pinto and Ridly Greig exploded on a two-on-1 as Utah’s Nick Schmaltz trailed while trying to get back. Greig one-timed Pinto’s pass past goalie Karel Vejmelka at 12:16 for the 1-0 advantage.
BOTTOM LINE: The Ottawa Senators play the Utah Hockey Club in a non-conference matchup. Ottawa is 25-20-4 overall and 13-7-2 in home games. The Senators serve 9.0 penalty minutes per game to rank 10th in the league.
Shots on Goal_Utah 13-11-10_34. Ottawa 9-8-10_27. Power-play opportunities_Utah 0 of 3; Ottawa 0 of 3. Goalies_Utah, Vejmelka 11-14-3 (27 shots-24 saves). Ottawa, Merilainen 7-3-1 (34-33).
Game Preview, 1/26: Utah Hockey Club vs. Ottawa Senators WHEN: 3:00 p.m. MT WHERE: Canadian Tire Centre - Ottawa, Ontario TV: SEG+, UtahHC+, Utah 16 | RADIO: KSL Sports Zone 97.5 FM, NHL App
Utah's NHL team is down to three names in its search, including one whose potential meaning raises eyebrows. Maybe they should just stick with Utah Hockey Club.
Utah's NHL team is down to three names in its search, including one whose potential meaning raises eyebrows. Maybe they should just stick with Utah Hockey Club.
The resurgent Ottawa Senators go for a third straight win when they host the Washington Capitals on Thursday night.