In a high-stakes showdown with significant playoff implications, the Ottawa Senators continued their late-season surge on Thursday night. The hero of the evening was Dylan Cozens, whose clinical finish on the power play snapped a third-period deadlock and propelled the Senators to a 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Cozens Breaks the Deadlock in the Third
The game remained a tense 1-1 affair deep into the final frame, with both teams searching for the breakthrough that would define the night. That moment arrived at the 6:33 mark of the third period. With the Ottawa Senators on the man advantage, captain Brady Tkachuk showcased his vision, finding Cozens alone in the slot. Cozens didn't miss, firing a sharp shot past Flames goaltender Devin Cooley on the blocker side to give Ottawa a lead they would not relinquish.
The goal was a testament to the Senators' recent efficiency on the power play. Entering the contest, Ottawa had been red-hot with the man advantage, converting on five of their previous 12 opportunities. While they finished 1-for-4 on Thursday, the one they converted proved to be the game-winner, highlighting the clinical nature of this current Senators roster.
Ullmark and the Defensive Stand
While the offense provided the highlights, the victory was anchored by another stellar performance from goaltender Linus Ullmark. Ullmark turned aside 19 of the 20 shots he faced, maintaining his incredible form. With this win, Ullmark improved to 8-0-3 in his last 11 decisions, a streak of consistency that has been the backbone of Ottawa’s push toward the postseason. His last regulation loss dates back to early December, a stat that underscores just how reliable he has been in the crease.
The Senators' defense was equally impressive, limiting a desperate Flames team to high-danger chances only sparingly. Despite Devin Cooley keeping Calgary in the game with a gritty 35-save performance, the Flames' offense struggled to find a rhythm against Ottawa's disciplined structure. The lone blemish on Ullmark's night was a first-period goal by Martin Pospisil, who netted his first of the season to give Calgary an early 1-0 lead.
Depth Scoring and Milestone Moments
The Ottawa Senators victory featured several key contributions across the lineup. Before Cozens' heroics, veteran forward Lars Eller provided the equalizer in the second period. Eller’s goal was a significant personal milestone, as it snapped a 34-game goalless drought. In a poetic twist of fate, Eller’s last goal also came against the Flames back in late October.
As the clock wound down and the Flames pulled Cooley for an extra attacker, the Senators' stars put the game out of reach. Tim Stutzle intercepted a pass and found the empty net to extend his remarkable point streak to 11 games. During this stretch, Stutzle has tallied seven goals and eight assists, cementing his status as one of the league's most dangerous offensive threats. Shane Pinto added a second empty-netter shortly after to finalize the 4-1 scoreline.
Playoff Picture and What’s Next
This victory is more than just another two points for the Senators; it is a vital step in their quest for a postseason berth. Ottawa is now 7-1-2 in their last 10 games, a run that has brought them within four points of the Boston Bruins for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With the momentum clearly on their side, the Senators are proving to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league as the calendar turns toward the home stretch.
For the Calgary Flames, the loss further complicates a difficult season. The team has now dropped four straight games (0-3-1) and remains near the bottom of the league standings. While Cooley’s performance was a bright spot, the lack of offensive support continues to haunt the Flames as they look to rebuild and find consistency.
- Ottawa Senators next game: At Seattle Kraken on Saturday
- Calgary Flames next game: Hosting Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday
Sources & Original Reporting
