The decisive 6-5 overtime defeat suffered on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens finally brought to light what had seemed progressively unavoidable: The Ottawa Senators are beginning to unravel due to the weakest goaltending in the league.
Jake Sanderson orchestrated a strong offensive surge in the second period, contributing assists on three of the Senators’ four goals, and then scoring one himself to push the score to 5-3 in the third period, thereby matching his personal best of four points in a single game.
It was arguably the finest display of his career. He bore the team’s burden effectively in both offensive and defensive zones.
However, rather than modestly addressing inquiries from reporters regarding his outstanding showing, the Senators’ key defenseman was compelled to discuss how another contest his squad deserved to win ultimately eluded them.
Netminder Leevi Meriläinen, making his tenth consecutive start and eleventh straight appearance for the Senators within a mere three weeks, performed poorly.
This marked his most disappointing outing across his eleven consecutive games, a period during which he has maintained a save percentage of .847. He cost the Senators another game as the squad endeavors to re-enter playoff contention.
Sanderson is gaining attention for offering a rare insight into the team’s internal sentiment during this challenging period.
Following the game, he stated, “Leevi made some good saves, but you know, I think at the end of the day, you gotta make more than 10 saves to win a game.”
This kind of remark prompts one to seek video confirmation to ascertain if the player misspoke.
He certainly did not. Sanderson was visibly agitated. The ensuing silence after such a impactful comment spoke volumes.
This is noteworthy as athletes typically move swiftly to defend their goaltenders.
Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle defended Meriläinen subsequent to the loss. Tkachuk indicated the team needed to do more to support him. Stützle conveyed his frustration that the goaltending situation would even be questioned.
Nonetheless, observe their reactions to the Canadiens’ goal that tied the game.
These are not players who feel they must improve their performance for their goalie. They warrant praise for supporting their teammate, yet it is clearly a pretense.
Nor does it imply that Sanderson should face criticism for his honesty.
He does not strike me as the type of star player disconnected from his teammates. He was as forthright as possible without being overtly accusatory.
Saturday’s defeat merely underscored an issue that had been simmering throughout the season, reaching a critical point in the new year. The goaltending has been eroding this team’s morale for several weeks.
And the responsibility rests with the management.
Their failure to tackle the most obvious weakness on an otherwise formidable roster is rendering this season a write-off for Ottawa.
Despite his abysmal statistics, Meriläinen has been extensively utilized by the Senators. Eleven appearances in 21 days is unparalleled in today’s NHL, especially for a developing goaltender who is severely struggling.
Linus Ullmark’s situation looms large over this discussion, even though he wasn’t performing at a Vezina-caliber level before his personal leave from the squad. And his reported presence at games merely a week into his absence, combined with what has been witnessed in goal during his time away, is puzzling.
James Reimer has served as the backup for two games now. If he isn’t prepared now, when will he be?
Meriläinen resembles a baseball pitcher who continuously surrenders home runs, with relievers warming in the bullpen, yet remains in the game because analytics dictate it.
It’s a barrage of long balls. The opposing team relentlessly circles the bases while Meriläinen falters on the pitcher’s mound.
Last week, I penned an article detailing the mounting pressure on President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Steve Staios.
Pressure Begins To Rise On Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios
So, why does a single overtime loss, following two consecutive victories, exacerbate the perceived urgency of the situation?
Because it occurred against Montreal, on home ice, during an event commemorating three decades of the Canadian Tire Centre, while the venue was packed with supporters of the Canadiens.
Tkachuk, Stützle, Dylan Cozens, and Sanderson each celebrated their goals with intensity. The Senators become highly motivated for these matches. They resent their arena being taken over.
Sanderson was equally frank when questioned about the audience.
This particular statement should be dominating the headlines.
The manner in which this game unfolded, with such a prominent presence of the rival team’s supporters in attendance, signifies a breaking point for the team’s star athletes.
One cannot fully engage with that atmosphere if they are unable to get a crucial save.
Enough is enough. Someone must substitute Meriläinen.
Jack Richardson
The Hockey News Ottawa
