OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators fell short against the NHL-leading Washington Capitals in Thursday’s 1-0 overtime loss, but proved they can hold their own against the best.
Senators rookie netminder Leevi Merilainen conceded the game’s lone goal to Alex Ovechkin in a 27-save performance.
Washington’s Logan Thompson was also solid with 25 saves.
With 874 career goals, Ovechkin continued to chase Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record of 894.
Neither team conceded many chances and when one did present itself both goaltenders were solid.
Merilainen wasn’t overly busy through the first 40 minutes, but when the Capitals (30-10-5) pushed in the third he was outstanding. An overtime save on Tom Wilson had the crowd chanting his name.
Washington’s Andrew Mangiapane had a great chance on the Capitals’ lone power-play chance, but was unable to beat Merilainen in the third period.
Ottawa (22-28-4) went 0-for-3 on the power play and 2-for-15 over its last five games.
The Capitals were held to a single shot in the first 16 minutes of the second period before mustering four during the last three and a half minutes.
Ottawa native Donovan Sebrango made his NHL debut with the Senators in front of a large contingent of family and friends. Winger Michael Amadio returned to the Senators lineup for the first time since Dec. 21.
Takeaways
Senators: Power play went 0-for-3.
Capitals: Started slow, but pushed back in the third period.
Key moment
Leevi Merilainen made a huge save on Tom Wilson in overtime.
Key stat
Only three NHL players have 15 or more goals and 100-plus hits this season and they all played in this game — Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk and Josh Norris and Washington’s Tom Wilson.
Up next
Ottawa hosts the Boston Bruins and Washington is at home to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2025.
