Here’s a bold statement: even the most dominant streaks in hockey are bound to end, and last night’s matchup between the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets proved it in dramatic fashion. But here’s where it gets controversial—was it Ottawa’s relentless offense or Columbus’s uncharacteristic slow start that truly sealed the deal? Let’s dive in.
The Senators, led by Tim Stutzle and Ridly Greig, delivered a decisive 4-1 victory at Nationwide Arena, handing the Blue Jackets their first loss under new coach Rick Bowness. Both Stutzle and Greig notched a goal and an assist, showcasing Ottawa’s depth and determination. This win extended the Senators’ point streak to five games (3-0-2), a stark contrast to their earlier overtime struggles. Meanwhile, Columbus saw their four-game winning streak snapped, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning what went wrong.
And this is the part most people miss—despite the final score, Bowness described the game as “evenly played for the most part,” pinning the loss on a sluggish start and missed opportunities in the second period. Is he right, or did Ottawa simply outplay Columbus when it mattered most? Let the debate begin.
Ottawa’s Tyler Kleven kicked things off with his first goal of the season just 3:34 into the first period, a beautiful snap shot that set the tone. Columbus’s Sean Monahan quickly responded, tying the game at 1-1, but Stutzle’s five-hole goal at 10:15 restored the Senators’ lead. The third period saw Greig capitalize on an odd-man rush, making it 3-1, and Brady Tkachuk sealed the deal with an empty-netter, assisted by Stutzle.
Goaltender James Reimer, in just his second start of the season, made 21 saves for Ottawa, while Columbus’s Elvis Merzlikins exited early due to illness, leaving Jet Greaves to step in. Reimer’s post-game comments were both humble and heartfelt, crediting his faith and teammates for the win. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Did Reimer’s steady performance or Columbus’s goaltending shuffle play a bigger role in the outcome?
For the Blue Jackets, the loss wasn’t just about the final score. Defenseman Erik Gudbranson pointed out the team’s inability to impose their will early, a sentiment echoed by Monahan, who noted a lack of energy in the second period. Bowness, meanwhile, vowed to address the slow starts that have plagued his team. But is this a coaching issue, or simply a bump in the road for a team still adjusting to new leadership?
Here’s a controversial take: While Ottawa’s victory was well-earned, Columbus’s loss might say more about their internal struggles than their opponent’s prowess. What do you think? Did the Senators outclass the Blue Jackets, or did Columbus beat themselves?
As for milestones, Thomas Chabot tied Wade Redden for the second-most multi-assist games by a defenseman in Senators history, while Columbus’s Zach Werenski saw his 16-game home point streak come to an end. And let’s not forget Charlie Coyle, who played his 999th NHL game—a testament to his enduring career.
So, what’s your take? Was this a statement win for Ottawa, or a missed opportunity for Columbus? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your thoughts!
