The Ottawa Senators continue to struggle with game management, leading to missed opportunities as they fell 6-4 to the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite outshooting and outplaying their opponents for much of the game, the Senators blew three separate leads due to turnovers and penalties from their star players. Coach Travis Green acknowledged the hard-fought battle but emphasized that deserving to win does not equate to earning points in the standings. This season has highlighted a troubling trend for the Senators: a pattern of failing to secure leads.

By the Numbers

• Senators outshot the Golden Knights 39 to 28.
• The Senators blew a 2-0 lead within 21 seconds and later a 4-3 lead.

Yes, But

While the Senators exhibited impressive offensive flashes, their defensive lapses and high-risk decisions ultimately cost them the game. Goaltender Linus Ullmark also faced criticism for not making crucial saves, even if coach Green disagreed with this assessment. The losses point to deeper issues within the team regarding accountability and discipline.

State of Play

• The Senators have consistently struggled to maintain leads, evidenced by multiple recent games.
• Linus Ullmark returned to the lineup after a four-game absence but performed below expectations.

What’s Next

Moving forward, the Senators need to prioritize game management to convert leads into wins. Addressing their mental lapses and making adjustments in strategy will be essential for improving their performance in upcoming games. Enhancing their defensive discipline will be crucial to avoid further late-game collapses.

Bottom Line

The Senators must evolve their playing style from one of reckless abandon to calculated execution. Success in the NHL requires not only talent but also the ability to manage leads effectively, a skill the Senators must develop if they aspire to be competitive.