Senators rally to beat Flames 4-3 in shootout

The Ottawa Senators showcased remarkable resilience on Thursday night, erasing three separate deficits to defeat the Calgary Flames 4-3 in a thrilling shootout at the Canadian Tire Centre. Jake Sanderson’s dramatic game-tying goal with just 2:49 remaining in regulation set the stage for Drake Batherson and Tim Stutzle to secure the victory in the shootout, extending Ottawa’s strong recent form to 4-1-1 in their last six games.

For the Flames, the loss marked another disappointing chapter in what has become a troubling season. Calgary now sits at 2-8-2, with just one victory in their past 11 contests. Despite strong goaltending from Devin Cooley, who made 35 saves including seven crucial stops in overtime, the Flames couldn’t hold onto multiple leads and were previously dealt a tough overtime loss to Montreal, continuing their slide in the standings.

Senators show character in ottawa senators vs calgary flames 4-3 shootout recap

The defining characteristic of this contest was Ottawa’s refusal to accept defeat. Three times the Flames seized the lead, and three times the Senators answered with equalizers. This kind of resilience is precisely what head coach Travis Green has been hoping to instill in his young roster as they navigate the early portion of the season.

Lars Eller opened Ottawa’s account with a shorthanded marker at 7:37 of the first period, capitalizing on a Shane Pinto rebound during a 2-on-1 rush to tie the game at 1-1. The veteran center’s ability to execute in high-pressure situations provided immediate relief after Calgary’s power-play opener. Eller also contributed an assist, demonstrating the two-way impact that has made him a valuable addition to the Senators’ lineup.

Artem Zub provided the second equalizer early in the third period, beating a heavily screened Cooley with a point shot at 2:36 to make it 2-2. The Russian defenseman’s blast from the blue line showcased the offensive threat Ottawa possesses from the back end. With traffic in front, Cooley had little chance to track the puck through bodies.

Then came Sanderson’s heroics. With time winding down and Calgary protecting a 3-2 lead, the young defenseman fired a shot from the top of the left faceoff circle that ricocheted off multiple Flames skaters in front, hit the crossbar, and dropped into the net. The chaotic sequence perfectly encapsulated Ottawa’s determination to find a way to score, no matter how unconventional the path.

The comeback victory demonstrates the growth of a Senators team that has often struggled with consistency. Building on their promising recent stretch, Ottawa showed the mental fortitude required to compete in tight games. Linus Ullmark’s 27 saves provided stability in goal, giving his teammates confidence to press for offense throughout the contest.

Calgary’s power play strikes early in the ottawa senators vs calgary flames 4-3 shootout recap

The Flames came out with purpose in the opening frame, establishing their game plan early. Yegor Sharangovich opened the scoring at 5:51 of the first period with a precision wrist shot from the top of the right faceoff circle during a power-play opportunity. The Russian forward beat Ullmark cleanly over the glove, showcasing the shooting skill that made him a valuable acquisition for Calgary.

The power-play success continued for the visitors when Matt Coronato pounced on a loose puck at the edge of the crease at 15:53 of the first period. The rookie forward has shown flashes of his offensive potential this season, and his ability to find soft areas around the net was on full display. With bodies crashing the crease, Coronato demonstrated excellent positioning and quick hands to give Calgary a 2-1 advantage.

Calgary’s special teams have been a bright spot during their otherwise difficult start to the season. Converting two power-play opportunities gave them momentum and the confidence that they could control the game’s tempo. The Flames’ man-advantage unit moved the puck crisply and created quality shooting lanes against an Ottawa penalty kill that has shown vulnerability at times.

However, the power-play success couldn’t mask some of the underlying issues plaguing Calgary. Defensive breakdowns at critical moments have been a recurring theme, and allowing a shorthanded goal immediately after taking the lead demonstrated the team’s fragility. The inability to protect leads has become a concerning pattern that head coach Ryan Huska must address.

Despite outshooting Ottawa significantly through the first 40 minutes, the Flames couldn’t build on their advantages. Their inability to extend leads when opportunities arose would prove costly as the game wore on. This matchup against Ottawa was projected to be a potential bounce-back opportunity, but familiar issues resurfaced.

Kadri’s brilliance couldn’t secure victory in the ottawa senators vs calgary flames 4-3 shootout recap

Nazem Kadri gave the Flames what appeared to be a pivotal goal at 8:16 of the third period, restoring Calgary’s lead at 3-2. The veteran center executed a textbook give-and-go with Jonathan Huberdeau on the rush, then snapped a shot that caught the right post and ricocheted into the net. The chemistry between Kadri and Huberdeau has been one of the few consistent positives for Calgary this season.

Kadri’s goal showcased his hockey intelligence and finishing ability. Reading the play perfectly, he timed his return pass from Huberdeau and released a quick shot that gave Ullmark no chance. The sequence was a reminder of why Calgary invested heavily in Kadri during free agency—his ability to create offense and score crucial goals in important moments.

For 11 minutes and 44 seconds, it appeared Kadri’s goal would hold up as the game-winner. Calgary played with urgency and structure, attempting to protect their slim advantage. Cooley continued his strong performance, making save after save to keep Ottawa at bay. The Flames were executing their defensive system, collapsing appropriately and limiting second chances.

But Sanderson’s deflection with less than three minutes remaining crushed Calgary’s hopes. The goal was equal parts skill and luck—Sanderson made the decision to shoot, but the puck’s path through traffic and off the crossbar demonstrated the fine margins between winning and losing. Calgary has experienced this type of deflating goal repeatedly during their losing streak.

The defeat raised uncomfortable questions about Calgary’s season trajectory. With only two wins through 12 games, the Flames find themselves in an early-season hole that could prove difficult to climb out of. While earning a point in the shootout provides minimal consolation, the pattern of squandering leads suggests deeper structural issues that won’t be easily resolved.

Shootout specialists deliver in the ottawa senators vs calgary flames 4-3 shootout recap

When overtime solved nothing despite several quality chances at both ends, the game proceeded to a shootout. Cooley’s seven saves during the three-on-three overtime period demonstrated his competitive spirit, keeping Calgary alive with spectacular stops on Brady Tkachuk and other dangerous Senators forwards who thrive in open ice.

Drake Batherson opened the shootout for Ottawa, and the skilled winger made no mistake. Using his trademark patience and puck-handling ability, Batherson froze Cooley before sliding the puck into the net. The goal extended Batherson’s point streak to four games, with the forward also recording an assist during regulation. His offensive production has been crucial to Ottawa’s recent success.

Tim Stutzle followed Batherson’s lead, also converting his shootout attempt to give Ottawa insurance. Like Batherson, Stutzle extended his point streak to four games with his regulation assist and shootout marker. The German star has been Ottawa’s most dynamic offensive player this season, and his ability to score in skills competitions adds another dimension to his game.

The shootout victories for both players highlighted Ottawa’s developing killer instinct. Young teams often struggle in pressure situations, but Batherson and Stutzle showed composure beyond their years. Their confidence with the game on the line bodes well for future close contests.

For Calgary, the shootout represented another missed opportunity. Unable to convert their own attempts, the Flames watched as two skilled Ottawa forwards clinched the victory. The result continued Calgary’s pattern of finding ways to lose close games, a trend that has defined their disappointing start to the campaign. According to nhl.com’s official recap, the Senators’ resilience was the difference maker in this dramatic contest.

Goaltending battle highlights the ottawa senators vs calgary flames 4-3 shootout recap

Both goaltenders deserved better than a game decided by shootout skills. Linus Ullmark made 27 saves for Ottawa, providing the steady presence the Senators need from their number-one netminder. Ullmark’s positioning and rebound control limited Calgary’s second-chance opportunities, even when the Flames generated sustained pressure.

Ullmark’s performance was particularly impressive given that he faced significant traffic and screening throughout the game. Two of Calgary’s three goals came on power plays with bodies obstructing his sight lines, situations that challenge even the most experienced goaltenders. His ability to track pucks through chaos and make saves when his team needed them most was crucial to Ottawa’s comeback.

Devin Cooley was exceptional for Calgary, stopping 35 shots including those seven overtime saves. The backup goaltender gave the Flames every opportunity to win, making highlight-reel stops at critical junctures. Cooley’s 35-save performance matched his season-high and demonstrated why Calgary has confidence in their goaltending depth despite their overall struggles.

Cooley couldn’t be faulted for any of the regulation goals. Eller’s shorthanded marker came on a clean 2-on-1 opportunity. Zub’s point shot was heavily screened. Sanderson’s game-tying goal involved multiple deflections and a crossbar. The shootout goals were simply examples of elite skill beating a goaltender who had already expended tremendous energy keeping his team ahead.

The goaltending duel provided entertainment and drama, even as the teams traded leads. Both netminders made saves that seemed impossible, flashing gloves and pads to rob shooters of certain goals. Cooley’s performance, in particular, offers Calgary hope that their goaltending can keep them competitive even when the team in front struggles defensively.

What this ottawa senators vs calgary flames 4-3 shootout recap means moving forward

For Ottawa, the victory represents more than just two points in the standings. The ability to come back three times against an opponent fighting for its season demonstrates mental toughness that has sometimes been lacking in recent years. With Batherson and Stutzle extending their point streaks and Sanderson delivering in the clutch, the Senators are showing signs of becoming a competitive team.

Ottawa’s 6-5-1 record through 12 games keeps them in the early playoff conversation in the Eastern Conference. More importantly, their 4-1-1 record over the past six games suggests they’re finding consistency. Young teams often struggle with maintaining effort levels throughout a long season, but this comeback victory could serve as a galvanizing moment.

Calgary faces a more dire situation. At 2-8-2, the Flames have already dug themselves a significant early-season hole. With only one win in 11 games, questions about the roster construction, coaching strategies, and overall team direction will intensify. Management may need to consider significant changes if the losing continues, as detailed by reports from Sportsnet’s coverage.

The Flames’ inability to hold leads remains their most concerning issue. They’ve shown they can score goals and generate offense, evidenced by their three goals and solid power-play performance. But defensive lapses and mental mistakes at crucial moments have defined their season. Until Calgary addresses these fundamental problems, more losses like this one seem inevitable.

Both teams will take lessons from this game as they continue their respective journeys. Ottawa learned they can find ways to win even when trailing multiple times. Calgary learned, once again, that talent alone isn’t enough—execution, discipline, and mental fortitude matter just as much. The contrasting narratives of these two teams make for compelling storylines as the season progresses and each organization seeks to establish its identity.