Date: November 21, 2025 Author: IHM News
Ottawa survived a heavy second-period push and closed out the night with a poised third-period winner from Drake Batherson.
In Anaheim, the Senators delivered a composed, structured road performance to edge the Ducks 3-2 in a game defined by special-teams swings and disciplined defensive layers. Ottawa struck first, absorbed Anaheim’s momentum through the second, then reset in the third to regain control. The Ducks generated volume through rushes and middle-lane drives but couldn’t consistently break Ottawa’s net-front protection, especially as the Senators’ penalty kill tightened late. Key contributions from depth forwards and the blue line secured the victory, while Anaheim’s lack of finishing beyond its mid-game burst proved costly.
Game Flow
1st Period – Ottawa strikes first
Anaheim’s early penalties disrupted their rhythm, and Ottawa capitalized on late-period structure. At 16:39, Cousins opened the scoring off a clean low-cycle feed from Jensen and Cozens, giving the Senators a 1-0 lead. Ducks’ zone exits faltered through the first 20 minutes.
2nd Period – Ducks push back, special teams swing
Anaheim flipped the tempo. At 13:08, B. Sennecke tied it 1-1 on a net-front touch from Gauthier and Carlsson, followed by McTavish at 14:34 finishing a crease battle to make it 2-1.
Ottawa answered late: at 19:02, Pinto hammered a power-play equalizer (2-2) set up by Halliday and Perron. Heavy penalties on both sides shaped the middle frame, but Ottawa’s transition game remained dangerous.
3rd Period – Sanderson restores the lead
At 18:02, with pressure building, Batherson jumped into the half-wall seam and buried a cross-ice feed from Sanderson and Spence, giving Ottawa a 3-2 advantage that held to the final horn. Anaheim generated late looks but never solved Ottawa’s collapsing box.
Numbers Box
• Shots on Goal: ANA 26 – OTT 25
• Shots Off Target: ANA 16 – OTT 13
• Blocked Shots: ANA 11 -OTT 18
• Goalie Saves: ANA 22 – OTT 24
• Penalty Minutes: ANA 6 – OTT 4
• Saves %: ANA 88% – OTT 92.31%
Coach Mark Comment
Ottawa played a smart road game. Their neutral-zone layers forced Anaheim wide, and they won most of the net-front battles late. Ducks had momentum in the second but couldn’t convert territorial pressure into enough high-danger looks. Bathersons’s timing on the winner was elite.
Questions & Answers | IHM Performance Metrics
Q1: Why did Anaheim lose despite more possession?
Because Ottawa controlled the slot. Anaheim’s rush-game worked, but interior access stayed limited.
Q2: What was Ottawa’s biggest tactical edge?
Their penalty-kill spacing and quick puck distribution after retrievals.
Q3: Who influenced the game most?
Batherson – defensive workload plus the decisive 3-2 goal.
Q4: Did special teams decide the game?
Yes. Ottawa’s late second-period power-play marker reset momentum.
Q5: What metric stands out most?
Ottawa’s 18 blocked shots – they sealed the house extremely well.