Ottawa Senators 4-2 Utah Mammoth | Merilainen Shines as Point Streak Hits Five
Date: November 10, 2025
Author: IHM News
Merilainen steps up in return as Ottawa delivers a controlled, mature performance at home
The Ottawa Senators extended their point streak to five games with a composed 4-2 win over the Utah Mammoth at Canadian Tire Centre. The night marked a strong return for Leevi Merilainen, who made 29 saves in his first appearance since Oct. 27 and delivered several critical stops in the third period. Ottawa once again leaned on its balanced scoring and disciplined puck management to secure its sixth win in the past ten games.
Ridly Greig and Jordan Spence each posted a goal and an assist, Dylan Cozens added two assists, and Michael Amadio scored for the fourth consecutive game. Ottawa (8-5-3) showed maturity in all three zones, closing shifts cleanly and protecting the interior of the ice with structure and timing. Head coach Travis Green praised the group’s composure, noting that the team managed momentum swings well and stayed sharp even under Utah’s late push with the extra attacker.
For Utah (9-7-0), Nick Schmaltz and Clayton Keller provided the offense, but the Mammoth couldn’t turn sustained pressure into a breakthrough. Goaltender Vitek Vanecek finished with 21 saves, while the team dropped its third straight game to close a difficult four-game road trip. Utah has now lost five of its past six (1-5-0), struggling to generate timely goals despite competitive stretches of play.
How the Game Unfolded
Greig opened the scoring at 13:59 of the first period, finishing a chaotic rebound sequence created by Fabian Zetterlund’s one-timer from the right circle. The puck deflected off Dmitri Simashev, then off Dylan Cozens’ skate, before settling in the crease for Greig to tap home.
Utah tied the game 1-1 at 17:33 when Clayton Keller attacked off the rush just after a power play expired. Taking a pass from Mikhail Sergachev, Keller drove down the left wing, followed his own rebound, and slipped the puck through Merilainen’s pads.
Jordan Spence restored Ottawa’s lead 2-1 at 7:13 of the second period with a sharp slap shot from the high slot after a turnover by Dylan Guenther below Utah’s goal line. Spence, who has been a healthy scratch nine times this season, now has seven points in seven games and continues to impress with mobility and decision-making.
Nick Cousins extended the lead to 3-1 at 15:52, beating Vanecek with a strong wraparound finish under the left pad. Schmaltz responded at 18:56, cutting the score to 3-2 with a powerful move around Jake Sanderson before sliding a backhand past Merilainen.
Utah thought it had tied the game 22 seconds into the third period, but Ottawa’s challenge for goaltender interference was successful, negating Jack McBain’s effort. Minutes later, at 3:46, Amadio sealed the win with a deflection off Thomas Chabot’s point shot, making it 4-2 and locking down Ottawa’s fifth straight game with points.
Numbers Box
- Shots on Goal: OTT 25, UTA 31
- Power Play: OTT 0/1, UTA 0/2
- Faceoffs: OTT 52%, UTA 48%
- Goaltending: Merilainen (OTT) 29 saves on 31 shots; Vanecek (UTA) 21 saves on 24 shots
- Streaks: Amadio (G in 4), Senators (points in 5 straight)
Coach Mark Comment
Merilainen gave them exactly what they needed. His reads were clean and he controlled rebounds well, especially late. Ottawa managed the middle of the ice with maturity and Utah never solved their defensive layers consistently. A strong identity game for the Senators.
Questions & Answers | IHM Performance Metrics
Why are the Senators on a five-game point streak?
They’ve tightened their defensive structure, supported the puck better, and limited rush chances against. Their transition game has stabilized their five-on-five play.
How impactful was Merilainen in his return?
Very. His positioning was sharp and he delivered key momentum saves, especially in the third period under pressure. It steadied the entire bench.
What’s driving Ottawa’s balanced scoring lately?
Multiple lines are contributing because of improved puck support, cleaner exits, and strong inside-lane pressure. Their bottom-six has also raised its pace.
Why is Utah struggling despite competitive stretches?
They generate volume but lack high-danger finishes. Defensive lapses at key moments have also cost them games on this road trip.
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