OTTAWA, ON – The Ottawa Senators gave their fans plenty to cheer about before leaving on a weeklong road trip and heading into their league-mandated break.
The Senators (28-20-4) capped off their four-game homestand with an impressive 6-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild Saturday night, completing a perfect 4-0-0 run at Canadian Tire Centre.
Ottawa controlled the first 40 minutes to take a 3-0 lead, but three power-play goals in a span of 2:14 to start the third put the game out of reach.
Ryan Hartman took a match penalty after he shoved Tim Stutzle’s face into the ice off a faceoff in the dying seconds of the second and the Senators capitalized on the opportunity.
Jake Sanderson, who had a career four-point night with a goal and three assists, beat Filip Gustavsson, who faced 52 shots, from the top of the slot. Brady Tkachuk made it 5-0 scoring 59 seconds later. The Wild then took another minor penalty to provide Ottawa a two-man advantage and Drake Batherson buried his 15th.
Chants of “we want (Marc-Andre) Fleury” rained down from the sellout crowd.
Tim Stutzle, with a goal and two assists, Josh Norris and Michael Amadio also scored for Ottawa, while Leevi Merilainen picked up his third shutout of the season stopping 16 shots.
Coming into the game the Wild (31-18-4) had only given up three goals through their last three games.
Ottawa’s Nick Cousins will be out six to eight weeks after having knee surgery Friday.
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 01: Ottawa Senators Center Shane Pinto (12) battles Minnesota Wild Defenceman Jake Middleton (5) during first period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 01: Ottawa Senators Goalie Leevi Merilainen (1) keeps eyes on the play with Minnesota Wild Center Marco Rossi (23) looking to tip any shot during second period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 01: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Tyler Kleven (43) passes the puck during second period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 01: Ottawa Senators Defenceman Jake Sanderson (85) celebrates his goal with Ottawa Senators Center Tim Stutzle (18) during third period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 01: Ottawa Senators Left Wing Brady Tkachuk (7) sets up in front of Minnesota Wild Goalie Filip Gustavsson (32) during third period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 01: Ottawa Senators Right Wing Drake Batherson (19) celebrates his goal with Defenceman Jake Sanderson (85), Left Wing Brady Tkachuk (7) and Right Wing Claude Giroux (28) during third period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 01: Ottawa Senators Center Ridly Greig (71) battles Minnesota Wild Defenceman Jared Spurgeon (46) during third period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 01: Minnesota Wild Goalie Filip Gustavsson (32) looks to make a save during third period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 01: Minnesota Wild Defenceman Jon Merrill (4) looks to break up a pass during third period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 01: Ottawa Senators Right Wing Claude Giroux (28) on face-off during third period National Hockey League action between the Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators on February 1, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)