The Ottawa Senators defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-2 on Sunday, November 9, 2025, marking the end of Utah's four-game road trip and the beginning of Ottawa's four-game homestand. Here are three takeaways from the game:
1. Depth Scoring Propels the Senators
Ottawa's victory was largely attributed to scoring from their depth players. Nick Cousins scored the game-winning goal, while Ridly Greig, Jordan Spence, and Michael Amadio also contributed to the scoreboard. For Spence, this was his first goal as a Senator. Amadio, in particular, has been on a hot streak, scoring in his fourth consecutive game. This depth scoring was crucial for the Senators, especially with both teams playing the second half of a back-to-back. The Senators' ability to get contributions from multiple players highlights their team-first approach. Ridly Greig had a goal and an assist in the game. Dylan Cozens also contributed with two assists.
2. Mammoth's Offensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities
The Utah Mammoth struggled to generate consistent offensive pressure, especially in creating traffic in front of the net. They had a strong start, putting 14 shots on Leevi Merilainen in the first period, but the score remained tied 1-1. Despite outshooting Ottawa 32-25 overall, they couldn't convert their chances into goals. A key moment in the third period saw a potential game-tying goal by Jack McBain waved off due to incidental contact with Merilainen. This disallowed goal seemed to deflate the Mammoth, who were already struggling to find their rhythm. The Mammoth have lost three straight games. Nick Schmaltz and Clayton Keller scored for Utah.
3. Stellar Goaltending from Leevi Merilainen
Leevi Merilainen, making only his third NHL start, delivered a strong performance in net for the Senators, stopping 30 of 32 shots. His performance was particularly important in the first 40 minutes, as he made several key saves to keep the Senators in the lead. Merilainen's confidence and ability to make crucial saves at key moments proved to be a difference-maker in the game. One instance included him signaling no goal after Jack McBain put the puck in the net, which led to a coach's challenge and reversal of the call.
