Ottawa Senators Drop Tough One to Tampa Bay
The Ottawa Senators came out with energy Friday night, but a third-period collapse against the Tampa Bay Lightning left fans frustrated after a 4-2 loss that stings as much for how it happened as for the final score.
With starter Linus Ullmark listed as "unavailable," head coach Travis Green turned to veteran netminder James Reimer to carry the load. For two periods, Ottawa looked like they had a shot — holding a lead and generating enough offence to feel good about their chances.
The Third Period Unravels
Then came the third.
Reimer, a 36-year-old journeyman who has been a steady if unspectacular presence when called upon, allowed the key goals that ultimately decided the game. Tampa Bay, a team that knows how to turn it on when it counts, capitalized on their chances and didn't look back.
It's the kind of loss that's hard to stomach for a Senators team still fighting to stay relevant in the playoff picture. Giving up a lead is one thing; watching it evaporate in the final frame is another.
Ullmark's Absence Looms Large
The elephant in the room, of course, is Ullmark. The Swedish netminder has been Ottawa's backbone between the pipes since arriving in the offseason, and his absence — whatever the reason — immediately puts the Sens in a difficult spot.
Reimer has proven he can win games at this level, but asking him to be the guy night in and night out is a different ask. Ottawa's margin for error in close games shrinks considerably when the backup is in net.
The Senators' brass will be watching Ullmark's status closely. Every game in the standings matters at this point in the season, and goaltending is not the place you want uncertainty.
What It Means for the Sens
Ottawa fans at Canadian Tire Centre — and the many watching from home across the capital — know this team is capable of competing with the best in the Eastern Conference on a good night. The offensive pieces are there. The compete level is generally there.
But inconsistency, particularly in goal, has been a recurring theme. Friday's loss to Tampa is a reminder that this Senators group hasn't yet solved the riddle of staying composed when things get tight late in games.
There's still time to right the ship, but with the playoff race tightening, losses like this one against a conference rival carry extra weight.
The Senators will need to regroup quickly and hope Ullmark can return sooner rather than later — because third-period leads need to be leads you can actually take to the bank.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
