2 takeaways from Senators' 3-1 loss to Oilers in Edmonton

After a 5-4 overtime win last night against the Vancouver Canucks, the Ottawa Senators had a quick turnaround in under 24 hours as they faced the Edmonton Oilers in their final game before the Christmas break.

Just like they did against the Canucks, the Senators were eager to avenge their loss against the Oilers on Nov. 19 in Ottawa, but the Senators would have a rough game in Edmonton.

The Oilers defeated the Senators 3-1 at Rogers Place to drop the Senators to 18-14-2 on the season. With the loss, the Senators had their six-game winning streak snapped and were swept in the two-game season series against the Oilers.

The Senators will remain in a playoff spot heading into the Christmas break no matter the outcomes of tomorrow's games. However, a loss before the Christmas break certainly wasn't ideal for the Senators.

2. One player remains hot in December

After the Oilers took a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission, the Senators needed a spark early in the second period. One player continued his hot December stretch.

Just 25 seconds into the second period, Nick Cousins scored to tie the game at one after creating a turnover. It was Cousins' fifth goal and 11th point of the season.

Cousins had a rough October and November to begin his Senators tenure with recording four points, but now Cousins has recorded seven points in 11 games in December. Cousins has now recorded at least one point in three consecutive games.

1. Pain to ruin holiday mood

The Senators received painful news at the start of the second period when Linus Ullmark wouldn't be able return to the game after sustaining an upper body injury. That led to Leevi Merilainen to replace Ullmark and playing for the second consecutive night.

After Cousins tied the game at one just 25 seconds into the second period, the Senators' offense wouldn't be able to generate another goal against Stuart Skinner. In relief of Ullmark, Merilainen would make 12 saves. Merilainen allowed in one goal in the second period and third period.

Ullmark being injured now raises concern heavily. If Ullmark is out for a period of time, the Senators could be in danger of falling in the standings. Ullmark already missed four games in October with a previous strain injury, now another injury hits Ullmark.

Ullmark had won his last seven starts and had a 0.99 goals against average and .967 save percentage during the stretch. The Senators can't afford to lose Ullmark with not only how tight the Eastern Conference standings are, but how hot Ullmark was in his last seven games before the Oilers game.

The good news for Ullmark regarding his injury is the Senators won't play until Dec. 28. So with time to rest, the Senators hope it could help Ullmark heal quicker.

On Dec. 28, the Senators will return to action when they travel to Canada Life Centre to take on the Winnipeg Jets for the first time this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. The Jets are on fire with a 24-10-1 record this season.