3 takeaways from Senators' 4-3 overtime loss to Blackhawks

After Sunday afternoon's 4-3 overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Ottawa Senators were eager to extend their winning streak to three consecutive games against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Senators won the first meeting against the Blackhawks 4-3 in overtime on March 5 in Chicago. Overtime would be needed in the second meeting, but the result wouldn't end the same from the first meeting.

The Blackhawks defeated the Senators 4-3 in overtime at Canadian Tire Centre. With the loss, the Senators fell to 44-30-7 on the season.

The loss wouldn't impact the Senators overall in the standings as the team now has 95 points on the season, but a loss to the second worst team overall before the playoffs could be something to keep an eye on.

3. He's back!

Last game against the Flyers, Nick Cousins returned to the lineup. It was Cousins' first game played after suffering a knee injury on Jan. 25. While Cousins went pointless in his first game back, his second game went better.

With the Senators trailing 2-0 in the first period, Cousins was able to get free and bury a shot top shelf to cut the deficit to 2-1. The goal for Cousins was his first goal since Dec. 22.

Along with Cousins picking up his sixth goal of the season, Dennis Gilbert recorded his first point as a Senator by recording the primary assist on the goal.

2. PPG success

Against the Flyers, the Senators ended the game with Tim Stutzle scoring the overtime winner. Success from Sunday carried over into tonight.

The Senators went 2/3 on the powerplay against the Blackhawks. Both goals came in the second period from Thomas Chabot and Drake Batherson.

With his powerplay goal, Chabot now has 10 points over the past six games played. Chabot also has scored a goal in three of the last four games.

Dylan Cozens recorded an assist on both of the powerplay goals.

1. Goaltending scares

Anton Forsberg made 29 saves to earn the win against the Flyers on Sunday. But, against the Blackhawks, Forsberg saw some struggles.

Just 1:28 into the game, Connor Bedard scored to give the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead. Joe Veleno then scored under five minutes later to extend the lead to 2-0.

Just 1:05 later after Chabot scored a powerplay goal to tie the game at two, Bedard scored his second goal of the game 2:24 into the second period.

The Blackhawks scored three goals 62:24 into the game on five shots on goal. In overtime, the Blackhawks won the game with Frank Nazar's game winner. Bedard finished the game with three points. Forsberg finished the game with making 12 saves on 16 shots on goal.

The Senators will play their final regular season game of the 2024-25 season on Thuesday night when they host the Carolina Hurricanes. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

The Senators and Hurricanes each have won one game against each other this season. Both games resulted in shutout wins.