It is no secret that the Ottawa Senators’ power-play needs some work. Having defenceman Jake Sanderson back in the lineup over the last couple of games surely has given the power-play more structure and success, but it hasn’t been enough. In the last two games, the Senators have allowed three shorthanded goals. This now crowns them with the title of most shorthanded goals allowed across the league with a grand total of four after twelve games played.
Prior to tonight’s tilt against the New York Rangers, their power-play at 12.2% ranked 29th in the league. After allowing San Jose Sharks winger Collin Graf and former Senators centre Zack Ostapchuk to score two shorthanded goals past goaltender Samuel Ersson, the thought was that they would have a much tighter special teams unit when the Rangers came to town.
Sustaining pressure
Midway through the second period, Sanderson made a rare mistake and went to stop Rangers centre Noah Laba on a two-on-one, which left left-winger Will Cuylle wide open to score on a breakaway. This fourth short-handed goal solidified the Senators at the top of the short-handed goals allowed chart after previously being tied with the Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks, who have three.
Ottawa concedes their second short-handed goal in two games. Rare hesitation from Sanderson but that started with another forced pass by Cozens. #GoSensGo
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) October 25, 2026
Gave another one up seconds after a powerplay ended last game as well. Not good enough. pic.twitter.com/VCWL54HiRs
Head coach Travis Green must be well-aware that the Senators are struggling to sustain pressure with the man-advantage and their opponents are capitalizing on their mistakes. Through the first two periods of the Rangers game, the Senators are 0-for-3, and this brings them to 6-for-52 on the season so far and a 11.5% success rate. Dylan Cozens scored his first goal of the season to add to the Senators' lead, but unfortunately it was seconds after their power play expired.
Ottawa goal!
— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) October 25, 2026
Scored by Dylan Cozens with 08:39 left in the 2nd. Assisted by Drake Batherson and Carter Yakemchuk.
OTT: 4 | NYR: 1#NYRvsOTT #GoSensGo #NYR pic.twitter.com/jfCL9OZqNd
The Senators need better puck-moving and high-quality chances when given a man advantage. Prior to tonight’s game, the Senators were tied for fourth in the league for most low-danger shot chances on the power play with 40. With Sanderson quarterbacking on the blue line and bailing them out on most of their mistakes, they should become more solid, and their stats should improve. This is only Sanderson’s third game back after dealing with a nagging injury that sidelined him since the season opener.
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