NEWARK, N.J. — The Ottawa Senators showcased a strong performance in the second period, as David Perron netted a power-play goal, helping secure a 3-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night. Brady Tkachuk and Drake Batherson each contributed goals, driving Ottawa to notch their seventh win in their last nine outings. Linus Ullmark was solid in the net, making 25 saves.
New Jersey’s offense saw Nico Hischier and Erik Haula each score, yet the team’s efforts fell short as they faced a defeat for the third time in their last four games. Goalie Jake Allen recorded 16 saves in the matchup.
The Senators took an early lead in the second period, with Tkachuk scoring his 28th goal at the 4:05 mark, and Batherson soon doubling that lead with his 20th, just 33 seconds later. Hischier responded for the Devils with a power-play goal at 7:13, marking his 30th and extending his point streak to six games.
However, Perron struck back 1:31 after Hischier’s goal, pushing Ottawa ahead 3-1. In a tense final minute of the third period, Haula found the net with his eighth goal, narrowing Ottawa’s margin to 3-2 with just 23 seconds remaining. Despite several opportunities in the closing seconds, New Jersey couldn’t convert, as Ullmark made key stops and Sanderson effectively cleared the puck near the net.
In the aftermath, Ottawa remains securely in the Eastern Conference wild card position, now sitting one point behind New Jersey for third place in the Metropolitan Division, with two fewer games played. Meanwhile, the Devils are struggling with form, having lost six out of their last ten games and risk slipping into a wild card slot themselves.
A pivotal moment in the game was delivered by Stutzle and Sanderson, who struck twice just 33 seconds apart early in the second, setting the stage for Ottawa’s strength during the period. Jesper Bratt’s assist on Hischier’s goal marked his 61st of the season, surpassing Scott Stevens’ franchise record set in the 1993-94 season.
Looking ahead, Ottawa is set to travel to Buffalo on Tuesday for their next clash, while the Devils will remain home to host Vancouver on Monday, concluding their current three-game homestand.