The Ottawa Senators’ six-game winning streak came to a crushing end as the Colorado Avalanche dominated at Canadian Tire Centre.
In a game that Ottawa fans would rather forget, the Colorado Avalanche stormed into the nation’s capital and delivered a decisive 5-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night, March 20, 2025. The Avalanche’s explosive first period proved to be the difference, chasing Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark from the net early and setting the tone for the evening.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Colorado scored four goals in the first period, chasing Ullmark from the net. Brock Nelson scored his first two goals as an Avalanche player. Dylan Cozens saved Ottawa from a shutout with a late power-play goal.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Thursday, March 20, 2025 |
| 📍 Venue | Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa |
| 🏒 Final Score | Avalanche 5 - Senators 1 |
| ⏰ Time | 7:00 PM ET |
What Happened?
The Avalanche came out firing from the opening puck drop, scoring four unanswered goals in the first period alone. Nathan MacKinnon, Brock Nelson (twice), Cale Makar, and Joel Kiviranta all found the back of the net in Colorado’s relentless first-period assault.
First Period Disaster
Ottawa’s starting goaltender Linus Ullmark was pulled just 17:29 into the game after allowing four goals on only 13 shots. It was a tough night for the veteran netminder, who had been solid during the team’s recent winning streak.
Anton Forsberg came in for relief duty and performed admirably, stopping 18 of 19 shots for the remainder of the game.
Image: Illustrative image only.
Scoring Summary:
| Period | Team | Scorer | Assists | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | COL | Nathan MacKinnon | - | - |
| 1st | COL | Brock Nelson | - | - |
| 1st | COL | Cale Makar | - | - |
| 1st | COL | Joel Kiviranta | - | - |
| 2nd | COL | Brock Nelson | - | - |
| 3rd | OTT | Dylan Cozens (PP) | - | 15:19 |
What You Need to Know
Key Storylines:
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Brock Nelson’s Avalanche Debut Goals: Nelson, traded to Colorado from the New York Islanders on March 6, scored his first two goals in an Avalanche sweater. The veteran center is already making an impact with his new team.
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Cale Makar Makes History: The star defenseman recorded a goal and an assist, making him just the eighth defenseman in NHL history with three career 80-point seasons. He continues to cement his legacy as one of the game’s elite blueliners.
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MacKinnon’s Iron Man Streak: Nathan MacKinnon skated in his 200th consecutive NHL game, showcasing his remarkable durability and commitment to his team.
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Streak Snapped: This loss marks the end of Ottawa’s impressive six-game winning streak. The Senators now sit at a crossroads as they look to bounce back.
Why This Matters to Ottawa Fans
After building momentum with six straight wins, this loss is a reality check for a Senators team that has shown flashes of potential this season. The way the game unfolded—with the first-period collapse—will be a point of concern for head coach Travis Green and his staff.
However, there are positives to take away. Dylan Cozens prevented the shutout with a power-play goal in the third period, showing the team’s fighting spirit even in a lopsided game. And Anton Forsberg proved reliable in relief, giving the coaching staff confidence in their goaltending depth.
Image: Illustrative image only.
Avalanche Rolling
The win extends Colorado’s hot streak to 9-1-1 in their last 11 games. With their star-studded lineup featuring MacKinnon, Makar, and now Nelson, the Avalanche look like serious Stanley Cup contenders heading into the playoff stretch.
For Ottawa, the focus now shifts to regrouping and getting back to the fundamentals that fueled their winning streak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was Linus Ullmark pulled from the game? A: Ullmark was pulled after allowing four goals on just 13 shots in the first period. It was a difficult night, and the coaching staff decided to give him a break and see what Forsberg could do.
Q: How many games have the Senators won recently? A: The Senators had won six consecutive games before this loss to Colorado.
Q: Who scored Ottawa’s only goal? A: Dylan Cozens scored on the power play with 4:41 remaining in the third period, preventing a shutout.
Q: When is the Senators’ next home game? A: Check the Ottawa Senators schedule for upcoming games at Canadian Tire Centre.
Final Thoughts
While Thursday’s 5-1 loss to the Avalanche is disappointing, it’s important for Ottawa Senators fans to keep perspective. Every team faces setbacks, and this game against one of the league’s hottest teams was always going to be a challenge.
The Senators showed character during their six-game winning streak, and one bad night doesn’t erase that progress. The key now is how the team responds. With the playoff race heating up, Ottawa will need to put this game behind them quickly and focus on their next opponent.
Source: NHL.com, ESPN, CBS Sports – Summarized and adapted for Via Ottawa readers.
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