Reimer blanked the Canucks in 2-0 shutout victory.
The Ottawa Senators continued their impressive run on Monday night, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 2–0 at Rogers Arena behind a composed performance from veteran goaltender James Reimer. Making his first start in more than a month, Reimer stopped 16 shots to secure his first shutout of the season and help Ottawa stretch its point streak to seven games.
The victory capped a productive road trip for the Senators, who collected points in all five games away from home. Ottawa’s recent surge has strengthened its playoff hopes as the team continues pushing toward the Eastern Conference wild-card spots.
James Reimer Delivers in First Start Since February
James Reimer’s return to the crease proved decisive for the Senators, as the veteran goaltender displayed calm control throughout the night. It marked his first start since February 5, yet he looked sharp while recording his 32nd career NHL shutout.
Reimer acknowledged that returning after a long break requires patience and trust in one’s game. Instead of forcing plays, he focused on maintaining rhythm and letting the action come naturally. His steady approach paid off, particularly during the second period when he denied several Vancouver scoring chances.
Ottawa coach Travis Green praised the veteran’s composure, noting that experienced players often maintain their readiness even during long stretches without game action. According to Green, Reimer’s timely saves in the middle frame helped stabilize the Senators during key moments.
Senators’ Defense Holds Strong Without Jake Sanderson
Ottawa’s defensive effort stood out as much as its goaltending. The Senators entered the game without top defenseman Jake Sanderson, who is sidelined week-to-week with an upper-body injury sustained against the Seattle Kraken.
Despite the absence, Ottawa delivered a disciplined defensive performance that limited Vancouver’s offensive opportunities. The Canucks managed only three shots in the third period, including two power plays that failed to produce a single shot on goal.
Reimer emphasized the team’s collective approach in handling Sanderson’s absence. While acknowledging the defenseman’s importance, he noted that the group responded by focusing on structure and responsibility across the lineup.
Ridly Greig Breaks the Deadlock in the Second Period
The game’s first goal arrived midway through the second period following a fortunate bounce. Artem Zub fired a shot from the point that deflected off Shane Pinto before landing near Ridly Greig in the slot.
Greig quickly shifted the puck from his backhand to forehand and beat Vancouver goaltender Kevin Lankinen with a precise shot past the blocker at 10:11. Vancouver briefly challenged the play, arguing that the puck had been touched with a hand before the goal.
However, video review confirmed that the puck deflected rather than being intentionally passed by hand, allowing the goal to stand. Pinto later admitted he was simply trying to protect his face when the puck struck his glove, making the sequence more accidental than strategic.
Brady Tkachuk Seals the Senators Shutout
Vancouver pushed for an equalizer late in the third period but struggled to generate meaningful pressure. Ottawa’s defensive structure held firm, while Reimer remained steady whenever called upon.
With the Canucks pressing forward, Brady Tkachuk sealed the outcome by scoring into an empty net with 1:20 remaining. Tim Stützle assisted on the play, extending his remarkable point streak to 13 games, during which he has recorded 17 points.
Tkachuk’s goal also pushed his own streak to seven games, underscoring Ottawa’s balanced offensive contributions during the recent surge.
Canucks Continue Difficult Stretch
While Ottawa celebrated another step forward, Vancouver’s struggles continued. Lankinen made 22 saves but received little offensive support as the Canucks dropped another close game.
The loss extended Vancouver’s difficult run, leaving the team with only one victory in its last ten games. Forward Evander Kane missed the contest due to upper-body discomfort, while Curtis Douglas made his Canucks debut after being claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Despite the disappointing result, Lankinen stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and continuing to build both individually and as a team.
Ottawa Eyes Playoff Position as Momentum Builds
With the victory, the Senators improved to 32–22–9 and continued building momentum at a crucial point in the season. The team now sits just three points behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Reimer’s shutout also added a notable milestone to his career. At 37, he became the third Ottawa goaltender to record a shutout at age 37 or older and joined a rare group of NHL goalies to post shutouts with seven different franchises.
For Reimer, the achievement carried extra meaning after beginning the season outside the NHL. He described the opportunity simply, saying that every chance to play in the league feels special.
As Ottawa’s strong run continues, the Senators are proving that steady defense, timely scoring, and experienced goaltending can fuel a late-season push toward the playoffs.
