The Ottawa Senators faced internal criticism following their 6-5 overtime loss to Montreal on Saturday, with defenseman Jake Sanderson questioning goaltender Leevi Merilainen’s performance.
“I think Leevi made some good saves,” Sanderson said, per The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie. “But I think, at the end of the day, you’ve got to make more than 10 saves to win a game.”
Merilainen allowed six goals on just 19 shots as Ottawa surrendered a two-goal third-period lead.
Head coach Travis Green supported his defenseman’s assessment of the goaltending situation.
“It’s hard to give him a pass,” Green said of Merilainen. “I’m sure he’d like to have one or two back. I feel bad for him.”
However, forward Tim Stutzle defended his teammate after collecting two points in the loss.
“I don’t know why we’re talking about this,” Stutzle said. “Leevi’s been playing great. He’s been playing a lot of hockey. It’s always every time somebody scores, everybody blames the goalie. But we have his back. We’ve got to play better in front of him and don’t give up high-danger scoring chances.”
The 22-year-old Finnish goaltender entered Saturday’s game with an .860 save percentage in 20 appearances this season.
Ottawa’s goaltending situation remains unsettled. The team has used four different netminders in 2025-26 and recently signed veteran James Reimer to a one-year contract.
Green confirmed that Linus Ullmark will travel with the team to Detroit for Sunday’s game against the Red Wings. Ullmark hasn’t played since December 27 due to personal reasons.
The Senators’ goaltending depth will be tested as they continue their road trip following the disappointing collapse against Montreal.
