In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the Ottawa Senators decisively defeated the Vegas Golden Knights with a score of 7-1 on Sunday, marking a significant moment for the team. This victory was especially sweet as the Senators welcomed back goaltender Linus Ullmark, who returned to the active roster just minutes before the game, having been sidelined since December 27 due to personal matters. Ullmark, recognized as the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy winner, served as a backup to starting goalie Mads Sogaard during this match.
The Senators showcased their offensive firepower with Stephen Halliday and Dylan Cozens each netting two goals. The team, now holding a record of 24 wins, 21 losses, and 7 ties, built a solid lead, going into the third period at 4-0 after an initial 1-0 advantage in the first. Other contributors to the scoreline included Fabian Zetterlund, Jordan Spence, and Nick Jensen, while Brady Tkachuk was instrumental with three assists.
For the Golden Knights, Rasmus Andersson finally broke the silence, scoring at 15:05 of the third period, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide, leaving them with a record of 25 wins, 14 losses, and 12 overtime losses. The Senators outshot the Knights convincingly, with a total of 31 shots against Vegas's 20.
Sogaard faced an early challenge when he successfully defended against a penalty shot from Vegas forward Mitch Marner just two minutes into the game. Marner's attempt faltered as he overskated the net, allowing Sogaard to maintain his composure.
The Senators opened the scoring when Zetterlund cleverly redirected a pass from behind the Golden Knights' net, which inadvertently deflected off defenseman Kaeden Korczak's leg and into the goal, past goalie Adin Hill.
Ottawa’s penalty kill was particularly effective early in the second period, successfully neutralizing a critical 5-on-3 power play for Vegas. This defensive effort seemed to energize the Senators, leading to a surge in offensive play just minutes later.
TAKEAWAYS
Golden Knights: This unexpected blowout loss to a struggling Senators team should serve as a crucial reminder that there is still much work to be done if Vegas aims to remain competitive in their pursuit of another Stanley Cup.
Senators: This performance indicates that the Senators have the capability to compete with some of the best teams in the league—and even dominate them. To enhance their playoff chances, they will need to replicate this level of play consistently.
KEY STAT
Twenty-three-year-old Stephen Halliday achieved a milestone by scoring his second and third career goals in this game, along with an assist, contributing to a three-point performance in what is his inaugural NHL season.
UP NEXT
Golden Knights: They are set to face the Montreal Canadiens next on Tuesday.
Senators: Ottawa will host the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday.
This report was initially published by The Canadian Press on January 25, 2026.
