Giroux’s game-winner, Merilainen’s 34 saves, and more: 3 reasons why Ottawa Senators won 3-1 over Utah Hockey Club

The Ottawa Senators got a crucial 3-1 win over the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday evening at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Sens got their second win in as many nights after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.

Captain Brad Tkachuk, Claude Giroux, and Ridly Greig (SHG) scored for the Ottawa Senators. Meanwhile, Clayton Keller got his 18th of the season for the Utah Hockey Club.

So, here’s a look at the three main reasons why the Ottawa Senators won over the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday night.

3 reasons why Ottawa Senators won over Utah Hockey Club

#3 Big third period

The Ottawa Senators played on back-to-back nights after a strong outing against the Maple Leafs. However, the Sens didn’t show much signs of fatigue on Sunday evening. The Sens headed into the second intermission with the game tied at one.

Then, the Sens turned up the heat in the third period, scoring twice to break the tie and take the two points.

Claude Giroux scored the game-winner at 7:33 of the second, his 10th of the season. About six minutes later, Brady Tkachuk added an insurance goal to give the Senators a 3-1 lead. That score would stand, sending the Hockey Club to their second-straight loss.

#2 Merilainen’s strong outing

Leevi Merilainen was back in goal after Anton Forsberg had played the night before and Merilainen did not disappoint. The Finnish netminder made 34 saves for the Ottawa Senators, giving the team back-to-back solid starts.

With the win, Merilainen improved to 6-3-1 on the season to go with a 2.32 GAA and a .914 SV%. Most importantly, the 22-year-old goaltender bounced back after a tough 5-0 loss at the hands of the New York Rangers on January 21.

Merilaninen’s efforts on Sunday night earned him the game’s second star.

#1 Giroux’s game-winner

Senators’ veteran winger Claude Giroux played the hero on Sunday evening, getting the game-winner in the third for Ottawa.

Giroux has struggled somewhat this season but is still on pace for a 20-goal season. He made the most of a nifty feed from Tim Stutzle to get the goal.

The play started with the Senators gaining the Utah zone. After Stutzle skated into the zone, Giroux headed toward the net, with Stutzle sending a backhander right on Giroux’s stick. He didn’t miss, beating Karel Vejmelka for the goal.

The Senators will get a couple of days off until their next game when they host the Washington Capitals on Thursday night.