Senators Edge Blackhawks 6-4 in High-Scoring Affair

The Ottawa Senators secured a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on December 20, 2025. The game was full of momentum swings and multiple lead changes, but the Senators ultimately capitalized on key moments to seal the win.

Big Picture

This matchup featured two teams eager to secure valuable points as the season progresses. The Senators came out strong, taking the lead early and managing to stay ahead in a fast-paced game that saw the Blackhawks continually fighting back. Both teams displayed offensive firepower, with a combined total of ten goals lighting up the scoreboard, but the Senators proved more efficient in the critical moments.

Turning Point

The game turned decisively in the third period. After exchanging goals throughout the first two periods and heading into the third tied at 3-3, David Perron put the Senators back in front with a goal early in the final frame. He then scored another at 5:31, giving Ottawa a two-goal cushion. Despite the Blackhawks' Nick Lardis responding shortly after to tighten the score to 5-4, the Senators maintained their composure. Fabian Zetterlund’s late goal at 16:10 ultimately sealed the game, giving Ottawa a solid two-goal advantage and diminishing Chicago's chances of a comeback.

Standout Performances

Tyler Kleven set the tone early for the Senators with the opening goal in the first period, assisted by Tim Stützle, who also contributed significantly with a goal and an assist. David Perron was instrumental, scoring two crucial goals in the third period, showcasing his knack for being in the right place at the right time. For the Blackhawks, Ilya Mikheyev stood out with two goals, demonstrating his ability to strike when it counts, while Andre Burakovsky provided a spark with a goal as well. The contributions from their top players kept Chicago competitive but were ultimately not enough to overcome the Senators' late-game surge.

What It Means

This victory is a significant boost for the Senators as they look to solidify their playoff aspirations in a competitive division. With this win, they demonstrated resilience and offensive depth, critical traits for a team aiming for post-season success. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. Despite a strong performance, they are left to ponder how to close out games against powerful opponents. Both teams displayed playoff-caliber effort, which bodes well for the remainder of the season as they both strive to improve and gain momentum in their respective campaigns.