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Merilainen gets 3rd shutout of season as Senators beat Wild 6-0

OTTAWA, Ontario – Leevi Merilainen recorded his third shutout of the season, stopping all 16 shots he faced as the Ottawa Senators triumphed over the Minnesota Wild 6-0 on Saturday night. Jake Sanderson led the charge with a goal and three assists, while Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson each contributed a goal and two assists. Brady Tkachuk added a goal and an assist, and both Josh Norris and Michael Amadio found the back of the net for the Senators. Ottawa wrapped up a perfect 4-0-0 homestand.

Filip Gustavsson made 46 saves for the Wild, who had entered the game on a three-game win streak, having allowed just three goals during that span.

Norris opened the scoring with a short-handed backhand goal, putting Ottawa ahead 1-0 with 1:59 remaining in the first period. Stutzle and Amadio then struck within 1:07 of each other in the second period to extend the lead to 3-0. In the third, Ottawa exploded with three power-play goals in a span of just 2:14, as Sanderson, Tkachuk, and Batherson all capitalized on the man advantage.

The Senators finished 3-for-8 on the power play, while Minnesota struggled, going 0-for-3. Ottawa’s penalty kill also contributed, scoring a short-handed goal for the second consecutive game. Minnesota’s lack of discipline proved costly as they allowed three power-play goals.

The Senators will be without Nick Cousins for six to eight weeks following knee surgery on Friday.

Up next, the Wild head to Boston on Tuesday to complete a five-game road trip, while the Senators travel to Nashville on Monday.