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Linus Ullmark, Ottawa Senators (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)

Senators News & Rumours: Ullmark, Norris, Stutzle & Chabot

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 12:55 PM ET

Tim Stutzle’s early overtime goal helped the Ottawa Senators take home a 4-3 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday. Stutzle extended his career-high point streak to 13 games, scoring after a puck deflected off his skate and past Blackhawks goalie Arvid Soderblom. Josh Norris added a goal and an assist, while Drake Batherson and Jake Sanderson each registered two helpers. Brady Tkachuk hit the scoresheet again when he opened the scoring with a tip-in goal early in the first period.

The Blackhawks responded with goals from Ryan Donato, Teuvo Teravainen, and Craig Smith, tying the game several times. But the Senators regained the lead with Norris’ power-play goal in the second. They then weathered Chicago’s pushback, which included a hard-fought third period. With the win, Ottawa picked up two points in the tight Eastern Conference race. Ottawa had struggled in their past few games. But this night, they bounced back with key contributions from their top players.

Item One: Ullmark Picks Up Win in Overtime Against Blackhawks

Linus Ullmark faced 20 shots, stopping 17 to earn his second win in three March starts. The win improved his record to 2-0-1 for the month. Despite a rough stretch in February, where he went 1-4-1 with a .898 save percentage, Ullmark has found his game. He’s been key in the crease, and his Senators will rely heavily on him as they push toward the playoffs.

The Blackhawks have been more competitive lately. They’ve scored 16 goals in their past three games. But last night, they faced a goalie in Ullmark who held the fort. Senators fans should expect him to get tons of game action in the weeks ahead.

Item Two: Josh Norris Contributes to Overtime Win

Josh Norris had a strong game in Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime win, scoring a goal and an assist. This marked his first points in three games since returning from an upper-body injury. Despite struggling with injuries throughout the 2024-25 season (he’s missed eight of the Senators’ last 14 games), Norris has remained productive when he’s been healthy enough to play.

Over his last 13 games, dating back to Jan. 11, he has scored six goals and 11 points. He’s also contributed physically with 33 hits and a plus-6 rating. Last night, his two-point game helped the Senators temporarily grab a playoff spot.

Item Three: Stutzle Joins Elite Company with Point Streak and Milestones

Stutzle continues to make history. In last night’s game, he became the fourth player in Senators history to register a point streak of at least 13 games. He joins Batherson, Marian Hossa, and Dany Heatley with that accomplishment. Heatley holds the franchise’s longest streak at 22 games.

Tim Stutzle, Ottawa Senators (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Stutzle’s impressive run further cements his place among the league’s elite players. This morning, NHL.com reported that he became the fourth German-born player in NHL history to achieve three or more 20-goal seasons, joining Leon Draisaitl, Marco Sturm, and Walt Tkaczuk. However, NHL.com had earlier reported that Heatley (who had nine 20-goal seasons in his career) was also born in Germany. [I’m glad I’m not the only one who sometimes makes a mistake.] Regardless, Stutzle’s consistent offensive production is a key factor in the Senators’ push for a playoff spot.

Item Four: Thomas Chabot Exits Wednesday’s Game with Illness

Thomas Chabot was forced to leave Wednesday’s game due to illness. The Senators hope Chabot’s absence won’t be long-term. If he’s unable to suit up for Saturday’s matchup against the New York Rangers, Jacob Bernard-Docker could enter the lineup to fill the void on defence. However, the team expects Chabot to recover before their next game.

What’s Next for the Senators?

As the season heads into its final stretch, the Senators are in a heated race with several teams for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With 67 points in 61 games, the Senators are battling teams like the Rangers (67 points in 62 games) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (68 points in 61 games). Ottawa has had a mixed record recently, but their strong performance, with a 17-9-2 record at home, gives them hope as they push forward.

The Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens are also within striking distance. The Red Wings have accumulated 66 points, while Montreal has managed 65 points despite their up-and-down season. Ottawa must continue its current win streak while facing tough competition to grab a playoff berth. The next few games will determine which teams will be cut as the playoff race heats up.