Senators rally to win shootout thriller vs. Bruins

It was the complete opposite in the first period as Ottawa got out to a 2-0 lead, courtesy of a pair of goals from right wing Adam Gaudette and center Tim Stutzle.

After a flurry of goals from Boston gave it a 5-3 lead entering the third period, defenseman Nick Jensen and center Josh Norris scored two late goals to tie the game up.

This goal by Norris, assisted by left wing Claude Giroux and defenseman Thomas Chabot, tied the game at five with 12 seconds remaining and sent Canadian Tire Centre into a frenzy.

After neither team scored in overtime, it was a perfect shootout for the Senators as goalie Leevi Merilainen made three saves. He has an impressive .930 save percentage this season.

The Senators outshot the Bruins 44-28 and were led by Norris (two goals) and Jensen (one goal, one assist).

Bruins right wing David Pastrnak had one goal and two assists. His third point came on this assist that put Boston up 3-2 just over a minute into the second period.

This is another setback for the Bruins, who have gone 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. Boston (22-19-6) has given up at least four goals in five of them, so it could use some more consistent goaltending going forward. After going 1-for-4 on power plays, Boston could improve in that area as well. The Bruins return to the ice on Monday against the San Jose Sharks.

The Senators (23-18-4) are in the middle of the Atlantic Division after the win, trailing the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. Ottawa has been inconsistent at times, but its goals against per game (2.73) is seventh in the league, which should bode well. The next opportunity for the Senators will be against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday.