Full Breakdown
St. Louis Blues Dominate Ottawa Senators in Preseason Clash
10/3/2025, 2:40:01 PM
Preseason Showdown: Blues vs. Senators
On October 2, 2025, the St. Louis Blues secured their first victory of the preseason with a commanding 7-1 win over the Ottawa Senators at Enterprise Center. This match marked a significant turnaround for the Blues, who had struggled in their previous games, entering the contest with a record of 0-3-1. The Senators, meanwhile, aimed to bounce back after a disappointing 5-0 loss to the Montreal Canadiens just days prior.
Key Highlights from the Game
The Blues quickly established dominance, scoring three goals within the first eight minutes of the game. Mathieu Joseph opened the scoring with a breakaway goal at 3:53, followed by Oskar Sundqvist and Robert Thomas, who extended the lead to 3-0 by the end of the first period. Pavel Buchnevich added to the Senators' woes with a goal just 1:15 into the second period, pushing the score to 4-0.
Philip Broberg was a standout performer for the Blues, netting two goals within a span of 27 seconds late in the second period, bringing the score to 6-0. Fabian Zetterlund managed to score for Ottawa early in the third period, but Dylan Holloway quickly restored the six-goal lead for St. Louis, concluding the game at 7-1.
Performance Analysis
Jordan Binnington, the Blues' goaltender, was instrumental in the victory, making 36 saves and demonstrating sharp reflexes throughout the game. His performance contributed to a .973 save percentage over the preseason, solidifying his readiness for the upcoming regular season. In contrast, Senators' goalie Leevi Meriläinen faced significant challenges, allowing six goals on 19 shots before being replaced by Mads Sogaard.
The Senators fielded a lineup primarily composed of younger players and AHL talent, with only a few regulars, including Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle, participating. This disparity in experience was evident as the Senators struggled to maintain offensive pressure and defensive cohesion.
Official Statements & Responses
Blues head coach Jim Montgomery expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting the importance of winning even in preseason. “I didn’t feel good about our team the last few games, and we lost… As a competitor, you want to win hockey games,” he stated. Montgomery also highlighted the need for continued improvement, particularly in defensive transitions.
Conversely, Senators head coach Travis Green acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, emphasizing the developmental aspect of the preseason. “Some guys are here for experience… and then there are guys that we’re still making decisions on,” he remarked.
Criticism & Opposition
The Senators' performance drew criticism, particularly regarding their defensive lapses and the struggles of Meriläinen in goal. Analysts noted that the team appeared out of sync, failing to generate sustained offensive pressure and allowing too many odd-man rushes. This loss raised concerns about the Senators' readiness for the regular season, especially with their final preseason game approaching.
What's Next
The Blues will conclude their preseason with a game against the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Senators are set to face the Canadiens again. Both teams will look to refine their rosters and strategies ahead of the regular season, which begins shortly thereafter.
