The Utah Hockey Club has played better games than the one it had on Sunday. Here's what went wrong, in addition to some things it did well.

A commitment to defence has been a central theme for the Senators, not just Tkachuk, under new head coach Travis Green. The Senators have the sixth-best goals-against rate in the league, a 180-degree turn from the fifth-worst in the league last season.

Clayton Keller's 18th goal of the season not enough as Utah falls, 3-1, in Ottawa

The Ottawa Senators have fully bought into Travis Green’s defensive system, helping them become one of the better goal prevention teams in the NHL. The post Appreciating the Ottawa Senators Defensive Play appeared first on Ottawa Hockey Now.

Coming off a 2-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Battle of Ontario on Saturday, Ottawa closed out the weekend with its second straight win by knocking off the Utah Hockey Club 3-1 in front of 16,897 on Sunday night at the Canadian Tire Centre.

OTTAWA -- Leevi Merilainen made 34 saves, and the Ottawa Senators won 3-1 against the Utah Hockey Club at Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday.

Against a tough Ottawa team that recorded 12 hits in the first period, Utah came out aggressive and disruptive on defense in the second. But by the third period, it was Ottawa who broke through Utah's defense first with two goals.

The Ottawa Senators have reached the midpoint of their season, still alive in hopes of ending their lengthy playoff drought. We’ve put together a midseason assessment of everyone’s performance, including the head coach and general manager.

If the Senators are to end their lengthy playoff drought, their leaders must rise to the occasion. That starts with captain Brady Tkachuk, writes Adam Vingan.

Claude Giroux broke a third-period tie and added an assist, rookie Leevi Merilainen made 34 saves and the Ottawa Senators beat Utah 3-1 on Sunday night.

Coach Travis Green pointed out mistakes that led to the loss to the Boston Bruins and sent a message to the Ottawa Senators' offense, which includes NHL star Brady Tkachuck.

Claude Giroux scored the game-winner and broke a long personal scoring drought as the Senators defeated the Utah Hockey Club 3-1.