Sanderson: Sens need 'more than 10 saves to win a game'

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson was disappointed in Leevi Merilainen's performance during Saturday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

"I think Leevi made some good saves," Sanderson said, per The Athletic's Julian McKenzie. "But I think, at the end of the day, you've got to make more than 10 saves to win a game."

Merilainen allowed six Canadiens goals on 19 shots as the Senators let a two-goal lead slip away in the third period. Head coach Travis Green agreed that goaltending held his team back.

"It's hard to give him a pass," Green said of Merilainen. "I'm sure he'd like to have one or two back. I feel bad for him."

Tim Stutzle, who collected two points Saturday, said the Senators could have done a better job in front of Merilainen.

"I don't know why we're talking about this," Stutzle said. "Leevi's been playing great. He's been playing a lot of hockey. It's always every time somebody scores, everybody blames the goalie. But we have his back. We've got to play better in front of him and don't give up high-danger scoring chances."

Merilainen entered the contest with an .860 save percentage in 20 appearances this season. The Senators have used four different netminders in 2025-26 and recently signed veteran James Reimer to a one-year deal.

Green noted Linus Ullmark, who hasn't played since Dec. 27 due to personal reasons, will travel to Detroit for Sunday's contest with the Red Wings.