Rangers Continue Road Struggles with 7-4 Loss to Senators
The team's early-game deficits contributed to their fifth loss in seven road contests this season.
OTTAWA — The Rangers' first road trip to Canada this season ended with a 7-4 defeat against the Senators, marking another slow start that has plagued the team. This loss drops their road record to 1-5-1 for the 2026-27 season.
The Rangers found themselves chasing the game from the outset, a recurring theme that has led to four losses in their last five contests. The team has allowed at least five goals in three of those recent defeats.
Slow Start and Early Deficit
The first period against the Senators was particularly difficult for the Rangers, with the team registering its first shot on goal nearly halfway through the period while on a power play. The Senators opened the scoring with a goal from Drake Batherson, assisted by Jake Sanderson.
An earlier penalty against Pavel Dorofeyev, stemming from a check by Ridly Greig, negated a Rangers power play and allowed Ottawa to maintain offensive pressure. The Senators extended their lead to 2-0 when Fabian Zetterlund fed Tim Stützle for a goal, following a turnover by Braden Schneider.
The Rangers' struggles with puck possession and zone exits continued into the second period, leading to Batherson's second goal of the game. Despite these challenges, Will Cuylle managed to score a short-handed goal for the Rangers. However, the Senators quickly re-established their three-goal lead through Dylan Cozens.
Offensive Push in the Second Period
Head coach Mike Sullivan made line adjustments, including moving Oliver Bjorkstrand to the second line, which seemed to provide a spark. By the end of the second period, the Rangers had scored twice to narrow the deficit to one goal.
Captain J.T. Miller scored his third goal of the season, assisted by Adam Fox. Shortly after, Miller assisted Alexis Lafrenière on a goal during four-on-four play, bringing the Rangers within a single goal heading into the second intermission.
Final Period Efforts
In the third period, the Rangers spent significant time in the Senators' zone attempting to equalize. However, Jake Sanderson scored the game's final goal, securing the 7-4 victory for Ottawa.
