Adam Gaudette shines as Senators edge Sharks in thrilling comeback

On Wednesday night, November 27, 2024, the Ottawa Senators secured a hard-fought victory against the San Jose Sharks in San Jose, California. Adam Gaudette was instrumental in this win, scoring two goals, including a crucial late go-ahead goal with just over four minutes remaining in the game. His performance helped the Senators overcome a rally from the Sharks, who had equalized after being down by two goals earlier in the match. This marked Gaudette's fourth goal in as many games, showcasing his scoring prowess since moving to the top line. The game started well for the Senators, who took a commanding 2-0 lead in the first period thanks to goals from Gaudette and Josh Norris. This early advantage was critical, as it allowed Ottawa to set the pace. Gaudette’s first goal came at even strength, and Norris followed up with a power-play goal, highlighting the effectiveness of their special teams. However, the Sharks managed to respond, tying the game in the third period with efforts from Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, exhibiting their tenacity and offensive capabilities. Despite being outshot 39 to 11, the Senators' goaltender Linus Ullmark played a pivotal role, making 36 saves and maintaining composure under pressure. His performance improved his career record against the Sharks to an impressive 6-0. This victory was particularly significant for Ottawa as it followed five consecutive losses, indicating a potential turnaround for the team. Conversely, the Sharks faced disappointment, having lost four of their last five games, leaving them searching for answers as they struggle to find consistency. The match also featured a significant milestone for Senators' rookie Tyler Kleven, who scored his first NHL goal. Additionally, the game was marked by limited playing time for Sharks' leading scorer Mikael Granlund due to an upper body injury, which impacted San Jose's offensive strategy. As a result, Ottawa’s ability to capitalize on their limited shots and flip the momentum late in the game was crucial for their success. With this win, the Senators aimed to build on this success as they prepared to face the Los Angeles Kings in their next matchup, looking to gain further momentum in the ongoing season.