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.

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.

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

As the Ottawa Senators continue their sometimes-bumpy ride through a season that’s had plenty of positives, their lack of goal scoring remains a concern. Just 137 goals scored in 50 games? It’s puzzling,

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

A Utah turnover while on the power play led to the Senators’ first goal of the game in the second period. Shane Pinto and Ridly Greig exploded on a two-on-1 as Utah’s Nick Schmaltz trailed while trying to get back. Greig one-timed Pinto’s pass past goalie Karel Vejmelka at 12:16 for the 1-0 advantage.

Utah's lone goal came on a flukey bounce in the second period. Clayton Keller sent a pass into the slot that was intended for Logan Cooley, but it hit off Ottawa's Ridly Greig and into the back of the net. It was Keller's 18th goal of the season and extended his point streak to seven games.

Third Period_3, Ottawa, Giroux 10 (Sanderson, Stutzle), 7:33. 4, Ottawa, Tkachuk 19 (Stutzle, Giroux), 13:22. Shots on Goal_Utah 13-11-10_34. Ottawa 9-8-10_27. Power-play opportunities_Utah 0 of 3; Ottawa 0 of 3. Goalies_Utah, Vejmelka 11-14-3 (27 shots-24 saves). Ottawa, Merilainen 7-3-1 (34-33).

I checked in on the crowded field of Eastern Conference wild card hopefuls to see where each team stood. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators have played well enough in the interim, and I’m still bullish about their chances.

McBain is a natural center but has been used on the left wing this season. Nick Bjugstad has occupied the pivot position on the third line for most of the season but was moved to play with Liam O’Brien and Kevin Stenlund on the fourth line in which Stenlund is the center.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (20-24-8) have one more chance to salvage a good feeling from this extended seven-game road trip that seemingly began a lifetime ago with a joyous victory over the Buffalo Sabres and Alex Nedeljkovic’s goalie goal.