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.

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

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.

Utah's NHL team is down to three names in its search, including one whose potential meaning raises eyebrows. Maybe they should just stick with Utah Hockey Club.

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.

The organization will turn to its fans to help find another new name with the final three names in the running being Utah Hockey Club, Utah Mammoth and Utah Wasatch.

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.

Game Preview, 1/26: Utah Hockey Club vs. Ottawa Senators WHEN: 3:00 p.m. MT WHERE: Canadian Tire Centre - Ottawa, Ontario TV: SEG+, UtahHC+, Utah 16 | RADIO: KSL Sports Zone 97.5 FM, NHL App

The resurgent Ottawa Senators go for a third straight win when they host the Washington Capitals on Thursday night.

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).

BOTTOM LINE: The Ottawa Senators play the Utah Hockey Club in a non-conference matchup. Ottawa is 25-20-4 overall and 13-7-2 in home games. The Senators serve 9.0 penalty minutes per game to rank 10th in the league.