Game Recap: Ottawa Rooks Down Young Pens 4-0
By Editorial Staff
With the first game of the Rookie Tournament now in the books, Sens Army can breathe a little easier as they have seen the future and it looks a lot brighter. With a lot of speed and intensity, Ottawa’s young guns were just too much for the Pittsburgh Penguin rookies. Icing a young squad, the Sens’ rookies were able to out skate and out score the older Pens rooks.
First Period
The first 20 minutes was a fast paced, physical period that saw both teams get their chances. Ottawa was able to get on the board first as Corey Cowick sent Derek Grant in on a partial break-a-way that he roofed to put Ottawa ahead. Grant then returned the favor as he set-up Cowick from behind the net as he found him sneaking in from the corner alone. Cowick ripped a sweet wrist shot top corner to put the Sens up 2-0.
Second Period
The Penguins got back into the game with their physicality as the rough stuff picked up in the second period. With no scoring in the second, there was two fights as Sens prospects Mark Borowiecki and Darren Kramer displayed their fistacuffs. Both were able to handle themselves pretty well.
Third Period
The third period opened up a little bit as both teams got a few more scoring chances, but only the Sens were able to capitalize on theirs. Cowick was able to notch his second of the game as he broke in down the wing and snapped another awesome wrister to give Ottawa a 3-0 lead. Andre Petersson capped off the scoring as he caught the Pens out of position and was able to slip one in to make the final 4-0 Ottawa.
+ The Pluses +
+ COREY COWICK had an amazing game. He was all over the ice as he was hitting, setting up plays and scoring goals. This is a much better start then last year’s where he got injured in the first game of the 67’s training camp and never got his season on track. Cowick’s shot was unbelievable today.
+ ROBIN LEHNER was a brick wall today. Nothing could beat him and he stoned the Pens on every shot. Looking like he was ten feet tall, Lehner eclipsed the net and gave the Pens nothing to shot at. He was also able to keep his Hextall like temper under control as the Pens were crashing his net all game.
– The Minuses –
– JAKUB CULEK had a very unimpressive game. For a kid who stands 6’3″ and 180 lbs, he failed to use his frame to make any room for himself. As of now, Culek is looking like more of a project than a prospect.
(More analysis will be given on all the Sens players in an upcoming post so stayed tuned for more Sens Rookie Camp coverage)
***Three Stars***
* First Star ~ COREY COWICK ~ With two goals and three points in the game, Cowick was the Sens best forward on the ice.
**Second Star ~ ROBIN LEHNER ~ Unbeatable all game and bailed out his defense a number of times.
***Third Star ~ DEREK GRANT ~ Had a goal and an assist as his line with Cowick dominated all game.
Next Game Preview
Ottawa suits up tomorrow against the rookies from the Chicago Blackhawks organization at 2pm. With the Hawks rookies playing tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs rooks, Ottawa may be able to take advantage of a tired Hawks squad that will be playing their second game within 24 hours.
Check back here on SenShot for a complete game preview before tomorrow’s game.
’Til next time Sens Army, GO SENS GO!!!
**Don’t forget to buy your Tickets for SenShot’s Alfie Night in Ottawa on November 11th, 2011. Click here for more details**
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