Game Recap: WPG @ OTT – Jets Cruise To Victory

Pre-Game Warmup

The Ottawa Senators were back home tonight for their last home game before the All Star break hosting the Winnipeg Jets. The Sens were heavily favoured to win this game against an injury depleted Jets team that was also missing their all star representative, Dustin Byfuglien. Starting goalies would be the red hot Craig Anderson for Ottawa, and backup Chris Mason for Winnipeg.

The First Period

It would only take 49 seconds for the Jets to make their presence felt in this game, with Jim Slater scoring the opening goal on an odd man rush. Winnipeg would continue to dominate the rest of the period outshooting the Sens 13-3. Nevertheless, they would only be able to get one by Anderson, 1-0 Jets after the first. This period also featured a brawl after a huge Chris Neil hit on Evander Kane that led to the Jets coming to his aid. Neil would land several punches on the unwilling participant in Kane, while Matt Carkner and Mark Stuart would have their own fight at the same time. It was sparked by an ealier dirty hit on Erik Karlsson by Kane. 

The Second Period

The second period was much like the first. The shots would be closer with Winnipeg outshooting the Sens 12-8. However, the Sens were easily outplayed in this period as well, putting up very little offensive pressure. The score would reflect this as after some nifty passing Tobias Enstrom would slap one through Anderson’s five hole. 2-0 Jets after the second.

The Third Period

Most of this period was rather uneventful with few chances by either team. The closest the Sens would come to getting a goal was a great shift by the 4th line near the end of the period. They would manage to hit two posts on the same play, both having beat Mason clean. There would be no cardiac kids tonight and Ottawa would fall 2-0 for their first shutout loss of the season.

+ Pluses +

+ Standing Up For Teammates: It was great to see Chris Neil go after Evander Kane when the opportunity presented itself. He took an extra 2 PIM, but I think it was worth it. The Sens bench was fully behind him and shows the willingness of this team to stand up for each other.

– Minuses –

– Everything Else: After an amazing comeback victory against Montreal, this game was a letdown. The Senators looked exactly like they did during the first two periods against the Habs, flat. The only problem was that they were flat the entire game. It was pretty obvious there would be no miracle comeback tonight. Hopefully it isn’t fatigue taking its toll seeing as Ottawa is tied for the most games played to date.

Game Highlights

Will post when available.

*** Senshot’s Three Stars ***

* Tobias Enstrom: 1G 0A – Had the GWG and was on for both Jets goals to boot.

** Jim Slater: 1G 0A – Got the second goal for the Jets for the two goal lead which likely deflated the already flat Sens.

*** Craig Anderson: 33/35 – The only Senator player to show up tonight. He gave them a chance to win and that’s all you can ask from your goaltender.

Final Thoughts

A Sens loss was bound to happen sooner than later with the streak they were on. It was just dissapointing to see them lose in this fashion. Nevertheless, it’s way too early to panic. For now I’ll just write this off as an anomaly. Craig Anderson continues to put up impressive numbers, here’s hoping he can keep it up for the 2nd half of the season. Not much else to say about this game, the Sens just weren’t into it. Luckily they will be given the opportunity to bounce back tomorrow as they travel to Toronto to face their provincial rivals. Until then, Go Sens Go!

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