Game Recap: BOS @ OTT – Who Is Khudobin?
By Kevin Lee
Pre-Game Warmup
The Ottawa Senators hosted the Boston Bruins in what is likely to be a preview of the first round of playoffs for both these teams. Boston decided to take the safe route with their position secure resting Zdeno Chara, Tim Thomas, and Patrice Bergeron. Ottawa would ice a full lineup with them being able to still fall to 8th. Ben Bishop back from injury would get the start for the Sens while Boston’s AHL goaltender Anton Khudobin would get the nod for the Bruins.
The First Period
Ottawa dominated the first period, throwing 17 shots on net. However, Khudobin stood tall not allowing any past him. One mistake would cost the Sens though, as on an odd man rush Benoit Pouliot would pot the puck in the open net after a nice pass from veteran Brian Rolston at 14:25. 1-0 Bruins after one.
The Second Period
Boston would strike early in the second as a Greg Zanon slapshot would find its way past Bishop. It was a shot he probably should have stopped. Nevertheless, the Sens would still control the majority of the period, getting another 17 shots on net. One would find it’s way past at 13:56 as Jason Spezza would wire one off the post resulting in it bouncing off Khudobin’s back and in the net. Erik Karlsson would draw an assist, bringing his season point total to 78. 2-1 Bruins after two.
The Third Period
Ottawa would mount more pressure in the third to try and tie the game. Their best chance came late in the period while shorthanded. Zack Smith would make a beautiful fake slap pass to a wide open Karlsson staring at an open cage. Karlsson wouldn’t be able to get a stick on it though, denying him his 79th point. It would cost the Sens as shortly after Milan Lucic would cut into the middle of the Sens net and wrist one past Bishop to give the Bruins a 3-1 lead. Ottawa would pull the goalie with over 3 minutes remaining, but couldn’t solve Khudobin. Final score 3-1 Boston.
+ Pluses +
+ Lot of Shots: Ottawa made a much better effort of getting shots on goal tonight whenever they had the opportunity, throwing 45 of them at the Boston net.
– Minuses –
– Ben Bishop: Let in a weak goal on the Zanon slapshot early in the 2nd to put the Sens down two goals. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for his poor game though seeing as this was his first game back from injury.
Game Highlights
Will Post When Available
*** Senshot’s Three Stars ***
* Anton Khudobin: 44/45 – For a goalie nobody has heard of he played fantastic. You could have sworn it was Tim Thomas in goal tonight.
** Greg Zanon: 1G 0A – Had the game winning goal as well as blocking 10 shots.
*** Brian Rolston: 0G 1A – Was a threat all night, amazing how one’s career can suddenly change when traded to a Cup contender.
Final Thoughts
With the loss tonight and the Washington Capitals winning, the Senators still have the chance of falling into 8th place and matching up with the New York Rangers. There was very little intensity in tonight’s game, which was surprising seeing as this is the likely first round matchup for both these clubs. Not much else to say regarding this game, it was mostly a snoozer and playoff hockey can’t come soon enough. Ottawa play their final game Saturday against the New Jersey Devils. Until next time, Go Sens Go!
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